Our Valentine’s Brand Crushes - Because Self-Love Gets Smarter With Age
Let's be real about Valentine's Day, shall we? The candlelit dinners and predictable bouquets? They're... nice. But at this stage in our lives, we've learned that the most meaningful gestures are the ones we give ourselves. What truly moves us now is intention. Quality. The kind of thoughtfulness that says I see you, and you matter.
So here's what we're celebrating this year: women-founded brands that are as effortlessly stylish as they are planet-conscious, creating beautiful things we actually use, treasure, and feel good about. These aren't just purchases, they're quiet acts of self-respect.
We've gathered our favourite homegrown discoveries for you. A shortlist of treasures worth choosing for yourself, because you already know you deserve them.
Homegrown, female-founded brands that get it.
1. Loco Love
No, we don't want the supermarket heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates that contain more sugar than cacao. Hard pass. But Loco Love? They've completely changed the chocolate game, taking it back to the roots, where cacao is sacred, intentional, and has incredible benefits for body and soul.
Think ceremonial-grade cacao rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and mood-supporting compounds like theobromine, the kind that supports energy, mood and feel-good hormones. Yes, it's indulgent. But it's intentional indulgence, made with the purest ingredients.
Try the chocolate caramel pecan bar, it's a showstopper (no joke). You'll pause, slow down, and enjoy every bite, just as the brand intended.
Crafted in Byron Bay, Loco Love creates high-vibe chocolates using sustainably sourced cacao and genuine wholefood ingredients. These aren't everyday chocolates, they're designed to remind you that pleasure can be both nourishing and meaningful.
Founded by:
Emica Penklis, the visionary behind Loco Love based out of Byron Bay. A trained naturopath and nutritionist with a background in fashion, she built the brand alongside her husband while raising two kids. The brand's philosophy is deeply personal. When Emica's mother was diagnosed with cancer, she immersed herself in clean, sustainable ingredients and rediscovered cacao, not just as food, but as something sacred. That belief now sits at the heart of Loco Love.
Why we love it:
Let's talk about mood, a big topic across the peri and menopause transition. Cacao, and we mean the purest form, naturally supports this. It contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine (yes, the same chemical released when we fall in love). There's science behind chocolate cravings. Add in cacao's magnesium content, a quiet hero for stress and sleep, and suddenly this indulgence feels very well justified. As it should be.
Our Picks:
Start with the chocolate bars and work your way through them (pure research). The Lovers Box is perfect for Valentine's Day and makes tasting easy. Want to go deeper? Try the Higher Being Tonic to take cacao ritual to the next level. And if you're nearby, a visit to the Loco Love factory is the ultimate immersion.
2. Mother SPF
Mineral sunscreen shouldn't feel like a compromise. But so often it does, chalky, pore-clogging, or packed with ingredients you'd rather not put on your face. Mother SPF? Different story entirely.
These are clean, mineral-based sunscreens that actually nourish your skin while protecting it. Think reef-safe, hormone-safe formulas that meet the highest global testing standards without any of the endocrine-disrupting nonsense that sneaks into so many conventional products.
The Universal Face SPF 50 sits beautifully under makeup (no white cast, no pilling). The Face & Body SPF 50 is your beach bag essential. Both deliver broad-spectrum protection while supporting your skin barrier with naturally derived ingredients.
Formulated in Australia, Mother SPF was born from a deep respect for both skin health and ocean health, two things that shouldn't be at odds.
Founded by:
Tandia, who grew up on the Western Australian coast with pearl-farming parents and learned early to respect the ocean. That respect carried into skincare, where she discovered the harsh truth: too many products contain ingredients that harm our bodies and the environment. So she created something better, Australian-made mineral sunscreens using safe, sustainable ingredients that actually care for your skin.
Why we love it:
Here's what they don't always tell you about menopause: your skin becomes thinner, drier, and more vulnerable to sun damage. Estrogen decline affects collagen production, meaning sun protection isn't vanity, it's genuine skin health. Mother SPF's formulas are packed with ingredients that support your changing skin barrier while providing the protection you need. No excuses required.
