Clean hands, clean Earth.
Clean hands, clean Earth.
At this point in time, we the people collectively have cleaner hands than anyone has ever had. We are obsessively washing, sanitizing and generally wreaking havoc on our hands in a bid to fend off any and all unwanted germs.
The result is yes, less germs but also dry, sad hands, it’s probably best we don’t touch anyone else with anyway.
Until now. While the rest of us were perfecting our baking skills and finishing Netflix, a few local lads decided they wanted dry, sad hands no longer and set about creating a product that would ensure we could wash all we wanted, be good for the planet and look super cute beside your bathroom sink.
It’s called Hoap and it’s soap but not as you know it.
Each handbag-friendly sized, fully biodegradable container holds 100 cleansing leaves, scientifically formulated using 100% natural, predominately plant-based ingredients, which will kill harmful germs and bacteria while moisturising the skin.
HOW GOOD.
Simply pop a leaf in the palm of your hands, rub your hands together with water for a slow, 20 second dissolve then you have both clean soft hands and you smell pretty good too.
A winning combination.
Hoap is the brainchild of three passionate Australian entrepreneurs and pals, two of whom are Gold Coasters. Kev Painter and brothers Jase and Mark Alpen created Hoap because they were concerned that millions of single-use plastic hand sanitiser bottles are destined for landfill. Not to mention they were keen to make a product that was non-toxic for their friends and families and as you’d expect of some local lads, came up with the concept over a beer or two.
The boys say that after the Australian summer bushfires, they noticed a a real push to improve our footprint and to be more environmentally conscious with our consumption. Followed immediately by the concern over health and hygiene during the pandemic, the issue of single-use plastics went out the window.
This forced them to think about a way they could be better and do better for our health, the health of our families and the planet.
Which is so great.
Now it’s your turn. If you’re into helping out Mama Nature and getting yourself some soft, clean hands while you’re at it, Hoap is the answer.
Get yours here.
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
In happy news for everyone with skin, a beauty emporium has opened in Nobbys Beach (land of the good vibes and beautiful people).
Not any old skincare store though, the glowy-skinned team at Clean Beauty Market are experts in non-toxic, natural and organic products that are free from animal testing. How fun.
The store, found next to Sparrow Eating House, is as pretty as you’d expect, decked out in white with blush accents and a glowing pink sign declaring “you are magic”. And magic is exactly what you’ll find once you’ve stepped inside the delightfully scented space that’s packed with countless natural makeup and skincare brands.
It’s pure heaven to be honest and it’s entirely possible you’ll spend your life savings in one visit. YOLO.
While buying all of the good-for-you skincare is always a smart idea, you can also book yourself in for some pampering. There’s makeup lessons, skin regime consultations and makeup applications for special occasions (or, you know, work on Monday).
PLUS, you and your gals can indulge in a makeover party should you so desire.
Owner Erin Norden is a Coast local and former freelance makeup artist who (sensibly, let’s be real) saw an opportunity, found the perfect space in Nobbys and made the magic happen.
Clean Beauty Market is the first (and hopefully not the last) store of its kind on the Gold Coast and it’s a solid step in the right direction for the many ladies who are choosing natural products to slather all over their skin (and the rest who should jump on that bandwagon ASAP).
Great news for the Gold Coast, the Earth and your face.
LOCATION: 1/32 Lavarack Rd, Nobbys Beach
HOURS: 9am to 5pm daily.
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
In one of the biggest glow ups of 2020, hand sanitizer has fast become a hot commodity with approximately zero bottles available in local supermarkets. You know where there are bottles available though? Distilleries. Who would’ve thought our beloved local distributors would come through for us even more than usual?
They have though, with several switching things up to create their very own brand of hand sanitizer to alleviate the stress of mass unavailability world (and indeed Gold Coast) wide.
A big pat on the back to these local brands who have come up with the goods in terms of keeping our hands fresh and clean.
Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery
The gin and whisky distillery were already serving up the goods when it came to delicious alcoholic beverages and now they’re keeping us free of germs too. The team began creating their own liquid hand and surface sanitizer just this week and they sold out quick smart, such is the demand. They’re releasing the 1L goods online every day at 12pm, as they only have limited numbers, but you can also join the online waiting list. They’re making up to one litre of beautifully scented Lemon Myrtle, Grapefruit & Rose Hip bottles and you know you want that! Get in quick here. May as well add a bottle of delicious gin too…
Tamborine Mountain Distillery
The beloved distillers found up on Tamborine Mountain have also come to the rescue with their new liquid hand sanitizer, with scents of Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Lavender Essential Oils and ranging from 100ml to 700ml bottles. The bottles are the same as those that their liqueuers are presented in so once you’ve used up all your sanitizer, you can keep the bottle for a lovely little house decoration. Pre-order is open now and you’re also able to pickup from the distillery. Grab yourself some here.
Husk Distillery
Down south a little further, Husk Distillery is doing their part to fill in the gap in the hand sanitizer market with their very own brand of the liquid gold in a lemon myrtle scent. Beautifully branded, the new product is available in a square gin bottle, also perfect for displays once you’re all done with it. The team at Husk have an online ordering system available for delivery and a drive thru pick up service too. You get 200ml for $10 and it’s a limit of three bottles per person for obvious reasons. Pick yours up here.
