CosBeauty Magazine #95

COSBEAUTY 

ISSUE 95 FEB-APRIL 2022 

2022 

trend 

forecast 

The new 

stone age 

WHY CRYSTAL 

HEALING IS 

HAVING A 

MOMENT 

A fascinating 

history of 

anti-wrinkle 

injections 

24 

LOCAL 

BRANDS 

KEEPING 

AUSTRALIA 

BEAUTIFUL 

9 771833 383011 

ISSN 1834-383X 

02 

The skin 

& hair 

revival 

guide

.com.au 

moisturising 

in all forms 

A range formulated with highly efficient 

active ingredients that provide all skin types 

with an optimal level of hydration. 

Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient within 

the range, to help prevent dehydration at all 

levels. This is combined with antioxidant and 

anti-pollution active ingredients to provide 

an additional protective action. 

the element for skincare experts 

mesoestetic.com.au | 1800 242 011

CLEAR + BRILLIANT 

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nicole 

As we age, the amount of maintenance required to keep a youthful look will increase, 

but getting started early is a huge advantage. Filling the gap between over-the-counter 

treatments and more aggressive laser offerings, Clear + Brilliant creates and defi nes an 

entirely new category of laser aesthetic treatments for clients moving along the skincare 

continuum. Clear + Brilliant helps prevent and address early signs of ageing, resulting in a 

brighter, more even skin tone. Treatments are comfortable, fast, effective and suitable for 

all skin types. The results are both immediate and progressive, depending on the age and 

condition of the skin. It is also great for those who are looking for short downtime and a quick 

skin ‘pick-me-up’. Call Nicole now to take advantage of an opening offer. 

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46 The new stone age 

Crystal healing, long the domain 

of new-age pseudoscience, 

is having a moment – and the 

beauty industry wants in. 

66 Post-summer hair revival 

Tresses in distress? Prepare to 

repair with these hydrating 

hair heroes. 

72 The Aussie brands keeping 

Australia beautiful 

Some of our favourite local 

products to give you that 

undeniable Aussie glow. 

82 Cool, calm and collected 

Is your skin sending out an SOS? 

We have the products to help you 

shield and repair your skin from 

the sins of summer. 

REGULARS 

10 Editor’s Letter 

12 Beauty Insider 

110 Ed’s Faves 

FEATURES 

54 Skincare myths busted 

Could the active ingredients in 

your skincare product be doing 

more damage than good to 

your skin? 

90 Beauty & beyond 

Meet the lady bosses behind 

two Australian success stories. 

98 Under the knife: Is the Australian 

cosmetic surgery industry 

getting a facelift? 

We report on the current 

‘cosmetic surgeon’ crisis in 

Australia and proposed changes 

to the industry. 

102 The most popular anti-ageing 

treatmentof all time 

As Botox Cosmetic celebrates 

its 20th birthday this year, 

we take a trip down memory 

lane with the founders of this 

revolutionary treatment. 

BEAUTY 

30 2022 beauty trend forecast 

The future looks bright – with 

a focus on sustainability, 

diversity, accessibility and 

personalisation.

WELLNESS 

106 Everything you knew about 

metabolism may be wrong 

Recent research has shaken 

widely held weight loss theories 

to the core. 

www.cosbeauty.com.au 9

From the 

EDITOR 

It’s hard to believe we’re already in February 2022! This year has already started 

with its fair share of ups and downs – the down being we’re still in the midst 

of a pandemic, and the up being there is light at the end of the tunnel. In the 

beauty world, the future certainly looks bright. For the first time, we are seeing a 

shift in power, with consumers setting the trends and evolving beauty standards that put 

inclusion, accessibility, diversity and sustainability at the fore. You can read more about 

2022’s forecast on page 30. 

Shopping local is more important than ever in our collective quest for sustainable 

beauty. A brand’s footprint matters and as consumers we’re increasingly making our 

purchasing decisions based on a brand’s environmental impact just as much as we are on 

the product’s efficacy. On page 72 we showcase some of the Aussie brands leading the 

way with sustainable, eco-friendly, high-performing beauty products. 

The Aussie summer is slowly drawing to a close. If, like me, you’ve enjoyed a bit too 

much fun in the sun and saltwater, now’s the time to repair your skin and hair from the 

sins of summer. Check out our tried and tested favourite skincare products on page 82, 

and our hair repair heroes on page 66. 

We had so much fun this issue taking a trip down memory lane with the founders of 

Botox Cosmetic. From page 102 you can learn about the birth of anti-wrinkle injections, 

past, present and possible uses, and how it’s become the most popular anti-ageing 

treatment of all time. 

For more inspirational stories, we’re also proud to profile two Aussie success stories 

in the local beauty industry on page 90. Plus, as always, we share the latest products and 

treatments from both here and abroad. 

Happy reading, and here’s to a positive and empowering year ahead! 

Issue 95 

Feb – April 2022 

Editor-in-Chief 

Michelle Kearney 

Art Director 

Debbie Pilarinos 

Writers 

David Hickie, 

Aimeé Rodrigues 

Photographers 

Debbie Pilarinos, ShutterStock 

Distribution & 

Subscription Enquiries 

Bill Dunk 

Phone 02 8095 6265 Mob 0410 528 582 

Email bill@bellamedia.com.au 

Advertising Enquiries 


Phone 02 8095 6265 Mob 0419 624 246 

Email michelle@bellamedia.com.au 

Editorial Enquiries 


Phone 02 8095 6265 Mob 0419 624 246 

Email michelle@bellamedia.com.au 

Produced & Published by Bella Media 

ABN 86 082 157 695 

Managing Director 


Chief Operating Officer 

Bill Dunk 

Public Relations, Marketing 

& Event Organisation 

Phone 02 8095 6265 

OFFICE ADDRESS 

Suite 2201, Level 22 Westfield Tower 2 

101 Grafton St, 

Bondi Junction NSW, 2022 

Phone +61 2 8095 6265 

www.bellamedia.com.au 


Editor-in-Chief 

michelle@bellamedia.com.au 

FIND US ON FACEBOOK 

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FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM 

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Visit our new website, www.aestheticadvisor.com.au, the trusted online resource 

to: research procedures; find a skilled practitioner; read real reviews; and have 

questions answered. You will be able to find out everything you want to know 

about different aesthetic treatments, products and news. Leave a review of any 

product or treatment you’ve tried or practitioner you’ve visited. 

READ THE ONLINE EDITION PLUS MORE GREAT ARTICLES @ 

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Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the 

written authorisation of the publisher. All reasonable efforts have 

been made to trace copyright holders. All manuscripts and articles 

submitted for publication remain the property of The Bella Media 

Group. This magazine contains general information only and does 

not purport to be a substitute for medical advice. All readers 

are advised to seek medical advice from a doctor if considering 

cosmetic surgery. The publisher and the authors do not accept 

any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in 

reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. Except 

where specified in captions, photographs depict models who have 

not necessarily received treatments described in this magazine. 

Any ‘before and after’ photographs in CosBeauty Magazine 

articles are of genuine patients. It is important to understand 

that they represent one person’s experience and there is 

no guarantee that any other patient will experience similar results.

@cosbeauty 

Beauty insider 

THE WHO’S WHO AND WHAT’S NEW IN BEAUTY. 

RIHANNA’S NEW LUXURY 

FRAGRANCE DROPS 

Defying categorisation, Fenty Eau 

de Parfum is spicy and sweet all at 

once and is designed to be worn 

by all people, for all occasions. 

Inspired by some of Rihanna’s most 

distinct memories and places from 

throughout her life – Bridgetown, 

Barbados; Grasse, France; New 

York, New York; Paris, France; 

Los Angeles, California – Rihanna 

created Fenty Eau de Parfum as a 

scent personal both to herself and 

to others. It evokes the memories, 

connections and experiences 

unique to each person through the 

power of scent. 

‘I wanted a rich colour that 

really represented all genders 

from across all walks of life,’ says 

Rihanna. ‘Brown is my favourite 

colour. Brown is who I am. Brown 

is what I come from. If I’m going to 

make a fragrance that represents 

me, even the body language of 

the bottle needs to marry that. So, 

I wanted something brown, but 

also transparent – so you could see 

the liquid and the fragrance you’re 

about to experience.’ 

This is confidence in a bottle. 

Where to buy: Fenty Eau de 

Parfum ($225 AUD) is available 

exclusively at FentyBeauty.com 

in limited quantities and for 

international shipping. 

12

@cosbeauty 

CELEBRATING THE YEAR 

OF THE TIGER 

February 1 marks the Lunar New 

Year and the beginning of the Year 

of the Tiger! To celebrate, some of 

our favourite brands are offering 

special edition sets and products. 

SkinCeuticals’ Lunar New Year 

set takes the guesswork out of a 

luxurious and efficacious skincare 

routine with a kit designed to 

soothe, calm and clarify the 

complexion. 

This limited-edition skincare 

bundle is the perfect foray into 

the world of SkinCeuticals, with 

products combined to provide 

advanced environmental protection 

and soothe visible redness. 

The skincare kit contains: Phyto 

Corrective Essence Hydrating Mist 

10ml, 3x Phloretin CF Vitamin C 

Serum 4ml, Phyto Corrective Gel 

Calming Serum 30ml, and 2x Phyto 

Corrective Hydrating Masque 4ml. 

SkinCeuticals Lunar New Year 

Bundle is available for purchase 

for $180 RRP on the SkinCeuticals 

website and other stockists. 

Clinique is celebrating the Lunar 

New Year with four of its bright 

stars refashioned in limited-edition 

Year of the Tiger packaging: 

Jumbo Dramatically Different 

Moisturising Lotion+ 200ml $70, 

Jumbo Dramatically Different Oil- 

Control Gel 200ml $70, Jumbo Even 

Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot 

Corrector + Interruptor 100ml $195, 

and Cheek Pop Highlighter in Gold 

Celebration Pop $42. 

Sisley Paris is also celebrating 

the occasion with the release of a 

limited-edition gift box including 

five iconic luxury travel size Sisley 

essentials with any $300+ Sisley 

purchase at David Jones. The gift 

set includes Lyslait 30ml, Floral 

Toner 30ml, Black Rose Cream 

Mask 10ml, All Day All 

Year 10ml and Sisleÿa 

L’Intégral Anti-Âge 

Firming Serum 5ml. 


@cosbeauty 

FUSSPOT COLLAGEN TEA’S NEW 

SLEEP RANGE 

Yes, you really can have it all! 

Fusspot’s Sleep Tea range – Cloud 

Nine and Chai So High – helps you 

to drift off to slumberland while 

waking up with glowing skin. 

Hydrolysed collagen peptides 

are at the core of this Australianowned 

consumable beauty product. 

With premium quality collagen 

peptides that help enhance inner 

wellbeing, your complexion enjoys 

the ingredients it needs to become 

more luminous. 

Cloud Nine tea is packed with 

antioxidants to promote beauty 

from within while helping you wind 

down with a good night’s sleep that 

leaves you refreshed and glowing. 

Ingredients: Chamomile flowers, 

lemon balm leaf, passionflower, 

lavender flowers, scullcap leaf with 

hydrolysed collagen. 

Chai So High is a tasty mix of 

herbs and spices, whirled together 

with hydrolysed collagen to give 

your skin and body a boost. 

Ingredients: Hydrolysed collagen, 

spices including ground cinnamon, 

ground ginger, ground cardamon, 

turmeric powder, and ground cloves. 

Where to buy: Head to 

https://fusspottea.com/ 

SKIN FRUIT – SKINCARE 

DESIGNED TO RESET YOUR SKIN 

New on our radar is Skin Fruit, an 

Australian-owned and operated 

high-performance skincare range 

designed for sensitive skin. The 

cleanser and moisturiser feature 

botanicals that work to help reset 

and get your skin glowing, so you 

can wake up feeling confident with 

clearer skin. 

Skin Fruit was founded in 2019 

by pharmacist Amanda Dang who, 

after years of trying out countless 

products to help alleviate her own 

skin sensitivity issues, became 

hugely frustrated with the quantity of 

products in the marketplace which 

were ineffective, confusing and 

weakened her skin barrier. 

Amanda finally narrowed down 

a few key ingredients which were 

highly beneficial in restoring her 

own skin. From this, she worked 

together with a cosmetic chemist to 

formulate a skincare range that was 

intentionally minimal, purposeful, 

and contained effective daily skin 

botanical ingredients that were 

soothing and rejuvenating to help 

keep skin happy and clear from 

breakouts, redness and itchiness. 

The hero products include 

the Non-Stripping Cleanser and 

Protective Moisturizer, helping 

to improve dryness, dehydration, 

redness, and sensitivity. 

Where to buy: Head to 

https://skinfruit.com.au 

14

@cosbeauty 

IS CLINICAL ACTIVE PEEL 

SYSTEM LAUNCHES 

Internationally loved serious skincare brand 

iS CLINICAL is launching a powerful yet 

gentle, fast-acting 2-step at-home treatment 

designed to polish and resurface skin 

while providing hydration and antioxidant 

protection. Set to become another one of 

the brand’s cult performers, the simple yet 

ingenious system improves skin tone, texture 

and smoothness and helps to reduce the 

look of fine lines and wrinkles and pore size. 

Read our full report on page 42. 

Where to buy: For a list of stockists and 

clinics, check out www.isclinical.com.au 

NEW NATURAL HAIRCARE RANGE 

YOUR HAIR WILL THANK YOU FOR 

What if we paid as much attention to 

the ingredients in our haircare as we did 

our skincare? Well, 2022 is the year to 

up your haircare game and shop cleaner 

and greener. And weDo/ Professional is 

making it a cinch. 

Recently launched by the Wella 

Company, weDo/ Professional is a range 

of recyclable vegan hair products for 

hair (and skin!), certified by the Vegan 

Society and Cruelty Free International. 

From sulphate-free shampoo and 

plastic-free shampoo bars to siliconefree 

hair oils and masks, create your 

perfect hair care routine knowing this 

eco-ethical brand follows a minimalist 

formula design that ensures high 

performance and peace of mind. 


Nothing is worth 

more than laughter. 

It is strength to 

laugh and to abandon 

oneself, to be light. 

Frida 

Kahlo 

16


A smile is a 

curve that 

sets everything 

straight. 

Phyllis Diller 


Those who do 

not know how to 

weep with their 

whole heart don’t 

know how to 

laugh either. 

Golda Meir


22 

Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Wit is the key, I 

think, to anybody’s 

heart, because 

who doesn’t like 

to laugh? 

Julia 

Roberts 


Laugh, my friend, 

for laughter ignites 

a fire within the pit 

of your belly and 

awakens your being. 

STELLA 

MCCARTNEY

Credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com 


26 

Credit: Sherlock_wijaya / Shutterstock.com

If you can make 

a woman laugh, 

you can make 

her do anything. 

Marilyn 

Monroe 


I love people who 

make me laugh. 

I honestly think 

it’s the thing I like 

most, to laugh. It 

cures a multitude 

of ills. It’s probably 

the most important 

thing in a person. 

Audrey 

28

Hepburnw www.cosbeauty.com.au ww.cosbeauty.com.au 29

BEAUTY 

30 www.cosbeauty.com.au

BEAUTY 

TREND 

FORECAST 

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT 

– WITH EMERGING BEAUTY 

STANDARDS THAT PUT DIVERSITY AND 

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE FORE. 


BEAUTY 

Authenticity 

1. 

If anything good came out of 2020/21, it’s the new and improved beauty 

standards we’re finally beginning to see. Brands are championing 

diversity, inclusion and accessibility by expanding and adapting their 

product offerings, helping us stay true to our authentic selves and 

embracing what makes each of us special. 

‘The industry is progressive. When we talk about inclusion and 

diversity, the industry has focused longer on trying to serve [customer] 

needs, from an assortment standpoint, [compared to] other industries,’ 

Monica Arnaudo, Chief Merchandising Officer at Ulta Beauty, told 

Glossy.co. ‘What is happening [trend-wise] does have a larger impact 

on the beauty landscape… The insights we’ve garnered and the trends 

for the last couple of years have shaped the beauty landscape and will 

continue to shape it. [Trend adoptions] are going to be even faster than 

we’ve seen in the past.’ 

Rohan Widdison, founder and CEO of cosmetic formulator New 

Laboratories, says one of the main trends we’re expecting to see in 

2022 is a shift in power from the beauty industry to the consumer. 

‘Instead of the beauty industry setting the trends which consumers 

follow, 2022 will see more brands being consciously driven by social 

awareness and led by consumers, instead of the traditional supplier 

trend-setting approach which has been the way of the past,’ he says. 

3. 

Sustainability 

A brand’s footprint is going to matter even more in 2022. 