Our Picks:
The Universal Face SPF 50 for daily wear, or the Face & Body SPF 50 if you're heading to the beach or pool.
3. Mukti Organics
Award-winning doesn't always mean much in the beauty world. But when you're talking about 25+ years of certified organic formulation expertise, pioneering work in Australian skincare, and a founder with a Bachelor of Health Science in Complementary Medicine plus qualifications in skin therapy and cosmetic chemistry? Yeah, that matters.
Mukti didn't just create a skincare line, she pioneered one. Every product is formulated in-house in small batches in Mullumbimby, blending native Australian botanicals with proven actives. No parabens, no synthetic fragrances, no questionable ingredients.
What really sets this brand apart? Mukti actually has an entire collection specifically designed for perimenopause and menopause. Because she gets it. When your skin suddenly feels like it belongs to someone else, unexpected dryness, sensitivity, breakouts (seriously, acne at this age?!), that crepey texture that seemingly appeared overnight, you need someone who understands what's happening beneath the surface.
Founded by:
Mukti, a true skincare pioneer who combined holistic health science with cosmetic chemistry to create something genuinely special. She understands that skin health is connected to overall wellbeing, and her formulations reflect that wisdom. Her approach addresses mature skin concerns with clinical data-backed ingredients while staying completely clean.
Why we love it:
Because hormonal fluctuations demand formulas built for the reality of changing skin, inflammation, sensitivity, barrier disruption, the works. Mukti's collections address these concerns without the BS, using ingredients that actually work together to support your skin through transition.
Our Picks:
The Queen of the Night Crème (a collagen peptide moisturizer that's absolute magic for overnight repair), the Age Defiance Night Serum with bakuchiol (the gentle retinol alternative your skin will thank you for), or start with the Age Defiance Discovery Collection to test-drive multiple products.
4. Holme Beauty
The beauty industry loves to talk about "empowerment" and "celebrating uniqueness" while... not actually listening to unique individuals or teaching them how to confidently use products. We've all noticed.
Holme Beauty was created to fix that disconnect. This is clean, performance-driven makeup built on the belief that makeup should be a tool for connection, confidence, and self-expression, not conformity. Every product is intentional, multi-use, and designed to be reached for again and again because you trust it and genuinely feel great wearing it.
No beauty industry BS. Just luxe, quality products that work.
Founded by:
Hilary Holmes, who spent 15 years as a professional makeup artist watching women feel disconnected from an industry that claimed to celebrate them. So she built something different, a complete makeup line rooted in education, trust, and the radical idea that makeup should adapt to you, not the other way around.
Why we love it:
Menopause changes your face. Skin texture shifts, coloring changes, eyelids might suddenly feel hooded, and techniques that worked for 20 years stop working overnight. You need products that move with you, and more importantly, you need confidence navigating these changes. Holme Beauty's entire philosophy, that makeup should empower you to back your own beauty, is exactly what's needed when you're relearning your face in midlife.
Our Picks:
The Hytride Flex Concealer (it actually moves with your skin instead of settling into lines), the Empowder Duette for buildable, natural coverage, or 'The One' Eyeshadow Palette that gives you everything without the overwhelm.
5. EWA Jewellery
Dainty isn't always the answer. Sometimes you need jewellery that says, "I've lived, I've transformed, and I'm not apologising for taking up space."
EWA Tribal Jewelry delivers exactly that. These are handcrafted statement pieces in high-grade sterling silver and gold, bold, imperfect, transformative. Each piece is individually crafted, celebrating ancient tribal techniques and honouring the philosophy that jewellery should impress and evolve with time, becoming more striking as it ages and carries stories.
These aren't delicate pieces meant to whisper. They're designed to make you feel powerful.
Founded by:
Bianca Todorov, who lived among the Sepik River people of Papua New Guinea as a young woman and became mesmerized by their elaborate ceremonial jewellery. These weren't just decorative objects, they were transformative, designed to evolve and carry meaning. That philosophy now lives in every piece she creates, stand-alone statement jewellery that embraces the imperfect and honours what's real.
