Ultraceuticals Ultra Protective Daily Moisturiser 50+ Mattifying, $74 (AU)
One of the questions I get most frequently asked as a beauty editor in Australia, is ‘what’s the best sunscreen’? Finding one that’s non-greasy, non-whitening and pleasant enough to use daily is not easy. This high protection sunscreen is light and quickly absorbed, immediately taking on a matte effect making it ideal under makeup. www.ultraceuticals.com
2. Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover $39.95 (AU)
One of the country’s best sellers, this natural powder foundation covers skin imperfections leaving skin with a smooth, flawless finish. Free of talc’s, parabens and bismuth it’s deal for sensitive skin. It contains SPF15 and is available in Fair, Light, Light/Medium, Medium and Dark. www.nudebynature.com.au 3. De Lorenzo Infinite Detangler, $23.50 (AU)
Established in 1986 by Vincent and Anton De Lorenzo, two of Australia’s most influential hairdressing identities since 1945. The brand has always been dedicated to new technologies and use Certified Organic ingredients whenever possible. This leave-in detangler and conditioning wonder spray uses organic rosehip and wheat protein to ensure silkiness without greasiness. The paraben and petrochemical free formula plus colour stabilising extracts and natural UV protectants will ensure you want to use it after every wash. www.delorenzo.com.au 4. Mecca Cosmetica Mecca Cosmetica In A Good Light Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30+ $40 AUD
Housing over 100 brands, Nars, YSL, By Terry, to name a few, the Mecca Cosmetica Signature Line collection was launched with a culmination of expertise and millions of in store observation enabling it to hold its own amongst the worlds best. For those loving a dewy glow, this tint not only imparts lit-from-within illumination it has an SPF of 30+ ideal for daily use. www.mecca.com.au 5. Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum | 30ml, $79
Jurlique first introduced the concept of reviving skin’s youthful radiance with potent antioxidant-rich herbal extracts in 1993. Designed to shield against environmental aggressors, this powerful skin care solution delivers hydration and antioxidant benefits to help combat the first signs of ageing. Today the iconic Herbal Recovery Gel has evolved into a new, more concentrated formula to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve elasticity, restore radiance and increase hydration whilst protecting the skin from environmental aggressors. Have a hang over? This skin-saviour will sort out dehydration out STAT. www.jurlique.com.au 6. Becca Beach Tint $45 AU
That quintessential salty and sun-kissed Aussie beach girl look is so easily achieved with this sheer lip and cheek tint. More like a watercolor stain it’s buildable with a soft, matte finish. To prevent dryness often associated with stains, it’s enriched with antioxidant vitamin E to repair and soothe skin. Apply it under or over makeup with fingertips or a brush. Or layer it under powder blushes, bronzers, lip balms and lip-glosses for added intensity.
Available in Watermelon, Grapefruit Raspberry, Papaya. www.beccacosmetics.com 7. The Jojoba Company 100% Natural Australian Jojoba 30ml RRP $19.95 / 85ml, $29.95
Before entering the beauty industry my moisturiser of choice was pure jojoba oil. Back then you could only purchase it in health food stores and a drop of lavender oil added to it at night would ensure my skin remained clear. Known as the only plant to product wax esters, Jojoba oil is similar to the sebum in our skin. It’s a great wrinkle fighter, containing powerful antioxidants, omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, vitamins A, D and E and is naturally hypoallergenic. Founded in 2008, The Jojoba Company has since developed an entire range of products using this wonder oil as a base. Keep the oil handy to use on any part of the body needing nourishment. www.thejojobacompany.com.au 8. Natio Cream to Powder Foundation, $19.95 (AU)
Price tags don’t always indicate the brilliance of a product. This best seller (back by popular demand) was an immediate sell-out and a hit with consumers thanks to its luxurious formulation boasting both skin-nourishing naturals and soft mattifiers. The velvety formulation infused with conditioning argan and skin-plumping bamboo extract applies like a cream and sets like a powder. The silky, replenishing formulation glides on with an easy slip, which you can apply as a sheer layer or build, to a heavier coverage.