Sustainability is now an industry standard, and consumers are 

making their purchasing decisions just as much on a brand’s 

environmental impact as they are on the product’s efficacy. We want 

to know exactly what goes into a product, how an ingredient is 

sourced and harvested, how the product is made and manufactured 

and how it can be recycled, refilled and reused. 

‘Consumers are becoming increasingly sustainably conscious and 

are expecting their brands to do the same,’ says Widdison. ‘Whilst 

nearly all companies have sustainable practices in place, consumers 

are expecting more from their brands in this space, including more 

plastic-free products, refillable packaging, fair and ethical sourcing 

and a proactive approach to reducing overconsumption.’ 

In a recent Instagram survey of 1,200 weekly social media users 

between 13- and 24-years old, one-third said they are interested 

in learning more about clean makeup and skincare in 2022, buying 

vegan makeup and plant-based skincare, and using fewer products. 


Credit: Charlie Edward / Shutterstock.com 

2. 

Digitalisation 

With artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, 

augmented reality and DNA analysis, the beauty 

industry is becoming increasingly technologydriven 

in delivering personalisation in ways that 

the traditional cosmetic counter cannot,’ says 

Widdison. ‘With consumers’ needs changing and 

demanding more custom and specific results, 

such as exact skincare matches and personalised 

formulas, digitalisation of the beauty industry will 

continue to increase in 2022,’ he shares. 

4. 

The curly 

hair 

revolution 

‘2022 is the year for curly hair to thrive! It’s been a 

long time coming – throughout the world, 65% of 

our population are living with wavy, curly or Afro 

(aka coily) hair,’ says Rumbie Mutsiwa, founder of 

RUMBIE & CO, Australia’s leading curl specialist 

salon. She says to look out for ‘wash & go’ 

au naturel styles, curly bangs, the middle part, 

the retro shag and braids. 

High-puff hairstyles are also huge. According 

to Pinterest’s 2022 beauty trend roundup, 

embracing the natural hair movement is driving 

the popularity of high-puff hairstyles, the simple 

and chic curly-girl updo. 

‘High puff hairstyle’ searches grew 165% in the 

period between October 2019 and September 

2021, while ‘natural hair bun styles’ searches 

increased 160%. 


Makeup 

Report: 

Natural Beauty 

5. 

BEAUTY 

If more was less in 2021, this year we’ll be seeing even 

more pared-back looks. Think natural skin shining 

through rather than your typical ‘Instagram makeup’ 

look. Not matte, not extremely dewy, but something 

silky in the middle. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

1. Sisley Phyto-Blanc Le Cushion (on counter 13 March 2022), 

$170, 2. Arbonne Sheer Glow Highlight Stick, $69, 3. Trinny 

London BFF Rebalance, $75, 4. Fenty Beauty Liquid Killawatt 

Fluid Freestyle Highlighter in Hu$tla Baby, $39, 5. Charlotte 

Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation in Warm, $65, 6. IT Cosmetics 

Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF50, $63, 7. Sisley Phyto-Teint 

Nude, $120, 8. L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted 

Serum, $39.95, 9. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Hydra-Glow 

Treatment Balm, $79.95, 10. Ella Baché Superfluid Great SPF50+ 

Skin Tint, $56, 11. Lycogel Breathable Camouflage, $108, 12. 

IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream 60ml, $75 

4. 

5. 

7. 

6. 


8. 

9. 

11. 

12. 

10. 


BEAUTY 

6. 

Makeup Report: 

Bold & Creative 

While a bit counterintuitive with the concurrent minimalist 

skin look, pops of colour are also reemerging. Unleash your 

creativity with graphic liners in red and sapphire, crystal eye 

makeup (yes, using sticker face gems) and throwback glossy 

lips in bright pinks and reds. 

2. 

1. L’Oreal Paris Paris Le Liner Signature Gold Velvet, 

$18.33, 2. Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof 

Eye Definer in Aqua Sparkle, $12.95, 3. Stila After 

Hours Eye Shadow Palette $114.25, 4. Arbonne It’s 

All In The Eyes Eye Shadow Palette - Volume 2, $86, 

5. Trinny London Eye2Eye Eyetallics in Persephone, 

$34, 6. Trinny London Lip Luxe in Pookie, $40, 7. 

Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Kitten 

Karma, $34, 8. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat 

Lip Luminizer + Plumper, $35, 9. NYX Professional 

Makeup Glitter Primer $12.95, 10. Arbonne Glossed 

Over Lip Gloss in Primrose, $40 

4. 

5. 

3. 

1. 

7. 

8. 

6. 

9. 

10. 


Pantone Veri Peri 

Colour of the Year 

1. 

2022’s colour of the year is ‘Very Peri’, a periwinkle blue hue 

with violet-red undertones that symbolises transition, new 

possibilities and the global zeitgeist of the moment. 

‘The Pantone Colour of the Year reflects what is taking place 

in our global culture, expressing what people are looking 

for that colour can hope to answer,’ says Laurie Pressman, 

Vice President of the Pantone Colour Institute. ‘Creating a 

new colour for the first time in the history of our Pantone 

Colour of the Year educational colour program reflects 

the global innovation and transformation taking place. As 

society continues to recognise colour as a critical form of 

communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and 

emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this 

new red violet-infused blue hue highlights the expansive 

possibilities that lay before us.’ 

TikTok-ers are au fait with the colour purple. The platform’s 

purple blush trend has risen to makeup stardom – since the 

trend began in October 2021, the hashtag #purpleblush has 

garnered well over 16 million views on TikTok. 

2. 

3. 

1. Sisley Phyto-Blush Twist Berry, $85, 2. Sisley Phyto- 

Lip Twist Soft Berry, $60, 3. Anastasia Beverly Hills 

Norvina Pro Pigment Eyeshadow Palette Vol 5, $110 

4. OPI Infinite Shine Hollywood Collection Nail Polish 

in Oh You Sing, Dance, Act and Produce, $22.95 

4. 


SKIN

the 

SKINCARE 

SOLUTION 

every skin 

needs 

WE’RE CALLING IT. MESOESTETIC’S 

MOISTURISING SOLUTIONS MAY BE THE MOST 

EXCEPTIONAL SKINCARE LINE WE’VE TRIED. 

2022 is already looking better than 

its predecessor, with mesoestetic 

just dropping their new-look 

moisturising solutions range. This is 

moisturising at all levels for all skin 

types, complete with antioxidant and 

anti-pollution active ingredients for a 

one-stop solution to your post-summer 

skin hydration woes. 

The moisturising solutions range 

is formulated with highly effective 

active ingredients that provide the 

skin with an optimal level of hydration 

to help maintain it in an optimal 

aesthetic condition. It also offers 

solutions tailored to the unique needs 

of each skin type. 

The mechanisms that regulate skin 

hydration levels can become altered 

by various factors (age, stress, hormonal 

changes, environmental factors 

and so on), which can cause a dull 

complexion, rough and uneven skin 

texture, deeper wrinkles, irritation, 

etc. In order to help prevent 

dehydration and maintain the skin 

in its best condition, mesoestetic’s 

moisturising solutions feature a series 

of products with highly effective active 

ingredients. 

The new-release hydra-vital light is 

breaking skincare ground, helping to 

prevent dehydration at all levels in the 

skin and providing additional protective 

action through antioxidant and antipollution 

active ingredients. 


ha densimatrix, $159 

SKIN 

Intensive moisturising concentrate 

with hyaluronic acid, suitable for 

all skin types 

ha densimatrix combines hyaluronic 

acid in multiple molecular forms 

for penetration at different levels. It 

also includes the anti-hyaluronidase 

complex, to protect HA from 

degradation and help prevent 

visible oxidation caused by external 

aggressions, and the antiaging pro 

complex, to help promote visible 

firmness and elasticity, minimising 

the appearance of wrinkles. 

It has an anti-ageing, plumping 

and protective action, and provides a 

deeply intense and fresh hydration. 

hydra-vital factor k, $149 

Moisturising and nourishing cream 

for normal and dry skin 

hydra-vital factor k is a rich moisturising 

cream with a protective action and an 

exclusive formulation which provides 

a very similar role to the natural 

moisturising factor (containing amino 

acids, urea, allantoin and lactic acid). In 

addition, the key ingredient Vitamin E, 

provides an antioxidant effect that helps 

protect the skin against free radicals, 

which are responsible for accelerating 

visible skin ageing. Provides deep 

hydration all day long.

hydravital mask, $118 

Moisturising mask for dry and 

dehydrated skin 

hydravital mask is an intensive 

moisturising mask that combines 

hyaluronic acid and viola tricolor 

extract in its formulation to 

provide immediate, efficient and 

homogeneous hydration. Thanks 

to key ingredients argan oil and 

panthenol, the skin recovers the lipids 

essential for comfort and balance, 

helping promote a restorative, 

soothing and anti-redness action. 

In addition, the formula’s postbiotic 

active ingredient (Lactobacillus 

Ferment) enhances the balance of the 

microbiota to help strengthen and 

preserve the appearance of the skin 

barrier, while active ingredient Urban 

D-Tox helps protect the skin against 

the visible effects of pollution. 

It is perfect for applying after sun 

exposure and can be stored in the 

refrigerator to achieve a fresh cool 

feeling in the hot months. 

INTRODUCING 

hydra-vital light 

$118 

Refreshing moisturising gel-cream for normal, 

combination and oily skin 

hydra-vital light, as the name suggests, has a 

light and non-oily texture allowing for rapid 

absorption. It provides an immediate feeling of 

freshness, softness and comfort while helping 

protect skin against the visible effects of 

pollution. It is also perfect for summer skin that 

can’t tolerate heavy textures due to the heat. 

hydra-vital light contains hyaluronic acid 

in different molecular weights and forms, 

providing optimal and lasting hydration; Urban 

D-tox, an antioxidant and anti-pollution active 

ingredient; and a plant-based polysaccharide 

that helps aid in the repair of the skin barrier 

function, therefore helping to prevent 

transepidermal water loss. 

Refreshing and with long-lasting hydration, 

hydra-vital light is non-comedogenic and has 

been dermatologically tested. 

WHERE TO GET IT 

The moisturising solutions range is available at mesoestetic clinics. 

For more information, visit mesoestetic.com.au or call 1800 242 011 


SKIN 

How to age-proof 

your skin in 

steps 

POLISH AND PERFECT YOUR SKIN 

WITH IS CLINICAL’S NEW CLINICALLY 

ADVANCED AND BOTANICALLY 

2BASED ACTIVE PEEL SYSTEM. 

Vetted by dermatologists, backed 

by hard science and praised 

by many Hollywood A-listers, 

it’s hardly surprising iS CLINICAL 

has reached cult status. The brand has 

taken the skincare world by storm, due 

to its effective, proven ingredients in 

optimal concentrations that deliver 

real, visible results. 

And now iS CLINICAL has 

launched its much-anticipated Active 

Peel System, a gentle resurfacing 

treatment that is revolutionising the 

at-home skin treatment market. 

iS Clinical Active Peel System is 

an advanced two-step exfoliating

treatment based on botanical 

ingredients that resurfaces and 

rejuvenates the skin. This wellbalanced 

system also moisturises and 

brightens the skin while providing 

the skin with antioxidant protection. 

Designed to use every other day, the 

result is smoother skin texture, more 

even tone and a more youthful-looking 

complexion. It’s super easy to use, too; 

the peel pads quickly and effectively 

exfoliate and renew the skin without 

the need for water or a removal 

process. 

UNIQUE 2-STEP 

PROCESS 

Cosmeceutical products for home use 

have exponentially grown in popularity 

since COVID-19 began. Although 

several brands of home peel pads 

are available, the Active Peel System 

consists of a unique two-step process. 

Step 1 is designed to provide 

controlled exfoliation and assist with 

the removal of devitalised skin. It 

features a proprietary combination 

of powerful yet gentle botanical acids 

combined with soothing, nurturing 

botanical extracts. 

Step 2 is the neutraliser for Step 

1 and also provides hydration and 

rejuvenation. It features the 

brand’s proprietary botanical 

extremozyme technology and Copper 

Tripeptide-1 combined with soothing 

active botanicals. 

The Active Peel system may be used 

as a stand-alone home facial treatment 

system or to prep and support the skin 

for more focused or aggressive in-office 

treatments. 


SKIN 

CLINICAL STUDY 

RESULTS 

A clinical study supported by iS Clinical 

evaluated the benefits of the Active Peel 

Improvements Improvements in fine lines and fine wrinkles, lines and texture, wrinkles, smoothness, texture, smoothness, luminosity, luminosit 

radiance, brightness, radiance, brightness, and periorbital and periorbital wrinkles. wrinkles. 

ACTIVE ACTIVE PEEL PEEL SYSTEM PEEL SYSTEM 

59 Year Old 59 | Year Caucasian Old | Caucasian | Female | Female 

System in improving dermal thickness/ Improvements Improvements in sagging, 19% fine sagging, lines 19% increase and fine wrinkles, increase lines and in expression wrinkles, lines, expression 

density and visual appearance of the skin, 

luminosity, 

including fine lines and wrinkles, laxity/ 

DERMAL smoothness, luminosity, DERMAL THICKNESS/DENSITY 

smoothness, texture, and texture, sallowness. and sallowness. 

sagging, periorbital darkness, overall 

by using by Active using Peel Active System Peel System 

brightness, texture, pore size, radiance, 60 Year Old 60 | Native Year Old American | Native | American Female | Female 

luminosity, tone and smoothness. 

Thirty female subjects between 37 and 

Improvements Improvements in appearance in appearance of lines & of wrinkles, lines & wrinkles, laxity/sagging, laxity/sagging, periorbital periorbital darkness, 

64 years of age and of various ethnic 

backgrounds participated in this study. overall brightness, overall brightness, texture, pore texture, size, pore radiance, size, radiance, luminosity, luminosity, tone, and tone, smoothness. and Subjects were instructed to cleanse their 

BEFORE 

8 weeks AFTER. Improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, 

BEFORE BEFORE 

texture, smoothness, luminosity, 

8 WEEKS 

radiance, brightness 

8 WEEKS 

and 

face, and then use the two-step Active Peel 

50 Year 50 Old Year | African Old | African American periorbital American wrinkles. | Female| Female 

System every other evening on clean skin 

and according to application instructions 

for a period of eight weeks. Visia Improvements Improvements in fine lines and fine wrinkles, lines and sallowness, wrinkles, sallowness, texture, and texture, tone. and tone 

photographs were taken of each subject at 

intervals throughout the study. 

48 Year Old 48 | Year Caucasian Old | Caucasian | Female | Female 

In this study, skin density/thickness was 

evaluated by dermal ultrasound. Higher 

values for skin density/thickness correlate 

to higher collagen content and younger age. BEFORE BEFORE 

8 WEEKS 8 WEEKS 

This indicates a more youthful appearance, 

better skin recovery and resilience against 

traction stress (as with gravity), and delayed 

Improvements Improvements in hyperpigmentation, in hyperpigmentation, tone, texture, tone, brightness, texture, smoothness, 

brightness, sm 

onset of the visual appearance of ageing. 

Visia photographs of subjects at 8 weeks 

and underlying and inflammation. 

underlying inflammation. 

demonstrated improvements in sagging, 

fine lines and wrinkles, expression lines, BEFORE 

52 

BEFORE 

Year Old 52 | Latinx Year Old | Female | Latinx 

4 

| 

WEEKS 

Female 

4 WEEKS 

BEFORE 

8 weeks AFTER. Improvements in appearance of lines 

luminosity, smoothness, texture and 

BEFORE BEFORE 

and wrinkles, laxity/sagging, 8 WEEKS 

periorbital darkness, 8 WEEKS overall 

brightness, texture, pore size, radiance, luminosity, tone 

sallowness, as well as improvements in 

and smoothness. 

hyperpigmentation, tone, brightness and 

luminosity and underlying inflammation. 

Ultrasound measurements of dermal 

thickness/density indicated a 19% increase 

in dermal thickness/density by using Active 

Peel System compared with the baseline 

at the start of the study. This correlates 

to significant improvements in collagen 

density and deposition. 

Active Peel System was well tolerated by 

all subjects and no product-related adverse 

events occurred. CBM 

BEFORE 

BEFORE 

BEFORE 

8 weeks AFTER. Improvements in hyperpigmentation, tone, 

texture, brightness, smoothness and underlying inflammation. 

8 WEEKS 

8 WEEKS

SKIN-LOVING 

BENEFITS 

Reduces the 

appearance of fine lines 

and wrinkles 

Powerful, yet gently 

resurfaces the skin 

Improves skin tone, 

texture and smoothness 

Improves appearance 

of hyperpigmentation, 

photodamaged skin, 

comedones 

and congestion 

Provides rapid and 

long-term results 

Supports collagen 

and elastin production 

Improves overall health 

and integrity of the skin 

Well tolerated 

Excellent skin prep 

for more aggressive 

in-office procedures 

WHERE TO BUY 

Head to www.isclinical.com.au for a list of authorised 

clinics and retailers in Australia and New Zealand. 


