While it’s nice to shop up a storm in Sephora every now and then, for us, nothing beats our locally owned and operated beauty brands who are doing some seriously special things right here on our doorstep.
From makeup to skincare, tonics to nail polishes and much more, these are our favourite Gold Coast beauty brands.
Cannabella
GC-based CANNABELLA was founded in 2017 by brothers Matt, Tim, and Michael Stiegler upon learning about their mum’s cancer diagnosis. In an effort to alleviate the terrible side-effects of chemotherapy—specifically dry skin and irritation—Matt decided to melt down his mum’s skincare products and add hemp oil and natural botanical extracts and that’s how Cannabella was born. Now a leader in the clean beauty and skincare industry, CANNABELLA’s mission is to reconnect people with the healing powers of plant-based skincare and we stan them hard. Made from 100% unfiltered hemp oil, CANNABELLA’s products are infused with natural, plant-based botanicals, including unfiltered hemp oil that helps naturally heal skin without clogging pores—making it perfect for all skin types.
Cedar & Stone
Originating in the Currumbin Valley and boasting 100% Australian owned and made products, Cedar and Stone has something for nearly every aspect of your beauty regime. Think epsom bath salts, face and room mists, body wash and creams, all made with natural, organic and vegan ingredients that will leave you absolutely glowing. We can’t get enough of their Energy Clearing Mist—a must for any household.
Alpha H
With headquarters and a skin clinic at Helensvale and a worldwide following, Alpha H is the success story companies Australia-wide strive for. Alpha H products are designed to give you salon-level results within your own home and are best known for their cult “Liquid Gold” serum, a resurfacing treatment that helps with skin renewal, cell turn over and all-round repair. Did we mention two bottles sell every minute, it's multi-award-winning and is adored by celebs? Add it your beauty bag immediately.
Gold Coast Glow
GC locals know the importance of a healthy tan, which is why we’re loving this newbie to the beauty market. Made from aloe vera, grapefruit and coconut oil (just to name a few), the 100% vegan and cruelty-free formula delivers a natural, streak-free glow that nourishes and tans your skin at the same time. Even better? Gold Coast Glow colour corrects to even your skin tone which means you’re just a few spritzes away from a gorgeous, radiant tan. This one has become a beauty staple.
MooGoo
Originating in Perth but now calling Burleigh home, MooGoo is the go-to brand when your skin has dealt you a crappy hand and you want a chemical-free solution. Specialising in eczema, psoriasis and all-round skin healing, their creams, ointments and washes will ease your skin dilemmas. Branching out to baby products, sunscreens, dental and hair care, MooGoo continues to grow its ethically minded brand, even boasting Queensland’s first carbon neutral facility.
Evohe
If you want to feel like you’ve just bathed in a rainforest waterfall then we recommend this awesome natural, vegan brand. Their Omega 3.6.9 oil is a must-have in any beauty cabinet because you can literally feel the goodness of native seed and super fruit oils absorbing into your skin—perfect after a big day at the beach. You can also jump on their website for a free skin consultation so that you can best pick the products suited to you.
The Tonik
If you believe the inside is just as important as the outside, say hello to GC brand, The Tonik, who are aiming to reinvent natural supplements, one capsule at a time. Think sustainably sourced, pharmaceutically formulated, organic ingredients made into easy to swallow gel capsules. Choose from a range of Tonik’s, including hemp seed oil, curcumin/turmeric, organic coconut oil or apple cider vinegar, all designed to be easily slipped into your daily routine or to travel with you on your next holiday.
Ryder Wolfe
Hand made up in beautiful Mt. Tambourine, this sustainable skincare range has a focus on small batch botanical products that will leave you feeling nurtured and natural. Ryder Wolfe boasts an amazing price point proving that you don’t always have to break the bank for good quality, sustainable skin care. Our tip, take a day trip and stop in at their gorgeous store to view their products yourself or have a facial to really see what your next purchase can do.
Eco Tan
Starting out in their Currumbin kitchen, Eco Tan has since grown a worldwide following with their hugely popular Face Tan Water reaching cult status after winning multiple awards. All their products are free from nasties often found in other tanning products so that means no weird stains on your hands. It’s certified organic and toxic free so you can rest assured you’re only putting the best products on your skin.
Oil ‘o’ Eve
Oil ‘o’ Eve was birthed from one local woman’s desire to create a single product that can be used in multiple ways while achieving fabulous results. Containing essential oils we all know have outstanding benefits to skin—macadamia, avocado, almond, apricot, olive, rose geranium, rose hip—and more, this truly is a must-have elixir. Even better, every ingredient is grown and processed locally to preserve the antioxidant and vitamins that protect the skin from ageing.
House of Gruzlewski Nail Polish
Forget toxic smells that often come from nail polish, this Tugun brand is changing the game. House of Gruzlewski has created a polish range that is vegan and cruelty-free and as a stroke of genius does not need acetone to be removed, simply peel it off with no damage to the nail bed or cuticle. With ranges that reflect the Coast, the Kirra Beach blend has become our everyday go-to.
Want more beauty news? Check out our roundup of the best eyebrow masters on the Gold Coast.
Image credit: Cannabella