Whether it be yelling "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" at the cricket, donning green and gold for the rugby, or plastering our faces with temporary flag tattoos, there's no arguing that Australians are a patriotic lot. This pride in our nation is not restricted to sport, clothing and food - Australians are also very loyal when it comes to supporting the local beauty industry.
“For Australians, it’s about supporting genuine Australian product, not brands that are foreign owned and manufactured here or even that are Australian owned but do the bulk of the production overseas," explains Sukin founder Simon O'Connor. "There is definitely a strong sentiment towards buying local, but even for our international markets, Australian made and owned is a promise of quality and efficacy that makes the products desirable, and we’re proud to uphold that reputation.” This sentiment is backed by Natio co-founder Max Ross, who states: "We strive to support the country and the people who support us.”
In the lead-up to Australia Day, BD is giving a quick glimpse into some of the country's favourite homegrown beauty brands…
- The iconic brand launched in Australia in the early nineties and has been delivering affordable beauty offerings to women ever since. The Australian-owned 1000 Hour Eyelash & Brow Dye Kit was the brand’s first product, and it aimed to enhance consumers’ at-home beauty routine. 1000 Hour now offers a solution for all beauty needs from the hair down to feet.
- A’Kin is part the The Purist Company family, an Australian-owned company that has been creating natural, safe and effective products for 15 years. As pioneers of natural and genuinely effective skin and hair care products, The Purist Company is committed to researching what natural botanicals from Australia and around the world best work together to promote healthy, beautiful skin and hair.
- Founded by Michelle Doherty over 25 years ago, Alpha-H is a small, family-owned company based on the Gold Coast in Queensland that has enjoyed international success. It is one of the fastest growing skincare brands on QVC UK and thanks to its captive audience, is stocked in over 350 professional beauty salons and spas across Australia. Alpha-H’s powerful cosmeceutical formulations work to visibly improve inherent, genetic and environmentally-triggered skin conditions.
- Established in 2007 by Trish Winchester, founder and managing director of Advanced Skin Technology, Aspect is one of Australia’s bestselling cosmeceutical skincare brands. Winchester quickly earned a reputation as an industry changer, and that saw her pioneer and develop Aspect and Aspect Dr, her own Australian-owned cosmeceutical range. Aspect is Australian made and owned and contains active ingredients in the highest concentrations. The brand is now a global success.
- Developed and formulated with the help of industry experts who understand the needs of salons and their clients, bhave is a dynamic and fresh Australian-owned revitalising hair care system. The only Australian hair care brand that incorporates active functional ingredients into its hair care collection, bhave products work to literally repair and restore even the most damaged hair, improving and maintaining its condition.
- Billie Goat Soap was first conceived over 10 years ago when a desperate mother in country NSW tried everything to help her son’s skin condition, leading to the development of an iconic bar of goat's milk soap. Today, this product is the first medicated soap in Australia to receive TGA listing for claims of its efficacy against eczema, psoriasis and dry skin conditions. The Billie Goat Soap range of products has extended to a full personal care range, all containing the original Australian goat's milk ingredient.
- The result of 14 years of groundbreaking scientific research in Melbourne, BioElixia focuses around the brand's patented skincare breakthrough: the TPM® Dermal Delivery Technology. BioElixia has enhanced nature’s most nourishing ingredients with its world-leading TPM® dermal delivery system for seriously advanced skin and body care.
- Founded over 80 years ago by pioneering naturopath Maurice Blackmore, the Blackmores business is homegrown Australian. A rich naturopathic heritage coupled with the brand’s ever-expanding knowledge and dedication to quality is why Blackmores has been named Australia’s Most Trusted Vitamins & Supplements Brand by Reader’s Digest every year since 2008. The brand’s range of more than 250 vitamins, multivitamins, minerals, herbal and nutritional supplements are developed by its in-house experts, using a combination of scientific evidence and hundreds of years of traditional knowledge.
- Launched in August 2012, bondi sands is one of the many Australian success stories. The brand has recorded a year-on-year growth in sales volume of 350 per cent and is the number one self-tanning brand in Priceline Australia as well as independent pharmacies. It is stocked in close to 2500 stores across Australia and New Zealand and will hit Superdrug stores in the UK from February 2015.
- Developed by Caronlab Australia, the Bump eRaiser range prevents and treats ingrown hairs, redness, itchiness and pimples to promote smooth, healthy looking skin following hair removal. Launched in 2005 as in-salon brand, Depilspa, the brand changed its name to Caronlab Australia’s Bump eRaiser in 2008. In 2009, the once salon-only brand was introduced into the retail market. Two years later and following strong growth, Caronlab Australia’s Bump eRaiser evolved into its very own brand.
