When it comes to achieving sumptuous soft skin, having a good routine in place is essential to make sure you’re giving your skin ultimate hydration around the clock. For skin that will have you looking like you’ve just had a visit to the day spa, there are 4 simple steps that you can add into your routine whether you’re a skincare newbie or afficionado. With the right routine, anyone can achieve that visibly soft, smooth skin that will have you glowing from the inside out!  

Your new facial elixir

To lock in moisture all day long and protect your skin’s barrier, your best bet to visibly soft skin is to implement a facial oil into your routine.  We recommend applying our luxurious Nourishing Miracle Facial Oil directly after washing away the day with your cleanser, in order to prevent moisture loss. This powerful oil contains a blend of sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin simultaneously. For best results, massage a few drops into the skin and let it absorb a few minutes before applying your day moisturiser to really maximise its hydrating benefits. Incorporating a facial oil into your skincare routine will have your skin looking and feeling its best in no time!  

Moistu-rise and shine!

The number one not-so-well-kept secret to achieving supple, healthy skin is incorporating a good day moisturiser into your routine. Whilst finding a holy grail moisturiser can be tricky, it doesn’t have to be with our Rosewater Hydration Moisture Balance Day Cream SPF 50+. Not only does this two-in-one help keep your skin hydrated throughout the day, but it works to protect and defend your skin against harmful UV rays – and all without having to worry about adding another step to your routine! The potent blend of plant extracts Rose, Rosewater and Aloe work to deliver daily hydration and delicate care for visibly healthy skin.  

 The ultimate beauty sleep

At night your skin is most susceptible to losing water and becoming dehydrated, which can ultimately lead to dull and dry skin. To unlock the secret to soft skin, a sleep mask is a powerful addition to add to your night skincare routine if you’re wanting to achieve velvety soft skin. Our Marine Mineral Overnight Repair Sleep Mask is designed to help lock in moisture and provide it with a much-needed dose of hydration and nourishment all while you sleep! Simply apply to the face directly after cleansing and allow the key ingredients of Hyaluronate, Seaweed Extract and combination of Marine Minerals to repair skin whilst you doze off, and get ready to wake to visibly pillowy skin come morning.  

Keep skin hydrated on-the-go

Elevate your skincare routine with a spritz of hydration on-the-go! A face mist is ideal for that instant splash of hydration to the face, neck and decolletage as desired throughout the day, or to refresh your makeup after a long day. Our Rosewater Hydration Drench Mineral Face Mist is the perfect skin-saviour for when your skin is in desperate need of a little pick-me-up after being in a dry or air-conditioned environment. To complement the rest of your routine, we recommend spraying before your moisturiser to maximise absorption, or spray as you need for on-the-go skincare. Be sure to keep a bottle handy in your bag to spritz-and-go!  

A skincare routine incorporating a facial oil, day moisturiser, sleep mask and face mist can make all the difference for the health and softness of your skin in the long run.  

For more tips on how you can create healthy, glowing skin, checkout our other blog article for an easy DIY facial here.  

On 17^th February 2023, we celebrated our 30^th lap around the sun, near to where it all began at Abbotsford Convent.

Past and present employees joined valued suppliers and distributors for a gala event at the Convent, mere blocks from our first office premises at Marine Parade.

200 guests met to celebrate 30 years of natural Australian beauty over canapes accompanied by a three-piece jazz band, before enjoying a three-course banquet catered by Peter Rowland Group.

Our Managing Director Mahesh Ross opened the event which highlighted Natio's many achievements over the course of the past three decades, and launched our new website pages, a time capsule of Natio’s founder story, brand timeline and commitments to the future.

The Gala event also coincided with the launch of the our new colour story collection, Celebrate, a limited-edition capsule of cosmetics including our first ever 18-pan eyeshadow palette, a cream blush and highlight duo and sparkling nail colour.

Founder Max Ross re-tuned his guitar and joined former bandmates of The Groop, for the band’s first performance in decades. The Groop performed their top hits from the late 60s including I’m Sorry and Ain’t She Sweet.

The night concluded with hits from over the decades, spun by DJ Claire Elliott.