FEATURE 

THE NEW 

STONE AGE 

WHY CRYSTALS 

ARE THE NEW 

BEAUTY TREND

CRYSTAL HEALING, LONG THE DOMAIN OF 

NEW-AGE PSEUDOSCIENCE, IS HAVING A MOMENT 

– AND THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY WANTS IN. 

During a pretty grim past 

couple of years, our homes 

have become the centre of 

our lives for most of us. Spending 

so much time at home has spurred a 

shift in our thinking; we’ve come to 

realise the importance of creating a 

space that supports our day-to-day 

practicalities but also our emotional, 

mental and spiritual wellbeing. 

It’s also been a time to practice 

mindfulness and lavish ourselves with 

the self-care we’ve all desperately 

needed. It’s no wonder then crystals 

are trending right now, for uses 

ranging from rejuvenating the aura 

of our surroundings to releasing 

negative energy in our body to even 

energising our skin. 

‘Despite a lack of scientific 

backing, new-age philosophies 

are gaining momentum in an 

environment where consumer 

interest in emotional and spiritual 

self-care is closely linked to physical 

and mental health and overall 

wellness,’ says Irina Ene, researcher 

at market intelligence agency, Mintel. 

‘Following centuries of Eastern 

tradition, healing crystals and 

energy cleansing have become 

popular methods of promoting 

emotional health. Apart from their 

physical exfoliating and illuminating 

properties, crystals and gemstones 

also benefit from a reputed 

vibrational energy that helps the user 

to set intentions, address fears and 

achieve emotional balance, offering 

an opportunity to incorporate them 

as part of modern self-care beauty 

routines,’ she says. 


FEATURE 

BEAUTY BENEFITS OF 

CRYSTALS 

Crystal beauty regimens were part of many 

ancient civilizations, with many cultures 

believing crystals descended straight from 

the heavens. Cleopatra even wore Lapis 

Lazuli stones crushed as an eyeshadow 

(now that’s an expensive eyeshadow!). And 

now they are increasingly making their way 

into our modern beauty routines. Brands 

are exploring the spiritual properties of 

crystal healing to create beauty products 

with aura-awakening benefits – in the form 

of tools and gadgets as well as crystalinfused 

beauty products. 

Gua Sha tools, as well as jade and 

rose quartz rollers, have helped propel 

the rebirth of today’s mainstream beauty 

crystal trend. Gua Sha is a traditional 

Chinese massage technique that uses a 

smooth-edged tool to scrape the skin. It is 

believed to redirect energy flow and relieve 

tension in the muscles. The facial massage 

is claimed to boost lymphatic drainage 

and circulation, and consequently help to 

improve skin tone and elasticity, smooth 

wrinkles and improve jawline definition. 

Crystals are also showing up in skincare 

in the form of crystal or gemstone-infused 

exfoliators, micellar waters, moisturisers, 

cleansers, serums, oils, masks and even 

makeup. It’s thought that infusing crystals 

such as rose quartz, tourmaline and 

amethyst will interplay with our bodies’ 

energy fields (chakras) for a myriad of 

skin-health benefits. 

‘They work at an “energetic” level,’ 

Sharon Hilditch, founder of 

crystalclear.co.uk, told Healthline. 

‘Everything contains vibrational energy, 

from our own bodies to stationary objects, 

which are constantly fluctuating at varying 

frequencies.’ 

It’s believed that the potent energy within 

these crystals has the power to influence 

human energy, both at a physical and 

spiritual level. 

While there isn’t any scientific evidence, 

anecdotal evidence has shown this high 

vibration energy has the power to improve 

skin woes such as redness, breakouts, fine 

lines and lacklustre complexions. 

5 

CRYSTALS THAT 

BELONG IN 

YOUR BEAUTY 

ROUTINE 

Tourmaline 

Tourmaline is said to 

energise, boost radiance, 

detoxify the skin and 

help soothe and resolve 

blemishes. 

Rainbow Moonstone 

Known in the healing arts 

as an anti-ageing crystal 

connected to feminine energy, 

moonstone is said to help 

improve the look of fine lines 

and wrinkles and an ageing 

complexion.

Amethyst 

Amethyst is more than just a pretty face. It is touted as restoring 

balance and bringing equilibrium to ‘hormonal’ skin. It’s said to 

reduce oiliness and remove toxins, provide cleansing properties 

and raise your vibration to ward off negative energies. 

Rose quartz 

Commonly used in facial rollers 

for enhanced circulation, rose 

quartz is now popping up 

in skincare formulations. It’s 

believed to calm the skin, boost 

circulation and restore vibrancy. 

On a spiritual level, it’s also 

connected to the heart chakra, 

so you’ll also be dosing up on 

some self-love to help you shine 

from the inside out. 

FAST 

FACTS 

A crystal is any solid material 

in which the atoms, molecules 

or ions are arranged in a highly 

ordered repetitive pattern (similar 

to the repeated motifs you would 

find in a mosaic) that forms a 

three-dimensional lattice, or 

shape. 

Types of crystals include quartz 

(rose quartz and amethyst being 

the most well-known), diamonds 

and even snowflakes. 

The process of crystal forming 

is called crystallisation. In nature, 

crystals often form when liquids 

(such as magma, or liquid rock), 

cools and hardens. 

Interestingly, a gem can be a 

crystal whereas a crystal will not 

always be a gem. 

Jade 

Also well known as a skin 

roller, beautiful jade is 

believed to soothe sensitive, 

irritated skin and promote 

harmony and good luck. 


FEATURE 

CELEB 

CRYSTAL 

CRUSHES 

MIRANDA KERR 

Did you know that each KORA Organics 

product is infused with rose quartz, 

Kerr’s all-time favourite crystal? 

‘During the manufacturing process, 

all Kora products are filtered and 

energised through the rose quartz 

crystals, so the vibration of self-love 

flows into the products and on to our 

customers,’ she told Byrdie.com. ‘I use 

crystals every day, and carry them with 

me everywhere. Rose quartz carries 

soothing energy to encourage love 

and acceptance towards both ourselves 

and others.’ 

Credit: Ga Fullner / Shutterstock.com 

ADELE 

Adele is a big believer in the power of 

crystals and how they affect her onstage 

performances. 

‘I was so nervous about my comeback 

show and I was panicking. I was out of 

practice and I was busy being a Mum,’ 

she told The Sun. ‘But it was one of the 

best shows I’ve ever done and I had 

these bloody crystals in my hand.’ 

As more ‘proof’ of crystal power, she 

lost her crystals before the Grammys, 

where technical issues plagued her 

now-famous performance. ‘The 

Grammys came and I lost my f**king 

crystals!’ she explained. ‘It turned 

out to be the worst, most disastrous 

performance that I have ever done.’

Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com 

Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com 

KATY PERRY 

Rumours are that Madonna gave Perry 

her crystal healer’s number after her 

breakup with John Mayer back in 2014 

and the singer has never looked back. 

‘I don’t stay single for long,’ Perry 

told Cosmopolitan. ‘I carry a lot of rose 

quartz, which attracts the male. Maybe I 

need to calm it down with the amethyst.’ 

KATE HUDSON 

The actress told Marie Claire that she 

keeps ‘a crystal bowl filled with rose 

quartz heart crystals’ on her nightstand. 

Credit: BAKOUNINE / Shutterstock.com 

Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com 

VICTORIA BECKHAM 

A devout believer in the power of 

crystals, Beckham reportedly has 

various crystals backstage at her fashion 

shows to ward off bad energy and 

promote creativity. 

‘I currently carry a black obsidian 

skull crystal — it’s for protection and 

strength,’ she told Vogue. ‘I’m really 

into crystals. I’m a real positive thinker. 

I believe in creative visualisation — the 

glass is always half full. I have no time for 

anything negative. I bought crystals for 

all my team, so they carry them, too.’ 

GWYNETH PALTROW 

It’s probably not a surprise that this New 

Age health ‘guru’ is a fan of crystals. 

Her wellness brand Goop even sells a 

product that advocates women putting a 

jade egg up their lady parts! 


FEATURE 

MOST POPULAR 

CRYSTALS FOR 

MENTAL AND 

EMOTIONAL 

WELLBEING 

Amethyst, opal and ruby are the most 

sought-after crystals and gemstones, 

according to PsychicWorld.com, which 

conducted research on the crystals with 

the most global searches on Amazon 

in 2021. In joint second place are rose 

quartz and obsidian. These healing 

crystals are thought to expel negative 

energy and rejuvenate your aura. 

PsychicWorld.com also collaborated 

with crystal healer Inbaal Honigman, 

who provides insight into how to 

harness the energy of the highestranking 

crystals: 

Opal 

Creativity is at the heart of this 

crystal. Opal removes blocks to 

your creative self and through 

this increases your sense of 

self-worth and brings your 

deepest truths to the forefront of 

your conscious. In moments of 

insecurity, take time to touch and 

look at your Opal stone bringing 

both calmness and confidence 

to your aura. Let its creative flair 

wash over you and embrace your 

witty, friendly and open self. 

Amethyst 

This powerful crystal helps with all 

things spiritual – working to promote 

calmness, uplift your emotions and 

activate your third eye. Through 

simply placing this purple gem on 

your forehead, navel or heart, angers 

and frustrations will be immediately 

released from your body, cleansing 

your aura. Use this crystal to your 

advantage when you need to keep 

calm in challenging situations - take 

a little amethyst in your pocket into 

a job interview, or place one in your 

car before a long drive to promote 

mental stability. 

Sources: https://www.mintel.com/blog/beauty-market-news/whats-the-deal-with-crystals-in-beauty 

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/gemstone-infused-beauty-products-are-they-worth-it

Ruby 

Passion, courage and vitality are 

qualities shared by red stones. Rubies 

bring an added element of purification, 

protection and good physical health. If 

you struggle with motivation, wear your 

ruby throughout the day to balance 

your energies and clarify your goals, 

promoting an abundant aura. 

WHAT IS 

CRYSTAL 

HEALING? 

Crystal healing uses crystals and 

other stones as conduits for 

natural healing energy. It is based 

on the purported energetic 

power of crystals and how they 

affect the mind and body, by 

absorbing, storing, releasing and 

regulating energies. 

Holding crystals or placing 

them on the body is believed to 

ward off negative energy and 

encourage physical, emotional 

and spiritual healing. It is thought 

crystals do this by interacting 

with your body’s energy field, 

or chakra. While some crystals 

are said to alleviate stress, 

others purportedly improve 

concentration or creativity. 

Whether you’re a devout 

believer of crystal healing or just 

drawn to their beauty and cool 

touch, crystals offer a serene selfcare 

experience that promotes 

mindfulness, reflection and 

positive energy. And keeping 

good vibes around never hurt 

anybody. CBM 


Skincare 

SKIN 

myths 

BUSTED 

COULD THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN YOUR 

SKINCARE PRODUCT BE DOING MORE DAMAGE 

THAN GOOD TO YOUR SKIN? WE CHAT TO 

MESOESTETIC PHARMA GROUP PRODUCT 

MANAGER MARIE CARMEN VAQUERO TO 

SEPARATE FACT FROM FICTION. 

Q. Can active acids in 

cleansers and exfoliators 

cause long-term damage? 

Absolutely not. With regard to acids, 

understanding the type of acid and 

its concentration in a product is key 

to understanding the benefits. For 

example, the combination of acids in 

mesoestetic ultimate micropeel has been 

intentionally modulated to work gently 

and gradually on the stratum corneum 

at a surface level. The aim 

is to help facilitate exfoliation and 

to visibly smooth and refine skin 

texture, enhancing the skin’s natural 

renewal process.

Q. Can AHAs such 

as glycolic acid thin 

the skin? 

The use of AHAs in home care 

products is highly regulated to ensure 

that they do not pose a risk to the skin. 

Again, understanding the type of acid 

and its concentration in a product is 

key to understanding the benefits. 

Glycolic acid, within the family of 

AHAs, is a molecule with a smaller 

structure; therefore, unlike other acids, 

it is capable of penetrating into the 

deeper layers, making it a powerful and 

effective acid. 

Its presence in mesoestetic’s 

ultimate micropeel is very small. 

By combining it with other acids, 

such as lactic, malic, tartaric and 

lactobionic acid, it can work effectively 

to help encourage the renewal and 

refining action in the skin without 

compromising the barrier function. 

Q. Should you use SPF30 

or above if using acids 

like AHAs and exfoliants 

as they increase 

sensitivity to UV light? 

After using AHAs, you must apply 

sunscreen. However, you should 

not just be applying sunscreen when 

using skincare with AHAs; sun 

protection is an essential step in any 

daily skincare routine. 


SKIN 

Q. How important is 

percentage strength when 

it comes to AHAs? 

AHAs are not found in excessively 

high concentrations in home 

care products, so as to ensure 

skin tolerance. 

A higher concentration of AHAs 

provides a stronger action. As the 

concentration increases in the formula, 

it acidifies; that is, the product’s pH 

drops, reaching pH values that limit 

its use exclusively to medical-aesthetic 

professionals. We are referring to 

products with a highly acidic pH, 

such as chemical peels, products that 

should be applied and supervised 

by a professional. 

Beyond the concentration of each 

AHA, in home care products we use 

different combinations to ensure an 

effective exfoliating action. The main 

issue with AHAs or acids in general is 

skin tolerance, especially in sensitive 

skin. This is why we recommend a 

gradual use in this skin type, starting 

with lower concentrations and limiting 

the frequency of use. 

Q. The best exfoliators 

are those using granular 

exfoliators. Is this true? 

If not, what are the main 

differences between 

physical and chemical 

exfoliation? 

Exfoliators contain microparticles 

that have a physical exfoliating action. 

They eliminate dead skin through 

mechanical action and the friction 

exerted by these particles, but only 

at a superficial level. This type of 

exfoliation is very effective; however, 

it may be more aggressive if not 

carried out properly. Intense friction 

or a strong massage with 

the aim of achieving a better result 

can cause micro-cuts in the skin, 

damage the pores and even lead to 

sensitive skin. Therefore, ‘stronger’ 

does not mean better. This type of 

exfoliation is not recommended for 

sensitive skin. 

On the other hand, chemical 

exfoliation consists of applying acids 

or enzymes that dissolve the bonds 

between dead skin and tissue. The 

main difference between physical and 

chemical exfoliation is that chemical 

does not require friction. This makes 

chemical exfoliators more versatile, 

which is why they can be found in 

the form of cleansers, toners, serums 

and creams. 

Depending on the nature and 

structure of the acid, they can reach 

the deeper layers of the skin, achieving 

longer lasting results that go beyond 

simply renewing the surface layer. 

Although this type of exfoliation 

is suitable for all skin types, even 

sensitive skin, it is important to 

identify your skin type in order to use 

the acid type that best suits your needs 

and tolerance. 

Q. Does exfoliation work 

better on certain skin 

types over others? 

Exfoliation works well on all types of 

skin, including sensitive skin. However, 

based on your skin type, you should 

choose an exfoliator that best suits 

your needs and apply it as often as 

your skin allows. For example, sensitive 

skin is irritated and reddens easily, 

so it requires formulas with gentle 

exfoliating agents, such as enzyme 

exfoliants, which are active substances 

that encourage skin renewal, thus 

improving the appearance of skin’s 

texture and smoothness. 

Q. How often and when 

should you exfoliate (AM 

or PM)? 

The frequency of use will depend on 

your skin type and individual needs 

and preferences, as well as whether you 

are using physical or chemical peels. 

With physical peels, which are more 

aggressive, you should avoid daily use, 

as excessive exfoliation could lead to 

sensitive skin. 

In terms of whether application is 

better AM or PM, it depends on your 

individual preference and skincare 

routine. At night, the skin undergoes 

a regeneration process to help recover 

from the aggressions experienced 

during the day.

Exfoliating at night enhances 

this process; therefore, in terms of 

renewal, it acts in synergy with this 

natural biological process. However, 

used in the morning, it helps to 

eliminate impurities produced during 

the night in order to avoid pore 

obstruction, which, for example, may 

be preferable in oily skin due to the 

overproduction of sebum. 

It is important to follow the 

recommendations of a professional 

in terms of application, frequency of 

use and when to apply it based on the 

type and condition of your skin at a 

specific time. 

Q. It’s often said that 

micellar water cannot 

cope with waterproof 

makeup and does 

not cleanse the skin 

thoroughly enough. Is 

this true? 

Waterproof makeup is formulated 

with a base of oils and waxes and, 

therefore, is lipid in nature. It is 

commonly known that the best way 

to remove oil is with oil itself; hence, 

it is effectively removed using balms, 

oil-based makeup removers or twophase 

solutions, such as mesoestetic’s 

micellar biphasic. 