Why we love it:
There's something about midlife that calls for bolder choices. We're done shrinking. We're done with "age-appropriate." EWA pieces carry the confidence that comes from wearing something truly handcrafted with soul, something that honours the raw beauty of transformation. Each scratch and patina adds to your story.
Our Picks:
Browse the collections and trust your instincts. These are investment pieces, but the kind you'll wear forever and eventually pass down.
6. Nagnata
Movement becomes crucial during menopause, it helps manage symptoms, supports bone health, boosts mood, keeps you connected to your body when it can feel foreign. But you need clothing that works with your changing body, not against it.
Enter Nagnata: luxury movement knitwear that blurs the line between technical sportswear and fashion. Think seamless pieces that flow from studio to street, made with organic and renewable fibers merged with innovative technology. Their "Movements Not Seasons" philosophy rejects the frantic pace of fast fashion, focusing instead on timeless, versatile pieces that support how you actually live.
Temperature regulation? Everything when you're dealing with hot flashes. Their breathable fabrics are a godsend.
Founded by:
Sisters Laura May and Hannah Gibbs, who built Nagnata with a clear vision: contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry while honouring the interconnection between movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing. The brand name comes from the Sanskrit word "nagnatā," meaning "nakedness" or one's natural state, a nod to authenticity and yoga as a pathway to revealing your true self.
Why we love it:
Because Nagnata's seamless knitwear moves with you, doesn't restrict you, and is designed for real bodies. These pieces work with your changing body during a time when comfort, function, and confidence all matter equally.
Our Picks:
The Core Collection for foundational pieces, or explore the latest Movement collection for fashion-forward activewear you'll actually want to wear beyond the gym.
7. Kinnon
Midlife is when we start choosing quality over quantity, meaning over trends. We're investing in pieces that last, that serve multiple purposes, that adapt to different chapters of our lives.
Kinnon delivers exactly that: luxury leather goods designed to last a lifetime (and then some). These are timeless investment pieces, bags, wallets, accessories, crafted with quality and care. The patina that develops over time isn't a flaw, it's proof of a life well-lived.
What makes it extra special? Personalisation. You can have pieces embossed with initials, dates, or meaningful words, making each item uniquely yours. These aren't trendy pieces you'll discard next season, they're companions for the journey.
Founded by:
A brand committed to quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Kinnon creates pieces that only get better with age, rejecting disposable fashion in favor of items made to last and designed to carry meaning.
Why we love it:
Because a beautiful leather bag isn't just functional, it's a daily reminder that you deserve quality, that your life has value, that you're worth the investment. There's something grounding about carrying something real, something made with care by human hands.
Our Picks:
The Core Collection for timeless everyday styles, or explore the work bags for something polished and professional. Don't skip the personalisation, having your initials or a meaningful date embossed makes it truly yours.
Soak It All In: Bathhouses for Ultimate Self-Care
Because sometimes self-love means literally submerging yourself in warm water and letting everything else fall away. After treating yourself to beautiful products and pieces that honour your journey, consider the ultimate act of self-care: a visit to a bathhouse. The ancient ritual of bathing has been used for centuries to promote healing, relaxation, and community. Hot water therapy can be especially beneficial during menopause, helping to soothe muscle aches, promote better sleep, and provide that all-important time to just... be.
Peninsula Hot Springs - Melbourne
Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Peninsula Hot Springs offers over 70 globally inspired bathing and wellness experiences including geothermal pools, private baths, and signature spa treatments. Set across 70 acres of natural bushland on the Mornington Peninsula, this venue features unique experiences like a cave pool, reflexology walk, Turkish hammam and a hilltop pool with 360-degree views.
Why we love it:
This is Australia's largest natural hot springs destination, and it truly feels like a mini holiday from Melbourne. The hilltop pool serves up stunning panoramic views of the region's natural surrounds making it the perfect place to soak away stress while feeling completely removed from city life. With such an enormous variety of bathing experiences, you could visit multiple times and still discover something new.
