If the past two years have shown us anything, it's that the plight of globalisation is in fact very real. We may have found ourselves feeling particularly bereft at the inconvenience of being so far afield from the rest of civilisation. But if we take a step back we can see there is no better time than now to recognise our impact on the world, and how important it is to shop and source from our local communities. Here in Australia, we have an abundance of native resources right on our home soil. Cultivated and tended to by the rightful and traditional owners of the land, as they have been for thousands of years.
These natural resources are both potent and efficacious not to mention sturdy – able to withstand the most arid of climates. While the beauty community at large may still be learning about this, First Nations communities have passed down these native medicinal traditions for generations. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like Kakadu Plum and Desert Lime have all been proven effective in healing and regenerating the cells. Thankfully, now we have the benefit of knowledge from these educated local businesses, who have made these products widely accessible.
Below, we have listed our picks for the best First Nations beauty brands you need to know about.
1. Bush Medijina
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Born from a deep connection to land, Bush Medijina is governed by an all female board – 80% of who are indigenous. More than a brand, Bush Medijina is also a program aiming to bridge culture and knowledge of Indigenous communities. The program aids in strengthening values, cultural heritage and community well being. The products themselves have been harvested using native botanicals on country. The list includes nourishing hair oils, lip balms and body scrubs.
2. Earth Jinda
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Helmed by Jame, a Gumbaynggirr nyami living on country on the NSW North Coast, Earth Jinda produces small batch aromatherapy; assisting with women's reproductive health and maternal wellbeing. All products are eco-friendly, ethically sourced and 100% Australian made.
3. Dilkara
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Julie, a Kamilaroi native started in hairdressing before pursuing her own hair and skin care products. Dilkara, the meaning of which refers to rainbow, honours the diversity of hair and skin tones of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Dilkara uses a range of ethically sourced ingredients all harvested from local indigenous communities.
4. Lowanna Skincare
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Lowanna has a dual meaning – both "woman" and "exquisite beauty". These are two factors essential to the ethos of the brand created to celebrate women and their unique and individual beauty. Established by Sinead, a proud descendent of the Narungga people of the Yorke Peninsula region, Lowanna utilises natural, plant-based native botanicals including acne fighting lemon myrtle and Kakadu Plum.
5. Indigie Earth
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Sharon Windsor, a local Ngemba Weilwan woman, has made it her mission to connect her cultural heritage to the wider beauty community using authentic native products. All of which are ethically and sustainably sourced. What started out as a a service to supply native indigenous foods has since expanded to include skincare. Her small batch range includes a luxury quandong facial treatment oil, native finger lime serum and a rich body butter, all focussed on enhancing cellular turnover.
6. L.A Couch
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Founder Lee Couch uses the power of essential oils and bush medicine to heal and connect with her Indigenous heritage. Working within the Victorian community facilitating retreats and mindfulness workshops, Lee also makes and sells essential oil blends, which can be purchased through the brand's website.
7. Wurrumay Collective
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Handmade home fragrances, body and hair products from a 100% proudly Indigenous-owned and operated brand. Founder Natasha Kaiser, creates each of Wurrumay Collective's products in her family home, infusing them with native ingredients inspired by her culture.
8. Yaye
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Warumungu and Luritja woman Melissa hails from Central Australia, where she has created a unique line of home and body care products that fuse traditional bush medicine with contemporary luxury, inspired by the colours and aromas of the Red Centre. Choose from a range of body butters, scrubs, bath salts and hand washes.
Wanting to support Indigenous-owned businesses across a variety of different industries? Here are 17 Indigenous businesses to have on your radar this January.