Micellar biphasic is a makeup 

remover combining an oil phase, 

rich in omega 6, and an aqueous 

phase that, unlike other biphasic 

makeup removers, contains micelles. 

The presence of micelles helps in a 

more effective cleansing action in the 

aqueous phase, eliminating the need 

for excessive friction when removing 

impurities and makeup. micellar 

biphasic is not a micellar water; it 

is a more comprehensive product 

specifically formulated for eyes and 

lips. CBM 

PHYSICAL EXFOLIATORS 

ELIMINATE DEAD 

SKIN THROUGH 

MECHANICAL ACTION 

(MICROPARTICLES). 

CHEMICAL EXFOLIATORS 

USE ACIDS OR ENZYMES 

THAT DISSOLVE THE 

BONDS BETWEEN DEAD 

SKIN AND TISSUE. 


GOT MASKNE? 

GET HYDRAFACIAL! 

SKIN 

FIGHT BACK AGAINST 

MASKNE AND JOIN 

THE #GLOWVOLUTION 

WITH HYDRAFACIAL, 

THE NEXT-GEN SKIN 

REJUVENATION 

TREATMENT THAT HAS 

AMASSED FANS THE 

WORLD OVER. 

Just when we’re finally getting a handle on 

our skin situation, there’s an additional 

assault we have to deal 

with: maskne. Wearing a mask can trap dirt 

and oil in your pores, seriously aggravating 

skin and manifesting in irritation, dryness 

and breakouts. 

Since wearing a mask is essential during 

these times, it’s even more important to 

give your skin all the help it needs! Step 

in HydraFacial, the ultimate facial that 

gently cleanses, cleans out pores and infuses 

moisture back to where it’s needed most. 

HydraFacial has become one of the most 

popular skin treatments for its gentle, 

quick and highly effective skin resurfacing 

treatment – and now it’s become the facial 

of choice to help combat maskne. Performed 

somewhere in the world every 15 seconds 

and adored by the A-list (Beyoncé, Kate 

Winslet and Amy Poehler are just a few 

fan-girls), HydraFacial is no ordinary facial. 

In just three steps and 30 minutes, it offers 

the best skin of your life and a very effective 

solution to maskne.

SINCE WEARING A MASK IS ESSENTIAL DURING THESE 

TIMES, IT’S EVEN MORE IMPORTANT TO GIVE YOUR SKIN 

ALL THE HELP IT NEEDS. 

WHAT’S 

HYDRAFACIAL 

FOR? 

Fine lines + Wrinkles 

Even Tone + Vibrancy 

Skin Texture 

Brown Spots 

Oily + Congested Skin 

Enlarged Pores 

Maskne 

WHAT EXACTLY IS 

HYDRAFACIAL? 

HydraFacial is an in-clinic facial cleanse, 

skin resurfacing and antioxidant 

boost in one quick, easy and pleasant 

skincare session. 

It uses advanced, patented vortex 

technology to deeply cleanse the skin 

and effectively deliver ingredients such 

as hyaluronic acid, horse chestnut seed 

extract, red algae extract, copper, zinc 

and magnesium peptides. 

HydraFacial also delivers powerful 

antioxidants to counteract damage by 

free radicals – from pollution, sun and 

stress – which can degrade the skin 

and accelerate the ageing process, as well 

as the irritation and breakouts 

from maskne. 

Each HydraFacial treatment around 

the world uses the same multi-step 

treatment process to guarantee 

consistent, noticeable skin revitalisation. 

The three steps involved work together 

to elevate good results on their own to 

exceptional results synergistically. 

The first step is the Cleanse + Peel, 

which involves a deep cleanse and gentle 

exfoliation and resurfacing to uncover 

a new layer of skin. The second step 

is Extract + Hydrate, which includes 

a painless vortex extraction device 

that removes debris from your pores 

while delivering intense moisturisers 

that nourish skin. The last step is 

Fuse + Protect, which is an infusion 

of hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and 

vitamins that work to restore, plump and 

hydrate the complexion. 

Suitable for all skin types, HydraFacial 

improves the appearance of maskne, 

fine lines, wrinkles, congested and 

enlarged pores, oily or acne prone skin, 

hyperpigmentation and brown spots. 

Each treatment creates an instant ‘wow 

factor’ in terms of brighter, smoother 

and more radiant skin. 

Oh, and did we mention the whole 

treatment takes just 30 minutes and 

there is no downtime? This is our holy 

grail of facials. CBM 


To find a HydraFacial practitioner in your area, 

visit www.likeyourlook.com.au 


SkinMTX ® 

SKIN 

the targeted 

skincare 

solution we 

all need 

SKINMTX, AN AWARD-WINNING 

DERMATOLOGICAL-GRADE SKINCARE 

BRAND, OFFERS TARGETED 

IN-CLINIC AND HOMECARE SKINCARE 

SOLUTIONS THAT BOAST UNRIVALLED 

POTENCY AND SUPERIOR RESULTS. 

Now available in Australia, 

SkinMTX is an award-winning, 

dermatological-grade skincare 

brand that leverages Swiss expertise 

for clinically-proven skin treatment 

solutions. In addition to an impressive 

repertoire of in-clinic professional 

treatments, the cult brand offers 

targeted at-home solutions for a range 

of skin types and needs. 

Colour coded by skin concern, 

SkinMTX products can easily be mixed 

and matched to tailor treatment to your 

specific needs.

SkinMTX Anti-Ageing 

Activates your skin’s restorative 

ability to help preserve a 

youthful-looking appearance 

The SkinMTX Anti-Ageing range 

features the signature active, Acetyl 

Hexapeptide-8, which is clinically 

proven to minimise the appearance 

of fine lines and wrinkles caused 

by repeated facial contractions. It 

targets the same protein complex 

as muscle relaxants, but in a less 

invasive and non-permanent way. 

The Anti-Ageing range also 

features the revolutionary 

TeloZyme Complex TM , which is 

based on the Nobel Prize-winning 

discovery of telomeres (the end 

caps of DNA that protect the 

chromosomes). Scientists have 

discovered that as we grow 

older, telomeres at the end of 

our chromosomes shrink, which 

accelerates the ageing process. 

Chromosomal DNA is compromised 

when the telomeres wear out, causing 

cellular senescence. 

SkinMTX’s TeloZyme Complex TM is 

clinically proven to target telomeres. 

TeloZyme Youth Activator 

A multi-faceted serum based on 

the Nobel Prize-winning research of 

telomere biology. Works at the key 

matrix of skin’s youthful appearance 

to reinforce and protect skin’s 

structural integrity. Helps to visibly 

redensify the skin and prevent the 

visible signs of ageing. 

TeloLift Neck Cream 

Formulated exclusively for the specific 

needs of the neck and décolleté to 

help address visible signs of ageing. 

The rich cream creates an invisible 

supportive network, helping to regain 

definition to the neckline. 

Fine Line Eraser Serum 

A potent serum formulated 

with advanced peptides that 

promotes youthful-looking skin. 

It acts to markedly reduce the 

appearance of fine lines and 

wrinkles caused by repeated 

contraction of facial muscles. 

Ultimate Fine Line Eraser 

An advanced cream formulation 

that efficaciously helps defend 

against the signs of ageing. 

Nourishing and moisturising 

active ingredients work 

synergistically to help reduce 

the appearance of expression 

lines and wrinkles. Skin is 

rejuvenated with increased 

suppleness and firmness. 


SkinMTX Brightening 

SkinMTX Brightening 

SKIN 

Helps minimise the appearance of 

pigmentation, dark spots and scars 

for luminous skin 

The Brightening range’s key active is 

Alpha-Arbutin, which has been proven 

to have a brightening effect on the 

skin without the toxicity and irritation 

associated with hydroquinone. 

Hydroquinone has long been 

considered the gold standard for 

the treatment of hyperpigmentation. 

While clinical studies report excellent 

depigmentation responses induced 

by 2% hydroquinone, it has also been 

shown to cause adverse effects such 

as dermatitis, loss of skin elasticity, 

increased photosensitivity and postinflammatory 

pigmentation. 

Alpha-Arbutin has been proven 

to have effective results, even when 

compared to the chemically-similar 

molecules of hydroquinone. In 

addition to higher efficacy, it is also 

more gentle than hydroquinone. 

These characteristics make it the go-to 

active for brightening of the 

complexion and minimisation 

of dark spots on the skin. 

Alpha Optimal Brightener 

Absorbs instantly into the 

skin to help reduce the 

appearance of spots and 

freckles. Efficiently restores 

a brightened complexion in 

a shorter time compared to 

conventional brightening formulas. 

Alpha Illuminator 

Imparts translucency and glow to the 

complexion with its skin unifying actions. 

It boosts moisture levels and helps 

strengthen skin’s barrier to reveal a 

uniform skin tone, radiance and clarity. 

Radiance Cleansing Wash 

This non-stripping gel cleanser reveals 

skin’s natural radiance while helping 

to keep the skin’s hydrolipid film intact 

to prevent over-drying and irritation. 

Skin is refreshed and prepped for 

optimal nutrient absorption from 

succeeding skincare steps. 

Lumi Cleansing Milk 

This light and creamy cleanser 

removes impurities, dissolves 

makeup and dead skin cells 

to leave skin feeling soft and 

comfortable, and appearing 

brighter and renewed. 

SkinMTX Anti-Acne 

Purifies skin for clarity and 

long-lasting mattness 

This range offers a reliable solution to 

help treat and control the appearance of 

blemishes. High-potency products are 

specially formulated to penetrate into 

the skin to help achieve visible results. 

Together, the three specialist products 

help unclog pores and blackheads, gently 

cleanse and resurface skin and promote a 

shine-free complexion. 

Comedone Acti-Clear Lotion 

Exfoliating actives help clear pore 

blockages, dissolve excessive surface 

build-up, prevent recurrence of 

blackheads and defend against breakoutcausing 

environmental aggressors. Pores 

appear visibly refined, skin is smoother 

and clarified. 

Acti-Pure Cleansing Gel 

A gentle yet effective cleanser that 

dissolves impurities to leave skin 

feeling clean and refreshed. The 

gel deeply purifies and minimises 

the look of pores without leaving 

any tightness or residue. Helps 

clear clogged follicles, soothes 

inflammation and prevents the 

appearance of future breakouts. 

Acti-Matte Concentrate 

This formulation is carefully 

blended to strip away excess oil 

while replenishing skin moisture, 

preventing visible skin irritations 

and promoting a healthy-looking, 

balanced complexion. Pores are 

blurred and skin texture smoothed 

with an energised matte finish.

SkinMTX Dermat 

Recommended for post-laser 

and post-procedure 

The demand for aesthetic medical and 

surgical procedures has been steadily 

increasing over the past 2 decades and 

is forecasted to continue to grow. The 

increase in demand is closely followed 

by the increase in expectations for 

a better outcome with minimal side 

effects and shorter recovery time. 

SkinMTX’s Dermat Series is specially 

formulated to provide essential 

post-procedure care to maximise 

the treatment outcome, optimise 

recovery, minimise risks of infection 

and scarring while providing comfort 

from tenderness. 

Delicate Cleansing Mousse 

An ultra-gentle mousse designed 

to cleanse delicate post-procedure 

skin. Its frictionless, dense foam is 

perfect for compromised skin, mildly 

yet effectively removing dirt and 

impurities while replenishing the skin’s 

Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) 

with amino acids and emollients to 

preserve moisture balance. A blend 

of 7 botanical extracts, vitamins A, B, 

C, essential minerals and antioxidants 

soothes skin sensitivity and irritation 

after harsh treatments. It also helps 

maintain skin’s microbial balance to 

help optimise the skin recovery process. 

Hydrating Mist 

A specially formulated mist to help 

restore compromised skin after 

undergoing harsh laser treatments or 

aesthetic procedures. The fine spray 

envelopes the skin with a soothing 

protective layer, helping calm irritations 

and restore comfort to sensitised skin. 

Boosts the skin with optimal, lasting 

hydration; keeping tightness and 

dryness at bay. 

Advanced Restorative Serum 

An intensive care formulation that 

aids in skin recovery after aggressive 

aesthetic treatments, helping 

compromised skin reclaim comfort and 

equilibrium. Its intensively soothing and 

moisturising properties help restore 

skin balance, providing much needed 

calming relief from burning sensations 

that typically succeed a laser treatment. 

Bio-mimetic peptides help reinstate 

skin’s integrity, creating an optimal 

environment for skin recovery. 

Advanced Reconditioning Cream 

This protective cream is specially 

formulated to offer aid in the recovery 

of the skin barrier after harsh aesthetic 

procedures. It helps protect the skin 

from excessive dryness, visible redness 

and irritations with its potent calming 

and reparative ingredients. Designed to 

create an optimum environment for skin 

to recuperate, the complex of ceramide 

and bisabolol provide a protective 

“second skin”, shielding the underlying 

skin from external aggressors while 

it helps the skin rebuild its moisture 

barrier. Concurrently, a synergistic blend 

of skin restoring actives promotes a 

healthy-looking complexion, bringing 

forth optimal skin restoration that 

results in a renewed, pristine-looking 

complexion. 


SkinMTX Special Care 

SKIN 

A special repertoire of products 

to achieve a rigorous regimen for 

youthful-looking skin 

This intense skin restoration range 

features patented key actives that 

effectively boost critical aspects of 

the skin rejuvenation process. These 

include: BioRenew Peptide, which 

helps boost skin’s appearance; 

PhytoActive+, which magnifies 

the reparative powers of stem 

cells for superior skin repair and 

rejuvenation; ActiMarine Hydrator, 

which boosts 3 major skin restorative 

functions – the physical barrier, 

chemical barrier, and hydra memory 

function; and RejuvorA – a unique, 

improved form of retinol complex 

using a revolutionary encapsulation 

system to help overcome the 

disadvantages of conventional 

retinol, while improving efficacy. 

Peptide Serum+ 

This advanced multi-faceted serum 

contains actives that has been 

shown to improve skin renewal 

by up to 88% in 15 days. Powerful 

proprietary rejuvenating actives 

and nutrient clusters are delivered 

deep into the skin to encourage 

equilibrium, helping reinforce skin’s 

resilience against environmental 

aggressors and returning a youthfullook 

to skin. Skin becomes wellhydrated 

and complexion glows with 

a lustrous shine. 

Intense RejuvorA Cream 

This hero anti-ageing product 

provides impressive skin renewal 

and rejuvenative actions – while 

helping provide stellar protection 

against free radicals and the signs of 

ageing - making retinol rejuvenation 

more effective to help improve the 

appearance of wrinkles, brighten the 

skin and retexturise the complexion. 

Combining Vitamin C and E, the 

active mix works synergistically to 

help improve skin vitality, visibly 

even out skin tone and fight against 

free radicals and the appearance 

of photoageing. As skin’s innate 

self-renewal system powers up, the 

complexion revives with tonicity, 

tautness and radiance.

Potent Eye Concentrate 

Dramatically promotes the youthful 

appearance of eyes with this intensive 

eye contour formula specially 

designed for skin’s most delicate 

areas. The exclusive combination of 

advanced actives helps visibly smooth, 

firm and tighten skin texture to reduce 

the appearance of fine lines, crow’s 

feet and puffiness. It deeply infuses 

skin with vital moisture, improving skin 

tautness around the eye area. 

Potent C 

This Vitamin C concentrate promotes 

an intensive brightening action to 

target appearance of discolouration. 

The inclusion of efficacious, potent 

actives provides targeted action 

to help brighten the appearance 

of unsightly marks, dark spots and 

freckles while building up skin’s 

defenses against the appearance of 

future pigmentation. 

Supreme Eye Brightening Gel 

Brightening actives aid in diminishing 

the appearance of dark circles to 

restore vibrancy and luminosity of the 

eye contours. Eye puffiness is visibly 

reduced as caffeine helps stimulate 

the drainage of excessive fluid. 

Mineral-Rich Body Moisturizer 

Specially formulated to remineralise 

the skin, this mineral-rich hand and 

body lotion pampers your skin with 

ultimate delights while infusing skin 

with essential nutrients from the Dead 

Sea. Its luxurious texture ensures 

smooth gliding without leaving a 

sticky feel on the skin, enveloping the 

skin with a veil of velvety softness. The 

unsurpassed hydration benefits relieve 

dryness, tightness and sensitive 

reactions that are caused by skin 

dehydration. 

3 In 1 Matt Tinted Protector 

Naturally shield and nourish skin every 

day with this free radical-inhibitor, 

vitamin-infused matt sun protection. 

Provides sun protection plus 

environmental protection. This light 

universal-tinted formula helps corrects 

uneven skin tones with an immediate 

refined finish. 

