While Australian beauty follows global trends, it stands out for a few key things. First, thanks to the super-strong sun, sunscreens and SPF-infused skincare are core components. Many brands prioritise high-performance, often reef-safe, sun protection that doubles as skincare.
Aussie beauty also leverages the country’s unique and potent native flora. Ingredients like Kakadu plum, tea tree oil and quandong are frequently found in formulations. And finally, it embodies the laidback, “no worries” attitude of its residents. Skincare and makeup routines are simpler, focusing on fewer products that deliver effective results without overly complex steps. The aim is often a healthy, glowing complexion rather than a heavily made-up look.
Ultra -purple
Ultra Violette is the brainchild of Rebecca Jefferd and Ava Chandler-Matthews, who worked together at Australian beauty retailer Mecca. Launched in 2019, it’s become one of the country’s most popular sunscreen brands with face, hand and body sunscreens, SPF lip balms and SPF makeup.
Best seller: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ Hydrating Skinscreen
Go-To Skincare
Founded by Australian beauty editor and writer Zoe Foster Blake, Go-To Skincare launched in 2014 with an ethos of creating products that were fuss-free, effective and clinically proven. Today, the range includes cleansers, exfoliators and SPF with fun product names and cheeky descriptions, like “it won’t: care if you cancel last minute”.
Best seller: Go-To Properly Clean Facial Cleanser
Lanolips
Lanolips was created by Kirsten Carriol who saw a gap in the market for lip products that harness the power of lanolin. Also called wool fat and sheep grease, lanolin comes from wool, and mimics and mimics human oils. The brand was founded in 2003 and today stocks lip ointments, lip masks and hands and body care.
Best seller: Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm
Glasshouse Fragrances
Glasshouse Fragrances was founded in 2005 by Nicole Eckels who had a vision of creating luxurious, scented products that elevate everyday life. After initial success with candles and diffusers, the brand expanded, launching eau de parfum and hand and body care.
Best seller: Glasshouse Fragrances A Tahaa Affair Triple Scented Soy Candle
Nude By Nature
Nude By Nature launched in 2008 with a focus on creating natural and cruelty-free products at affordable prices – a novel concept at the time. All products are made with 100% natural ingredients and formulated without unnecessary chemicals, synthetic ingredients or preservatives.
Best seller: Nude By Nature Natural Mineral Cover Foundation
Alpha-H
Alpha-H began in founder Michelle Doherty’s garage on the Gold Coast. The first product to launch in 2000 was Liquid Gold, a glycolic acid-based resurfacing treatment. Today, it has a wide range of skincare and scalp products, all aiming to bridge the gap between clinical treatments and at-home skincare.
Best seller: Alpha-H Liquid Gold
Bondi Sands
The idea to create self-tanning brand Bondi Sands came to founders Blair James and Shaun Wilson in 2008 when a state government introduced strict regulations for tanning salons. They launched in 2012 with three products, aiming to make the ultimate tan accessible to everyone. The brand has self-tanners, skincare and suncare.
Best seller: Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam 1 Hour Express
Jurlic
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Ulrike and Juergen Klein in 1985, Jurlique started with all-natural, botanical-based skincare, but has since expanded into hair and body care. All products are developed using ingredients grown on its biodynamic farm in Adelaide Hills, South Australia, which is open to the public for tours.
Best seller: Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream
Aesop
Aesop was founded by hairdresser Dennis Paphitis in Melbourne in 1987. Products for the skin, hair, body and home are made in a custom-built lab outside the city, developed by chemical scientists. The brand doesn’t use traditional advertising, instead telling its story through its in-store experience.
Best seller: Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash
BondiBoost
Alexandra Jakob launched BondiBoost in 2018, aiming to address hair concerns like thinning, breakage and scalp health with salon-grade products. The brand has shampoos and conditioners, treatments and heat protectants, as well as hair tools.
Best seller: BondiBoost Anti-Thinning Shampoo and Conditioner Duo
TBH Skincare
TBH Skincare was created by mother-daughter duo Rachael Wilde and Bridget Mitchell in 2020. Wilde was only 23 at the time but had battled acne for 13 years. Because of that, the brand has dedicated acne treatments, as well as pimple patches, cleansers and products that support skin barrier health.
Best seller: TBH Rebound Skin Milk Activated Cica Toner
Mecca Max
Mecca Max is one of three in-house brands owned by Mecca, the Australian beauty retailer founded by Jo Horgan. Launched in 2017, Mecca Max has affordably priced makeup, skincare and fragrance. Products range from skin tints and moisture mists, to glitter eyeshadow and blush brushes.
Best seller: Mecca Max Milk It Soothing Moisture Mist
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