Australians all

01 Feb 2008 02:20 AM | Posted by Editor

Let us rejoice. Not only have we the climate, culture and public holidays to turn other nations green, we also make some of the best beauty products on the planet...

Australian-made and -owned beauty buys

1. Li'tya Tasmanian Peat Bath Mud, $88
Rich in protein, trace elements and minerals from the earth, the Tasmanian peat in this essential oil-infused formula transforms a simple bath into a blissful multivitamin ritual.
2. Sanctum Body Buff, $22.95
Formulated in the pristine hinterland surrounding Byron Bay, this certified organic scrub is scented with rosemary, bergamot and orange to start your morning with a zing!
3. Li'tya Lillypilly Facial Cream Cleanser, $64
Calling upon the ancient wisdom of Indigenous tradition, this luxurious cleanser features the gentle astringent powers of the vitamin C-rich lilly pilly plant.
4. Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream, $4
Fresh from an organic, biodynamic farm in the rolling Adelaide Hills, this rich moisturiser returns balance to dry skin with a blend of precious plant oils plus rosehip and avocado.
5. Botanics of Australia Repairing Antioxidant Serum with Kakadu Plum & Native Grape, $27.95
Packed with powerhouse antioxidants from indigenous grape and the NT's Kakadu plum, this intensive gel fights free radicals to help repair the signs of sun damage and environmental stress.
6. Ultraceuticals Ultra ACE Body Treatment Cream, $60
Ultraceuticals is Australia's answer to the traditional bastions of beauty in Europe. This antioxidant- and vitamin-drenched moisturising cream improves skin tone and texture with AHAs, retinol, hyaluronan and green tea.
7. A'kin Australian Native Rainforest Botanics Tree Hand
Wash in Eucalyptus & Tea Tree or Lemon Myrtle, $11.95 each
A naturally pampering, non-drying alternative to soap scented with signature Australian bush essences.
8. Endota Spa River Salt and Desert Lime Shower Gel, $38
Sloughing dull skin and debris with local river salt, this organic wash from Australia's largest spa brand features desert lime to revitalise tissues plus purifying tea tree.
9. RPR Hair Care Make Me Shine (Summerberry), $16.95
From one of our nation's leading professional haircare brands, this shine-boosting control spritz features built-for-Bondi sunscreen and antioxidant protection.
10. True Solutions Total Age Protector Sport SPF30+, $50
One of the best under the Aussie sun. Recognised by the Australian Skin & Cancer Foundation, this water-resistant (2 hours) treatment sunscreen helps counteract sun damage while shielding the skin from dangerous UVAI, UVAII and UVB rays.
11. Be Genki Vitality Perfume Balm, $24
With a natural base of mango vegetable butter, sunflower oil and vitamin E, this skin-nourishing balm carries the uplifting scent of Australian eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon and rosemary.

Natural wonders 

“Our native ingredients are some of the most potent and effective in the world,” says Gaye Heron, founder of Indigenously-inspired spa brand Li'tya. “Growing in such harsh conditions forces them to be packed full of vitamins and minerals." Some home-grown heroes to look out for:
Wild rosella – a resilient bush flower from the Top End rich in antioxidants and revitalising protein.
Kakadu plum – one of the world's richest known sources of vitamin C and a prized free radical-fighter. Also helps boost collagen and elastin.
Lilly pilly – a slightly astringent vitamin C source that cleanses the skin of impurities while helping fortify and firm.
Lemon myrtle – from our native forests, this gently astringent antioxidant stimulates circulation and also balances sebum.
Wattleseed – packed with natural fibre, the ground seeds of the Australian acacia make a gentle, glow-restoring skin scrub.
Eucalyptus – an invigorating and clarifying decongestant.
Tea tree – one of the world's most potent natural enemies of bacteria, microbes, inflammation and fungal infection grows in our own backyard.

– Tracey Withers