Welcome to the inaugural WellBeing Be-YOU-T Awards, Australia’s only natural beauty awards. We asked for your favourite natural beauty products in categories like anti-ageing, face, body, hair, make-up, baby and many more, then we got to work. After collecting more than 14,000 votes from the general public, our editorial team spent a year testing, sampling and smelling over 200 beauty products.

Why? We want to help you navigate the natural beauty world by introducing you to good quality, WellBeing approved brands that actually work. Without further ado, please meet the winners of our 2020 WellBeing Be-YOU-T Awards competition. Drum roll, please.

Reviews by Kate Duncan and Sophie Flecknoe

Foundation

Fitcover Active Mineral Foundation Powder

I don’t wear make-up every day, reserving it for special occasions or when I want to feel a little fancy at work. Fitcover Active Mineral Foundation Powder has, however, changed my mind. It’s easy to apply, flawlessly dusts into my pores and leaves my skin feeling smooth and even. When it’s good quality foundation, like Fitcover Active Mineral Foundation Powder, I would wear it regularly – I feel so glamorous!

Lip colour

The Organic Skin Co Cheeky Lips Lush

I am head over heels for this product. It’s the best natural lip and cheek cream I have come across. Not only does it have a nourishing formula, the Lush colour is beautiful, even and full and leaves my cheeks and lips with a supple glow. I apply small dabs of it to the apples of my cheeks, blending with my fingers for a flawless finish. Then, I smooth it onto my lips and can’t stop smiling. The packaging is refillable which means I can keep my pot and keep filling it up. Easy, effortless and versatile!

Eye colour

Adorn Loose Mineral Eye Shadow

I’m not someone who wears a lot of make-up during the day. I have been known to dabble in eye make-up but it’s always a whisper of eye shadow across the lid rather than a thick, dark and smoky look. I tried the Adorn Loose Mineral Eye Shadow apprehensively; I prefer the “less is more” approach. However, I was very impressed. The eye shadow offers a loose powder so you can choose to have as much or as little as you like on your brush or finger. It has incredible staying power and after a full day at work I was pleased to see it still shimmering away on my eyelids.

Mascara

Natio Amplify & Separate Volumising Mascara

I have a love-hate relationship with mascara. Of course, I want long, voluminous lashes but I absolutely detest applying it. I had never found a mascara that I can trust or commit to until I tried Natio’s Amplify and Seperate Volumising Mascara. I love the shape of the wand; it cradled my lashes, mimicking their shape and direction perfectly. It doesn’t feel like the wand or formula fight against my lashes. Instead, they work with them and enhance them for the better. With just one coat, I have separated, long and defined lashes. This is my new go-to for a fresh and stylish look around the eye.

Nail care

Kester Black Rest & Repair Wonder Mask

Did you know that your nails grow while you sleep? Kester Black has created a product that protects and nourishes your nails while you’re asleep. Apply their nail treatment in the evening then wash it off the next morning. It smells beautiful and dries in just a few minutes so you won’t mess up your bed linen. I became very accustomed to my indulgent night-time routine using this product. After applying all my skincare products and hopping into bed, I would gently swipe this formula across each nail, making sure it also touched my cuticles. It was a lovely little ritual to adopt, almost meditative, and put me in a very present and calm state of mind before nodding off. When I washed this product off the next morning, my nails were perfect – no messy cuticles, no brittleness or uneven ridges. Just beautiful, clean, strong and healthy nails. The nail treatment is a manicure in a bottle.

Tan

Eco Tan Face Tan Water

Eco Tan Face Tan Water is one of a kind and a new favourite of mine. I love the product’s subtleness and the way it slowly builds a beautiful and even tan. The gradual liquid self-tanning toner is as light as water, easy to use and thankfully doesn’t have the strong smell of tan. It’s organic, specifically created for face, neck and décolletage and doesn’t leave a tan line around the jaw or neck. Plus, it blends really well and since using Eco Tan Face Tan Water I’ve hardly needed any foundation. So, all throughout winter, I’ve had a beautiful, healthy and natural-looking glow.