Scroll through the gallery below, shot by our talented photographer, Tuscany Gray.

Sensitive skin can be a frustrating and challenging issue to deal with. Whether you’ve had sensitive skin your whole life, or only recently developed some sensitivities, it can be confusing when your much-loved products no longer play nicely with your skin.  

How do I know if I have sensitive skin?  

Several factors can cause skin sensitivity, including changes in climate, hormonal changes, stress, and exposure to irritants. If you notice sudden skin sensitivity, try to identify any changes in your routine or environment that may have caused it. 

People with sensitive skin may experience redness, itching, dryness, and other uncomfortable symptoms. If you have sensitive skin, it is essential to know what to avoid, how to start a skincare routine, how to soothe sensitive skin on your face, and how to de-stress your skin.  

If you have sensitive skin, you may experience the following symptoms: 

1. Redness 
2. Itching or stinging 
3. Dryness or flakiness 
4. Tightness (perhaps also add in swelling/inflammation of the skin) 
5. Burning or tingling 

We’ve put together this blog post to help you with the above, and shed some light on how you can fall in love with your skin, sensitive or not.  

What should I avoid if I have sensitive skin? 

If you have sensitive skin, it is crucial to avoid using products with harsh chemicals and fragrances. These ingredients can irritate your skin and cause inflammation.  

Additionally, avoid using products with alcohol, exfoliants, and abrasive scrubs. Opt for gentle and fragrance-free products that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. 

At Natio, your skin’s health is at the forefront of all our formulations. Our Calm range is fortified with natural Calendula and Oat extracts to nourish and soothe your skin, feeling like a gentle, nurturing hug that replenishes and softens the skin.  

How do I start a skincare routine for sensitive skin? 

When starting a skincare routine for sensitive skin, keeping it simple is one of the best ways to keep your skin glowing.

1. Always start with a gentle cleanser, like our Calm Delicate Care Cleansing Milk. The calming cleanser has a milky texture that soothes and reduces redness as you massage it into the skin. It also contains cooling Aloe to hydrate and soothe. Apply onto a damp face with clean hands and gently massage. Rinse away with warm water or gently wipe away with a soft cloth.
2. Follow with a hydrating moisturiser, like our Calm Gentle Care Hydrating Lotion. This extra gentle hydrating moisturiser offers the perfect daily moisture solution for delicate skin. It contains Cucumber and Chamomile extracts to soothe, Shea Butter and Sodium Hyaluronate to hydrate and help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. 
3. Always start with a gentle cleanser, like our Calm Delicate Care Cleansing Milk. The calming cleanser has a milky texture that soothes and reduces redness as you massage it into the skin. It also contains cooling Aloe to hydrate and soothe. Apply onto a damp face with clean hands and gently massage. Rinse away with warm water or gently wipe away with a soft cloth.
4. Caring for the under eye area is of paramount importance with sensitive skin, as the skin around the eyes can be very delicate. Gently nourish this eye area with our fragrance-free, sensitivity tested Calm Extra Gentle Eye Cream, containing Shea Butter to nourish.
5. To give you skin that extra TLC it deserves, especially in the colder months, opt for a nightly night cream like our Calm Nourishing Night Cream. With Oat Kernel to soothe, Willow Bark to calm and Vitamin E to naturally help strengthen the skin's protective barrier, it is your secret weapon to returning unsettled skin to smooth softness.

How do you heal sensitive skin on face? 

Other things you can do in your everyday life to reduce skin sensitivity is to use lukewarm water when washing your face and avoid scrubbing aggressively. Also be careful not to touch your face during the day, and to dress warmly and protectively when temperatures plummet.  

What helps sensitive skin naturally?

If you prefer natural remedies, several ingredients can help soothe sensitive skin. Aloe Vera, Chamomile, and Oatmeal are all known for their calming properties, which is why we have included them in our Calm range.  

You can even apply Aloe Vera or Chamomile tea directly to affected areas, or use a moisturiser that contains these ingredients. Oatmeal can be made into a paste and applied as a face mask. 

How do I de-stress my skin?

