The Mecca Cosmetica Beauty Blog

From the stunning shots of her latest editorial campaign to up-and-coming beauty trends that she’s spotted on a shoot, we love cruising Anni Hall’s Liner Notes beauty blog. We snagged a few precious minutes with the artist herself to find out more…

Mecca: Where do you find inspiration?

Anni: I am inspired by everything! I adore art history, especially the rococo period (think Sophia Coppola’s film Marie Antoinette; pretty, ornate and highly frivolous what a world!). The photographs by Tim Walker are also high on my list. Fashion for him is a complete fantasy world and his imagination is awe-inspiring. Film-wise, the attention to detail and characters in Wes Andersons movies (such as The Darjeeling Limited, The Life Aquatic and The Royal Tenebaums) really excited me.

M: Proudest career achievement to date?

A: Definitely having the first shoot I ever did published in Oyster magazine. It’s the opening image to my portfolio and is my favourite look to create; perfect skin, bold brows, a smoky eye and wavy hair.

M: Apart from your own, which blogs are your go-to reads each day?

A: Ooh! There are so many! Locally, I love love love Art by Caitlin Shearer (http://caitlinquiet.blogspot.com/). The girls that she sketches in my opinion are so strikingly beautiful; I would love to be drawn by her one day! My pal, model and photographer Zanita, has a great blog with awesome insight on what’s happening in the Sydney fashion scene. Another, Burger Shnicks (http://cupofchino.tumblr.com/), documents great moments in time.

Internationally, So Much To Tell You (http://www.somuchtotellyou.co.nz/) is gorgeous. Scout Holiday (http://www.scout-holiday.com/blog/), a blog by a Paris/NYC-based stylist, really inspires me. And finally, Design*Sponge (http://www.designspongeonline.com/) is absolutely wonderful.

M: The one beauty product you can’t-live-without?

A: Easy! Eve Lom’s Kiss Mix. I used to get this product sent over from London but not anymore! I need to have moisturised lips otherwise I’m just not myself. Kiss Mix is hydrating, has Zinc oxide which acts as a natural sunscreen (a MUST), has a tingling feeling (which I love) thanks to the menthol and is super glossy so at times when you’re not wearing any makeup you still feel glam.

M: Finish this sentence: If I were a colour, I would be

A: If I were a colour, I would be Nars Heat Wave, a bright orange red. Im outgoing, chatty and always very excitable!

M: What is your biggest indulgence?

A: My Nikon digital SLR. I saved and saved and saved and bought myself the most amazing camera. I’m a budding photographer and the purchase of this camera has allowed me to expand my horizons and shoot images I have only dreamt of.

M: Worst makeup moment?

A: Trying the bleached brow look on myself. I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER.

M: When it comes to beauty, who is your icon and why?

A: I don’t have one icon as my obsessions change weekly. Right now, I’m infatuated with the glamour of 1940s Hollywood cinema, 1950s French couture and the early 1960s way of life. That said, for makeup inspiration I have been looking to Dita Von Teese and the leading female characters of AMC television show Mad Men. I love the sharp brow teamed with a feline eye and a strong lip. Every day is a red carpet event.

M: If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you be?

A: I would be a shoe designer. I love beautiful shoes but am so particular and fussy that I can never find any that are just right, and of course the ones that are cost an arm and a leg.

M: Some opt for the less is more approach, while others are more heavy handed Where do you stand in the Natural Beauty debate?

A: Skincare-wise, I believe less is more unless you are trying to change the texture of your skin (for example, if your skin is bumpy then use more heavy duty products). Were exposed to so many pollutants on a daily basis, how is your skin meant to deal with those and tonnes of product? I believe a great moisturiser, eye cream and sunscreen are all you need.

Makeup-wise, do what you want! It’s all about having fun and if you feel like wearing a smoky-eye in daylight, do it. If you’ve got the confidence to match, I believe you can make anything work.