As a self-proclaimed beauty addict these are 10 iconic Australian products that, in my opinion, revolutionised the beauty industry.
Australis AC On Tour Powder Contouring & Highlighting Palette, RRP: $17.00
In 2016, everyone (including myself) was obsessed with doing the “Kardashian/ Jenner’’ three stripe contour and intense upside-down triangle under-eye highlight. How the times have changed. All the beauty influencers on YouTube created tutorials promoting the Anastasia Powder Contour Kit. The only problem for us Australians was that it was always sold out. When the Australian cosmetics brand Australis announced its version of a contour palette, us make-up obsessed individuals ran to Priceline and it ironically sold out.
Glasshouse Fragrances Candle: A Tahaa Affair 380g, RRP $54.95
This candle is intoxicating, delicious and captivating. I am sure I don’t need to express how amazing this candle smells if you’ve ever walked into a Peter Alexander store, because this is the smell. This gourmand creation smells like caramel, coconut, vanilla, and pineapple. I would describe the scent as a fresh caramel; as the fruity notes balances the composition from being sickly sweet. The 360g candle burns for up to 65 hours and is vegan and cruelty-free. I like to reuse the beautiful glass candle jars as cotton pad holders on my vanity table. It’s very chic.
Lucas Papaw Ointment 25g, RRP $6.99
You were either a Papaw or a Vaseline carrier; or if you were fancy then you toted Lanolips. Lucas’ Papaw Ointment heals chapped lips and feels like melted butter sliding down toast. The company still operates in Queensland where the ointment continues to be manufactured as proudly Australian-made. This multi-purpose ointment contains only 3 ingredients and claims to also heal boils, burns, chafing, sunburn, gravel rash, cuts, and minor open wounds. I love gifting this to my cousins overseas.
Impulse Body Spray, RRP $5.99
I was obsessed with Impulse Body Spray in high school. My personal favourite scent was “Paris Chic” though this was sadly discontinued. It was a hero during days when I had PE class on the scorching days of terms 1 and 4. Impulse body spray deserves to be an icon as it was an egalitarian steal at $5.99, and anyone can wear it. It made me feel expensive. Funny story, one of my teachers asked me if I was wearing Miss Dior and she was horrified when I told her it was Impulse Body Spray.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold 100mL, RRP $69.95
This Australian-made exfoliating treatment contains 5% Glycolic Acid and licorice extract, claiming to accelerate the skin’s renewal process. It promotes collagen production and reduces the signs of sun damage, ageing and pigmentation. I prefer chemical exfoliants like Liquid Gold over physical ones. Physical exfoliants tend to come as a face scrub, such as the St Ives Fresh Skin Scrub Apricot and Kylie Skin Walnut Scrub, are extremely harsh and can destroy the skin barrier. I like to use Liquid Gold during my night-time routine after double-cleansing on a cotton pad before a Vitamin-C serum.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF30 Facial Sunscreen 100g, RRP $40.00
I can’t stress the importance of using SPF every day; the Cancer Council states that it can prevent UVA damage. UVA causes long-term damage like wrinkles, blotchiness, and potential skin cancer. This Mecca sunscreen I received as a sample in a Mecca Beauty Loop Box; is without a doubt the best feeling facial sunscreen I’ve used. It is matte, does not clog pores and works amazing under make-up. Mecca has recently released an SPF50 version of this iconic sunscreen for those who want higher protection. Which I am trialling now and so far, it’s promising. Kevin Murphy Repair-me
Wash and Rinse 200mL, RRP $48.95 (each)
Kevin Murphy’s aesthetic was to encapsulate international style and mix it with the easy-going relaxed nature of Australian beauty. The Kevin Murphy Repair-Me shampoo and conditioner duo gently cleans hair without leaving it damaged or dry. It smells like the “clean girl aesthetic”. If you’ve stayed at a Meriton, this is the shampoo and conditioner that the hotel provides. I always ask the concierge for extras to take home. The full-sized bottles are designed so beautifully it won a D&AD (Design and Art Direction) Award for packaging design in 2015.
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash 500mL, RRP $43.00
Have you ever walked into an Aesop Store? You should, it’s an experience. Aesop’s hand washes and lotions are neatly lined up at the front of their store for you to sample. It’s visually appealing to the eye. Many people don’t know that Aesop was founded by Australian Dennis Paphitis who opened the first Aesop store in St Kilda, Melbourne. The brand is internationally recognised for its minimalist aesthetic with stores that match this vibe.
Mor Marshmallow Eau De Parfum 50mL, RRP $54.95
This perfume has been around for almost 20 years. This distinctive scent contains notes of rose petals, pink musk, marshmallow, and cotton candy. I would describe this fragrance as a grown-up and sophisticated version of Impulse Body Spray. Fun fact: there is an internet meme that various celebrities claim Rhianna smells ‘heavenly’. She reportedly uses Kilian Love Don’t Be Shy, which cost $360. But Mor Marshmallow smells almost identical; it has similar fragrance notes for a fraction of the cost.
Frank Body Coffee Body Scrub 200g, RRP $20.00
Coffee as a body scrub? My first thoughts were what, how, and why? I was first exposed to this scrub on my Instagram feed. Yes, I bought into the hype, that’s the power of digital marketing for you. I was impressed that it performed amazingly, and the packaging was very “aesthetic” and environmentally conscious. I like to use it in the bathtub as it does tend to get messy, but you’re left with glistening smooth skin after. The creation of this product has an interesting backstory; Australian co-founder Jess Hatzis and her friends were drinking coffee in a café and had the idea to use the beans to exfoliate the skin. She then proceeded to ask the barista for leftover beans. Now the company is valued at $100M, that’s what makes this scrub iconic.
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