Stress can cause sensitive skin. Stress triggers the production of cortisol, which can lead to inflammation and skin sensitivity. Additionally, stress can disrupt your skin's natural barrier, making it more susceptible to irritants 

If you want to de-stress your skin, try incorporating relaxation techniques into your routine. This could include meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Our focus on wellbeing range and our essential oil ultrasonic diffusers were created to help bring calm back into your life using age-old essential oil remedies and aromatherapy. 

Additionally, ensure that you are getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. Avoiding stressors and practicing good self-care can help alleviate symptoms of sensitive skin. 

If you have sensitive skin, taking care of it may require some extra effort, but it is essential for maintaining healthy, comfortable skin. Avoid harsh products, use gentle skincare, identify triggers, and take care of your overall health and well-being. By doing so, you can help alleviate symptoms and keep your skin looking and feeling its best. 

Now in its 30^th year, Natio is going from strength to strength, recently ranking #1 in traditional and community pharmacy* for total cosmetics, total men’s skincare and total facial skincare.

This ranking is supported by IRi, a market data analysis company responsible for POS customer analytics and insights.

IRi provided validation confirming Natio was the top brand in Australia Community Pharmacy Market over the course of 12 months up until January 2023, across cosmetics, facial skincare and men’s skincare, referring to sales market data formed of Total Australia Community Pharmacy, excluding My Chemist Group and Priceline.

It has been three decades since Natio entered the pharmacy space, with the brand forging defining relationships with state-based, family-owned and operated pharmacy distributors in the late 90s.

“At Natio, we understand that nature nurtures best, and have spent three decades fine-tuning our formulas to provide our customers superior natural products backed by science. The data shared by IRi reaffirms our commitment to provide our customers only the best in natural Australian beauty,” managing director, Mahesh Ross said.

“Pharmacy really is the heartland of the Natio brand and we have continued strong, loyal relationships with these partners since entering the pharmacy retail space in 1996. It is encouraging to see this data with the knowledge that Natio is the first choice for customers in pharmacy across even some of the most remote parts of the country. Without the support of our pharmacy relationships, Natio would not be the 30 year-strong brand it is today.”

To read more about the Natio story, and our history in the pharmacy space, view the 30 Year Timeline.

* “Data sourced from IRI MarketEdge MAT to 08/01/2023 based on data definitions provided by Natio Pty Ltd.”

This year, Natio is incredibly proud to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary! From humble beginnings in 1993, Natio has grown to become a much-loved and respected Australian beauty brand. As a business, Natio is sincerely grateful to its wonderful team and beautiful customers for helping the brand get there.   

Propelled – always and forever, since day dot – by a firm appreciation for Mother Nature, a commitment to positivity and an unwavering adoration of its beloved Australian home, Natio was arguably the original” “A-Beauty” brand (born at a time before the term “A- Beauty” was coined, and Aussie brands weren’t yet prized or on-trend).  

With a conscious (and evolving)  edit of simple yet effective, plant-based self-care solutions, Natio instilled the genuine, easygoing spirit and unique natural beauty inherent to Australia into each of its skin, bath, bodycare, cosmetics and aromatics formulas  to gently win the love and loyalty of customers – first on home shores and later, also abroad.  

Supporting, promoting and cherishing “Natural Australian Beauty” has become both Natio’s premise and its promise. In sticking with this commitment to positive and easygoing natural beauty, Natio has grown organically and with integrity from a health food store haircare offering to – now - a leading and respected beautycare brand across pharmacy and department store channels.  

“The last 30 years have been tremendously rewarding” says Mahesh Ross, Natio Managing Director. 

“Natio is an Australian family business, with a heart and soul to match. Dad and I have loved working together in growing and evolving Natio to the brand and business it is today and we continue to be inspired each and every day, not only by the abundant beauty of nature and our unique island home, but also the generous support of our team, our business partners and our customers. We are both humbled and grateful for the support and loyalty of our community, and incredibly excited for the next phase of growth for Natio. We look forward to the next 30 years of celebrating natural Australian beauty”. 

For more detail on Natio’s origins and history, click here.

Ahh, summer. Long, golden days brimming with al fresco fun, good times spent with family and friends, and replenishing out-of-office rest and relaxation.

