Her journey—from battling migraines and hormone imbalances as a teenager to launching a proudly Aussie made, clean beauty brand—is a powerful example of turning challenges into triumphs.
For Lil, the start of Summer Skin was all about a personal aha moment regarding the ingredients we put on our skin and the potential health risks.
Fast forward to today, and she’s leading the charge to redefine what ‘clean skincare’ really means in a market full of greenwashing.
We caught up with Lil to chat about her journey, her brand’s mission, and how she’s making skincare simpler, safer, and more effective for everyone.
For Lil, Summer Skin is more than a business; a personal mission. She lost her dad at a young age and later experienced her own health struggles with migraines and hormone imbalances; experiences that shaped her approach to wellness.
“My journey really started with two big things in my life: losing my dad to a brain aneurysm when I was 12, and dealing with migraines caused by hormonal imbalances. These experiences pushed me to pay closer attention to what I was putting on my skin and using daily,” she shares.
“For example, I realised that many deodorants use aluminum as the main ingredient, which didn’t sit right with me. When I launched Summer Skin Australia, there weren’t many clean, natural, Australian-made options out there, so I wanted to create products that felt safe and aligned with what I valued.
Lil’s resolve to offer products free of questionable ingredients, and full of beneficial ones, birthed Summer Skin. At a time when “clean beauty” options were limited in Australia, Lil’s brand emerged as a refreshing, honest alternative.
WHAT MAKES SUMMER SKIN DIFFERENT?
In a world where nearly every brand claims to be “clean” or “natural,” Lil wanted Summer Skin to truly embody these words. It’s more than a marketing term—it’s a commitment. Her formulas go through years of perfecting, with a laser focus on results and transparency.
“Our formulas are crafted with such care—it usually takes years to perfect them. We’re focused on results and effectiveness, and I’m proud to say we’re consistent in delivering that,” she explains.
“Another thing that sets us apart is that we’re completely transparent—no greenwashing here. We provide full clarity on our ingredient lists and claims because it’s easy for marketing to label something as ‘clean’ or ‘natural’ without fully meaning it. Our goal is to make sure our customers can truly trust what they’re putting on their skin.”
This open approach has resonated with Summer Skin fans, who not only love the products but also trust them. Lil’s dedication to transparency makes it easy for customers to know they’re investing in safe, genuinely natural products.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO NATURAL SKINCARE?
Transitioning from mainstream products to clean skincare can feel daunting, but Lil encourages everyone to give it a shot. She knows that some may think natural products don’t “work” as well, but she’s here to prove them wrong.
“I feel sometimes if people see a product that is naturally formulated, or made with clean ingredients they believe it won’t work, and that can deter them,” Lil admits.
Give it a go because I am confident you will see equal if not better results!”
If there’s one product Lil can’t live without, it’s her beloved Glow Drops, which she describes as “the best face self-tanning product to ever exist.”
“Wear this, wake up the next morning and you will literally get told you’re glowing or asked ‘where you have been holidaying?’. I would always pair it with The Complete Hydrator or Skin Repairing Oil – their natural coconut/vanilla fragrance also gives the dreamiest, holiday feel.”
Of all the skincare myths Lil has encountered, one she’d love to see disappear is the idea that clean deodorants just don’t measure up.
“People often say ‘natural deodorant doesn’t work!’—but it really comes down to finding one that does, made with premium, truly natural ingredients and no chemicals,” Lik says.
“Chemicals are actually what contribute to body odour by attracting bad bacteria. So, if a ‘natural deodorant’ has even a tiny bit of synthetic chemicals, like 3%, it’s likely not going to be effective. Finding a deodorant that’s genuinely chemical-free can make all the difference!”
THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
Becoming a mum has changed Lil’s approach to skincare more than she ever imagined. Her heightened awareness of ingredients has translated into how she cares for her kids’ skin and her vision for future products.
I’ve learned so much about how our skin is like a giant sponge that absorbs everything we put on it. For my kids, I try to cut back on soaps when possible and instead add our Skin Repairing Oil to their bath.
“It’s 100% natural, with hydrating and antibacterial ingredients that are gentle on their skin. It’s amazing what you find when you
start reading ingredient labels and researching what’s actually in some products on the market. I would LOVE to one day make an honest, uncomplicated solution for parents to use on their children.”
As a busy mum and business owner, Lil values products that serve multiple purposes. Her daily staples? Skin Repairing Oil and The Complete Hydrator, both of which are versatile enough for
her entire family to use.
“I love that our Skin Repairing Oil and The Complete Hydrator are multi-use. I use them on the kids, my face and body and Cory uses them too! I use both of these daily. I have the Hydrator in my car and it’s the cutest – both of my kids pop it over their face on the way to school everyday.
“Also Glow Drops are my biggest mum hack to date, pop them on at night and I wake up looking like I actually got some rest, haha. Simplifying my morning with no makeup needed!”
For Lil, finding balance is a daily challenge. Like any working parent, she juggles ‘mum guilt’ and her dedication to her business. But with a strong support system, she’s making it work.
“This is definitely still a work in progress for me,” she says.
Some days are tougher than others, and the ‘mum guilt’ is real. I do my best to leave work at work when I can.
“I’m really lucky to have so much support from Cory and my family— everyone pitches in to help me balance it all. My ideal day would start with an easy morning drop off, fitting in a workout, heading straight to the office, and finishing early enough to pick up the kids, enjoy an early dinner, and have some quality family time together!”
ADVICE FOR PARENTS SEEKING CLEAN SKINCARE
Lil’s biggest piece of advice for parents looking to switch to clean products? Read the labels and look beyond marketing.
“Really pay attention to the ingredients—look beyond the marketing claims,” she advises.
“‘Clean’ and ‘natural’ can mean different things to different brands, so it’s important to read the labels and understand what’s actually in the products.
“I’d also recommend choosing products that are simple, effective, and truly free from unnecessary chemicals, especially when it comes to kids.”
Lil is dedicated to empowering parents to make informed decisions, and her products reflect this commitment to safety and simplicity.
Outside of work, Lil loves exploring her local community with her family.
“When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me exploring my local area—grabbing a coffee at Good Day Somerton Park or Jetty Road Brighton and then heading down to the beach! (I also can’t deny my love for our local Westfield Marion, haha!)”
EXPANDING WITH PURPOSE
As for the future, Lil’s plans for Summer Skin are ambitious yet grounded in her commitment to quality and transparency.
“We’re focused on expanding our product range with more clean, effective skincare solutions that align with our commitment to quality and transparency,” she says.
“I want Summer Skin to continue setting a standard in the industry for genuinely clean, results-driven skincare. In the next few years, I see us growing our community further in Australia, introducing
more targeted products, expanding our sunless tanning range and maybe even exploring family friendly options.
“My goal is for Summer Skin to be a trusted go-to for anyone looking for safe, high-performance skincare they can truly rely on.”
