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We all have that one makeup product we’re emotionally attached to. The perfect mascara. The blush that just works. The foundation that carried us through countless days. But as much as we love our beauty staples, nothing lasts forever, and using makeup products past their prime can affect both performance and your skin health.

Here’s my go-to guide for how long some of the high frequency cosmetic products last, when to replace them, and how to keep everything in tip-top condition.

Mascara

How long it lasts: 3 months

Mascara has one of the shortest shelf lives in your makeup bag. The wand goes in and out of the tube daily, introducing air and bacteria, and the liquid formula is the perfect breeding ground for germs.

Using mascara longer than three months increases your risk of eye irritation or infection and no lash look is worth that.

Signs it’s time to retire your mascara:

• It smells different
• The formula becomes dry or clumpy
• It flakes more than usual

Pro tip: Never “pump” your wand in the tube — it pushes air inside and dries the formula faster.

Liquid Eyeliner & Cream Products

How long they last: Varies from 3–6 months.

Anything liquid or cream-based (gel liners, cream blush, cream shadows) should be monitored closely. If the texture changes, separates, or smells off, it’s time to replace it.

Pro tip: Always close lids tightly and avoid dipping fingers directly into pots — use a clean brush instead, closely refer to the period after opening (POA) as this will guide its longevity.

Foundation & Concealer

How long they last: About 6–12 months.

Liquid foundations generally last up to a year if stored properly. Pump bottles tend to stay fresher longer than open-neck bottles because they limit air exposure.

Time to retire if:

• It separates and won’t blend back together
• The colour changes
• The smell becomes sour
• It starts causing breakouts

Store foundation in a cool, dry place — heat and sunlight break down formulas faster.

Powder Compacts (Pressed Powder, Blush, Bronzer, Eyeshadow)

How long they last: Typically, 12–24 months

Powders last longer because they don’t contain water, making bacteria growth less likely. However, once you’ve hit the godet (the metal pan at the bottom), it’s often a good indication that it’s time to replace it — especially if performance changes or the powder becomes hard and less blendable.

Over time, oils from your brush can create a hard layer on top (called “hard pan”), making the product less effective.

Keep powders in top condition by: 

• Using clean brushes
• Gently scraping off any hardened top layer if needed 
• Keeping compacts closed tightly

Check out our Brush Cleaning Ritual: Winter Reset Blog which outlines exactly how to get the best from your brushes to keep your products and your skin in top condition.

Makeup Sponges (Beauty Blenders & Similar Tools)

How long they last: Typically 1–3 months, depending on use and care.

Makeup sponges are porous, which makes them amazing for seamless blending — but also a magnet for bacteria, oil, and old product. If your sponge starts to tear, crumble, smell, or won’t come fully clean, it’s time to let it go.

Keep them fresh by:

• Washing after every use (yes, really!)
• Using gentle soap or a dedicated sponge cleanser
• Squeezing out excess water and letting them air dry fully
• Storing them in a breathable space (not sealed in a makeup bag)

If you use your sponge daily, replacing it monthly is ideal for hygiene and performance.

Lipstick & Lip Gloss

How long they last:

• Lipstick: 12–18 months
• Lip gloss: 6–12 months

Lip products come into direct contact with your mouth, so hygiene matters. If a lipstick smells waxy or crayon-like, it’s past its best. Glosses should be replaced sooner due to the wand repeatedly touching lips and going back into the tube.

Makeup should perform beautifully and be safe for your skin. If something smells strange, looks different, or isn’t applying the way it used to — trust your instincts. Fresh products not only protect your skin and eyes but also give you better results.

A good rule of thumb? When in doubt, throw it out.

Your skin (and lashes) will thank you.

When your skin is feeling irritated, dry, or just plain stressed, the last thing it needs is a complicated routine. I’ve found that less is often more when it comes to sensitive skincare. Stripping things back and choosing gentle, fragrance-free products can make all the difference in helping your skin recover and feel comfortable again.

