I find there are two types of people when it comes to beauty rituals.

Those who religiously slather on lotions from head to toe, and those who stop far too abruptly at the collarbone and wonder why their knees look like they’re wearing leather elbow patches.

Our faces are a devoted 10-step ritual worthy of a K-beauty influencer, but our bodies are lucky to get a hurried squeeze of supermarket moisturiser once a week. Amiright?

What used to be considered a little ‘extra’ – body lotions packed with active ingredients, communal bathhouses in the middle of cities, high-tech facials that sound more like something out of NASA than a salon – are quickly becoming part of everyday self-care.

No longer are these things just for celebrities or the wellness-obsessed either; they’re making their way into our bathroom cabinets, our weekend plans, and our clinic calendars.

I’ve been on a mission lately to see what all the fuss is about, because the truth is our standards have shifted – we don’t just want a body cream that smells nice; we want one that smooths and firms.

We don’t want a bubble bath in our tubs at home; we want the full bathhouse experience, complete with saunas and mineral pools, and when it comes to facials, the more futuristic the machine, the more intrigued we are.

So, in the spirit of investigative beauty journalism (with a healthy dose of self-indulgence), I’ve road-tested, researched and rounded up three things I think deserve a spot firmly on your radar.

SKINCARE BELOW THE FACE

For years we’ve been conditioned to think retinol, retinal and all the hard-hitting actives were for ‘face-only territory.’

But as Emma Hindmarsh Conan, General Manager of Murad Australia, explained to me, we absolutely should be slathering our bodies in these youth elixirs too.

‘The myth was that the body’s skin can’t tolerate retinoids (retinol & retinal). In truth, it’s about how they’re formulated and delivered.’

Thanks to encapsulation technology (translation: ingredients packaged cleverly so they’re released gradually and without your skin freaking out), retinol is now making its way into body creams.

Think of it as high-performance skincare but in family-sized bottles.

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment ($120) – I know this is a splurge, but it’s the gold standard if you’re after something fast-acting.

The encapsulated retinal makes this a powerhouse yet surprisingly gentle – think tightening where you need it most (knees, chest, thighs), while still leaving skin baby-soft.

Versed Press Restart Advanced Retinol Body Butter ($9.37) – Budget-friendly but rich in texture, this tub is ideal for chronically dry skin. It feels indulgent, smells subtle, and leaves limbs looking more even-toned.

Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment ($32) – If you love their facial range, this is the natural next step. Lightweight, silky and perfect if you hate that sticky body cream feel but still want your skin to look polished.

Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion ($49.95) – For the sensitive types, it’s gentle, formulated with barrier-supporting hydrators, and the one to start with if you’re nervous about irritation.

Necessary The body retinol ($100) – Chic packaging aside, this lotion is a godsend for dark spots and uneven tone. It’s creamy yet sinks in quickly – the kind of thing you’d happily display in your bathroom.

Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion ($94) – Prescription-strength level intensity without the drama of a script. This one means business and is perfect if you’re already a retinol pro.

Emma’s top advice is to look beyond the percentage of retinol or retinal.

‘Intelligent formulation matters most: encapsulation for targeted delivery, barrier-strengthening ingredients for resilience, and a texture that encourages consistent use.’

The new bath trend

Bathing isn’t exactly new – archaeologists have traced it back to 2500 BC – but it’s certainly having a huge renaissance.

From the Romans and the Turks to South Korea’s jjimjilbangs, communal soaking has always been about more than just getting clean.

Now, Australia is catching on with a new wave of modern bathhouses popping up in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and even Byron Bay.

These aren’t your granddad’s RSL hydro pools though. They are chic! Think minimalist interiors, warm mineral spas, infrared saunas and sound baths designed as much for Instagram as they are for wellbeing.

I recently tested out Naviaa sleek, underground bathhouse in Byron Bay that feels part James Bond lair, part day spa.

A full-body massage followed by hours floating in warm pools with your bestie like I did? Trust me, you’ll emerge feeling like a steamed dumpling – in the best possible way.

The shift reflects how we now view wellness. It’s not a once-a-year splurge, but a consistent ritual.

A bathhouse session is cheaper than a flight to Bali and delivers a reset button for your nervous system.

Facial of the month

Every month, I try to road-test the treatment beauty insiders are buzzing about (I know, poor me).

And right now, it’s all eyes on Secret by Cuteraan advanced radiofrequency microneedling platform that has officially launched in Australia and New Zealand.

Cutera describes Secret as a ‘multi-modality powerhouse’ with three different systems called Secret PRO, Secret DUO, and Secret RF, with each designed for more customisation to address different skin concerns.

Without going too technical, it’s essentially a way for clinics to offer resurfacing and skin remodelling options with minimal downtime.

Brent Hauser, President International at Cutera Inc., explained that ‘Secret is the gold standard in advanced skin resurfacing and remodelling.’

Globally, it’s already been picked up by clinics across North America, Europe and Asia.

But locally, expect to see this on treatment menus everywhere very soon.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect those of any brands or companies mentioned. This content is not sponsored or endorsed.