BEAUTY SPOT: Jo Horgan
What’s your earliest makeup memory? Sitting on my mother’s knee, watching her do her make up…and then, trying a fabulous matte pink, pink, pink lipstick at about age 13, and thinking I looked fabulous.
First fragrance worn? Anais Anais by Cacherel – I was given it as a present at about age 10, and Panthere by Cartier, which was my Mother’s and it was forbidden, so I loved it all the more.
What’s always in your makeup kit? By Terry Touch Expert…the perfect foundation day, night, on the run, can’t leave the house without it; Eyelash curlers, Kevyn Aucoin Mascara…suddenly I look wide awake, priceless; Nars Orgasm Blush…it’s our number one blush for a good reason; Nars Lip liner Pencil in Rosebud…I cover my entire lip in pencil as it lasts so long, and then put a slick of Nars Lip Gloss in Sweet Revenge to give a finished look. Oh, and a raft of brushes, as they completely transform the way makeup looks.
What do you wear on a daily basis? As above, with Stila Eye shadows in Chinois (Base), Golightly (for a warm bronze) or Diamond Lil (cool slate). I wet my Stila #15 Shadow Brush and apply the eye shadow so I get a good polished look, but all up it takes five minutes.
How do you change this for evening? I simply line the inner rim of my eyes using Nars Mambo Eyeliner Pencil (it’s the perfect chocolate brown) and then smudge it around the lash-line for a smokey effect. I then apply Stila Eye shadow in Golightly over the top to diffuse. I then add a little highlight on cheek bones to with Nars Multiple in Luxor to catch the light.
Is there a hair or makeup look that you’re itching to try but holding back on? I got that out of my system with my Annie Lennox peroxide crew cut at an age when I already should have known better.
What planted the seed to start Mecca? Clear cut need in the market. Customers wanted to buy across brands like fashion; they want modern make up, skin care, the best formulas and incredible customer service.
Did it take a long time to convince others? My family, no; the brands, yes, absolutely…about nine months; the landlords, well, that continues to be a challenge today!
Is there a brand or product that got away from you? I’ve found that employing the Chinese water torture technique of drop, drop, drop, drop usually breaks down the most challenging of barriers. It can take years, but we have been thrilled to always get the line up we have a hearts and minds set on.
What’s the best piece of beauty advice you were ever told? Look after you skin…it’s the only skin you’ll ever have. Wear sunscreen. Cleanse every night. Use an eye cream. All from my mother, and she still has beautiful skin!
If you could turn back time, what would you tell the younger you? Make sure you have lots of fun along the way.
Mecca Cosmetica stores are located at Ponsonby, Newmarket and Wellington and online www.meccacosmetica.co.nz Or phone 09-360-8460
