The climate, in turn, provides the ultimate testing ground for a product’s performance, “New Zealand has naturally high UV levels and an outdoors-orientated culture,” notes Dr Singh. “The diverse climate means our skin is exposed to a host of elements, so products which deliver protection are fundamental.”
There is a Māori saying, which translates to ‘I am the land and the land is me’. Here, the spiritual connection to the environment means nutrients are harvested, and in return, the land is nurtured for the next generation. It’s an ethos which echoes across NZ Beauty’s approach to sustainability.
At Kaeā, 100% of profits go directly to restoring native ecosystems and so far the brand has planted nearly half a million trees into dying areas.
When launching her eponymous brand, the environment was pivotal for Emma Lewisham. “Growing up always in close proximity to nature profoundly impacted both my deep appreciation for nature’s intelligence, as well as my desire to protect and preserve it”, she says, adding that becoming the world’s first certified Climate Positive, 100% circular beauty brand, which has been endorsed by esteemed conservationist, Dr Jane Goodall, was “career-defining”.
With all of the brand’s collection available in refillable options, it inspires use to the bottom of the jar and a lifelong relationship with a favourite product – which is the most sustainable relationship to have.
Introducing a New Zealand brand into your beauty regime goes beyond great skin. As Tama Toki founder and CEO of Aotea notes, for the Māori people, “the notion of health is approached holistically, encompassing the wellbeing of the body, mind, and spirit. Consequently, skincare and beauty practices are not merely superficial concerns; rather, they are perceived as integral components that contribute to an individual’s overall sense of wellbeing.”
The quiet ritual of caring for oneself with thoughtful products matters here. Perhaps that’s the greatest lesson to take home.
Best NZ Beauty Brands To Try Now
Say ‘kia ora’ (hello) to these Kiwi beauty brands:
Emma Lewisham
“Nature’s ingredients hold all the answers if we can simply unlock their intelligence”, says Emma. Her skincare line partners natural ingredients with an advanced understanding of the skin’s physiology, with each product undergoing years of development. The cult favourite Skin Reset Serum has 24 high-performing actives in one – refillable – bottle. Use for a glow à la Margot’s.
Syrene
Inspired by the restorative powers of the Pacific Ocean, Syrene marries sea nutrients with native flora in its signature powerhouse blends, all housed in recycled Ocean Waste Plastics packaging. For a sea-kissed glow, the Aqua Hydrating Masque (which has sold over a quarter of a million jars to date), uses the highest potency of the brand’s macro-algae, which creates a deep reservoir of hydration in the skin.
Antipodes
Founded in New Zealand’s cool capital, Antipodes was born with the purpose of achieving the performance of prestigious skincare brands using organic and native ingredients. Given the brand is used by Billie Eilish and Katie Holmes, and has become an international icon of NZ Beauty, consider that job done. The vegan Lime Caviar Collagen-Rich Firming Cream, “features lime caviar extract, a natural source of AHAs, to smooth, brighten and plump, and Sepilift DPHP, a powerful peptide”, says founder Elizabeth Barbalich.
Aotea