When many of us began implementing a beauty regime, the skincare and makeup marketplace was saturated by much-loved, imported brands which were easy to access. It was all we knew. Fast forward to the present, and we’re now spoiled for choice when it comes to locally conceptualised, Australian-sourced products (many of which are female-founded – yewww!) 

Australian beauty—or ‘A-beauty’—is all about natural, effective ingredients that work in harmony with the unique needs of our skin, inspired by our environment. From the harsh sun and hot climate to the salty ocean air, our environment can take a toll on our complexions. But with these new-gen brands delivering bespoke formulas for our climate, we can keep our skin healthy, glowing, and protected.

Here are our top Australian beauty brands to get across:

About Time We Met

The new kid cool Aunt on the block who’s keen to invite you to Book Club and tell you it’s okay to embrace aging. This innovative range heroes sustainably-sourced Australian Sandalwood–commonly used for its aromatic blissfulness—which touts skin healing and well-being properties.

Must-Try: Radiance Serum $95.00 

Dilkara

Founded by Julie, a very proud Kamilaroi woman, her brand was born out of frustration over an itchy scalp and damaged hair from colouring. Enter, Dilkara (meaning ‘Rainbow’): an natural, nourishing, environ-friendly refillable hair and skincare brand which incorporates locally-sourced ingredients from her own community. 

Must-Try: Aruma Reconstructive Treatment $34.95

ILUMAE

If you’re looking for quality, active ingredients that make you look and feel luxuriated, look no further than Ilumae. This skincare line formulated by leading Australian aesthetics boutique Contour Clinics is informed by the collective knowledge of cosmetic doctors, dermal therapists and chemists, meaning you’re only applying the very best formulations to your skin. Their Morning Ritual Creme is a must-try, with its dreamy creamy texture packed with Jojoba Seed Oil and SPF (bonus!).

Must-Try: Ilumae Morning Ritual Creme $112.00

a-beauty.co

Curated online boutique abeauty.co is the brainchild of industry pioneer Jamee Parker, and celebrates the crème-de-la-crème of Australian beauty. Stocking the likes of Ere Perez, The Beauty Chef, asap and Hunter Lab, a-beauty lovingly hand-picks and champions a selection of local products that incorporate quality ingredients (including native Australian plants). If you’re looking for somewhere to discover your new favourite A-beauty brand, this is it. 

Must-Try: Vanessa Megan NEO (Nature’s Elixir Oil) $89.95

the KIND Collective

You know what they say: It’s cool to be KIND, and this Australian beauty line is one of the loveliest around. Think all-natural, no-nasty ingredients, pretty pinks and versatile neutrals, and products that just work. At a pricepoint that’s also easy on the post-holiday bank account, you can afford to try out the range and find a new fave without breaking the bank. 

Must-Try: Colour Theory Eyeshadow Palette $14.95

Airyday

After a skincare health scare of her own, Frances van der Velden set out to create a wearable SPF that she would want to apply everyday. Sunscreen is the ultimate non-negotiable as part of a skincare routine, and each Airyday sunscreen has a mineral composition (SPF50+ for our Aussie sun, of course) combined with skin-loving ingredients. 

Must-Try: Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen $46.95

Vida Glow

The rise of Vida Glow and their powerhouse powders has truly been a revelation. Now stocked internationally in Sephora, you’d be forgiven for not knowing that the much-loved supplement brand is proudly founded and made in Australia by Anna Lahey. Ingestible beauty is certainly having its time in the spotlight, but Vida Glow’s Natural Marine Collagen was one of the OGs. 

Must-Try: Natural Marine Collagen Sachets Peach $70.00

Adorn Cosmetics

In 2008, Briony Kennedy had a ground-breaking vision: to create positive social change with certified, ethically-made, zero waste cosmetics that are kinder to people and our planet. Driven by her passion for sustainability, there’s a reason why Adorn have taken home a load of industry awards; their vegan, refillable products are perfect for the beginner enthusiast and Pro MUA alike.