Skin Brightening Day Protector 

A refreshing, non-greasy, emulsion 

easily absorbed by skin provides 

sun protection while enhancing skin 

luminosity. A perfect balance of active 

ingredients and innovative delivery 

mechanisms. 

Smart Shield Protector 

This light, smooth tinted sun 

protection blends seamlessly with 

most skin types and colours, imparting 

an even skin tone and light coverage 

while providing defense against sun’s 

damaging rays. CBM 

ABOUT SKINMTX 

Made in Switzerland and Singapore, SkinMTX ® 

is a dermatological-grade skincare brand 

formulated for proven, sustainable results. Driving 

innovations in aesthetic skincare for over two 

decades, the brand has received worldwide 

industry recognition for its cutting edge 

technology and product efficacy. Most recently, 

SkinMTX ® TeloZyme Youth Activator was 

awarded the title 2021 Beauty Insider Best in Anti- 

Ageing. This multifaceted serum, based on the 

Nobel prize-winning discovery of telomeres, has 

been specially formulated to target the integrity 

of telomeres for younger looking skin. 


SkinMTX ® is exclusively available in select 

clinics and at www.skinmtx.com.au. 


BEAUTY

POST- 

SUMMER 

HAIR 

REVIVAL 

TRESSES IN DISTRESS? PREPARE TO REPAIR WITH 

THESE HYDRATING HAIR HEROES. 

T 

he summertime combination of sun, salt and 

chlorine all conspire to strip hair of moisture, 

leaving it frizzy, dry and dull. Thankfully, hair responds 

well to a little TLC and, with the right products, 

it’s not too late to restore your crowning glory to its 

most beautiful. 

evo bradford 

pin bristle brush, $50 

www.cosbeauty.com.au 

67

BACK TO BASICS 

BEAUTY 

Like skincare, a good basic hair care routine 

is key to achieving results. Most of your 

favourite brands offer ranges targeting 

specific concerns and there are many 

options for dry post-summer hair. 

When it comes to daily care, it’s worth 

noting that your hair may not require 

washing as often as you think it does. The 

general consensus is that shampooing 

should only take place every two to three 

days and shampoo should be rinsed out 

with lukewarm (not hot) water to help avoid 

damage and moisture loss. 

Prevention is far better than trying to cure 

hair damage. By investing in a nourishing 

conditioner, you are already well on your 

way to preserving the health and lustre 

of your hair. Top it off with a weekly hair 

repair treatment. Once again, there are 

many to choose from depending on your 

preferences and needs – everything from 

thick, rich hair masks to leave-in spray and 

oil formulations. 

When using an intensive conditioner or 

treatment, wrap hair in a towel to keep heat 

in and allow the product to penetrate. Five 

minutes should be enough; hair is spongelike 

in structure and once it is saturated it 

cannot absorb more product no matter how 

long you leave it on.

WE LOVE 

1. Joico Hydra Splash Trio includes Hydrating Shampoo 300ml, Hydrating Conditioner 250ml and Replenishing Leave-in 

100ml, $103.85, 2. Grow Longer Stronger Stimulating Scalp Scrub 140g, $16.99, 3. Joico Humidity Blocker+ Protective 

Finishing Spray, $31.95, 4. Arbonne TrueSmooth Rich Lather Shampoo & Conditioner, $48 each, 5. Klorane Cupuacu 

Shampoo and Conditioner 200ml, $14.99 each, 6. Oribe Shampoo for Moisture & Control 250ml, $68, and Conditioner 

200ml, $72, 7.Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Trio includes Shampoo 250ml, Conditioner 200ml and Mask 

150ml, $94, 8. Wella Professionals Invigo Blonde Recharge Color Refreshing Shampoo and Conditioner, Cool Blonde 

200ml, $28.95 each, 9. Philip Kingsley Moisture Extreme Shampoo 250ml & Conditioner 200ml, $44 each, 10. Pump 

Anti Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner 205ml, $34.95 each. 


HAIR SOS 

BEAUTY 

If your hair is in dire need, look for intensive specialty hair 

products such as an after-sun or post-pool rescue treatment, 

which help to smooth damaged cuticles and protect against 

split ends, breakage and environmental damage from wind, 

sun, chlorine and sea salt. These can be used as a mask after 

shampooing (leave it in for five minutes, then rinse out) or a 

small amount can be applied daily to the ends of the hair to 

protect and smooth. 

Be on the lookout for formulations containing keratin, 

amino acids, ceramides and shea butter which all work to 

calm and nourish severely frazzled frizz and help reverse the 

damaging effects of the sun, sea and chlorine. If you’re on a 

budget, coconut oil is a great DIY option for nourishing your 

tresses without breaking the bank. 

WE LOVE 

1. Grow Longer Stronger Anti-Breakage Hair Mask 50ml, 

$5.99, 2. Hair Rituel by Sisley Restructuring Nourishing 

Balm 125g, $160, 3. Klorane Cupuacu Mask 150ml, 

$25.99, 4. Hair Rituel by Sisley Protective Hair Fluid 

150ml, $120, 5. Hair Rituel by Sisley Regenerating Hair 

Care Mask 200ml, $130, 6. Hair Rituel by Sisley La Crème 

230 150ml, $125, 7. Kemon Actyva Bellessere Oil, $39.95, 

8. Davines Su Hair Mask 150ml, $46.95, 9. Philip Kingsley 

Elasticizer 150ml, $72.75

The haircare 

habits you 

need to break! 

Since hair is most fragile when it’s wet, don’t rip 

a brush through it after swimming. Spray some 

detangler on it, then use a wide-tooth comb to 

minimise breakage. 

Summer heat practically demands we throw 

our hair back, but pulling our hair back too 

tightly can cause breakage, particularly if hair 

health is already compromised. Aim for loose 

buns and ponytails, and let your hair down 

before going to sleep at night. 

Don’t dive straight into the water without first 

wetting your hair with fresh water. Hair is super 

porous and absorbent. If you spray water over 

your hair (or better yet apply hair oil or a mask) 

before entering the pool or ocean, your tresses 

won’t soak up such high quantities of drying 

and damaging salt and chlorine. CBM 

1. Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Hair Masque 

$57.90 2. Thanks To Nature Hydrate & 

Nourish Masque 350ml, $20, 3. Philip 

Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask 75ml, 

$42, 4. Arbonne TrueSmooth Apple Vinegar 

Hair Rinse, $37. 


BEAUTY 

THE AUSSIE BRANDS 

Australia 

LIVING IN AUSTRALIA, THERE’S 

A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR 

– INCLUDING AN IMPRESSIVE 

LINE-UP OF HOMEGROWN 

BEAUTY BRANDS. HERE ARE 

SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES 

PRODUCTS TO GIVE YOU THAT 

UNDENIABLE AUSSIE GLOW. 

It’s tough to stay looking good in one 

of the world’s harshest climates, but 

we Aussies are the pros. With our 

diverse soils and climates, Australia 

has the luxury of growing its own 

fresh produce, with very little need 

to import from overseas. So as well 

as ensuring the nation eats well, this 

also helps Aussie brands lead the 

way with sustainable, eco-friendly 

beauty products. Quality ingredients, 

formulations and manufacturing is 

ensuring the Aussie beauty brand 

continues to grow both locally and 

throughout the world. 


KEEPING 

beautiful 


24 

BEAUTY 

AUSSIE BEAUTY BRANDS 

YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT 

ASPECT MINERALS 

Established in 2007 in Melbourne, 

Aspect Skincare is one of the 

leading cosmeceutical skincare 

brands in Australia and New 

Zealand, offering a range of 

medical-grade cosmeceutical 

products that deliver highperforming 

active ingredients 

to help cosmetically correct skin 

without irritation. Following on 

from their huge success in the 

skincare space, the Aussie-made 

brand extended its range last 

year to include Aspect Minerals, 

a comforting, high-performance 

makeup line free from parabens, 

SLS, mineral oil and vegan friendly. 

TRY 

Aspect Minerals Powder and 

Liquid, $59 each 

CONSERVING BEAUTY 

Conserving Beauty is Australia’s first 

water-responsible beauty brand. 

Water is a diminishing resource, with 

research indicating that two-thirds of 

the population will live in a watershortage 

environment by 2035. 

Conserving Beauty is on a mission 

to reduce the beauty industry’s 

water footprint with innovative 

products formulated entirely without 

water, so that water isn’t wasted 

and the products you buy only 

contain pure, active ingredients. 

Most beauty products are 70-90% 

water, with 2-20% active ingredients. 

Conserving Beauty is made 

with zero water and 100% active 

ingredients (no ‘fillers’, preservatives 

or fragrances whatsoever). 

TRY 

Conserving Beauty Conserve You 

Face Oil, $55 

VELA DAYS 

Vela Days is an Australian luxury 

hemp-based skincare range. Its 

active compound, CannaComplex, 

is derived from pharmaceutical 

hemp seed extract and THC-free 

hemp stem cells, offering antiinflammatory 

and active healing 

properties for calmer, smoother and 

more radiant skin. Sustainability 

is also at the core of Vela Days 

ensuring its operations and all 

suppliers are carbon neutral. 

TRY 

Vela Days Lipid Complex 

CannaComplex Cleansing 

Balm 100ml, $89; Oil Infusion 

CannaComplex Fortifying Oil Serum 

30ml, $110; Active Compound 

CannaComplex Multi-Active Facial 

Serum 30ml, $102

MINENSSEY 

Minenssey skincare is dedicated 

to creating potent formulas using 

the best of Australia’s botanical 

ingredients. With an emphasis 

on cultivating and maintaining 

healthy skin, using an only-theessentials 

approach, their formulas 

are concentrated with the right 

dosage of evidence-based active 

ingredients – what they leave out is 

just as important as what they put in. 

TRY 

Minenssey Treatment Mask, 

5 Sheets, $50 

BONDI SANDS 

Australian owned and made (and 

globally loved), Bondi Sands now 

has its own skincare line in addition 

to its best-selling self-tanning 

products. High-quality formulas work 

to help give you glowing, healthy 

skin, hydrating and nourishing with 

each application. These are the new 

skin staples for any skin junkie. 

TRY 

Bondi Sands Fresh’n Up Nourishing 

Gel Cleanser 150ml, $14.95; Gold’n 

Hour Vitamin C Serum 30ml, $17.95; 

Daydream Whipped Moisturiser 

50ml, $16.95 

DAVROE 

Davroe’s philosophy is simple: to 

create an honest and pure range 

of hair care products for everyone. 

Owner Mary Centofanti and her 

team make every effort to ensure 

their products are natural, vegan, 

sensitive to the environment and 

only ever use ingredients of the 

highest quality. They’re also proudly 

100% Australian made and owned 

– and will seriously improve the 

condition of your hair. 

TRY 

Davroe Argon Oil Instant Treatment, 

$25.95 

LOVEBYT 

Meet your new oral hygiene crush. 

LOVEBYT is a 100% natural, vegan 

and fluoride-free toothpaste made 

in Australia using a premium blend 

of botanical ingredients andno nasty 

chemicals. Backed by dentists, this 

is *the* toxin-free oral health care 

brand we’ve needed. 

TRY 

LOVBYT Mini Charcoal & Mint 

Toothpaste, $8.95 

POD ORGANICS 

Pod Organics offers organic, vegan, 

sustainable, ethically sourced 

skincare products for the whole 

family, inspired by Australian native 

bushlands. Winner of three Organic 

Beauty Awards for Best Clean 

Products of 2021, this is a beautiful 

collection of natural skincare and 

products for the home. 

TRY 

Pod Organics All Over Nurturing 

Balm, $13.95 

VANESSA MEGAN 

Vanessa Megan products are 

handmade in Australia and are 

certified Cruelty Free. The natural 

range encompasses skincare, 

body care and fragrance with 

highly effective botanicals and 

results-driven formulations. It’s also 

the exclusive skincare choice for 

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, winner 

of the World’s Best Eco Spa of 2020. 

TRY 

Vanessa Megan Cryō Rosé Ice 

Cube Treatment, $34.95 


BEAUTY 

TROPICOLOGY 

Tropicology is one of the pioneers 

of natural, sustainable, organic, 

cruelty-free skincare. Its products are 

the fruits, quite literally, of Tropical 

Fruit World, a family-run biologically 

sustainable plantation and tourist 

attraction in the hinterland of 

Kingscliff in NSW. Tropicology 

skincare is inspired by the healing 

and restorative properties of the 

fruits and botanicals nurtured and 

harvested on the farm, particularly 

the avocado tree, of which they have 

18 different varieties. Antioxidantrich 

organic avocado oil is used in 

all Tropicology products, further 

complemented by active botanicals 

and Australian native extracts. 

TRY 

Tropicology Avocado Lip Balm, 

$19.95 

THE SECRET SKINCARE 

The Secret is Australia’s first 

prescription-only skincare range 

and is founded by Perth-based 

cosmetic doctors Dr Clara Hurst 

and Dr Deb Cohen-Jones. Carefully 

researched and formulated with 

medical-strength ingredients such 

as tretinoin and hydroquinone, The 

Secret range is custom-made for 

each patient to treat their specific 

skin concerns. Each formulation 

contains a unique combination of 

prescription-strength ingredients 

in a patented base which provides 

the optimal carriage of these 

compounds. The focus is on 

increasing skin clarity, treating fine 

lines and skin laxity, eliminating 

pigmentation and breakouts and 

achieving that coveted Secret glow. 

TRY 

The Secret The Serum, $130 

INVISIBLE ZINC 

Invisibe Zinc is to sunscreen what 

Vegemite is to toast. This is suncare 

made in Australia for the toughest of 

Australian climates. Unlike chemical 

sunscreens that absorb the sun’s 

UV rays, Invisible Zinc uses naturally 

sourced Zinc Oxide to create a 

protective shield on the surface of 

your skin, reflecting both UVA and 

UVB rays. 

SUNBUTTER 

Our oceans are under threat from 

pollution, and many sunscreens 

are contributing to the problem. 

Whilst providing your skin with 

UV protection, widely accepted 

sunscreen chemicals are also 

killing corals, causing toxic build-up 

in marine animal tissues and 

putting a strain on our ocean’s 

ecosystems. SunButter was founded 

by two marine biologists with a 

dedication to create the most 

effective, environmentally gentle 

and reef-safe Sunscreen formula on 

the market, packaged in reusable 

and recyclable tins. This is a new 

generation of suncare that is skin 

and earth conscious. 

TRY 

SunButter SPF 50 Water Resistant 

Reef Safe Sunscreen, $29.95 

TRY 

Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence, $34

WE ARE FEEL GOOD INC. 

Hailed as the sunscreen you can feel 

good about, this Australian owned 

and made suncare range is perfectly 

suited to the adventure-driven 

Aussie lifestyle. We Are Feel Good 

Inc products are tested to hold up 

in the toughest of climates, as well 

as being paraben, oxybenzone, 

octinoxate and PABA free. The 

founders (including a doctor, 

builder and pro surfer) wanted to 

create a product that nourished 

and supported the skin without 

compromising sun protection 

capabilities, so they added skinloving 

ingredients like Vitamin E and 

aloe vera to sweeten the deal. 

SKINSTITUT 

We’ve been using this Aussie 

brand for years and will happily 

sing its praises, namely that it’s 

affordable and delivers visible 

change within the skin. Skinstitut 

products use high-performance 

active ingredients, advanced 

delivery systems, and stable, 

skin-syncing formulations which 

are clean, cruelty-free, and vegan, 

and don’t use unnecessary filler 

ingredients or excessive packaging. 

DR ROEBUCK’S 

Aussie-made Dr Roebuck’s is taking 

the world by storm with its clean, 

pared-down approach to skincare. 

The products contain only pure 

botanicals and skin-safe ingredients 

that have been ethically and 

sustainably sourced. No fillers, no 

nasties, no cruelty, no worries! 

TRY TRY TRY 

We Are Feel Good Inc. After Sun 

Cooling Lotion, $19.95 

Skinstitut Expert Refine AHA 

Glycolic Toner, $59 

Dr Roebuck’s Byron 2-in-1 Mask + 

Scrub, $40 


BEAUTY 

SUNESCAPES 

Born in Bondi, Sunescape is an 

award-winning Australian-made and 

owned sunless tanning range that 

delivers natural-looking colour with a 

delicious tropical scent. Formulated 

without harmful ingredients, 

Sunescape’s products use certified 

natural DHA and are fortified with 

vitamins, antioxidants and plant 

oils that nourish the skin, and 

anti-ageing, hydrating and firming 

ingredients that leave skin smooth 

and replenished. All Sunescape 

products are free from parabens, 

petrochemicals and formaldehyde, 

are proudly vegan and cruelty free. 

We love it because it gives skin a 

gorgeous colour, without dryness, 

streaking, patchiness or the dreaded 

orange undertone. 