Body care

Clemence Organics Ultimate Hand + Body Lotion 

For me, the test of a good hand cream is whether or not it leaves any greasy or sticky residue behind. I was pleased to discover that Clemence Organics’ Ultimate Hand + Body Lotion left no undesirable residue at all except the love they deserve. The lightly scented lotion contains a power-packed formula of nourishing rosehip, calendula, jojoba and shea nut oils which are amazing for dry skin and scarring. I applied this to my body every day for a week, rubbing the excess into my hands. My skin was glowing, super-smooth and I was ecstatic to see that the keratosis pilaris on my arms appeared to reduce. It’s the ultimate lotion for all skin types.

Face Care

Dermatonics Clearskin 

Dermatonics Clearskin has designed carefully to achieve lasting results – and I can attest to that. The cream is light-weight and spreads well onto problem areas like the chin, cheeks, nose, forehead or T-zone. Every time I have a pimple rearing its ugly head, I dab a small amount on, and it disappears very quickly. Containing natural active ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antibacterial properties, along with key ingredients for congestion skin, the cream is perfect on my dry and sensitive skin. I use it day and night after cleansing and before a deeply nourishing moisturiser.

Anti-ageing skincare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be Genki CALM rejuvenating beauty oil 

Be Genki CALM Rejuvenating Beauty Oil

The Be Genki CALM rejuvenating beauty oil is bursting with organic oils, antioxidants and botanical extracts. Over the past few months, the lightweight and deliciously smelling oil has become a really beautiful ritual for my morning. I pump the oil twice into my palms then cup my hands to my face and inhale deeply. After three deep breaths, I feel calm and present. Then, I rub it all over my face! The beauty oil has been specifically formulated to minimise the appearance of fine lines and nourish dry, tired, sensitive and mature skin. Bursting with organic plant oils such as marula, prickly pear and black seed, along with antioxidants and active botanical extracts – the Be Genki CALM rejuvenating beauty oil leaves me feeling radiant and ready for the day.

Lip care

Hemp Foods Australia Sativa SMOOCH Hemp Lip Balm

Using a lip balm when the weather outside is cold and windy is an absolute must. In fact, I’m never not with a lip balm of some description. Rain, hail or shine, I have a lip balm close at hand. The Sativa SMOOCH Hemp Lip Balm has become a regular in my ever-growing lip balm arsenal. It’s soothing and silky and not at all gummy like some alternatives can be. It keeps my lips so soft and nourished that I don’t need to regularly apply – although I usually do because I love the subtle sheen it adds to my lips and I’m balm obsessed!

Odour care

KIND-LY The Armpit Detox 

When KIND-LY’s The Armpit Detox first landed on my desk, I was instantly intrigued. I had used natural deodorants in the past without having much luck, so I was happy to learn that KIND-LY’s The Armpit Detox could make my transition more affective. Magnetically drawing out impurities and clearing the pours, the detox is made from 100 per cent natural and organic ingredients and so easy to use. Simply apply a thin layer to clean, dry armpits and sit back and relax for 10-15 minutes (which provided me with forced meditation or reading time). Repeat daily for one-to-two weeks, then you’re ready to make the switch to natural deodorant.

Eye care

organicspa Eye Treat

I’m a sucker for a good eye cream and organicspa Eye Treat does not disappoint! Since turning 30, I’ve been getting to know a few new wrinkles around my eyes. I’m choosing to age gracefully and love those new little smile lines. Organicspa has enriched their eye cream with quality certified organic ingredients and plant extracts that the skin around my eyes laps up. Coming in a small tube, I keep the cream on my bedside table for easy application each night. It’s soft, smells delicious and light on my skin. I’ve even noticed a significant reduction to the puffiness underneath my eyes.

Face wash

Natio Rosewater Hydration Antioxidant Micellar Cleansing Water

I absolutely adore the smell of rosewater and love covering my body with this beautiful sweet scent. I don’t normally use micellar water; instead I remove makeup with an oil cleanser and then cleanse with my usual team of products. However, this product was so soothing and effective on my skin that I skipped the oil cleanse altogether. I poured Natio Rosewater Hydration Antioxidant Micellar Cleansing Water onto a cotton round and gently wiped it over my face and neck. Afterwards, my skin was clean, glowing and felt healthy and nourished.