- Cancer Council Australia began in 1961 as the Australian Cancer Society, before being renamed The Cancer Council Australia in 1997. As Australia's peak independent authority on cancer control, Cancer Council Australia seeks to reduce the impact of cancer in Australia through advocacy, research, education and support. The Cancer Council Sunscreen is part of the company’s range of sun protective products.
- Leaders in organic and luxury hair care, Carelli products are a result of six years tried and tested scientific research to formulate high quality hair products that are proudly Australian made. Carelli products contain the perfect balance of organic and botanical oils and vitamins to restore the hair’s natural body and elasticity. Carelli believes in natural production without sacrificing quality.
- Designed by Australian hairdressers, CasualCurl was created to deliver a range of hair rollers that were easy enough for everyday use but provided the same finish as an in-salon blow dry. CasualCurl uses unique patented heating technology to heat the roller from the inside, making it simple and easy to achieve perfect soft curls. It was designed with the Australian culture in mind.
- Coast to Coast is an all-Australian skincare brand that draws on unique indigenous ingredients with proven skincare benefits. Products are formulated from a balance of Australian organic ingredients, native botanicals, herbal extracts and essential oils.
/ / - 2013 marked the launch of an exciting new cosmetics brand, Colour Theory. A year later, the Colour Theory family expanded with Beauty Theory and Skin Theory. Colour Theory is a make-up line that offers top quality cosmetics at affordable prices for the Australian market. Beauty Theory is a range of over 60 beauty accessories and 70 hair accessories, while Skin Theory is a hypoallergenic and dermatologically-tested range of skincare essentials. Select items from the brands are Australian-made.
- Designer Brands Cosmetics was launched into the Australian marketplace in 2006 by husband and wife team Tony and Sharon Rechtman. Flash-forward seven years and the brand has come leaps and bounds from the 15 products in the initial launch, to now housing over 300 products under the Designer Brands banner. The key to the brand's success is attributed to its quality, low-priced product offering. In 2011, Designer Brands' parent company, Total Beauty Network, was named as one of the country’s fastest growing companies in the BRW Fast 100 List.
- Located in Hallam, Victoria, GAIA Skin Naturals manufactures pure, natural and organic skincare products especially for sensitive skin. Launched in 2002, GAIA Natural Baby was created by mum Michelle Vogrinec after her baby developed eczema. Vogrinec couldn't find skincare products suitable for his skin, so she decided to create a range of gentle, non-irritating products. GAIA Natural Baby is the most widely distributed natural and organic baby care range in Australia.
Glasshouse Fragrances - Fragrance aficionado Nicole Eckels launched Glasshouse Fragrances in 2006. While shopping in David Jones in Sydney to replace a beloved candle purchased in New York City, Eckels couldn’t find what she was looking for. Noting the high-end brands from Europe and non-fragranced low-end brands, Eckels saw a clear gap in the market - and from a spark of imagination, Glasshouse Fragrances was born. Glasshouse Fragrances is now the leading fragrance brand in David Jones and has grown to become a local and international favourite. Glasshouse candles are handmade in Australia using the highest quality non-toxic wax and natural lead-free cotton wicks.
- Grants of Australia is a proudly Australian owned and operated company, established nearly 30 years ago. It is dedicated to producing the highest quality natural products at an affordable price. Grants products were established initially to fill a vacant market niche for a healthy, pleasant tasting, fluoride free toothpaste, suitable for young children. The Grants family of products has evolved to include liquid chlorophyll, liquid vitamin B, herbal mouthwash and crystal deodorants.
- First established in 2006, INIKA has gone on to achieve global reach in markets as far away as UK and USA. The brand is now sold in more than 16 countries around the world and has received countless awards. INIKA Cosmetics is a 100 per cent natural beauty brand incorporating mineral make-up, vegan and organic products that are completely free from synthetic chemicals and harmful ingredients.
- It may have been founded in France in 1920 by dermatologist Dr Francois Debat, but in 1933 Innoxa branched out globally, exporting its products for the first time to Australia. After this, there was such high demand for the iconic skincare range, local manufacturing commenced in Australia in 1933. Now, all the brand’s skincare products are made in Australia. With a century-long dermatological heritage based on nurturing and regenerating, Innoxa is constantly evolving to deliver a wide range of skincare, colour and body products addressing specific needs.
