Living in Australia, we’re quite spoilt for skincare choices. We go through tubs, tubes and buckets of face creams, cleansers and serums, before researching a new product and proceeding to immediately ‘add to cart’.
We’ll often purchase products that are constantly raved about by our bestie, beauty therapist, social media influencers or one of the wonderful Youbies in our You Beauty Facebook group. Beyond that, we'll see the same well-loved brands and products come into conversation again and again, confirming their cult-status in the skincare world (cue: Alpha H Liquid Gold, Aspect, Estee Lauder and Jojoba Oil, just to name a few).
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But what about other skincare heroes? Well my friends, I’ve done a bit of personal research to uncover some totally underrated skincare brands that you NEED to have in your life.
Plus, I've asked a group of women to share some of their all-time favourite and most underrated skincare brands they think deserve a little bit of extra attention. Read on to get in the know.
Murad
"I was lucky enough to win a Murad skincare pack earlier this year after entering a social media competition - and I was super excited. Not just for the freebies, but to try some of their products. Though they are a company created by an American dermatologist, the brand itself is super accessible to us, with Sephora and Adore Beauty both stocking their products. Plus, they have an Aussie website with awesome promotions. And I can tell you this - after using a few of their products, they *actually* do what they say they will. My skin is on the dry side and I regularly experience monthly hormonal breakouts. Murad's Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture, $120, would have to be one of my favourite products in the range. I’ve used both spendy and savey options in the past, and I find this one is super hydrating (with no offensive fragrance) and it just sits on my skin really well."
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"Once a week, I use the Age Reform Hydro-Glow Aqua Peel, $32. With ingredients like lactic acid, glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid, my skin feels so smooth and glowy afterwards. Another one of my staples is the Prebiotic 4-in-1 Multi-Cleanser, $63, which I use morning and night. Working from home means I can get away with wearing less makeup, so I find this helps keep my skin feeling fresh after each use. If I have a full face of makeup on, I'll normally use an oil cleanser beforehand. Since using these products, I’m super excited to try others! Some other Murad faves include the Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil, $122, Prebiotic 3-In-1 MultiMist, $50, and Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel, $95" - Despina.
Ultraceuticals
"I had a facial at Beauty on Latrobe (in Brisbane) and they used Ultraceuticals products. Afterwards my face looked like it had been photoshopped! For days I kept looking at myself as my skin was so plump and dewy. I asked the beautician for recommendations and she kept it simple - cleanser, serum, moisturiser/SPF. My favourite product is the Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum, $99 It’s the first product I’ve ever used that made a really noticeable difference to both my fine lines and pigmentation." - Bec.
Republic Of SKN
"I’ve been using my Republic Of SKN for a while now. I purchased the anti-ageing box and I’m absolutely loving these products. I’m not normally someone that sticks to a skincare regime, especially twice a day. But I actually look forward to using them as I’m obsessed with how good they smell, particularly the ACE Elixir, $72 - it’s my favourite! I am also pleasantly surprised at how well the cleanser removes my makeup. I have already noticed a change in how my skin feels and I’m looking forward to seeing the changes to my skin in the future." - Tegan.
REN Clean Skincare
"I love that REN is not overpriced and the products perform and do what they say. REN is a range of cruelty-free, clean products, and the packaging is made from recycled plastic. They plan to become zero waste by 2021, so I know I am doing something for the planet by choosing REN. Some of my favourite products from the range include ClearCalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser, $60. Just as the name suggests, it cleans and calms my skin from any breakouts with its antibacterial properties. It reduces appearance of pores and lightly exfoliates to unclog my skin. I also love Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, $56 - it's hands down the best toner I've found! It lightly exfoliates and brightens/gives life to my 'tired mama' skin. The lactic acid and willow bark in this beauty work smooth skin and reduce the size of my pores. Another one of my favourites is the Perfect Canvas Clean Primer, $72. This is worth every cent! It has a super lightweight feel to it, contains no silicone, smooths pores, mattifies (without feeling dry) and tightens skin. Like all REN products, it's free from nasties and it is also vegan." - Angela.
Summer Salt Body
"I love Summer Salt Body! The products are made with all natural ingredients, they feel really lightweight and won't clog your skin. I also really like that they're a small Australian-based business that makes genuinely great products. I really love the Vegan Collagen Serum, $40, which absorbs so quickly into my skin. And their body oils! The body oils feel really light and luxurious and nourishing." - Keira.
DMK
"A few years ago, I regularly had the DMK Enzyme Facials and did the A-Lift Program. I also used the Beta Gel, Direct Delivery Vitamin C Serum, Eye Tone and Nite Firming Cream. People noticed and often commented on how good my skin looked. I stopped using DMK and noticed my skin wasn’t doing so well without it. Luckily, at the end of last year I discovered a new clinic using DMK and now, I am back into their products. Due to COVID, I haven’t been able to go into the salon to get the treatments, so I have been using DMK LIMITED Firmatrix and the face cream at home." - Alison.
O Cosmedics
"I've used O Cosmedics for years and found it has really helped improve the texture of my skin. It's also faded the pigmentation along my jawline. Products that I absolutely love include the Retinol Concentrate 1%, Immortal Cream and the Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser." - Jennifer.
Mirenesse
"I’ve bought a few skincare products from Mirenesse and have been pleased with the results - their stuff is absolutely amazing. I think because it’s online it’s not as well known, but it definitely needs to be talked about more!" - Ange.
Natio Skincare
"Natio Skincare is so underrated and amazing for sensitive skin." - Karagh.
Mukti Organics
"OMG, I love Mukti Organics! It’s like that feeling you get coming out of an expensive day spa ... except I’m experiencing this morning and night." - Melissa.
Medik8
"Not sure if Medik8 is underrated, but I hadn’t heard of them before I joined the You Beauty Facebook group. I’ve been using their retinol and Vitamin C and they’ve been wonder products!" - Ashleigh.
Feature image: Supplied / @glowperfecto
Do you have more to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!