Body Wash

Bosisto’s Kakadu Plum & Lemon Myrtle Nourishing Body Wash

Bosisto’s Kakadu Plum & Lemon Myrtle Nourishing Body Wash

I adore Kakadu Plum! Rich in vitamin C, this Australia fruit is one of my favourite beauty ingredients. Naturally, I was thrilled to test out Bosisto’s Kakadu Plum & Lemon Myrtle Nourishing Body Wash. Paired with the delicious citrus scent of Lemon Myrtle, another Australian ingredient, the body wash is a delight to use every morning. With a gentle coconut-derived base, it leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and deeply nourished. I love that the body wash is vegan, palm oil-free, Australian made and owned and contains so many native ingredients. We’re lucky to have so many healing botanicals here in Australia and I’m so glad Bosisto’s​ have put them to great use.

Hair wash

ecostore Dry Damaged & Colour Shampoo and Conditioner

Because I spend so much time in the surf, my hair is prone to sun damage and serious tangles. Luckily, ecostore Dry Damaged & Colour Shampoo exists to care for my hair naturally. The shampoo smells beautiful and works wonders in hydrating and restoring my dry and damaged hair. It lathers easily, which can often be hard to do when using natural haircare products. The same can be said about ecostore’s Dry Damaged & Colour Conditioner. This product nourishes and hydrates my hair and keeps my colour treatment fresh. The conditioner smells beautiful and is easy to comb through to remove any knots and tangles. What I love the most, however, is that these hair care products are a safer option for the planet. By choosing ecostore products, I avoid adding any more nasty chemicals into our waterways and oceans. The surfer in me loves that about ecostore!

Hair treatment

Tints of Nature Hydrate Treatment

The Tints of Nature Hydrate Treatment is unassuming and surprisingly effective. It applies just like a conditioner right after you shampoo your hair so there is excessive wait time for its impact to be felt. I often straighten my hair and as a result my hair has experienced some damage. After just one use of this treatment, my hair was visibly softer and shinier. The treatment leaves my hair bouncy, vibrant and glowing with good health. What I love the most about this product is the reassurance that I’m putting only natural and organic ingredients on my scalp and hair.

Men

One Seed Organic Cologne in Solitude 

While this product is marketed to those who wear cologne, it could also be considered a genderless scent. The One Seed Organic Cologne in Solitude is earthy, spicy and instantly pricks up the senses. The cologne’s main notes are black pepper, dry woods, tarragon and vanilla and, although it’s strong, it’s also bright and fresh. The One Seed packaging is ethereal; each fragrance contains quote from a famous poet on its bottle. This fragrance is a beautiful object in its own right, but the scent inside promises an uplifting, rich and tantalizing experience for anyone who chooses to wear it.

Baby

Divine Baby Soothing Baby Balm 

It’s important to use only safe, natural and organic products on baby’s skin. Considering I don’t have any kids, my darling friend used the Divine Baby Soothing Baby Balm on her five-month old and. After a very long conversation, my friend (and her bubba) and completely addicted. It’s smooth, gentle and smells of pure essential oils like chamomile and lavender which have a calming effect on her little one. Using high-quality, organic plant-derived ingredients like sweet almond oil, cocoa seed butter, rosemary and avocado, my friend used the cream as a prevention and treatment for nappy rash, eczema and dermatitis. Overall, she loved the safe and effective moisturiser and the many unique ways it nourished, protected and gently treated her baby’s precious skin.

Fragrance

Dindi Natural’s Desert Wood 100% Natural Perfume

Since choosing to live a natural, toxin-free life, my senses have really started to refine themselves. Now, I can taste and smell synthetic fragrances and other nasties in the air – to the point that it’s almost unbearable. I can no longer wear standard perfumes but, thankfully, I can cover myself in Dindi’s stunning Desert Wood 100% Natural Perfume without a problem. Made with beautiful sandalwood, rose and frankincense and other precious botanicals, the natural perfume smells delicious and is vegan and cruelty-free. Just a few sprays in the morning will last the whole day!

