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When it comes to any good makeup look, the key is finding the right base makeup that not only matches your skin tone, but has the right undertone. Have you ever been shopping through your local pharmacy or department store, trying on testers on the back of your hand and not sure why each shade either looks too pink or too orange? This may be because you're a neutral undertone and you're looking at the wrong shades. Don't worry, we've all been there!

There are a few simple techniques you can use to help you find your undertone. But firstly...

What Exactly Are The Different Undertones?

Skin undertones fall into three categories: cool, warm, and neutral.

Unlike your surface skin tone, your undertone remains consistent throughout your life. Skin undertones are the colours that lie beneath the visible surface of our skin and give our skin its unique character and depth. Understanding your undertone is the secret to finding a base that truly works with your skin. Get it right and everything looks more natural, more even and more you.

The three undertone categories are distinguished by:

• Cool: characterised by pink, red or blue hues.
• Warm: characterised by yellow, peach or gold hues.
• Neutral: a balance of both cool and warm tones.

It's worth noting that undertone has no relationship to how light or dark your complexion is. Someone with a deep skin tone can have a cool undertone, and someone very fair can be warm. That's why we have some handy techniques to make it easy!

How To Find Your Skin Undertone For Makeup

The most reliable ways to identify your skin undertone at home are the white paper test, the vein test, the sun exposure test, and the jewellery test - or you may wish to use a combination of two or more to give you the most accurate results.

Our favourite techniques for finding the right undertone for your makeup are:

• The White Paper Test
• The Sun Exposure Test
• The Vein Test
• The Jewellery Test

The White Paper Test is one of the quickest ways to get a read on your undertone. Simply hold a bright white sheet of paper against your bare face in natural light. If your skin looks yellowish against the sheet, you're warm-toned. If you look pink, you're cool-toned. If you appear more grey or green, you're likely neutral.

The Sun Exposure Test involves reflecting on how your skin reacts to the sun. If you tan easily and rarely burn, you likely have a warm undertone. If you burn quickly and tan minimally, you're probably cool-toned. The same type of melanin that determines your undertone also influences how your skin reacts to the sun. Research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that skin contains two types of melanin: eumelanin, which is linked to cool undertones, and pheomelanin, which is linked to warm undertones (Thody et al., 1991). Eumelanin offers stronger protection against UV rays, which is why cool-toned people tend to burn more easily, while warm-toned people are more likely to tan. 

The Vein Test involves looking at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light. Blue or purple veins suggest a cool undertone, green veins suggest warm, and blue-green veins suggest neutral. This one can be trickier depending on how visible your veins are, so it's best used alongside another method.

The Jewellery Test is perhaps the most straightforward. Simply consider whether silver or gold jewellery tends to suit you best. Silver and platinum jewellery typically complement cool undertones, while gold jewellery flatters warm undertones. If both look equally good on you, you're likely neutral.

Not only is it helpful to discover your skin undertone for foundation, but it can also guide your choices for lip colours and eyeshadows too. Check out some of our other blog articles that may be helpful below: 

How to find your lip shade

How to incorporate colour analysis into your makeup routine 

What Shade You’d Be In Our NEW CC Cream

The right CC Cream shade is one that matches both your skin tone depth and your undertone. Together, these two factors determine how natural and seamless your base makeup will look.

Our Dream Skin CC Cream has been designed to suit a range of skin tones and undertones, with 8 carefully developed shades that work with your natural complexion. By understanding each shade's depth and undertone, you'll be able to find your perfect match with confidence, whether you're fair with neutral undertones or deep tan with warm bronze hues. 

Finding your undertone doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you use the vein test, the jewellery test, or simply hold a white piece of paper up to your face, the key is to look for patterns across a couple of methods rather than relying on just one. Cool undertones lean pink, red or blue; warm undertones lean yellow, peach or gold; and neutral undertones sit somewhere in between. Once you know yours, everything from foundation to lip colour becomes a whole lot easier to shop for - plus, you'll be far less likely to end up with a shade that looks too pink or too orange on your skin!

If you're ready to put your undertone knowledge to the test, our Dream Skin CC Cream is your best starting point with eight shades designed to work with a full range of skin tones and undertones, so you can find your match with confidence.