However, along with the many radiant positives that come with our brightest season are some less-desirable challenges as well. Most common to us all, we’re talking sunburn, insect bites and that sluggish summer listlessness that can weigh you down when that mercury spikes and stays up, up, up.

Fortunately, Mother Nature has the answer (doesn’t she always?). The gentle practice of aromatherapy - using pure essential oils extracted from the fruits, leaves, flowers, bark and stems of plants - can positively boost comfort and wellbeing. With their inherent cooling, soothing, insect repelling properties, specific essential oils like Peppermint, Lavender, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus can be used in skin mists and compresses to naturally soothe your summer struggles.

Plus, uplifting floral, citrus and herbal essential oils are simply perfect for boosting the mood and promoting an atmosphere as optimistic and sunny as the summer day outside. Floral Geranium and Lavender, sweet juicy Orange and zesty Lemon, Lemongrass and Lemon Myrtle - to name just a few -  can be diffused alone or in bespoke combinations for a scent that resonates with and refreshes you.

Below, take a look at some (easy and accessible) aromatherapy solutions to help you stay cool, calm and comfortable.

Cooling Compress

Use essential oil in a cold compress to cool off on hot days. 

Place 1 x drop of Lavender and 1 x drop of Peppermint essential oil onto a cloth and soak in a small bowl of cool water. Wring out the cloth and gently press to the back of the neck, forehead and wrists for soothing, cooling relief. Dip, wring and repeat until the face cloth becomes warm. Cloth can be returned to the fridge for re-use throughout the day.

TIP: For extra cooling, pop the cloth in the fridge or even freezer prior to use.

Soothing Sunburn Body Mist

Sometimes, despite our best intentions and slip, sop, slap practice, skin can receive an accidental scorching from the sun. To help soothe sunburnt skin - or even as a refreshing after-sun treatment for skin that’s not burnt but feeling hot and uncomfortable - an aromatherapy skin mist is wonderful. Simply add 3 x drops of Lavender, 2 x drops Tea Tree and 1 x drop Peppermint essential oil to 100ml of cool water in a clean spray bottle. Shake well and spray onto body. Keep in the fridge to keep the solution fresh and cool, and use throughout the day as required.

TIP: For extra soothing and hydration, add 1 x tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel (commonly found in health food stores and pharmacies) to your solution.

Note: Omit Peppermint from the recipe if you intend to use mist on the face.

Natural Insect Repellant

Essential oils can also help to repel bugs without the potentially toxic chemicals of non-natural insect repellants. The likes of Peppermint, Lemongrass, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lemon Myrtle and Lavender can help keep summer pests from biting. To make your own natural insect repellant spray, add a mix of up to 10 drops of the aforementioned essential oils to 250ml water in a clean spray bottle. Ideally, a mix of up to 3 unique oils is best. Spray onto skin and surfaces as needed and keep in the fridge for use throughout the day. Note: Avoid spraying directly into the face.

TIP: For a simpler alternative, use up to 10 x drops of Natio Focus on Defence Pure Essential Oil Blend, which offers a pre-blended mix of excellent repellant oils.]

Indoors, these oils can be vaporised or diffused (depending on the equipment you have available). Simply add up to 6 drops of essential oil to your vaporiser or diffuser to help keep flies and mozzies at bay.

Note: Pets can be more sensitive to Essential Oils than people, with many Essential Oils best avoided altogether for their comfort and safety. Always consult your vet prior to use and follow label instructions.

TIP: again, an essential oil blend such as Natio Focus on Defence Pure Essential Oil Blend offers an easy, pre-mix of essential oils reputed for effective insect repellency.

Calming Insect Bite Relief

To help reduce inflammation, apply 1 x drop of Lavender neat to the bite.

To help relieve itch, dilute 1 x drop of Peppermint in 10mls carrier oil and gently dab onto the bite.