Dry or distressed skin can be triggered by all sorts of things, weather changes, overuse of actives, harsh products, or even stress. When your skin barrier is compromised, it struggles to hold onto moisture, leading to tightness, redness, and sensitivity.

The goal is to reduce irritation, support the skin barrier, and avoid anything that could make things worse. That means choosing skincare for sensitive skin that is free from known irritants, especially fragrance.

A simple, repeatable routine is your best friend here. No over layering, no experimenting with too many actives, just the essentials done well.

Gentle Routine Morning

• Mild, fragrance-free cleanser
• Hydrating, lightweight moisturiser
• SPF suitable for sensitive skin

Your Irritant Free Evening Routine

• Gentle cleanser
• Strengthening daily hydration serum
• Nourishing moisturiser

That’s it. Keeping your routine consistent and minimal gives your skin the space it needs to repair and rebalance.

If there’s one product worth trying, it’s the Calm Nourishing Night Cream. It’s a go to for restoring dry, irritated skin thanks to its rich, comforting texture and skin loving ingredients that help support the moisture barrier overnight. 

Even if your skin isn’t particularly sensitive, it’s still a beautiful addition to any routine when your skin needs a little extra care. Think of it as a reset button for tired, stressed skin or unbalanced skin.

When your skin is out of balance, resist the urge to do more. Focus on gentle skincare, avoid fragrance and active ingredients, and stick to a routine that’s easy to follow.

With the right approach, you can calm irritation, restore hydration, and get your skin back to feeling healthy, comfortable, and happy.

If you’ve got a teen battling breakouts, you’re definitely not alone.

Acne-prone skincare is one of the most searched topics by Aussie parents and for good reason. Hormones, stress, diet, and harsh products can all wreak havoc on youthful skin. The good news? With the right approach, you can help your teen protect their moisture barrier and improve acne without overcomplicating things.

Why the Moisture Barrier Matters

The skin’s moisture barrier is key to healthy, balanced skin. When it’s damaged, often from over cleansing, exfoliating, or strong acne treatments, it can lead to more breakouts, irritation, and dryness. Yep, stripping the skin usually makes acne worse, not better.

How We Can Help

Here are the key areas where parents can support their teen or pre-teen in building healthy, sustainable skincare habits.

1. Keep it Gentle

Look for gentle skincare for acne prone skin. Skip harsh scrubs and alcohol heavy formulas. A mild cleanser used twice daily is more than enough. A foaming cleanser like the Natio Clear Oil Control Foam Cleanser is great for lifting away excess oil and pore clogging impurities, while still being kind to the skin. Plus, the foaming action makes a chore feel that little bit more fun.

If your teen is dealing with an angry breakout, pairing a cleanser with a Breakout Control Toning Mist can be a game changer. The hands-free application feels cooling and refreshing, while helping to replace lost moisture. Ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree are well known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits and work to dissolve surface impurities.

2. Hydration is Non-Negotiable

Even oily, acne prone skin needs hydration. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser helps repair the skin barrier and can actually reduce excess oil production over time.

Look for ingredients like hyaluronate, vitamin E, and aloe to hydrate and calm redness. The Natio Clear Shine Control Face Moisturiser is a great option to keep skin balanced without feeling heavy.

3. Sun Protection Every Day 

Sunscreen for acne prone skin is an absolute must. UV exposure can slow healing and worsen post acne marks.

Our lightweight, oil free Urban Defence Face Fluid SPF 50+ is ideal, something that layers well under makeup or can be worn on its own without clogging pores. And don’t forget to follow directions of use with any sunscreen and make sure to reapply every two hours.

4. Don’t Overdo Actives 

Ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be helpful, but more isn’t always better. Overusing actives can damage the skin barrier and trigger more breakouts and dry skin.

Encourage your teen to use treatments sparingly and always patch test first. Our targeted Quick Fix Spot Treatment can be a handy addition, its a small but mighty treatment to apply directly to blemishes without overwhelming the rest of the skin.

5. Hands Off (We Know, It’s Hard) 

Picking and popping can spread bacteria and increase the risk of scarring. One helpful alternative is Pimple Patches. They protect the blemish while helping to calm redness and inflammation, and they stop wandering hands from making things worse. 