Source: Thody, A.J., Higgins, E.M., Wakamatsu, K., Ito, S., Burchill, S.A. and Marks, J.M. (1991) 'Pheomelanin as well as eumelanin is present in human epidermis', Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 97(2), pp. 340–344.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’ve taken a moment to pause and honour the remarkable women in our lives. We asked the team at Natio Head Office to delve into some warm, fuzzy sentiments of what their mum means to them. Join us as we explore the thoughtful gestures they have planned to express their gratitude on Mother’s Day.  

"My mum meant the world to me. She was the kindest, genuine soul you would ever meet. She was selfless and always put herself before others and go without her family. She would never walk past anyone in need and would always stop to be kind and give. She loved with all her heart. She would never say a bad word about anyone.  

Her heart was big, and she never asked for anything. She was happy as long as she had her family. She was our sunshine. Always encouraging us to be grateful and to live our dreams. 

She brought me up to always think of others and have empathy. Not to mention to be a clean freak! If she was here today, I would have brought her the Radiant Soul Gift Set, because just like her, it's a golden gift from the heart. The Wellness Hand Wash and Hand Cream SPF 15 are a sweet and simple treat she could have enjoyed every single day." - Chrissy, Receptionist

"To me, my mum is the greatest person that ever existed. She's the ‘eternal mum' who loves nurtures and supports her children selflessly, unconditionally and completely. Now in her mid 70’s and with most of her parenting done, it makes me happy to imagine her doing the things she loves for herself, pottering in the garden, painting and practicing Buddhism. She deserves this time in her life so, so much! She also loves Natio nearly as much as I do, so I'll be bringing her up another boot-load for Mother's Day, including the Nurturing Love Gift Set, because the name says it all. Four hand creams to soothe and soften her hardworking hands which is perfect for all that gardening!" - Mahesh, Managing Director

"Happy Mother's Day to the queen of selflessness, my mum. The real MVP in my life!! She is the kindest person I know! A big thanks goes to her for always putting others before herself and filling not only our hearts but our bellies too! Her patience and tolerance could rival that of a saint. It only seems fitting to spoil her with flowers, a lovely dinner out and the Relaxed Energy Gift Set for a full spa experience at home with the Papaya & Cane Sugar Gentle Body Exfoliant, Relaxing Magnesium & Mineral Bath Salts and Heavenly Hand Cream. She absolutely deserves to switch off and recharge." - Nicki, Graphic Designer

"Honestly, every day should be Mother's Day! Any chance I get to show my Mum love, I take it. She's my best friend, my confidant, my unpaid therapist (sorry Mum!), and my ultimate shopping buddy, put us in a room together and there's never a dull moment. My Mum is also the most caring woman I know, having looked after her widowed Mother, my Nan, for well over 30 years. Whenever you need someone to show up for you, Mum is there, no questions asked. To show both my Mum and Nan just how special they are this Mother's Day, I'll be gifting them the Graceful Aura Gift Set. With its gentle Rosewater Hydration products, it's absolutely perfect for Mum as she's a regular user of our the rosewater range, and as a bonus, my Nan is a huge lover of all things rose as she used to have a lush garden filled with them. It's a win-win!" - Sara, Marketing Coordinator

"My mum is the strongest, most selfless, loving, warm and angelic person I know. I aim to be more like her every day. This Mother's day I am gifting her the Relaxed Energy Gift Set. As a Mum of 6 children, she deserves all the moments of relaxation she can get. She loves using Natio so I just know she will love the Spa goodies inside." - Jacinta, Digital Marketing Executive

"My mum is my rock, she’s always been there for me no matter what I needed. Growing up, she was a stay-at-home mum, and always put 100% into everything she did. Whether that be turning up for school excursions, taking us to activities outside of school, or even making dinner for us every night. Every waking moment she would always give us her all. Even though she’s replaced me and my older sibling with two dogs since moving out of home, she’s just as great of a dog mum to them as she is to us. For Mother's Day I'll be treating her to lunch out with my siblings, and also gifting her the Nurturing Love Gift Set for a mum whose hands are always busy doing something for someone else." - Georgia, Marketing Executive Export

Visit our Store Locator to find your perfect gift for your mum this Mother’s Day.  

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*