Positive Mood Booster

Vaporised or diffused, cooling, energising and uplifting essential oils can offer refreshing relief from summer sluggishness, helping to revive the spirit and create an atmosphere of positive energy. Cooling mint, zesty citrus, cheerful florals and sweet woods are especially nice during the warmer months, and can be combined per your personal preference. Blend your own or sweeten your summer with some of the below essential oil combinations:

- Lemongrass, Orange & Peppermint 

- Geranium, Lavender & Lemon

- Lavender, Peppermint & Lemon 

TIP: Refreshing, revitalising essential oils are great for road trips! No need for equipment, you can simply apply a few drops of aromatic essential oil to a tissue and tuck into your car’s fan vents or console storage to support alertness and/or promote freshness and optimism as you travel.

Always follow the dosage instructions on the bottle, and instructions for your vaporiser/diffuser. And again, remember that pets can be more sensitive to Essential Oils than people, with many Essential Oils best avoided altogether for their comfort and safety. Always consult your vet prior to use.

That's just a handful ideas and recipes to get you started and support a super summer, naturally. Once you get started, the sky’s the limit, so take your aromatherapy alchemy as far as you’d like. Or if you like your essential oil elixirs readymade, Natio can support you there too. Take a look at our Home Happiness range of pure essential oils, blends, roll-ons, carrier oils and accessories.

Wishing you a safe and scent-sational summer!

Skincare routines can take what feels like eons to get right, but once you have mastered it, your skin will thank you! When putting your New Year resolutions into practice, consider how you can use this time to focus on setting new good habits for your skin in 2023 – there's no better time than the present.

Clean up after the party

 If you woke up on New Year’s Day with smudged mascara from the night before, you’re not alone. Most of us are guilty of occasionally forgetting to take makeup off after a night out  on the town. Make this the year to quit wearing makeup to bed and master your evening skin routine. You don’t need a seven-step regime every night, however it's important to remove product build up and grime before hitting the hay.

For a quick cleanse, soak a washable pad in Micellar Cleansing Water and wipe gently across your entire face. This doesn’t have to be followed up with a cleanser or toner; a moisturising cream like the Ageless Extra Firming Night Cream should be enough to keep you hydrated until morning – there’s a reason this cream is award winning! In an ideal world, a full nightly routine would be fantastic, but after a party, we know this isn’t always the reality. 

Sun safe year round 

We might sound like a broken record here, but it’s true – sun protection applies to every day of the year. While it may be gloomy and overcast outside, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to sun damage from UVA/UVB rays. For double duty sun protection and hydration, a day cream with SPF included is the best solution. The Rosewater Hydration Moisture Balance Day Cream SPF 50+ provides two-in-one protection with nourishing plant extracts to keep skin supple and shielded from sun damage. Don’t forget to protect the neck too – this skin is particularly fragile and deserves as much love as your face does. 

The best trend? No trends 

It’s easy to fall victim to the constant cycle of beauty trends, and while those bleached eyebrows will eventually grow back, it’s important to consider your skincare routine needs before throwing a concoction of random chemicals onto your precious skin. It can be tempting to try every treatment under the sun; however many active ingredients don’t agree with each other and should not be used in conjunction within a morning or evening skincare routine.

Since its inception 30 years ago, Natio has followed the guiding principle that nature nurtures best. It's for this reason that our products today still harness the healing and rejuvenating plant nutrients that are tried and true. If you are looking to revamp your skincare routine and would prefer to opt for positive results rather than trendy ingredients, try taking the Skincare Finder quiz. This quick questionnaire will help ascertain your key needs and provide a morning, evening and treatments routine in just a few minutes. 

Self care everywhere

If there is one thing we’re keeping in mind this year, it’s that self-care is more than just a face mask and candles. Self-care should be a holistic routine that includes the whole body. Be sure to treat dry legs to a rejuvenating exfoliation with the Spa One Minute Body Polish, followed with a hydrating Spa Coconut & Shea Body Butter to leave skin refreshed year round. Also don’t forget to give your elbows some love!     

Your mind works hard every day too, so when you decide to do a pampering night at home, take some extra time for mindfulness to truly rest and rejuvenate. To assist, diffuse some essential oils, play some relaxing, meditative music and drift into a space of tranquility and calm. 

Ultimately all skincare routines change with your lifestyle, and like all good habits, they take practice to get it just right. Don’t be too hard on yourself and take time to find what works for you. Keep in mind the Natio guiding principle as you head into the new year: Love being you. 