- Australian made for Australian skin, John Plunkett cosmeceuticals are formulated to restore and maintain younger, healthier looking skin. Formulations include the latest innovative ingredients from worldwide research supported by scientific trials. Ingredients are used at levels proven to produce specific anti-ageing benefits.
- KORA Organics was founded by Australian-born, international supermodel Miranda Kerr and was launched in Australia in October 2009. Kerr’s mission and the impetus behind the KORA Organics philosophy was to create a range of certified organic skincare that she herself had always wanted to buy but was unable to find in the market. KORA Organics is designed and manufactured in Australia, with the range consisting of 21 certified organic face and bodycare products.
- Iconic Australian beauty brand ModelCo has been developing award-winning tanning, beauty and sun care solutions for over a decade. Based in Sydney, ModelCo is the creation of former model agent Shelley Barrett who saw a niche in the market for innovative, quick-fix, multi-purpose beauty solutions. In 2002, LASHWAND Heated Eyelash Curler launched into the market as the first ModelCo innovation and received resounding worldwide results. The brand has enjoyed global success with ModelCo now sold in five continents, 11 countries and over 3000 retailers.
Models Prefer - Models Prefer is Priceline’s own luxe for less range of cosmetics and beauty tools. Launched in 2011, the sophisticated and professional range is on-trend and affordable. With over 80 colour cosmetic products in classic shades through to on-trend hues and over 35 beauty tools, Models Prefer provides one of the most comprehensive ranges in Australia. The range has been developed by Priceline’s experienced beauty team who understand Australian women and know the products they love.
- Founded in 2014, MOMMA (Ministry of Mineral Makeup Australia) believes pure mineral make-up should be affordable and made without chemicals or cruelty. Its mineral make-up collection is designed for women of all ages and skin tones who care about the purity of the ingredients in their make-up and who are against animal testing.
MOR - Established in 2001, MOR Modern Apothecary is lead by managing director and owner Jeff Nadelman. The brand designs, manufactures and distributes luxurious bath, body and lifestyle products from its company headquarters in Melbourne. Today, MOR delivers an array of collections available in boutiques and department stores across the globe.
- MUD (Make Up Design) was developed exclusively for Woolworths Australia in 2012, and quickly became the store's number two seller in volume. The MUD (Make Up Design) range includes nail polishes, lipsticks, eyeshadow trios and a gel eyeliner. It is perfect for budget beauty lovers who don’t want to sacrifice quality or style.
- After launching its first product, Hard muk, in late 2006, the brand became an overnight success. Within weeks, muk was outselling many of the industry-leading brands. Fast forward eight years, and muk Haircare has become a leader in professional haircare in Australia and internationally, with distribution in 19 countries. Despite this success, the brand is committed to being a 100 per cent independent Australian-owned brand.
- Nad’s is an Australian family-owned company with a global reputation. The brand was founded in 1992 by Sue Ismiel, a mother who created a no heat, natural hair removal product for her young daughter from ingredients she found in her own kitchen. The use of Nad’s Natural Hair Removal Gel spread from Sue Ismiels family to friends before going on to be discovered by the entire consumer market of Australia, winning awards and dominating its category. It is now sold in Australia, the US, UK and New Zealand.
- Make-up expert Napoleon Perdis launched his namesake brand in Sydney in 1995. In 2008, Perdis launched a masstige collection, NP Set, in the United States and Australia. Today, the company boasts 75 stand-alone concept stores and over 1,600 point-of-sale locations globally.
Natio - Natural Australian beauty company Natio has been supporting the Australian industry for over twenty years. Started in 1993 by Melbourne husband and wife Max and Vivienne Ross, the wholly Australian-owned company focuses on providing customers with affordable plant-based beauty products which both promote the contemporary Australian lifestyle, beauty ethos and supports local manufacturing.
Nude by Nature - In 2008, Nude by Nature launched its now multi-award winning Natural Mineral Cover. The success of this star product was strengthened due to the Nude by Nature Complexion System including the Airbrush Primer, Natural Mineral Cover, Mineral Bronzer and Mineral Finishing Veil. Building on the success of the Complexion System, Nude by Nature has developed a full colour cosmetics range and selection of skincare products. Nude by Nature’s cosmetics and skincare ranges are based on the philosophy of utiilising the best of nature without nasty chemicals or synthetic fragrance.