TRY 

Sunescape Instant Self-Tan Mousse 

250ml, $44.95; Hydrating Body 

Butter, $29.95 

EWE CARE 

Ewe Care is Australia’s first sheep 

milk natural skincare range that 

combines the benefits of sheep milk 

with uniquely Tasmanian ingredients. 

A high natural fat content makes 

sheep milk a wonderfully nourishing 

moisturiser that not only helps 

reduce wrinkles and fine lines but 

also provides essential antioxidants 

via vitamins like A, C, D and E, as 

well as AHA. Its anti-inflammatory 

and anti-microbial properties 

also help to reduce redness and 

breakouts and make it ideal for use 

on sensitive skin. Every aspect of 

Ewe Care’s packaging – from its 

cream sachets, to the box they arrive 

in – is compostable. 

TRY 

Ewe Day Cream 60ml + Raku 

Ceramic Vessel, $165; Night Cream 

60ml + Raku Ceramic Vessel, $180 

ULTRADERM 

Ultraderm is an Australian 

cosmeceutical skincare company 

founded in 2009 which uses 

medical-grade ingredients to give 

proven results for targeted skin 

problems. The range – for both 

at-home and in-clinic care – offers 

a complete skincare protocol 

suitable for conditions like 

rosacea, acne, age prevention and 

correction, pigmentation, stretch 

marks and scarring. 

TRY 

Ultraderm Daily Protector Tinted 

Base + Moisturiser SPF 30, $62 

AESTHETICS RX 

Aesthetics Rx is an Australian 

cosmeceutical range of advanced 

formulations using skin-correcting 

anti-ageing ingredients based 

on plant cell culture and biotechnology. 

Their complex 

blends of high-dose actives are 

Australian made, vegan, cruelty 

and paraben-free. 

TRY 

Aesthetics Rx B Serum, $109

QED SKINCARE 

QED, founded by an Aussie 

pharmacist, was specifically 

formulated to target the needs 

of sensitive skin, be it eczema, 

psoriasis or acne-prone. Each and 

every product developed has been 

dermatologically tested on humans, 

trialled and then re-tested, and is 

fully backed by science – no fluff, 

just a simple, scientific approach 

to skincare. At its core, natural 

ingredients are married with nontoxic 

alternatives to create safe, 

high-performance products free of 

parabens, mineral oils, sulphates 

and formaldehyde. Plus, it’s 100% 

Australian designed, formulated 

and made. 

TRY 

QED Skincare The Body Cream 

250g, $39; Balancing Facial Mist, 

Neroli + Bergamot 125ml, $32 


BEAUTY 

JURLIQUE 

A true Aussie success story, Jurlique 

was founded in 1985, and has been 

a global leader in natural skincare 

ever since. Jurlique offers natural 

skincare and beauty products that 

are powered by botanicals grown 

for decades on their organic farm 

in South Australia’s Adelaide 

Hills using a unique Bio-Intrinsic 

extraction method. All botanicals are 

hand planted and hand picked and 

are free from synthetic pesticides 

and fertilisers. By combining these 

potent natural ingredients with 

advanced skincare science, Jurlique 

has grown to be a powerhouse in 

Australia and around the world. 

TRY 

Jurlique Nutri-Define Supreme Eye 

Contour Balm 15ml, $105; Rose 

Hand Cream 125ml, $62 

LUCAS’ PAWPAW 

OINTMENT 

Ah, this Australian staple with its 

distinctive red packaging is the 

OG multi-tasking beauty product! 

Made in Australia from pure 

papaws, the powerhouse ointment 

has antibacterial and antimicrobial 

properties – and has an infinite 

amount of beauty uses, including lip 

balm, dry skin and split end remedy, 

relief from skin irritation or eczema, 

cuticle/nail moisturiser, and even 

as a skin highlighter! The company 

still operates in Brisbane where the 

ointment continues to be produced. 

You might be amazed to know that 

the formula for the famous ointment 

is still the same proven remedy 

today as when it was created more 

than 100 years ago. 

DR NAOMI SKIN 

You may know cosmetic physician 

Dr Naomi McCullum as an Instagram 

sensation with a wicked penchant 

for a good meme, and now she has 

her very own skincare range that 

is quickly reaching cult status. The 

clever, hard-working range is science 

based, vegan and cruelty-free using 

high tech ingredients from both 

nature and the lab. It’s a complete 

skincare program – from cleansers 

and corrective serums to cutting 

edge beauty tools and devices – 

that will have you on your way to 

selfie-ready skin around the clock. 

TRY 

Dr Naomi Skin Catfish 10ml, $89 

TRY 

Lucas’ Papaw Ointment 75g, $14.75 


& 

Radiate 

beauty 

confidence 

Using the latest technologies, our team of experts 

is committed to help you achieve natural-looking 

results in a relaxed and friendly setting. 

Come in and experience the Skin Renu difference. 

Our comprehensive treatment menu includes: 

world-class wrinkle reduction and 

lip enhancement 

laser skin rejuvenation 

CoolSculpting non-surgical fat reduction 

Thermage non-surgical face lifting 

medical peels 

clinic-only premium skincare 

Call us to book a complimentary consultation 

02 9555 9506 

www.skinrenu.com.au 

16B Beattie St, Balmain, Sydney

SKIN 

Cool, calm 

and collected 

IS YOUR SKIN SENDING OUT AN SOS? WE HAVE 

THE PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU SHIELD AND REPAIR 

YOUR SKIN FROM THE SINS OF SUMMER. 

W 

hile most of us crave 

the summer sun, UV 

exposure can leave your 

skin dry, dehydrated and damaged. 

With each Australian summer, in one 

of the harshest climates on Earth, 

skin damage accumulates, with every 

bit of sun exposure contributing to 

the way your face ages. 

Over time, your skin loses its 

elasticity. It can develop unsightly 

brown spots, and previously 

hidden blood vessels can become 

visible to the naked eye. Lines and 

wrinkles emerge as your formerly 

vibrant complexion starts to appear 

dehydrated and dull. 

It’s been said 80 percent of facial 

ageing is caused by the sun, so 

we need to prevent and repair. Of 

course, sunscreen is numero uno 

in any skincare regimen, but active 

ingredients that work on a cellular 

level to help undo sun damage and 

protect against further premature 

ageing. Look for antioxidants 

like Vitamins A, C, E and B3 

(niacinamide) and hyaluronic acid. 

Vitamin A (retinol), in particular, is 

a non-negotiable, as far we we’re 

concerned. It has been proven 

to soften lines, rejuvenate skin 

and stimulate skin cells to make 

healthy collagen and boost natural 

moisturising factors. 

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is also an 

essential weapon in the fight against 

ageing, dry skin. It is a natural 

component of the skin that seals 

in moisture and helps keep skin 

hydrated and plump – it attracts 

up to 1,000 times its own weight in 

water. As skin is damaged by the sun, 

HA decreases and your skin loses the 

ability to retain water. Concentrated 

HA helps restore this lost volume. 

Remember, what you use on 

your skin on a daily basis will pay 

dividends further down the track. 

Quality skincare is one of the best 

investments you can make to ageproof 

your skin in the long run. 



1. 

the basics 

2. 

3. 

SKIN 

5. 

6. 

4. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

11. 12. 

10. 

13. 

14. 15. 

1. Go Bare Facial Cleansing Brush, $89, 2. Dr Naomi 

Skin Clean Freak, $149, 3. Arbonne Bio-Hydria Gel 

Cleanser, $35, 4. Priori R-Spinasome The Ultimate 

Night Crème 50ml, $300, 5. Sisley Phyto-Blanc Le 

Soin Brightening Protective Moisturiser 40ml, $420, 

6. mesoestetic energy C Intensive Cream 50ml, 

$159, 7. Enbacci microdermabrasion exfoliating 

scrub with eco-friendly alumina beads, $45, 8. Dr 

Naomi Skin Milk It 120ml, $59, 9. Dr Naomi Skin 

Walk Of Shine 120ml, $59, 10. Hydropeptide Power 

Luxe Hydra-Rich Infusion Cream $215, 11. Jurlique 

Nourishing Cleansing Oil 200ml, $44, 12. Jurlique 

Revitalising Cleansing Gel 200ml, $44, 13. Priori 

R-Spinasome The Ultimate Day Crème 50ml, $300, 

14. IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream 60ml, $75, 

15. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream 50ml, $51

essential 

protection 

1. Skin MTX 3 in 1 Matt 

Tinted Protector 30ml, $70, 

2. Aspect Sun Physical Sun 

Protection SPF 50+ Sunscreen 

Cream 75g, $59, 3. asap 

SPF50+ hydrating defence 

100ml, $75, 4. mesoestetic 

mesoprotech sun stick, $49.80, 

5. Avéne Aqua Fluid SPF50+ 

40ml, $27.99, 6. O Cosmedics 

Mineral Pro SPF 30+, $49 

4. 

5. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

6. 


2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

SKIN 

1. 

anti-ageing 

and 

ightening ightening 

1. Arbonne Rescue & Renew Detox Gelée, $80, 2. Cemoy Hydra Ampoule Face Mask, $29.95, 3. BOOST 

LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $29.95, 4. BOOST LAB 2D Hyaluronic Hydro Boost, $29.95, 5. Sisley 

Botanical D-Tox 30ml, $300, 6. Arbonne Intelligence Nourishing Facial Oil, $110, 7. asap super B complex 

30ml, $105, 8. asap super C complex 30ml, $105, 9. Dr Naomi Skin LED It Glow at-home light therapy 

mask, $595, 10. Aspect Super PD Complex 30ml, $135, 11. Image Skincare Illuma Intense Brightening 

Serum, $92.50, 12. Skin MTX Alpha Optimal Brightener 30ml, $112, 13. QED Skincare Wrinkle Rewind 

Repair Serum 30ml, $92, 14. Ella Baché Sensibeautics Intensive Recovery Serum, $111, 15. No7 Radiance+ 

15% Vitamin C Serum, $34.99, 16. Biologi Bqk Radiance Serum Duo, $138, 17. Dr. LeWinn’s Intensive 

Action Caviar Eye Serum 15ml, $79.95, 18. Kiehl’s Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream 50ml, $69, 19. 

No7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate 30ml, $29.99, 20. Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides 2 x 10ml, $124, 21. 

Sisley Velvet Sleeping Mask 60ml, $170, 22. QED Skincare Wrinkle Rewind Face Cream, $66, 23. Santa 

Maria Novella Vitamin F Cream 50ml, $137, 24. asap Liquid Platinum 130ml, $65, 25. Feniu Tongan 

Coconut Oil, $79, 26. Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Waterburst, $83, 27. O Cosmedics O-Biome 

Hydrating & Setting Spray, $55, 28. Sisley Hydra-Flash 60ml, $260, 29. Susanne Kaufmann Hyaluron Serum 

Moisturising, $223, 30. Susanne Kaufmann Nutrient Concentrate Skin Smoothing Serum, $216, 

31. Minenssey Australian Clay Mask Revival Set, $79 

23. 


9. 

10. 11. 

12. 

15. 

13. 14. 

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

22. 

29. 

30. 

24. 

25. 

26. 

27. 

28. 

31. 


SKIN 

specialty 

products f f 

pigmentation 

1. 

2. 

3. 

1. Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age Radiance 

Anti-Dark Spot Serum 30ml, $630, 2. 

CALECIM Professional Professional 

Pigment Solution, $269, 3. mesoestetic 

mesoprotech melan 130 pigment control 

50ml, $79.80

post-sun relief 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

1. Pure Fiji Aftersun Soothing Gel, $29.95, 

2. Santa Maria Novella Aloe Gel For 

Face & Body 250ml, $60, 3. Santa Maria 

Novella After Sun Cream 150ml, $55, 4. 

Davines SU Aftersun, $49.95, 5. Arbonne 

SuperCalm Soothing Hydrator, $65 

hydrating 

body products 

5. 

1. Medik8 Smooth Body Exfoliating Kit: includes Smooth Body 

Scrub, Smooth Body Mitt and Smooth Body Lotion, $99, 2. 

SkinMTX Mineral Rich Body Moisturizer 100ml, $46, 3. Sisley 

Le Sculpteur 200ml, $290, 4. Ciaté London Dewy Stix Body 

Bronzing, Transparent, $37, 5. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps 125ml $36, 

6. Jurlique Exclusive Edition Rose Body Oil 200ml, $88, 7. PMD 

Clean Body in Berry, $239 

4. 

1. 

3. 

6. 

2. 

5. 

7. 


FEATURE 

Beauty 

& 

beyond 

MEET THE LADY BOSSES BEHIND TWO AUSTRALIAN SUCCESS STORIES: 

COLOUR COSMETICS COLLECTION, VELVET CONCEPTS, AND SERIOUS 

SKINCARE LINE, THE DERMAL DIARY. WORDS BY CLEO GLYDE. 

CLEO GLYDE 

The beauty industry – 

encompassing skincare, 

cosmetics, hair care, fragrances 

and personal care – is undoubtedly a 

huge part of our lives. But only very 

few take the giant leap of creating their 

own brand and manufacturing new 

products for other women and men to 

benefit from and enjoy. We chat with 

Cassandra Nichterlein from Velvet 

Concepts and Isabella Loneragan 

from The Dermal Diary about their 

entrepreneurial journeys.

Cassandra 

Nichterlein 

FOUNDER, VELVET CONCEPTS 

You have been in beauty all your working life. How 

did you start out? 

When I was 21, I got a job at a really cool, trendy PR 

agency. I was very lucky to be looking after great clients 

such as Aveda and Becca Cosmetics, learning so much 

at a young age and meeting the amazing creators 

of these prestigious companies. I fell in love with the 

industry straight away. 

How did you take the next step of founding your 

own Beauty PR agency and becoming the boss? 

After working for other agencies for a decade, I 

developed chronic fatigue and burnout from running 

around too much and surviving on 10 coffees a day. 

I decided I need to run my own schedule. I was also 

inspired by the really great international brands that 

weren’t available here locally at the time, so I decided 

to import them and do all the marketing. I started 

Style Patisserie with some really special brands, such as 

Butter London nail polish, and they blew up and sold 

well from the start. 

Your favourite international brands became your 

clients. When did you decide to join in and become 

a brand creator yourself? 

I started my own line, Velvet Concepts, when it became 

apparent that big conglomerates were snapping up so 

many great new brands. I love exciting, up-and-coming 

companies with passionate founders, great backstories 

and a point of difference. I had developed a great 

connection with local Australian retailers who knew 

how to love and nurture these little brands and 

grow them. 

After a decade running my own PR firm, I saw global 

companies gobble up these small, cool brands then 

dial down what made them so special in the first 

place. They would also remove them from boutique, 

independent beauty stores to sell them exclusively 

through massive commercial outlets instead, which was 

heartbreaking for everyone. 

Seeing as boutique retailers were getting fewer and 

fewer options of stylish, beautiful products that aren’t 

available in mass retailers, I thought up my experiment: 

perhaps I could create something that their loyal 

beauty fans would love? 

Did you research what kind of products those 

would be or just do what appealed the most? 

Heart or head? 

Both! I’ve always adored the glamour of colour and 

cosmetics. I used to put YSL ads under protective 

contact sheets on all my exercise books in Year 8. I 

also knew that small retailers have a more intimate 

knowledge of their customers and could give me 

constant insider knowledge that I could listen to 

and respond to their feedback quite quickly. Big 

corporates, on the hand, can take years to make 

a product. 

Now the fun part. How did you design your Velvet 

Concepts collection from scratch? 

Right from the get-go, I wanted to make the line 

super luxe and minimal, which is what I like to buy. As 

a customer, I’m not into overwhelming options at a 

beauty counter. I just want direction: “this is the best 

foundation”, “this is the blackest eyeliner you asked 

for”, etc. I don’t mind if there are a couple of choices, 

but I don’t want 25. Also, as much as I love a green, 

sparkly eyeliner, that’s not what I wear every day. My 

mission was to make neutrals and staples; classic but 

never boring. That was always my vision. 

Velvet Concepts stands apart with its signature 

lavender grey. What was it like to take the journey 

from dream to packaged reality? 

I was adamant that the packaging had to be a custom 

colour. The majority of beauty packaging is black 

and white, which I soon learned is cheaper because 


stock packaging is easier to come 

by. I find all the really great brands 

are associated with a distinctive 

colour though. I’ve always loved the 

combination of gold and grey. If I 

had my way, everything in my 

house and wardrobe would be 

that colour combo! 

FEATURE 

What was the biggest challenge in 

manufacturing? 

Well, I knew that if I was going to 

do this, I wanted to work with the 

best possible people. And in the 

beauty world, I believe Italians are 

the best, full stop. However, I had to 

learn to work on their schedule and 

deal with the language and cultural 

barriers. I was frustrated and did not 

take it very well. Looking back on the 

delays, I think, “Well, what else did 

you expect?” 