With a philosophy that has always been guided by a connection to the Earth and deep appreciation for nature, Natio has chosen to play a part in the solution towards a healthier planet.  

Together with its tube supplier Impact International, Natio is part of a forest initiative that offsets the carbon from the manufacture of 100ml tubes. The Impact Forest has now been sequestering carbon since it was planted 22 years ago, capturing close to 18,000 tonnes of carbon. Radiator pines last up to 80 years when cared for, so we can expect another 62-70 years of growth and storage of carbon in the future. 

With an estimated 20,000 pine trees and other native vegetation on the Impact International Forest site, the carbon emissions from the manufacture of up to 30 million tubes can be offset each year. 

Impact International Managing Director, Aleks Lajovoic, said by participating in the sustainable forest program, Natio has "access to the most sustainable tubes available in the world, plus are helping to protect native wildlife". 

In addition to reducing Natio’s emissions through carbon offsetting, the 114-acre forest is also home to dozens of animal species, including kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, wallabies, turtles and many native birds. Operating and maintaining this forest protects their habitat and provides sanctuary for these species and more. 1,300 native trees will also be preserved, rehabilitated and protected from deforestation through this initiative. 

Recently some of the team members from the Natio head office team were lucky enough to attend the tree planting day. Approximately 60 people helped to plant 8,500+ trees, made up of 6,500 Pinus radiata seedings and 2,000 native Eucalyptus seedlings. Our team had a momentous day planting trees and being immersed in nature. One of the highlights was touring the existing Natio forest plot, which is rich with tree species and animal habitat. 

Australia’s minister for Climate Change and Energy the Honourable Chris Bowen MP spoke with us on the challenges we face tackling climate change - he also confirmed he is a regular user of the Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+! We also heard from Impact International’s soil physicist (Holly) and forest expert (David) on how trees help improve soil quality and rehabilitate landscapes.  

It may only be a small contribution in the bigger scheme of things, but by continuing to participate in proactive opportunities to reduce its collective carbon footprint, Natio hopes it can help lead the way to a more sustainable future. 

A bold or shimmering eyeshadow can completely alter a makeup look but can often be difficult or time consuming to execute. With the launch of our new Glide On Eyeshadow Sticks, Natio is making a statement eye more achievable than ever before. Here are some tips to perfect that long-lasting look ahead of your holiday festivities. 

Primed for perfection 

For a flawless finish, it’s crucial to build a strong base under any makeup products – regardless of the look you are trying to achieve. For a silky-smooth appearance, we recommend applying a fine layer of primer to ensure all your cosmetics stick, last longer and avoid any potential pilling or balling.  
For a smooth, radiant base that will help makeup last longer, try the Ageless Illuminating Face Primer. Enriched with Rosehip Oil and Vitamin C, this step will completely up your game, allowing your makeup look to last from morning well into the evening. 

The eyes have it

Our new Glide On Eyeshadow Sticks are a one-step solution to luminous eyes. Available in six shades, they can be used for a single-colour statement, or blended together for a smoky eye.  
These eyeshadows are intended for long-wear, so they do dry quickly. We recommend applying the pigment to one eye at a time and blending out with either a dense eyeshadow brush or with clean fingertips. Alternatively, you can apply the product directly to your brush and press to your lid to get an even distribution of colour.   
If you like using products for multiple purposes, then the Halo Glide On Eyeshadow Stick is for you! This creamy, pearlescent shade is perfect for doubling as a highlight. Gently pat onto your cheekbones for a fresh glowy effect.

Luscious Lashes 

No shimmery eyeshadow look is complete without a lick of mascara. For lashes as long lasting as your eyeshadow, try our Waterproof Lengthening Mascara. Formulated to defy sweat, water and humidity, this mascara is perfect for a long day’s work, through to a turn around the dance floor this holiday season - just make sure you remember to remove it before you go to bed! 

Get set and glow! 

Spritz some Makeup Setting Spray on your way out the door to ensure all your products last as long as your eyeshadow. Enjoy a long-lasting glow all the way from Sunrise to Nightfall.