- Nutri-Synergy belongs to the Plunkett's stable of brands. Plunkett's is a family-run business that has operated from Sydney's Northern Beaches for over 30 years. Nutri-Synergy synergistically combines natural therapeutic actives to effectively treat dry, sensitive and problem skin - working with the skin, not just on the skin’s surface.
- Nutrimetrics is a naturally-inspired skincare range started in 1961. It is one of Australia’s leading skincare companies and works to combine the best of nature with the latest advances in beauty and skincare technology.
- Pelactiv is a 100 per cent Australian made and owned skincare brand, and was developed by leading cosmetic chemists and skincare therapists keen to go beyond merely repairing the skin. The brand incorporates the purest Australian native plant extracts in combination with the active ingredient, lactic acid.
QV Skincare - In 1975, Gerald Oppenheim, founder of Ego Pharmaceuticals, was approached by the Queen Victoria Hospital to create a specialist skincare product for use in their dermatology wards. Oppenheim provided them with what would later become known as QV Bath Oil (named in honour of the hospital), and QV Skincare, as we know it today, was born. From those humble beginnings, the trusted QV brand now offers over 30 products and continues to remain proudly family-owned and Australian made.
- Founded in 1991, Red Earth is an aspirational yet accessible beauty brand inspired by its Australian heritage. The brand's core promise is to develop premium skincare and cosmetics that let natural beauty speak for itself. This year sees the brand operating under its original founders with a new look and new direction, but delivering the same promise: natural, everyday beauty.
- RosehipPLUS™ was launched in September 2012 by The Rosehip Specialists™, an Australian-owned family business that prides itself on sourcing and producing the finest rosehip products. The RosehipPLUS™ range contains premium quality Australian Certified Organic ingredients that are rich in naturally-occurring nutrients and free from pesticides, bleaching, colouring and fragrances. Committed to excellence that delivers results, RosehipPLUS™ offers skincare products using only the most natural Australian Certified Organic ingredients.
- In just eight years, natural skincare brand Sukin have gone from humble beginnings to being a market leader in the skincare space. Founded by Melbourne-based brother and sister Simon O’Connor and Alison Goodger, the brand’s natural formulations, low price points, vegan and cruelty-free skincare and strong environmental ethos has seen Sukin go from strength to strength. Within their extensive skin and hair care range, Sukin explore a number of native actives to showcase local raw materials that work wonders on the skin including Kakadu plum, lemon myrtle and macadamia oil.
- Synergy Natural was established in 1993 and is a based in Sydney. The brand was created to provide natural wholefood health products to the consumer at an affordable price with no quality compromise.
- Since entering the market in 2005, Synergie Skin has been delivering high quality, elegant and effective products that are 100 per cent Australian made and owned. Founded by scientist Terri Vinson, Synergie Skin® is a leading manufacturer of premium cosmeceuticals and mineral make-up. The science-driven company is committed to formulating products that will protect, change and nurture the skin under the harsh Australian sun. From start to finish, all Synergie products are handled in the one location in Melbourne.
- The pioneer of jojoba farming in Australia, Ian Turner planted his first crop of jojoba on the family estate in New South Wales in 2008. Turner believed his crop could revolutionise the skincare industry due to the liquid wax’s remarkable natural benefits for skin. Together with daughter Vicki Engsall, the two sought to create a unique skincare range that used their own 100 per cent natural Australian jojoba.
- Privately-owned Australian company Australian Cosmeceuticals was behind the development of Trishave - a brand delivering a range of smart shaving and post-shaving SPF30+ solutions for sensitive skin designed to help skin look and feel its best.
- Ulta3 is a well-established, highly competitive Australian cosmetics brand operating within the pharmacy impulse market. Ulta3 offers over 200 products including moisturising and matte lipsticks, lip, eye and brow pencils, pressed powders, bronzer and over 100 nail polish shades. Despite the inexpensive price tag, there’s no compromise on the quality and efficacy of any Ulta3 product.
- After getting frustrated with the expensive, inferior difficult waxes on the market, beauty therapist Lilliane Caron set about formulating her own range of hard and strip waxes in 1979. Recognising that consumers, as well as beauty therapists, deserve access to professional quality waxes, Caron revolutionised at-home waxing with the introduction of the first microwaveable warm wax on supermarket shelves. Now offering a number of salon-quality hair removal alternatives, Waxaway continues to be proudly Australian made and owned.
- Made in Australia with the best quality ingredients sourced from around the world, zk'in certified organic skincare is a high-performance skincare range that is COSMOS certified organic. It was founded by Grace Culhaci after she had to battle through two major health concerns.