Manufacturing requires endless 

patience, so you have to factor in a 

lot of time to get it right. The path 

is not linear, but up and down. You 

will save yourself a lot of unnecessary 

frustration if you understand that 

that’s what you’re signing up for. 

What qualities does an entrepreneur need to have 

in the beauty game? 

A thick skin. You can’t be afraid to keep pushing, 

refining, sending samples back or going back to the 

drawing board. Any entrepreneur will tell you that if 

you want something done your way, you have to stick 

with it. Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone; you have 

to be patient, dog-minded and tactful all at once. 

Building a brand is really about building relationships, 

which will have their ups and downs. It requires a longterm 

view. 

Did lockdown have a negative or positive effect? 

Most of our product was already shipped over from 

Italy, so it was quite good. Some things sell more than 

others in lockdown – with masks, lip colour isn’t as much 

a priority as eyes. We will see it all come back. Before 

the pandemic a lot of our customers would ordinarily 

just buy something, but when everyone had more time 

they started asking more questions. We could dedicate 

time to chat with customers so it gave us a lovely 

dynamic; we had FaceTime chats to match foundations! 

Velvet Concepts 

Luxe Lip Gloss in 

Berry and Créme

How important is human interaction in an 

increasingly online world? 

With makeup and cosmetics – any business really – 

customers will trust you when you give personalised 

service. People know that they are dealing with an 

automated program when they add to cart and 

they accept that, but personalisation optimises the 

experience. People assume we will just have a bot, 

so when they get a real person interaction they are 

really chuffed. 

Who is your customer? 

Someone with a natural, pared-down aesthetic who 

wants curated, luxurious products. Essentially I made 

the products with the ingredients and texture that I 

wanted to use. 

Velvet Concepts Eye 

Gems Eyeshadow Stick In 

Rose Quartz and Topaz 

How did you decide on your price point? 

The reality is that product manufacture is like cooking: 

the better the ingredients, the more it costs. There are 

so many fun, cheaper products out there; there was no 

need for any more of that. There are also really, really 

expensive French designer products available. There 

wasn’t anything that was really luxe and Australian. We 

do have our own aesthetic and luxurious twist that is 

unique to Australia. The idea was, can we export that? 

That beautiful, pared down Aussie girl. We are no-fuss, 

generally speaking, glamorous in our own way but not 

uber put-together or perfect. There is a little bit of 

undoneness about us, which I embrace. 

Is it still exciting or just hard work? 

I still get a thrill when orders come in. People 

discover us through social media, beauty retailers and 

independent shops. During lockdown, customers had 

to go online to get access to more products. 

Velvet Concepts Crème Chic Blush in Rosé 

www.velvetconcepts.com 

Giving birth to a new brand and three gorgeous 

young children is no mean feat. Does working for 

yourself make it work? 

I had no kids when I started, but I was pregnant when I 

ned o and made m fir amen. I rememer 

thinking, this better bloody work because I am having 

a baby! 

I’m way more fussy about how I spend my time since 

I had Alessia, Ezra and Raphael. When I was single, 

I used to waste a lot of time doing silly things; I’m 

eronall ar more eficen no. 

I arrange certain days with a babysitter and pump all 

my meetings into one block instead of running around 

all over town, driving all over the place. I look back 

and think, why didn’t I do this before? 


FEATURE 

The Dermal Diary It’s All Here Day Cream 

The Dermal Diary Purifying Cleanser 

www.thedermaldiary.com 

Isabella 

Loneragan 

FOUNDER, THE DERMAL DIARY 

Did entrepreneurship come easy to you? 

My drive has always been 50% be a business owner 

and 50% be in the beauty industry. I started as a 

facialist in 2007 in South Africa, running a traditional 

beauty business, including nails, out of my spare 

room. My business had one big plus: 180-degree 

ocean views in Cape Town. Customers got to lie on a 

treatment bed and look out to the ocean. 

All businesses need a unique selling point. It’s 

hard to open on a high street and be a regular 

therapist; what pulls customers in is some kind of 

wow factor. Whether you have your own product or a 

location that can’t be beat, you need to differentiate 

yourself somehow. 

How did you switch from cosmetic grooming to 

clinical expert? 

I wanted something with more guts, a dermal 

therapy role, so I studied and returned to Australia 

in 2011. For four years I worked alongside incredible 

dermatologists at a clinic, learning so much about

acne, rosacea, even mental health. I worked with amazing 

products, such as Rationale, Aspect and Cosmedix, which 

were great for specific concerns and were prescribed for 

certain skin types and age groups. 

The doctors tasked me with finding the best products, 

so I researched the market and sourced a lot of different 

options to treat all the different conditions I was seeing. 

A lot of patients were on antibiotics for conditions like 

acne. Repeat customers filling prescriptions would 

confide that they didn’t like the side effects, did we 

have other solutions? I recommended some products 

that would help, but realised that there was a massive 

hole in the market for people who prefer an alternative 

to medication. 

How did you go back out on your own? 

My career came to a crossroads. I could go back to 

medical school for 10 years and become a dermatologist, 

or set up my own skin therapy business and help people 

in the field straight away. I backed myself and decided to 

wing it. I had a side hustle to pay the mortgage and off 

I went. 

I chose the name The Dermal Diary because I had 

a blog – back in 2015 when blogging was massive – 

answering lots of questions about skin conditions, finding 

the right sunscreen or why skin goes red. The name still 

worked. I started my clinic in a small space and saw 11 

clients on my first day, which was incredible. Old clients 

from the dermatology clinic had googled my name. 

How did you expand from in-person treatment to 

manufacturing? 

Two years into opening my own clinic, I hired a business 

coach who challenged me to research creating my own 

product. It hit me: I was having to juggle ingredients 

from five brands to get my results. I spent a couple of 

months researching pharmacies that create formulas and 

design packaging. 

What boxes did your new products have to tick? 

They had to be Australian made, have recyclable 

packaging, and you needed to be able to see how much 

product remained, so customers weren’t left in the lurch 

one night when it ran out. My production size had to be 

small to keep it fresh, and I wanted to design my own 

logo. Luckily, I eventually found a company that could 

do it all. 


FEATURE

What is The Dermal Diary routine you created? 

I launched eight products initially: cleanser, toner, 

three serums, and a couple of moisturisers. 

Now I have about 25 products in total. As the 

demand presented itself, I just developed more. 

How much does feedback from The Dermal Diary 

clinic influence the products? 

It’s huge. People make the mistake of making a 

product and hoping people will like it, whereas it 

may not even sell. Dermal Diary products have been 

developed after years of listening to hundreds of 

clients share what they like, don’t like, want to pay 

and the results that they are after. My experience with 

real people shapes it; the clinic gave me all the case 

studies I needed. 

The clinic helped the product – does it work the 

other way around? 

Yes! I used to complain that I couldn’t find the 

perfect product for my clinic treatments. Now I 

have it. Having a skincare line also saved me during 

lockdown because I could still serve my customers 

around the country even though the clinic itself was 

shut down. No one else has it, and my clients are 

hooked on the results. After three years, we already 

had the sales momentum to get us through the 

worst of the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, some clinics 

never reopened because they couldn’t survive two 

lockdowns in two years. 

day went from 7am to 9pm so that I could get where I 

needed to go. 

I now have two kids under two years old (a 4 monthold 

and a 23 month-old), so I am behind the scenes a 

lot more, taking maternity leave and paring down to 

being in the clinic two days a fortnight. It’s a balancing 

act and the simple fact is that when I pull away, for 

example while breastfeeding, of course the business 

will suffer. Wherever you put energy will thrive. The 

Dermal Diary is built on my effort so I can never 

completely pull my foot off the accelerator. There is 

no such thing as annual leave or sick pay and I still 

need to be present, training and motivating my staff to 

maintain standards. 

What is your product of the moment? 

I created the Dream Mask because women love the 

idea of masks, but don’t love taking them off. I found 

a way to keep it simple. You can exfoliate, apply this 

highly nourishing, probiotic mask, leave it on, then 

sleep and dream in it – the lazy woman’s mask! It fits 

the gap perfectly and is still one of our best-selling 

crowd pleasers. CBM 

Which is most crucial to entrepreneurial success: 

the idea or the passion behind it? 

You have to love what you do and really enjoy it – 

then it doesn’t feel like you’re working. I believe 

that you do well when it’s not only about the money. 

Entrepreneurs are just not designed to work for other 

people. I had so much drive and so many incredible 

ideas but not everyone understood the vision and I 

got frustrated. I don’t like being told what to do. As 

the boss, once you make a decision and implement 

it, it’s done. 

What’s your boss like to work for? 

Haha! I laugh when people tell me how lucky I am 

to work for myself because it’s so flexible and I can 

have time off. Yes, entrepreneurs can work when they 

like, but ask them and they usually work all the time. 

Initially when I was younger with incredible drive, my 


FEATURE 

UNDER 

THE 

KNIFE 

IS THE 

AUSTRALIAN 

COSMETIC 

SURGERY 

INDUSTRY 

GETTING A 

FACELIFT?

WE REPORT ON THE CURRENT ‘COSMETIC 

SURGEON’ CRISIS IN AUSTRALIA AND 

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE INDUSTRY. 

The recent and much 

publicised joint investigation 

between Four Corners, The 

Age and Sydney Morning Herald 

into some alarming practices at 

a popular cosmetic surgery clinic 

has put the Australian aesthetics 

industry under close scrutiny and 

prompted a renewed push for 

increased regulation. 

The debate is centred on the 

use of the title ‘cosmetic surgeon’, 

with health ministers calling for a 

review of the industry and more 

transparency for consumers. 

The investigation reported 

allegations of medical misconduct 

by cosmetic surgeon Dr Daniel 

Lanzer, including hygiene and safety 

breaches, with multiple patients 

saying botched surgeries left 

them with pain or requiring further 

medical treatment. 

Shortly after the program aired in 

October 2021, the Australian Health 

Practitioner Regulation Agency 

(AHPRA), the medical regulator, 

launched an investigation into 

Dr Lanzer. A statement on the 

AHPRA website on October 30 

said Dr Lanzer had agreed not to 

practice medicine in Australia while 

the investigation continued. 

Since then, a senior associate at 

Dr Lanzer’s clinic, Dr Daniel Aronov 

(a cosmetic surgeon with more than 

13 million TikTok followers) has 

also been banned from performing 

cosmetic surgery in Australia and 

ordered to remove all procedurerelated 

material on social media. 

LANDMARK REVIEWS 

BY HEALTH REGULATOR 

AND STATE AND 

FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS 

CALL FOR OVERHAUL OF 

COSMETICS INDUSTRY 

AHPRA works with Australia’s 

national boards to regulate 

the country’s registered health 

practitioners. One of its purposes is 

to manage complaints and concerns 

raised about health practitioners. 

The regulator is currently 

undergoing a major review of the 

cosmetic surgery sector, its firstever 

review into patient safety. 

AHPRA’s review, led by the outgoing 

Queensland Health Ombudsman 

Andrew Brown, will examine the 

advertising of cosmetic surgery, 

the current codes of conduct and 

protocols around how complaints 

are handled. 

AHPRA CEO Martin Fletcher said 

the cosmetic industry had ‘worrying 

features’ which made it riskier than 

other areas of medicine. 

FEDERAL HEALTH MINISTER GREG HUNT 

HAS ASKED STATE HEALTH MINISTERS TO 

MAKE NEW LAWS A PRIORITY. 


FEATURE 

‘Among them, corporate business 

models that are allegedly placing 

profit over patient safety, procedures 

being undertaken for no medical 

need, limited factual information 

for consumers, and the exponential 

growth in social media that often 

emphasises benefits and downplays 

risks,’ he told the ABC. 

‘Cosmetic practice has rapidly 

grown as a multi-million dollar 

entrepreneurial industry with 

practices and marketing methods 

that raise ethical dilemmas,’ he 

added. 

At the time of writing in mid- 

December 2021, the federal and 

state governments just launched 

a landmark review aimed at 

overhauling laws into who can call 

themselves a cosmetic surgeon, 

and increasing the penalties for 

deceptive advertising and social 

media abuses, according to the 

Sydney Morning Herald. 

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt 

has asked state health ministers to 

make new laws a priority. 

On December 12, the states and 

Commonwealth released a 108- 

page Regulation Impact Statement 

(RIS) into the use of the title 

‘surgeon’ and ‘cosmetic surgeon’. It 

will be open for public consultation* 

until April 1, 2022, with the public 

invited to anonymously provide 

feedback about their experiences 

and submissions. 

According to the statement, 

an anonymous survey and direct 

submissions would help devise 

policy responses to reform the 

cosmetic procedures industry. 

The consulting document 

canvasses a series of options, 

including restricting the title 

‘surgeon’ under National Law 

and undertaking major public 

information campaigns. 

Other options include 

strengthening the existing 

framework through administrative 

rather than legislative mechanisms 

and increasing provider liability for 

non-economic damages. 

A fourth option is to maintain the 

status quo, but this seems unlikely. 

The consulting document 

said ministers were ‘particularly’ 

concerned that the practice of 

cosmetic surgery and widespread 

use of the informal title ‘cosmetic 

surgeon’ may be strongly and 

disproportionately associated with 

these risks and harm. It said there 

was an information and power 

asymmetry between patients and 

practitioners, which was contributing 

to the risk of consumer harm. 

‘It can be difficult for the public 

to obtain information from neutral 

and informed sources, particularly 

as most cosmetic surgery 

consumers obtain information about 

prospective procedures from the 

practitioners that perform those 

procedures and from social media,’ 

the report says. 

‘This RIS is interested to discover 

how widespread cosmetic surgery 

resulting in significant harm and 

complications [might] be, and 

whether medical practitioners’ 

qualifications are contributing to 

potential harm.’ 

It said advertising and marketing 

material must comply with a series 

of laws. Breaches of the law for 

advertising offences can incur

THE CONSULTING DOCUMENT CANVASSES A SERIES 

OF OPTIONS, INCLUDING RESTRICTING THE TITLE 

‘SURGEON’ UNDER NATIONAL LAW AND UNDERTAKING 

MAJOR PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS. 

WHO CAN BE A 

COSMETIC SURGEON? 

WHO CAN BE A 

PLASTIC SURGEON? 

Often ‘plastic surgeon’ and ‘cosmetic 

surgeon’ are used interchangeably, 

but by law only practitioners who have 

completed an additional 8-12 years of 

specialist plastic surgical training, beyond 

their medical degree, can call themselves 

plastic surgeons. 

financial penalties of $5,000 for each 

advertising offence for an individual 

and $10,000 for a body corporate. 

Public consultation for the review 

began on 21 December, 2021 and 

closes on 1 April, 2022. A report is 

expected around the middle of the 

year. CBM 

* If you would like to participate in 

the survery, visit https://engage.vic. 

gov.au/medical-practitioners-usetitle-surgeon-under-national-law 

As it stands, anyone with a basic medical 

degree is able to call themselves a 

‘cosmetic surgeon’. This means the 

‘cosmetic surgeon’ title can cover a wide 

spectrum of doctors, from those with no 

formal surgical training to those who are 

highly skilled with decades of experience. 

This unusual ‘loophole’ can be exploited 

because there is no formal pathway 

for any doctor to specifically train in 

cosmetic procedures – and it is this 

‘loophole’ that health ministers are 

currently consulting on. 

Indeed, the title of ‘cosmetic surgeon’, 

and who can use it, is at the forefront of 

the federal and states review. This is a 

space we will be watching closely. 


COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT 

THE MOST 

POPULAR 

ANTI-AGEING 

TREATMENT 

OF ALL TIME

AS BOTOX COSMETIC 

CELEBRATES ITS 20TH 

BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR IN THE 

UNITED STATES, WE TAKE 

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY 

LANE WITH THE FOUNDERS 

OF THIS REVOLUTIONARY 

TREATMENT. 

Thought to be the most 

powerful toxin known to 

man and capable of causing 

paralysis, millions of people 

across the world have botulinum 

toxin type A injections to address the 

ageing effects of furrows, frowns and 

wrinkles. What was once the domain 

of the A-listers is now very much 

entrenched in the ‘every woman’ 

modern-day beauty arsenal and has 

become a worldwide phenomenon. 

THE BIRTH OF BOTOX 

Although the cosmetic effect of 

botulinum toxin on wrinkles was 

first documented by a plastic 

surgeon from Sacramento, it wasn’t 

until Canadian husband and wife 

ophthalmologist and dermatologist 

physicians Jean and Alastair 

Carruthers published their research 

in 1992 that ‘Botox’ for cosmetic 

use was officially born. In 2002, it 

was officially approved in the US 

as a treatment for frown lines 

in adults. (Australia had already 

introduced Botox for cosmetic use 

back in 1999.) 