Available in Light, Light Honey and Medium and free from talc, mineral oils, preservatives and parabens. Not tested on animals. www.natio.com.au 9. Alpha-H Liquid Gold $60
No beauty story featuring Aussie cult products is complete without a mention of this multi-award winning liquid. With one bottle sold every minute of every hour somewhere in the world this skin resurfacing treatment is formulated with a low pH delivery system to effectively diminish wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage and uses glycolic acid as a base to work like an overnight facial to brighten and revitalise tired, ageing skin. If you fall into the mature, sun damaged, prematurely ageing skin and acne scarring category this will radically improve your complexion in just 20 minutes. www.alpha-h.com 10. Kosmea Rose Hip Oil, $27.95 (AU)
If dry skin is your issue, then it’s a lovely Australian made and owned skincare Rose Hip Oil you need. Using the best quality Rose Hip Oil on the market (so pure you can take in internally) this regenerative oil is best tapped lightly on crows feet or anywhere skin feels rough then let the high concentration of antioxidants and essential fatty acids work their magic. Can also be applied to burns, scars and stretch marks. www.kosmea.com.au 11. Luma Illuminating Highlighter in Natural Pearl, $24.95 (AU)
We all want that supermodel glow, so who better than to provide it than Australian born model, Jess Hart? She’s hands on to test and approves all Luma products before they ‘re launched, with a goal to create feature enhancing product rather than thick makeup to hide behind. Luma’s hero highlighter ensures the most beautiful, natural glow and is best applied with fingertips to the high planes of the face. www.lumacosmetics.com.au12. Milk & Co Beauty Wipes, $9.95 (AU) 25 sheets
Aussie influencer and mum of three, Lindy Klim designed these large, dual sided wipes for the ultimate quick-clean experience. One side exfoliates and the other side cleanses for super speedy makeup removal and with Homeo-soothe (extracted from brown seaweed) to aid hydration and reduce inflammation skin is left cool and protected from the elements. If you are a regular self-tanner, these are brilliant to remove tan from palms. www.milkandco.com.au13. O&M Surf Bomb Sea Salt Spray (Large) $27.45 (AU)
We all want that one product to create the perfect, beach waves – without the crunch-factor. This cult salt spray combines Lilly Pilly to construct root firmness, Provitamin B5 to shield UV damage and Aloe Vera to combat frizz and restore shine, so hair remains silky and smooth without any greasy build up or stiffness. To put simply, it creates texture where there is none or enhances the natural texture you already have. I like to apply it and blow-dry my hair straight and then let the salt spray transform it into a ‘piecey’ fabulousness. www.originalmineral.com 14. Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm $17.95 (AU)
This product was elevated to cult status almost immediately after its launch. Beauty Editors clamoured for this 100 per cent ultra-pure medical grade lanolin ointment that melts on contact. Use it on dry skin, lips, minor cuts, eczema, psoriasis, minor burns and sunburn, skin abrasions, dry cuticles, cracked heels, dry elbows, dry noses, nursing nipples, keeping the eyebrows in place or just mix it with lipstick to create a moisturising lip gloss The lanolin is derived from Australian and New Zealand wool and is natural, vegetarian friendly and fragrance- and colour-free. www.lanolips.com.au 15. ModelCo Airbrush Tan in a Can, $25 (AU)
Tan Airbrush in a Can was the world’s first self-tanning airbrush product and became an instant hit. Not only was the aerosol packaging an innovation, but also the unique blue-green based formula banished ‘the orange effect’ seen in a lot of self-tans. I’ve been on many beauty shoots where the makeup artist has whipped out a can to give the model instant, bronze limbs. With one unit sold every 36 seconds worldwide it’s set to remain a cult favourite. www.modelcocosmetics.com [/two_third_last]
Cult Predictions
Sometimes a product launches and without even trying it, you now it’ll be a hit. The following products I have tried and they are definitely destined to hit cult status.
16. The Base by Lara Bingle Velvet Bronzing Makeup Base $44 (AU)
There’s no doubt Lara Worthington has a midas touch and following the success of her uber natural makeup line (in particular the dewy LB Cream – a primer/foundation hybrid) this new addition is sure to become a cult favourite. Solid yet sheer and weightless in texture it can be used to contour anywhere on the face, create a nude matte effect for lips, a primer and sheer colour for eyes or simply mixed with moisturiser to give skin a Tuscan glow. www.thebase.me 17. Stem Organics Perfect Complexion Masque, $40 (AU)
Face masks do so much in such a short time and seem to counteract any skincare laziness you may have been guilty of during the week. A mask using a potent dose of vitamin C powder in a clay base is sure to be a winner, so with such good drawing power (it can draw out pesticides from skin), this mask creates an almost ‘poreless’ appearance. Use it before a big event to create a smooth base for makeup or to help heal blemishes and brighten skin-tone. www.stemorganincs.com 18. PONi Mane Stain $40 (AU)
Aussie’s love the outdoor life but they also like brows to be on point, which explains the rising popularity of this weather-proof, waterproof, sweat-proof brow crème. Offering more of a ‘stain’ to naturally fill in and define brows it’s best applied sparingly then brushed through for a long-lasting finish. Available in four shades: Little Palomino, Palomino, Chestnut and Thoroughbred. www.ponicosmetcs.com.au 19. Lepaar 24k Precious Face Oil, $75 (AU)
If the idea of a luxury, hand blended facial oil containing 24 Karat gold appeals, this oil is for you. Created with sunlight, the wisdom of biodynamic principles, ancient rituals and a touch of German folk medicine. This precious moisturiser contains gold, frankincense and myrrh plus a host of botanicals to ensure skin heals quickly and remains soft and line free. With a move towards more conscious beauty, I’m predicting exciting developments from this sublime beauty line. www.lepaar.com
Rachael Mannell is one of the most respected and influential Beauty Editors in the business, follow her world of beauty @RachaelMannell