Aurora Spa & Bathhouse - Melbourne
Located within the beautifully restored InterContinental Sorrento, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse is a state-of-the-art spa and thermal bathhouse covering 1,000 square metres. This luxe subterranean bathhouse features magnesium mineral pools, cold plunge pools, one of the largest Nordic saunas in the Southern Hemisphere, a glacial mist room, salt therapy suite, and aromatherapy steam room.
Why we love it:
Aurora brings European-inspired bathing sophistication to the Mornington Peninsula with its beautifully designed underground sanctuary. The venue follows an immersive 11-step journey through several magnesium mineral pools and hot and cold thermal experiences, perfect for those who love a structured wellness ritual. The capacity is limited to just 60 guests at a time, ensuring an intimate and serene experience even on busy days.
Sense of Self - Melbourne
Located on the border of Collingwood and Fitzroy, Sense of Self Bathhouse occupies a double-storey converted brick warehouse featuring a large mineral pool, Finnish sauna, cold plunge, steamy Hammam, and a unique Scrub Station Sense Of Self. The venue caps capacity at 24 people per session and maintains a strict no-phones policy to preserve the tranquil atmosphere.
Why we love it:
This is Melbourne's ultimate neighbourhood bathhouse with a distinctly local vibe. Founded by filmmaker Mary Minas and botanist Freya Berwick after Mary's "bathhouse odyssey" through Europe, North Africa and Japan, Sense of Self blends global bathing traditions with modern Melbourne sensibilities. The intimate warehouse setting feels worlds away from the city hustle, yet it's right in your backyard, perfect for a weekday morning reset or weekend wind-down with friends.
Slow House Bondi - Sydney
This 700-square-metre subterranean bathhouse features three magnesium pools at different temperatures, a Finnish salt sauna, ice baths, Bondi Beach's first-ever steam room, private infrared sauna suites, and therapeutic spa treatments. Located just moments from the sand in the iconic Pacific Building, the space accommodates up to 80 guests and offers 90-minute sessions.
Why we love it:
Slow House brings ancient bathing rituals to Sydney's most iconic beachside suburb with seriously stunning design. The entrance features a mirrored ceiling that mimics an ocean at sunset, setting the tone for the surreal and thoroughly Bondi experience that follows. There's something genuinely magical about alternating between hot mineral soaks and cold plunges, then stepping out to watch the sunset over Bondi Beach, it's the ultimate mind-body reset that only this location could offer.
The Banya - Mullumbimby
Housed in a beautifully converted 1920s bank building in Mullumbimby, The Banya features marble tiled pools, two large hot mineral pools, a wood-fired sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and five massage treatment rooms. The venue was designed to reflect the European social bathing culture where people gather at the banya for hours of food, drinks, wellness and connecting.
Why we love it:
The Banya is the ultimate destination bathhouse that transforms a spa day into a full sensory experience. What truly sets it apart is the complete experience: soak in the mineral pools, enjoy a massage, then head to the rooftop sundeck before settling in for a long lunch with wine and share plates. It's the perfect excuse to escape to the Byron hinterland and make serious self-care a daylong affair.
You Are the Valentine
Here's what I've learned in midlife: waiting for someone else to celebrate you is exhausting. And honestly? Nobody knows what you need better than you do.
This Valentine's Day, I'm encouraging you to skip the expectations and the should-dos and instead, choose radical self-love. Invest in brands created by women who understand that beauty, wellness, and empowerment aren't about fighting against aging, they're about honouring every stage of this wild, wonderful journey.
Whether you're treating yourself to chocolate that literally opens your heart, skincare that understands your changing skin, jewellery that makes you feel powerful, or simply a long soak in therapeutic waters, you're sending yourself a clear message: I am worthy. I am valuable. I am worth celebrating. And that, my friend, is the best Valentine's Day gift of all.
This article contains information about products and brands. As always, please do your own research and consult with healthcare professionals about what's right for your individual needs.
