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Margot Robbie. Gemma Ward. Miranda Kerr. There's something in the Aussie water that makes women look beyond. That's why we've tried nine of Oz's most unique ingredients to stock the best top shelf from down under...
Emu Oil
Ingredient: Emu Oil (which is exactly what it sounds like...)
Product: Emu Bliss oil, $20
Claim: According to my Aussie pharmacist, it reduces swelling and minor infections.
Result: Shrunk an angry airplane zit, and helped nix some bikini-line bumps. One caveat: like many herbal oils, this has a strong, sharp smell.
Kaolin Clay
Ingredient: Kaolin Clay, a white mineral deposit
Product: Nude by Nature translucent powder, $20
Claim: Used worldwide in cosmetics, it's meant to detox and soften skin
Result: Worked nicely on a hot, sticky day to matte up a shiny forehead.
Tea Tree Oil
Ingredient: Tea Tree Oil
Product: Thursday Plantation Walkabout Insect Repellant, about $5
Claim: Wards off mosquitoes and flies
Result: Still got two small bites on my elbow (dammit!) but felt much better than anything with DEET.
Kakadu Plum
Ingredient: Kakadu Plum
Product: Coast to Coast Foaming Cleanser, $20
Claim: With more vitamin C than any other fruit, kakadu plum juice is used to brighten and detox skin cells.
Result: Great for summer humidity, and smells super-fresh.
Papaya Pulp
Ingredient: Papaya Pulp
Product: Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment, $9
Claim: A natural way to heal dry or sunburned skin
Result: It's Australia's best-selling beauty export for a reason: With its yummy scent and soothing feel, this stuff is truly lovely (and fits nicely in those new Gucci envelope clutches).
Murray River Salt
Ingredient: Murray River Pink Salt
Product: Deep Sea Toner, $11.99
Claim: Firms and freshens skin
Result: Spray-on toners are gaining traction for being a gentler alternative to astringent. This one definitely delivers, and the salt is more gentle on dry skin than I thought it would be. Bonus: also doubles as a beach waves spray.
Lanolin
Ingredient: Lanolin
Product: Lan-O-Lips assorted tubes, $22
Claim: Softens and protects lips and hands, glosses matte liners or eyelids.
Result: Made from the natural wax that coats sheep's wool, lanolin has been a waterproofing aid for years. In these tubes, it coats chapped lips with a glossy effect, which makes it not just great for skincare, but quick makeup fixes, too.
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