Building a Simple, Repeatable Routine

Consistency always beats complexity. The goal is to create a routine your teen can actually stick to, morning and night. Below our product experts have developed a simple, easy to follow routine.

Morning:

• Gentle cleanser
• Lightweight moisturiser
• SPF (oil free, non-comedogenic) 

Evening:

• Gentle cleanser
• Treatment, a few nights a week if needed
• Moisturiser 

That’s it, no 10 step routines required.

If you’re using a system like the Natio Clear range, the step-by-step format can make it easier for teens to follow along and stay consistent. You can keep it simple or build it up gradually depending on your teen’s skin needs.

Good Skin. Good Mood. Good Day.

Supporting your teen through acne isn’t just about products, it’s about building confidence, resilience, and good habits early on. Stick with a gentle skincare routine, protect the moisture barrier, and focus on consistency over trends.

With a bit of patience and a lot of kindness, clearer, calmer skin is absolutely achievable.

Shop our Clear Skin Bundle to start your teen on their journey and save 20%. 

Ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday 8th March 2026, we’d like to acknowledge the incredible work of our partner, Lighthouse Foundation, in advocating for women who have escaped, or are are at risk of, early or forced marriage, modern slavery and other forms of gender-based violence.

International Women’s Day

UN Women Australia announced Balance the Scales as the official theme for 2026, highlighting the urgent need to ensure inclusive and accessible justice for every woman and girl.

Someone fighting for exactly that is Masuma, the Therapeutic Case Manager for Lighthouse Foundations' Young Women’s Freedom Program. Having grown up in Afghanistan with lived experience advocating for women’s rights, she witnessed women facing forced marriages, domestic violence, and restricted access to community and support.

Masuma promised herself at a very young age that she wouldn’t be a victim of society’s misogyny and went on to conduct an oral history project during her studies that reinforced how important it was for women to feel heard and be believed in.

“I believe every single woman deserves to be safe and to have a life where they don’t have to choose between their wellbeing and their sense of belonging.”

On International Women’s Day, Masuma wants women who are struggling to know that she knows how impossible it can feel to choose between staying in an abusive and violent environment or leaving and risking everything. Leaving can often mean grief, fear, and uncertainty – loss of family, loss of connections, and loss of financial stability.

The Young Women’s Freedom Program, Lighthouse Foundation

This program is a trauma-informed, transitional housing program for young women who are escaping, or at risk of modern slavery practices including forced marriage, domestic servitude, as well as other forms of gender-based violence. 

“It provides safe and stable housing for young women, but it’s much more than accommodation.”

Importantly, it is also a space for women to begin their recovery and explore their identities. The program participants might need help learning healthy boundaries, building confidence or feeling safe and secure in relationships.

Natio skincare & makeup workshops

Our product development team recently conducted skincare and makeup workshops with the young women to help boost their confidence and hone their skills.

The courage to stand up

The women in this program are not simply the victims of what happened to them, but they are people with the strength and agency to stand up for themselves and for others.

It takes courage to rebuild after fleeing an unsafe environment and it takes courage to stand up for women who are suffering.

To learn more about Lighthouse’s work or make a donation, please visit: https://www.lighthousefoundation.org.au/

Say "hi” to your new makeup crush: our cute, coordinated Hello Colour Pocket Palettes.

If you love easy, on the go beauty with a playful twist, this one’s for you. Our brand new 4 shade coordinated palettes are designed to take the guesswork out of getting ready, with four perfectly matched powders stacked into one cute, compact vertical palette: 

1. Base Eyeshadow
2. Defining Eyeshadow
3. Blush
4. Highlighter

That’s your whole glow-up, sorted. 

