Safe to say, in 2020 we’re all having our own personal wake-up calls.
For us, the fact we haven’t featured as many Australian First Nations-owned experiences here has been something that we’ve thought about deeply and felt is long overdue.
Bet let’s make something very clear — it’s all very well to say nice things but one of the best ways to show support to a community lies in action. Sometimes large-scale protest action and in the small things, such as the brands we buy.
For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of a few First-Nations-owned beauty brands that are as beneficial for your skin as they are beautiful. In supporting these we hope to encourage more diversity within the Australian economy, as well as learning from this country’s ancient culture.
Juddarnje
Owned by a mother and 2 daughters of the Bundjalung tribe of Northern New South Wales, Juddarnje aims to share First Nations knowledge of botanicals and their unique benefits for the skin. All Juddarnje products are paraben, sulfate and PEG free and aim to be as natural as possible so you can get the most out of the ingredients that matter.
Products we’re loving:
The Nutritious Eye Cream $18.50 – Enriched with Chamomille Tea, Rosehip Oil, Wheatgerm Oil and Papaya Juice
Soap-Free Cleansing Milk $39.50 – Included botanicals such as Rose and Orange Hydrosols, Australian White Clay and Macadamia Nut Oil
View this post on Instagram
Li’Tya
We love everything about this brand. Not only does ‘Li’Tya’ literally translate to ‘the earth’ but all products in the range are formulated using sustainably wild harvested, pure Australian botanicals and organic ingredients.
These include; Wild Rosella, Kakadu Plum, Cherry Alder, Quandong, Tasmanian kelp, Mother of Pearl, Marine algae, and plant collagen. Their ingredients are all sustainably sourced. This brand has also set up their own Indigenous Advisory Board to ensure the ongoing and appropriate use of Australian First Nations knowledge and culture in business and through educational opportunities.
Products we’re loving:
Ocean Dreaming Regenerating Mist $69 – If the name doesn’t say it all the ingredients will, containing marine collagen, rosehip, ylang-ylang oil, and spirulina. This is instant hydration for your face.
Mother of Pearl Facial Polish $67 – A gentle exfoliant to leave your skin soft and glowing; containing Mother of Pearl extract, Tasmanian Kelp extract, Marine Collagen, and pumice stone powder.
View this post on Instagram
Indigiearth
Indigiearth aims to bring 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture into the modern-day home. Founded by Sharon Winsor, a Ngemba Weilwan woman from Western NSW, this company is also ethical and has all sustainably sourced ingredients.
Products we’re loving:
Finger Lime Serum 65 – Natural Vitamin C and Exfoliating acids this product helps with anti-aging and collagen boosting for you skin.
Body Custard $29.90 – Enriched with Australian essential oils and Kakadu Plum extract to save your skin during those dry winter months.
View this post on Instagram
Bush Medijina
Bush Medijina is run by an all-female board 80% of whom are Australian First Nations. This company aims to give the Warningakalina women a voice and a capacity to be leaders whilst remaining true to their cultural beliefs and traditional practices.
Products we’re loving:
Mamaburra Clay & Ochre Scrub $12 – Oatmeal Base, Mamaburra (Wild Peach Tree) and White Kaolin Clay for exfoliation and cleansing.
Weeping Tree Happy Hair Oil $35 – Coconut, Rosehip, and Tea Tree oil to help shine and heat protection.
View this post on Instagram
Native Secrets
Native Secrets are a small family-owned business established in 2014, which uses an abundance of traditional native plants such as Gumby, White Cypress, Quandong, and Gideya to heal the skin naturally. They are 100% First-Nations owned and aim to create an emotional connection with their customers through the sharing of the stories of the community that produces each and every product.
Products we’re loving:
Olive Oil and Quadong Soap $15 – Combining Olive Oil with Quadong to create a beautiful soap. Quadong is also known to have mild antiseptic properties to help with skin infections.
Revitalising Shampoo and Conditioner $34.95 – Avocado Oil, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter to keep hair healthy and hydrated.
View this post on Instagram
Willow & Co
Charcoal, clay, ochre, mineral, and natural remedies; Willow and Co know how to harvest the benefits of these actives to create beautiful products. All of their products are category 1 safe meaning they are safe enough to eat (although please don’t do that!).
Products we’re loving:
Activated Charcoal & Coffee Facial Scrub $14.99 – Charcoal, Shea Butter, Matcha and Bentonite Clay this is a detox for your face as well as your soul.
Yellow Ochre Facial Mask $14.99 – Includes Australian sustainably-sourced yellow ochre of the Wiradjuri Nation. The ochre is combined with a natural additional base as well as sandalwood and eucalyptus scents.
View this post on Instagram
Earth Blended
Central to Earth Blended’s core philosophy is education. Not only by sharing the way Australia’s First Nations ancestors lived but introducing the world to our country’s natural botanicals and their unique wellness properties.
Products we’re loving:
Child Bundle $65 – Five essential oil rollers: Sleep, Immunity, Calm, Emotions, and Teething support.
Chakra Eucalyptus Smudge $39 – Eucalyptus Smudge Stick is 100% handmade in the Gumbaynggirr country, made with eucalyptus leaves and a clear crystal designed to open the bodies chakra.
View this post on Instagram
Lowanna Skin Care
South Adelaide founded with all products being natural, vegan, ethically-sourced, and cruelty-free. There’s no-nasties and everything good love in this range. The name ‘Lowanna’ also has two meanings: one being ‘girl’ or ‘woman’, and the other being ‘exquisite beauty’ — we love that so much.
Products we’re loving:
Everyday Moisturiser $49 – Hyaluronic acid, blood orange and rose to add hydration and natural botanicals to the skin.
Green Clay Exfoliating Mask $55 – We love this mask as it is a two in one, it can be used as an exfoliant, or you can let it dry to become a mask. Enriched with green clay, coconut milk, and rice powder for gorgeously glowing skin.
View this post on Instagram