WellBeing loves

Naturally Inspired by Krissy Ballinger

Krissy Ballinger’s latest book, Naturally Inspired is a WellBeing favourite. The book is an extension of Krissy’s website The Inspired Little Pot, which acts as the perfect resource for those living a natural life free from avoidable toxins. In the book, you’ll learn how to replace a few store-bought products with DIY alternatives to improve your overall health and wellbeing. You’ll also save money, reduce waste and your body’s toxic burden with recipes for common day-to-day essentials like deodorant, sunscreen, magnesium oil, dishwasher tablets, cleaning sprays and much more. It’s easy to be inspired by the simplicity of the recipes and the stunning photography, along with the inclusion of thermal appliance methods and seemingly endless ideas on how to use essential oils. Living a natural, toxin-free life has never been easier.

Editor’s pick

Karinda Sacred Youth Oil

Karinda Sacred Youth Oil

I am obsessed with using oil on my skin! Karinda’s Sacred Youth Oil bends healing, certified organic, nutrient-rich botanicals together to create an oil that is so deeply nourishing for the skin. The expertly crafted formula contains rare fatty acids, rich botanical oils and powerful bio-active ingredients that work together to create an ultra-hydrating oil. I cannot get enough of it and use it morning and night.

Products to watch

AMPERNA Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion

I am obsessed with exfoliation. By that, I mean chemical exfoliation in the form of AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHA (beta-hydroxy acids). AHAs break down the “glue” between dead skin cells, leaving you with a glowing, smooth complexion. Luckily for me, the AMPERNA Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion contains the AHA, glycolic acid (at a pretty generous dosage of 10 per cent) to gently resurface the top layer of the skin. What sets this formula apart is that has been specifically formulated for even the most sensitive skin so is perfect for first-time exfoliators. It also contains antioxidants and AMPERNA’s signature probiotic complex to calm redness and act as a protective barrier on the skin. This product is designed to be left on, so don’t wash it off after applying. After cleansing I gently patted the lotion onto my face, neck and décolletage and followed soon after with a moisturiser. Keep in mind that using AHA and BHA ingredients can make you more sensitive to the sun, so always, always, always wear SPF the following day.

Adorn Anti-Ageing SPF 20+ Mineral Foundation

Adorn Anti-Ageing SPF 20+ Mineral Foundation

Do you want a foundation that provides a glowing, dewy complexion while remaining dry with a velvet-like finish? Look no further than the Adorn Anti-Aging loose mineral foundation. Not only does this foundation have the added benefit of minerals and SPF 20+ (UVA and UVB protection, thank you very much), it is also full coverage even though it is a super-lightweight formulation. As this product is a loose powder you don’t want to apply it too liberally. What I did each morning was dip a kabuki brush (a powder brush will work just as well) into the pot and tap off the excess before buffing in circular motions over my whole face. This powder has a beautiful shimmer to it and I loved how it left my skin with a soft glow.

Newcomers

Natio Nourishing Argan Oil Hair Treatment 

Show your hair some tender loving care with Natio’s Nourishing Argan Oil Hair Treatment. This weightless blend of potent oils absorbed into my hair instantly and made it feel incredibly soft and healthy. After washing my hair, I just smoothed it through the mid-lengths and ends of my hair (not the roots) and let it dry naturally. When using this product, I found my hair dried smoother and straighter, rather than frizzy and fluffy. Plus, it smells divine!

The Whole Boodies Certified Organic Zesty Deodorant 

Of course I want my armpits feeling zesty with Whole Boodies Certified Organic Zesty Deodorant! Their unique natural deodorant blend smells fruity and delicious and makes me smile every morning I roll it under my arms. It’s vegan and aluminium-free and comes in the perfect gym or yoga bag size. After making the switch to a natural and effective deodorant, I haven’t looked back once — especially when my favourite ingredients calendula and camomile are blended with love. A big win for my pits and the planet!

ecostore Baby Sleepytime Bath

ecostore – Sleepytime Bath 

My cousin came over with her two-month-old girl, Isla, for a weekend of pampering (for Isla, not us). Each and every ecostore product we used on little Isla was like magic. My cousin noted that the products were of much higher quality than some of the other products she had used on her daughter. The ecostore Sleepytime Bath was a strong favourite. It’s a beautiful tonic that you pour into the warm bathwater. When do you, it releases the amazing aromas that work well in promoting sleep. Isla was so calm after her bath and went straight to sleep (this rarely happens for Isla, so it was quite a magical moment). Isla’s mum even said she would go out and buy it again purely for its sleep-inducing power! This is a must-have for parents with fussy sleepers.