The Fab Five 

Available in five flattering, feel-good colourways, there’s a vibe for every mood, outfit and occasion: 

• Nude = effortless, barely-there classic matte beauty
• Petal = a soft romantic bloom of colour
• Bronze = sun-kissed, glowy warmth
• Peach = juicy pops of shimmering warmth and coral vibrance
• Berry = bold, sweet and playful berry-cherry hues

Whether you’re heading to brunch, uni, the office or dancing the night away, the Pocket Palette has your colour covered. As for application, it's easy - here's how:

Step 1: Sculpt Eyes with the Defining Shade 

First up: the defining eyeshadow. Using a small brush or fingers, apply it to: 

• The outer corner of your lid to add depth
• The crease to sculpt and shape
• Along the upper or lower lash line for subtle definition

This shade creates instant dimension - rich, smooth pigment that blends seamlessly without looking harsh. It adds structure to the eye, enhancing your natural shape and giving that softly contoured, put-together finish. Want more drama? Build it up gradually or layer it over your base shade for a more intense, smoky effect. 

Step 2: Pop the Highlight Eyeshadow 

Next up: the Highlight Eyeshadow. 

Using your fingertip or a small brush, press it onto:  

• The centre of your lid for brightness 
• The inner corners of your eyes 
• Just under your brow bone 

This shade catches the light in the prettiest way - subtle shimmer, never chunky. It instantly makes your eyes look bigger, fresher and more awake. Want more drama? Layer it over the base shade for extra glow. Soft and sheer or build it up bold, intensity is up to you.

Step 3: Add a Flush with Blush 

Time to bring colour to the cheeks...

Smile gently and using your brush, sweep the blush onto cheekbones, blending upwards toward your temples. Finish with a light swish across the bridge of the nose for a flushed glow.

You can keep it soft and diffused or build it up for a more vibrant look. The powders are designed to layer beautifully without going patchy. And because each blush is coordinated to the eyeshadow tones, everything just works. No clashing. No overthinking. 

Step 4: Glow with the Highlighter 

Enter: radiance. 

Using your brush or fingers, apply the highlighter to:

• The tops of your cheekbones 
• The bridge of your nose
• Cupid’s bow

It gives that natural Australian sunshine glow - gorgeously radiant. For extra fun, tap a tiny bit over your blush for a glossy, luminous cheek moment. Shiiiine!

Click, Clack, Colour in a Snap  

Yep, our new Hello Colour Pocket Palettes are fresh, fun and fabulously flattering. Easy to use and effortlessly gorgeous. *Swoon*

The moment summer rolls around my mood instantly lifts... But, my skin on the other hand, is a completely different story. Between a long winter covered up from head to toe and the chilly winter air drying out my skin, it can begin to look a little lack luster. Let’s just say that my glow disappears quicker than my famous hedgehog slice did on Christmas day!

The good news is that hydrated, sun-kissed skin is definitely achievable, even when you’re trying to be sun safe. In fact, using a gentle, natural tanner during summer is one of the easiest ways to keep your skin even, hydrated and glowing all through the warm weather.

As someone who has been fake tanning for well over a decade (I’ve been every end of the spectrum - from translucent to looking like an oompa loompa) I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t and how to achieve an effortless golden tone that looks like you’ve just returned from a Euro trip.

With our new Natio tan range, my tanning routine has never been simpler and my skin has never felt softer!

A Natural Summer Glow

The best self-tan to see you through the summer is one that looks natural on the skin and enhances your complexion rather than masking it.

Like many of us here in the Natio HQ, you’ll soon be reaching for Natio tan this season to give you a healthy, hydrated glow rather than giving off that “I applied a tan in a can at 1am” look. It’s enriched with hydration heroes of Aloe Vera, Shea Butter and Vitamin E to help deliver moisture while you tan and prevent the dreaded “tiger bread” look.

Why should it be your summer go-to?

• No scent = perfect for hot days to prevent you from omitting that noticeable fake tan, biscuit smell
• No transfer = say goodbye to stained sheets and bathers
• Non-comedogenic = ideal for when sweat and sunscreen may already be congesting your skin
• Australian-made = designed with our customers and climate in mind

Pre-Tan Prep

The key to the perfect tan really is ensuring proper exfoliation and hydration before your self-tan application to create the smoothest application and prevent patchiness.

