Five International Beauty Swaps I’m Exploring to Support Australian Small Businesses
Behind every small business order is someone who notices. I know, because I’m one of them.
I still love walking into Mecca and buying something from a brand I’ve used for years. But lately, I’ve been thinking about where my beauty budget goes and whether I could spend more of it with small Australian businesses.
When you run a small business, you’re often doing the packing, answering customer emails, filming content and trying to work out what comes next.
I started Estetika at 50. I know how much an order can mean, especially on the days when you’re wondering whether all the work is making a difference.
That little Shopify “ching” can change your whole afternoon.
So I’m making room in my routine for some Australian discoveries. These are products I want to try with my own money, then come back and tell you honestly what I think.
1. My Almond Shower Oil: Beach Road Naturals
I love my L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, so an almond shower oil was one of the first alternatives I looked for.
Beach Road Naturals Summer Almond & Vanilla Shower Oil caught my attention. The Australian family-owned bath and body business describes it as an oil that turns into a milky lather when mixed with water.
This is going on my list for the next time my shower oil runs out.
2. My Gucci Fragrance: The Sweetest Lie
Fragrance is personal. I want to wear it for a few days before deciding whether it earns a place on my shelf.
Lie 64 from The Sweetest Lie is inspired by Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia. The brand says its fragrances are hand-poured in small batches in Sydney.
I’m curious to see how it wears on my skin, how it develops throughout the day and whether I find myself reaching for it again.
3. My Hair Oil: House of Nayu
For my hair-oil swap, I’m looking at House of Nayu Luxury Hair Oil.
Founder Minal created the brand after experimenting with oil blends for her own hair. Its Australian-made formula includes oils such as argan, jojoba and sweet almond.
I want to try it in my routine and see how my hair feels, including whether it gives me the finish I enjoy without feeling too heavy.
4. My Glow Step: KenzaKo
I’ve also been looking for an Australian product to try in the part of my routine where I’d usually reach for Rhode Glazing Milk.
KenzaKo Radiant Facial Serum is an Australian-made serum with vitamin C, peptides, CoQ10 and hyaluronic acid.
It’s a different type of product, so I’ll be judging it on its own merits: how it feels, how it layers and whether I enjoy using it.
Explore KenzaKo Radiant Facial Serum
5. My Cream Bronzer: Help Me Find This One
The fifth swap is still a search.
I love my Chanel cream bronzer, and I’d like to discover a cream bronzer from a small, independent Australian beauty business.
Something that blends beautifully and gives that soft warmth I enjoy.
If you know one, please tell me. I’d love to discover a founder whose products deserve more attention.
Where We Spend Can Make a Difference
I’m going to make these changes as products run out, one purchase at a time.
And I want this to become a conversation. There are Australian businesses I haven’t discovered yet, and I’m sure some of your favourites are among them.
Which small Australian beauty brand do you love? Leave its name and your favourite product in the comments, especially if you’ve found a beautiful cream bronzer.
Let’s help each other find them.
Wanda x
Founder, Estetika