Wildflower Gin Distilling
A newbie that hasn’t even had the chance to release their new goodness to the public thanks to the virus which we shall not name, have instead launched with hand sanitizer and we are all very grateful for it. Wildflower Gin Distilling are adding their own Wildflower botanicals and the distillers own backyard honey to the mix, making it a little bit more magical than you might expect. Available from April 14th, you can support them here.
See, there is some good in the world.
Words by Kirra Smith
Okay friends, we need to talk.
There are very few sleeps until Christmas day and yes, our hearts started pounding too. Firstly because it’s legit our favourite time of the year and secondly coz crap, we need to get our rears into gear and sort presents stat.
If you’re like us and running way behind in this department (every.darn.year), here’s a roundup of inspo to help you get a wriggle on.
Being the proud Gold Coasters that we are, each of our suggestions is based in our ‘hood, coz #supportlocal will forever be our favourite hashtag (and we do love a good hashtag, in case you hadn’t noticed).
Here we go….
Spirits and Beer
Get in the spirit this Christmas – quite literally! Who doesn’t love a tipple so a pressie from one of these local booze-bosses, you’ll be the golden child/friend/niece/nephew/co-worker…you get the gist.
If you’re searching for a gin on the northern GC, look no further than Biggera Waters’ White Oat Distillery. These gents sure know how to hand craft a cracking drop, like their London Dry Gin.
Turning to the central power players, Granddad Jack’s in Miami will sort you out with an extra special Christmas spirit in the form of Pavlova Gin and this is exactly how we like our dessert. Or hit up another newbie which has also been attracting attention for all the right reasons, Burleigh’s Familiar Spirits. We highly recommend their limited-edition Pudding Gin (you’re welcome).
For the beer enthusiasts, you just can’t beat Burleigh Brewing Co. (the Burleigh Twisted Palm Tropical Pale Ale is the shiz) or Lost Palms. Black Hops (and Black Hops II in Biggera Waters) never disappoint, nor does their Foreverland Grapefruit XPA. If an authentic Belgian brew or two is on someone’s wish list, it’s all about Ashmore’s Madlocke Beer Brewing Company.
Clothing
Like booze, we all love threads so when in doubt, look to these local legends!
PJ’s are a go-to for a well-received Chrissie gift and Homebodii specialises in thoughtfully created, elegant sleepwear which, bonus, can be personalised.
Shop the comfiest and coolest loungewear for women and kiddos at Momi Babie (where everything is $20 or less right now), or head for Rhythm in Burleigh for the coastal surfy vibing missus or mister.
The lads at Alfred’s Apartment are providing our local men with an ever-growing range of curated fashion and accessories. And, on a totally unrelated note, you NEED to drop in and check out their coffee slushies stat. #thankuslater.
Good Intentions Co. are making a positive impact, one tee at a time, pledging 10% of their sales to incredible charities like Beyond Blue, FoodBank, and RizeUp.
For the ultimate #supportlocal nod, you cannot go past The Undercurrent. Stocking men’s and women’s unique, high quality tees, singlets and caps designed exclusively by Gold Coast artists who share a passion for our city’s culture, it’s the perfect stocking filler.
Homewares
We all love homewares (verified fact) and Kira and Kira in Miami stock the highest quality, timeless homewares, décor, artwork, and furniture. For beautiful wall art, wallpaper and planners, Mint Art Co have endless gorgeous options. For one-of-a-kind fine art pieces, prints and super cute repositionable decals we recommend The Confetti Collective.
For linen lovers (AKA e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e), I Love Linen has a long list of goodies for the bedroom, the kitchen, and beyond.
For the greenery enthusiast, pop into Greenfolk Botany Shop in Burleigh for plants, cacti, succulents, pots, home and garden wares.
Now these guys aren’t strictly Gold Coaster’s (hailing from just over the border) but we reckon Clubbies Prints Gold Coast surf series are so spesh they need to be included #soznotsoz.
Other Gifts
Simple Sunday Designs is your go-to for linen beach bags and yes, this.is.a.thing! Every Gold Coaster appreciates a lush, premium quality beach or bath towel, just like those at Mayde Towels and no-one does environmentally-friendly natural skincare like Sabbia Co.
Uggs are the quintessential Aussie must-have and the genuine, original version are crafted right here on the GC at Ugg Australian Made. Our tip: personalise your Ugg for a truly unforgettable gift! Small-batch, ethically crafted gold and silver jewellery from Merchants of the Sun is a great stocking filler, as is luxury hand-made artisan chocolate from Little Cocoa.
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, settle petal because The Village Markets pop-up events always deliver amazing, well, everything. Lifestlye boutique Halo & Grace, in Mermaid Beach, is chock full of a beautifully curated mix of goodies.
And, last but not least, if you’ve yet to discover The Kindred Trader in Burleigh, now is your perfect opportunity. Housing an abundance of Australian and international brands their goodies aim to bring light, colour and joy to your home and life. Be warned, you may *accidentally* leave with a few goodies for yourself as well as your loved one!
HAPPY SHOPPING!
Words by Bianca Trathen.