I know that this is the part that most people tend to rush, but it really is make or break when trying to achieve a natural tan. But, with the right preparation before your application, you too can achieve a natural looking glow whether you’re a tanning connoisseur or completely new to fake tanning altogether.

The great thing about a gradual tanning lotion and face tanning water is that application is quite simple - but what is most important is your pre-tan preparation and post-tan care.

Here’s my tried and tested pre-tan prep routine:

1. Exfoliate 24 hours before fake tanning to remove dry skin so your tan absorbs evenly
2. Moisturise lightly the night before, as hydrated skin tends to hold onto colour better
3. Shave or wax 48 hours in advance of tanning to avoid dotted pores and patchy areas
4. Moisturise elbows, knees and ankles right before tanning as these spots love absorbing a little too much tan
   

Fake Tan Application Tips

It’s important when applying your Natio tan, to apply in thin, even layers to give you the most natural looking summer glow.

Our Bronzing Glow Gradual Tanning Lotion and Radiant Glow Facial Tan Water are incredibly simple to apply, making them the low-maintenance, easy solution for beginners or anyone wanting an easy summer tanning routine.

For the body

Use our Self-Tan Application Mitt on clean, dry skin and work the lotion in long sweeping motions, followed by circular motions to blend the product in. For tricky areas such as the hands, wrists and feet, use our Blurring Contour Body Buffing Brush for a seamless result. With our gradual tan, you can apply as many layers as you want and build your colour day by day, depending on the depth of tan you want to achieve. Make sure to wipe excess tan from nails and between fingers and avoid perfume or deodorant immediately after applying.

For the face

Apply 6-12 drops of our Radiant Glow Facial Tan Water to clean clean hands and smooth evenly onto the face. To prevent “fake tan hands”, alternatively use our Blurring Contour Body Buffing Brush and apply the drops directly onto the brush before applying to the face. Our tan water absorbs quickly, won’t transfer onto clothes and develops into a soft, glowing tan.

Post-Tan Care

To keep that summer glow lasting, daily hydration and gentle maintenance will help your tan last longer and fade evenly overtime.

It’s important moisturise every day to keep your colour looking smooth and even. Exfoliate only as the tan begins to fade, then reapply using the Bronzing Glow Gradual Tanning Lotion or refresh your complexion with a few drops of the Radiant Glow Facial Tan Water.

The Natio tan range is a reminder that you don’t need long days in the sun to enjoy a gorgeous glow. The safest tan will always be the one that comes from a bottle, not UV. You can enjoy a hydrated, luminous finish all season long with the Natio tan collection.

Explore the full Natio tan range here. 

There’s something revealing about the contents of someone’s bag. The objects we carry tell stories about our routines and the tools and talismans that bring us comfort. 
 
We recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Frankie magazine on a sponsored feature that celebrates this idea. Three incredibly talented illustrators - Eirian Chapman, Alice Oehr, and Emma Beukers - were each tasked with giving us a peek into their worlds. From sketchbooks to shells and acorns, each item is rendered with care and creativity. 

You can read the full article including illustrator interviews on Frankie’s website and check out the artworks below. 

Eirian Chapman showcases her bag’s contents in a playful display of beautifully contrasting colours. Among the bits and bobs that look to have exploded from her bag, she highlights her go-to sunscreen, the Invisible Stick Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+. 

 
Bobby pins and sketchbooks make their second appearance in Alice Oehr’s vibrant artwork which lays out her handbag staples including sunglasses, lip balm and Quick Dry Moisturising Sunscreen! Her interpretation radiates summer joy. 

Emma Beukers invites us into her inner world through a maximalist, cartoon-style display of her bag’s contents. Among the array of treasures are her skin protection essentials, lip balm and Invisible Mist Sunscreen SPF 50+. 

 
Each artist's choice tells us something about how they move through the world. We're grateful to Frankie magazine and these three talented artists for creating something so visually delightful, that has earned a framed place on the Natio head office walls! 

Whether you’re hunting for a free summer activity to keep the whole family entertained this break, or you’re just keen to get out and explore more of the natural Australian beauty this country has to offer, we’ve got you!  