Must-Try: Cream Mineral Bronzer $40.00

Three Warriors

Hailing from Tasmania, Corbin Halliday looked no further than his home state of Tasmania when sourcing ingredients for his organic, non-toxic self-tanning line. From tanning water to mousse and scrub, the all-Australian brand delivers a natural, healthy glow in a bottle. And with an Ambassador like Sonia Kruger (we love you, Tina Sparkle!), you know you’re onto a good thing. 

Must-Try: Self-Tan Mousse $34.95

Bali Body & BB Skin 

Australian-made and owned, this tanning and skincare brand was formed over 6 years ago. Drawing inspiration from our neighbours in Bali, expect a glowing complexion and sunkissed skin (without the harsh UV rays) to rival some of your most-loved international staples. 

Must-Try: Bali Body Bronzing Serum $29.95

Who is Elijah

Just who is Elijah? Well, it’s actually Raquel Bouris, the Founder & Creative Director of this genderless, ephemeral fragrance line created in Sydney. Clean, mysterious, sharp and daring, their scents are designed to be worn by anyone, being equal parts masculine, feminine and human. Each scent can be ordered in 4 sizes, making them truly adaptable and portable. 

Must-Try: Her|Her Eau de Parfum $99.00

tbh skincare

Fighting the good fight against acne, this Australian brand has been a game-changer for those suffering with stubborn blemishes and tricky-to-treat skin conditions. Rachael Wilde has developed a 360 skincare system, which works to fight acne from all angles—from cleansing to topical creams, and the cutest pimple patches around! 

Must-Try: Rebound Serum $68.00

WelleCo

Founded in 2014 by Elle Macpherson as a result of her own personal wellness journey and discoveries, WelleCo has since built its name as one of the most potent and pristine range of ingestibles. Focusing on both internal and external concerns, their extensive line of products contain nutrient-rich plants and are completely delicious to boot. 

Must-Try: The Super Elixir $88.00

Biobod

A saviour for the under-represented sensitive skin types, Biobod was created by Natalie Butler as a solution to her own skin concerns. Her inflammation was a direct result of the high levels of actives and preservatives she had smothered on her skin for years, so it’s no surprise that their products aim to promote a healthy microbiome, strong skin barrier and reset calm. 

Must-Try: Barrier Restore Nutrient Oil $95.00

Holme Beauty

Acclaimed makeup artist Hilary Holmes has used her years of experience to create a dream line of beauty products to inspire your everyday routine. Founded on Wurundjeri land, you may have already heard of their perfecting primers and mesmerising setting mists which add a touch of professionalism to any makeup bag. 

Must-Try: Primer in ‘BOOM’ $65.00

My Ilo

Because sexuality is beautiful too. My Ilo is the result of Claire Deeks & Luciana Burke getting together over a dinner and realising that women’s self-pleasure was in need of a glow-up. Environmentally conscious and modern, these aesthetically pleasing sex essentials are worthy of displaying on any bedside table and will even recycle your old toys once you upgrade. 

Must-Try: Egg Vibrator $140.00

Nood

Nood aims to tell the story of the oldest indigenous community known to man through using Native Australian botanicals in their products, as they have been used for thousands of years. This majority-owned Aboriginal company produces natural, sustainable and environmentally friendly personal care using the best quality ingredients from the land, and the quality is next-level. 

Must-Try: Native Australian Hand & Body Wash $15.00

Lanolips

Clean, sustainable and cruelty-free: these values form the backbone of one of Australia’s most-loved multi-purpose balms. Lanolips, whose name pays homage to lanolin, has expanded its range from its original 101 Ointment to include shimmering lip oils, lip scrubs and even partnering with ice-cream mecca MESSINA to create limited edition indulgent flavours. 

Must-Try: 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Dulce de Leche Gelato $14.95