The birth of Botox to treat wrinkles 

was something of an accident. As an 

ophthalmologist, Jean Carruthers 

had been using botulinum toxin 

type A to treat blepharospasm – an 

uncontrolled muscle spasm that 

occurs in the eye. 

‘One of Jean’s patients 

complained that she hadn’t been 

treated in this area,’ Dr Alastair 

Carruthers told us during an 

exclusive interview in San Diego 

some years back, pointing to the 

region between his eyes where 

you’d imagine frown lines may 

exist had he not discovered Botox’s 

‘other’ use. 

“I didn’t think you were spasming 

there,” my wife replied, to which the 

patient explained, “But every time 

you treat me there I get this overly 

untroubled, unworried look and 

my family tells me I look so much 

better!”’ he recalls. 



As a dermatologist, Alastair 

Carruthers knew first-hand the 

significance of this flyaway comment. 

In the late 1980s, his cosmetic 

toolbox was sadly lacking any 

weapon capable of improving 

the appearance of frown lines. 

‘We didn’t have anything,’ he 

emphasises. ‘Collagen was about it.’ 

It didn’t take long for the 

husband and wife team to begin 

their exploration into the cosmetic 

potential of botulinum toxin type 

A. ‘The very next day, Jean treated 

our receptionist, Cathy,’ says Dr 

Carruthers. ‘Cathy had witnessed 

Jean inject hundreds of clients 

so she knew it was a reasonable 

procedure. A few days later, I saw 

her and remember saying, “Wow”, 

because I hadn’t seen anything like it 

before,’ he recalls. 

With his cosmetic practice side by 

side with his wife’s ophthalmology 

clinic, from that point on, Alastair 

Carruthers would send his own 

patients next door for treatment, any 

time he met someone who wanted 

to improve the appearance of their 

forehead furrows. 

Of course, without clinical 

evidence the use of botulinum toxin 

would not be the phenomenon it is 

today. ‘It took time, but we gradually 

accumulated a number of people 

and, in March 1991, we were able to 

present our data,’ he says. 

The results were impressive, but 

the timing poor. In 1991, the US FDA 

(Food and Drug Administration) was 

in the midst of threatening jail-time 

for the illegal promotion of the 

off-label use of Retin-A. ‘And then 

we come along and tell the FDA 

we want to inject the most deadly 

material known to humanity in order 

to treat wrinkles,’ Dr Carruthers says. 

‘Everyone said we were crazy.’ 

CAN BOTOX REALLY 

MAKE US HAPPIER? 

There is mounting evidence to suggest that Botox 

injections in the forehead to stop us frowning can 

not only make us look happier but feel it, too. 

We smile just because we’re happy and frown 

when we’re angry or sad. Or do we? Evidence is 

mounting to suggest we can “trick” our brains into 

a more positive outlook or out of a negative one by 

consciously controlling our facial expressions. While 

it’s sometimes hard to control our emotions, it’s 

much easier to control our muscles. 

Scientists have long believed that our emotions 

are reinforced – perhaps even driven – by their 

corresponding facial expressions, known in 

psychology as the facial feedback hypothesis, ie if 

we force a smile when we’re feeling down, we will 

actually start to feel happier. The theory is that if we 

cannot physically frown, the brain feels there may be 

less to frown about – the psychological equivalent of 

the old song “when you’re smiling, the whole world 

smiles with you”. 

A spate of studies on Botox recipients have given 

further weight to the argument that the brain can 

be “tricked” into a better mood. Psychologists at 

the University of Cardiff in Wales found that people 

whose ability to frown is compromised by musclerelaxant 

injections such as Botox are happier, on 

average, than people who can frown. 

The researchers administered an anxiety and 

depression questionnaire to 25 women, half of 

whom had received Botox. The Botox recipients 

reported feeling happier and less anxious in general. 

Significantly, they did not report feeling any more 

attractive, which suggests that the emotional effects 

were not driven by a psychological boost that could 

come from the treatment’s cosmetic nature. 

‘It would appear that the way we feel emotions 

isn’t just restricted to our brain – there are parts of 

our bodies that help and reinforce the feelings we’re 

having,’ says Michael Lewis, a co-author of the study. 

‘It’s like a feedback loop.’

Cosmetic surgeons the world 

over started to use it – off-label 

– to improve the appearance of 

frown lines, but it wasn’t until 2002, 

after formal clinical trials, that the 

FDA approved Botox Cosmetic to 

temporarily improve the appearance 

of moderate to severe frown lines 

between the eyebrows. 

‘It took a while, but with the 

support of some key dermatologists, 

it was as if all of a sudden there was 

a critical mass and people started to 

listen to us,’ Dr Carruthers recalls. 

Botox Cosmetic, as we know, went 

on to become a major blockbuster, 

estimated to bring in US$2 billion in 

annual sales for Allergan. 

Given that Botox can be 

considered one of the most 

successful symbioses in late-20thcentury 

cosmetic medicine, it’s 

understandable to assume that Jean 

and Alastair Carruthers went on to 

become billionaires. 

As two people upholding an 

ethical position, however, they 

refused to cash in. Although they 

eventually went on to become 

consultants with Allergan, the 

multi-billion dollar company that 

would launch Botox Cosmetic, and 

which already owned the formula for 

medical use, they never patented 

their discovery. 

‘We took advice from a lawyer in 

Toronto who was supposed to be an 

expert and said that he did not think 

this was a patentable idea. We have 

since learned that it was indeed,’ Dr 

Carruthers told a Canadian magazine 

back in 2010. ‘Are there any regrets? 

I guess so, but not major.’ 

WHAT EXACTLY IS 

BOTULINUM TOXIN 

AND WHAT CAN IT 

TREAT? 

Botulinum toxin is a protein 

produced by the bacterium 

Clostridium botulinum. It is a muscle 

relaxant that is commonly used 

for cosmetic facial enhancement, 

particularly to treat crow’s feet 

around the eyes, the frown lines 

between the eyebrows (glabellar 

lines) and the worry lines across the 

forehead. The marionette or sad 

lines, from the corner of the mouth 

to the chin, can be effectively treated 

with botulinum toxin. It can also be 

used to produce the effect of a brow 

lift by relaxing the muscles that drag 

down the brow. 

In cosmetic procedures, botulinum 

toxin works by blocking nerve 

stimulation to wrinkle-causing 

muscles, which prevents the muscle 

from contracting and significantly 

reduces wrinkles and fine lines. 


BOTOX: PAST, PRESENT 

& POSSIBLE USES 


Approved medical and cosmetic uses are shown in bold. Allergan is currently investigating or 

has a patent pending on all other indications shown. 

Chronic headaches 

EYELID TWITCHING 

Inner ear disorders 

Neck pain 

Thyroid disorder 

FROWN LINES 

CROSSED EYES 

NECK MUSCLE 

CONTRACTIONS 

SEVERE UNDERARM SWEATING 

Stretch mark reduction 

Cranial nerve disorders 

Facial spasms 

Downturned mouth 

Teeth grinding 

Facilitating dental procedures 

Vocal chord disorder 

Oesophageal problems 

(difficulty swallowing) 

Relaxing blood vessels in heart disease 

Cardiac muscle disorder 

Ulcers and acid reflux disease 

Reduced appetite 

Pancreas disorders 

Back pain 

Intra-spinal pain 

Overactive bladder 

Essential tremor 

(especially arms) 

Buttock deformity 

Benign enlarged prostate 

Testicular pain 

Anal fissure 

JUVENILE CEREBRAL PALSY 

Involuntary twitching 

Bone tumour pain 

Skeletal muscle pain 

POST-STROKE LIMB SPASTICITY 

Sources: Food and Drug Administration; Allergan; New York Times

NOT JUST A 

PRETTY FACE 

While many people think of botulinum 

toxin as a modern-day treatment for 

wrinkles, it has actually been used since 

the 1960s to treat a range of medical 

conditions. But its discovery actually 

extends much further back in time. 

In the 19th century, German 

physician Justinus Christian Kerner first 

recognised the potential therapeutic 

uses of botulinum toxin. An 1815 

outbreak of botulism (a dangerous 

paralytic illness caused by the toxin 

botulin) in southern Germany among 

people who had eaten uncooked blood 

sausage led Kerner to publish a precise 

description of botulism’s symptoms 

– from blurred vision to progressive 

muscle weakness, culminating in 

respiratory failure. He postulated 

that minute quantities of the diseaseproducing 

substance might be able to 

treat disorders of the nervous system. 

In the 1970s, Dr Alan Scott of 

the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Institute 

demonstrated that botulinum toxin 

was a powerful therapeutic agent that 

could be used to treat ophthalmic 

disorders associated with muscle 

over-activity such as lazy eye or eyelid 

spasms (blepharospasms). Since then, 

it has been used to treat a variety of 

involuntary muscle contractions or 

disorders such as neck spasms (cervical 

dystonia), to reduce symptoms of 

an overactive bladder, relieve teeth 

clenching and grinding, and even 

as a migraine and tension headache 

preventative. 

Botulinum toxin is used in much 

higher doses to treat children two years 

of age or older suffering from cerebral 

palsy to help them walk. 

It can also be injected into the skin 

to block the action of the nerves that 

control sweat glands, and in this way 

treat excessive localised sweating 

(hyperhidrosis), especially severe 

underarm sweating. 

‘TOX IN OZ: 

BOTOX, 

DYSPORT & 

XEOMIN 

Today, botulinum toxin is available for cosmetic 

use in Australia under the brand names Botox, 

Dysport and Xeomin, and all are TGA approved for 

their ability to relax facial muscles and improve the 

appearance of furrows between the eyes. 

BE CONFIDENT IN WHO’S 

INJECTING YOUR FACE 

With cosmetic injections becoming as ubiquitous as 

facials and haircuts, it’s incredibly important – from 

both a safety and an aesthetic perspective – that 

your injector is accredited and experienced. 

Cosmetic injections are medical procedures that 

require a physical examination and history-taking 

for a complete consultation. Like any medical 

procedure, they also carry an element of risk. 

In the rare event of serious complications arising, 

you want to be assured you are in the best possible 

hands to remedy the situation. Always be sure to 

check the qualifications of your injector to ensure 

you are being treated by a qualified and trained 

practitioner. 

Be aware that cheapest is not always best; 

don’t make your decision on price alone. After 

all, it’s your face, and your safety, we’re talking 

about. CBM 


WELLNESS 

EVERYTHING 

YOU THOUGHT 

YOU KNEW 

ABOUT 

METABOLISM 

MAY BE 

WRONG 

RECENT RESEARCH HAS SHAKEN 

WIDELY HELD WEIGHT LOSS 

THEORIES TO THE CORE. AS IT 

TURNS OUT, YOU WON’T BE 

ABLE TO BLAME A SLOW 

METABOLISM FOR YOUR 

WEIGHT GAIN ANYMORE.

WHILE SEVERAL FACTORS COULD EXPLAIN THE 

THICKENING WAISTLINES THAT OFTEN EMERGE DURING 

OUR PRIME WORKING YEARS, THE FINDINGS SUGGEST THAT 

A CHANGING METABOLISM ISN’T ONE OF THEM. 

Remember those heady days of 

youth when it seemed we could 

eat anything we want and not 

gain weight? And now even so much 

as a glance at a Tim Tam will send the 

scales in the wrong direction? Our 

metabolism has taken the brunt of 

the blame for decades, but a landmark 

2021 study * published in the journal 

Science says metabolism in adulthood 

does not slow as commonly believed. 

‘There are lots of physiological 

changes that come with growing up 

and getting older,’ says study co-author 

Herman Pontzer, associate professor 

of evolutionary anthropology at 

Duke University. ‘Think puberty, 

menopause, other phases of life. 

What’s weird is that the timing of our 

“metabolic life stages” doesn’t seem to 

match those typical milestones.’ 

Total daily energy expenditure 

reflects daily energy needs and is a 

critical variable in human health and 

physiology, but its trajectory over the 

life course is poorly studied. Pontzer 

and an international team of scientists 

analysed the average calories burned 

(daily energy expenditure) by more 

than 6,600 people ranging from one 

week old to age 95 across 29 countries 

as they went about their daily lives. 

SMASHING 

4 

THE 

STAGES OF 

METABOLISM 

1. 

From one week old up until age 1, 

your metabolism is at its highest 

level, accelerating until it is 50% 

above the adult rate. 

2. 

From age 1 to 20, metabolism slows 

down gradually at a rate of around 

3% per year. 

3. 

Between ages 20 to 60, your 

metabolism remains relatively stable. 

4. 

From age 60 onwards, it slows 

down by about 0.7% a year. 


THE DATA SUGGEST THAT OUR 

METABOLISMS DON’T REALLY START TO 

DECLINE AGAIN UNTIL AFTER AGE 60. 

WELLNESS 

METABOLISM 

MYTHS 

Analysing energy expenditures across 

the entire lifespan revealed some 

surprises. Some people think of their 

teens and 20s as the age when their 

calorie-burning potential hits its peak. 

But the researchers found that infants 

had the highest metabolic rates of all; a 

one-year-old burns calories 50% faster 

for their body size than an adult. 

After this initial surge in infancy, 

the data show that metabolism slows 

by about 3% each year until we reach 

our 20s, when it levels off into a 

new normal. 

Despite the teen years being a time 

of growth spurts, the researchers didn’t 

see any uptick in daily calorie needs in 

adolescence after they took body size 

into account. ‘We really thought puberty 

would be different and it’s not,’ 

Pontzer says. 

Midlife was another surprise. We’ve 

been told that it’s all downhill after 

30 when it comes to our weight. But 

while several factors could explain 

the thickening waistlines that often 

emerge during our prime working years, 

the findings suggest that a changing 

metabolism isn’t one of them. 

In fact, the researchers discovered 

that energy expenditures during these 

middle decades – our 20s, 30s, 40s and 

50s -- were the most stable. Even during 

pregnancy, a woman’s calorie needs were 

no more or less than expected given her 

added bulk as the baby grows. 

WHAT IS 

METABOLISM? 

Metabolism is the process by which 

your body converts what you eat 

and drink into energy. During this 

complex process, calories in food and 

beverages are combined with oxygen 

to release the energy your body needs 

to function. 

Even at rest, your body needs 

energy for all its ‘hidden’ functions 

to keep you alive and your organs 

functioning normally, such as breathing, 

circulating blood, adjusting hormone 

levels, growing and repairing cells, and 

digesting food. 

The minimum amount of energy 

your body requires to perform these 

chemical processes is called the basal 

metabolic rate (BMR). 

Your individual basal metabolic rate, 

or metabolism, is determined by your 

body size and composition, sex and 

muscle composition. In addition to your 

BMR, thermogenesis (food processing) 

and physical activity determine how 

many calories your body expends, or 

burns, each day. 

People who struggle to lose weight 

often blame a slow metabolism. But 

there’s actually little evidence to 

support this claim. 

Conversely, research shows that 

overweight people have faster 

metabolisms than thinner people. 

Larger bodies require more energy 

to carry out basic bodily functions. 

More often than not, the reason you’re 

putting on weight is not because of a 

slow metabolism; it’s because you’re 

eating and drinking more calories than 

you’re burning.

WHY 60 

IS THE 

NEW 30 

The data collected in the study suggest 

that our metabolisms don’t really start 

to decline again until after age 60. The 

slowdown is gradual, only 0.7% a year. 

But a person in their 90s needs 26% 

fewer calories each day than someone 

in midlife. 

The findings suggest that other factors 

lie behind the so-called ‘middle-age 

spread. Lost muscle mass as we get older 

may be partly to blame, the researchers 

say, since muscle burns more calories 

than fat. But it’s not the whole picture. 

‘It’s because [our] cells are slowing 

down,’ Pontzer says. 

The patterns held even when differing 

activity levels were taken into account. 

For a long time, what drives shifts in 

energy expenditure has been difficult to 

parse because ageing goes hand in hand 

with so many other changes, Pontzer 

says. But the research lends support to 

the idea that it’s more than age-related 

changes in lifestyle or body composition. 

‘All of this points to the conclusion 

that tissue metabolism, the work that 

the cells are doing, is changing over the 

course of the lifespan in ways we haven’t 

fully appreciated before,’ he says. ‘You 

really need a big data set like this to get 

at those questions.’ 

‘These changes shed light on human 

development and ageing and should 

help shape nutrition and health 

strategies across the life span,’ the 

authors conclude. CBM 

Source: Today.Duke.edu 

* 

Daily Energy Expenditure Through the Human 

Life Course,’ Herman Pontzer, Yosuke Yamada, 

Hiroyuki Sagayama, et al. Science, Aug. 12, 

2021. DOI: 10.1126/science.abe5017 


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AestheticAdvisor is Australia’s 

trusted online resource to 

research procedures, find a skilled 

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have questions answered. 

www.aestheticadvisor.com.au

CosBeauty Magazine #95

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