I asked the Natio team to share their best nature walks in some of our most idyllic locations around Australia, and these were the favourites we've put together to help you eliminate decision-paralysis these summar holidays: 

Victoria

“I love the Cape Woolamai walk. The trail is an easy-moderate challenge, with wide sandy beaches, granite cliffs and dramatic ocean views, which make the climb feel effortless. Moving between beach, boardwalk and rocky sections keeps the walk interesting. It’s the ideal mix of adventure, scenery and calming coastlines.” - Nicki 

Difficulty: Moderate 

Distance: 8km (4 hours return) 

Location: Cape Woolamai Beach Car Park, Cape Woolamai, VIC 

“If you’re planning on visiting Wilsons Prom this summer, definitely make a stop to explore the short walk to Fairy Cove. It’s about a 2.5 km stroll through beautiful coastal bushland with a few small to medium hills along the way. The trail opens onto a beautiful, secluded beach with crystal clear, blue water and huge granite boulders which are ideal for relaxing on while you soak in the picturesque views. Bring your bathers and check the tide times to experience the cove at its best!” - Claudia 

Difficulty: Intermediate  

Distance: 6.25km (1.4 hours return) 

Location: Darby River Carpark, Wilsons Promontory Rd, Wilsons Promontory, VIC 

New South Wales 

"Just south of Sydney, tucked away in the Royal National Park is a trail that leads from Bundeena Drive to Little Marley Beach - one of my favourite spots to visit when in NSW! Wind through bushland, visit Deer Pool and end your adventure with a dip in one of the most serene beaches in NSW. This trail is perfect for a half-day in spring or summer. Make sure to ack a picnic and sun protection!" - Clare

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 8km (2.5-3 hours return)

Location: Bundeena Drive Carpark, Royal National Park, NSW

Queensland 

"Escape the city off the coast of Brisbane and catch a ferry to your new favourite coastal track. Enjoy headland views and keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, rays and dolphins as well as kangaroos. The island’s traditional owners, the Quandamooka People, have designed and constructed the new Mount Vane walking track in partnership with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The Gorge walk is also perfect for whale watching between June and November." - Clare

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 1.5-2.5km depending on route

Location: Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, QLD 

"At the end of Hastings Street’s buzz, you’ll find the start of Noosa National Park.
Commence your walk from Sails Noosa with an iced latte, and make your way around to Little Cove and Tea Tree Beach. You'll reach Dolphin Point, where you can sit and watch Dolphins and Whales. Continue your walk all around to the point, where you'll have a 360 degree view of complete ocean. You can often spot Turtles here too! Take a pit stop on your way back at Granite Bay for a cool off swim." - Eliza

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 10.8km return

Location: End of Park Rd, Noosa Heads, QLD

Tasmania  

“Tasmania has a piece of my heart - particularly the Cradle Mountain area. It just feels so different up there because the air is so clean, the light is really sharp, and the weather can flip on you so fast. I love that you don’t have to commit to one kind of walk either, you can take it easy around Dove Lake or head up towards Marion’s Lookout if you’re feeling up for an extra adventure. No matter which track you end up on, it always feels like you’ve stepped into something a bit special.” - Lauren 

Difficulty: Advanced 

Distance: 12.5km (6-8 hours return - summit hike) 

Location: Dove Lake Viewing Shelter, Dove Lake Rd, Cradle Mountain, TAS 

"Freycinet National Park is filled with crystal clear water and beautiful beaches. The Mount Amos Hike is challenging yet rewarding, so be sure to wear your best hiking shoes and pack snacks and water. You'll traverse across rock face and upwards through bush to reach the summit. Although, it'll all be 100% worth it for the panoramic views of Wineglass Bay. The walk took us about 3hrs, plus some extra time for soaking in the view. I would highly recommend!" - Eliza

Difficulty: Difficult

Distance: 4 km return (3-5 hrs including summit time)

Location: Wineglass Bay Carpark, Freycinet National Park, TAS

Add these locations to your list this summer and let us know which ones you tick off!