Hi ,

Thank you for being with us, whether you’ve been here for years or found us more recently. We want to share an important update about the future of our product offering.

This year has been one of reflection, taking a critical look at where our small business sits, and how we can best move forward. After working through a number of scenarios and learning from past decisions, we’ve made the decision to refine our product range and focus the future of Kester Black on what is most sustainable long term, and where we believe we can make the greatest impact.

This means we will be discontinuing our skincare range, and gradually phasing out our makeup products as well.

These decisions have not been easy. Our skincare products were created over more than seven years of research, using exceptional raw materials and packaging that was both functional and distinctive. They remain some of the work I’m most proud of. Our makeup products have also won many hearts over the last few years, bringing high quality Italian formulas from world-leading manufacturers to the Australasian market at a very competitive price. We have always believed in only selling products we can confidently stand behind, even when that has been the more challenging path.

One thing that has made our skincare different from mass-market options is the level of active ingredients we chose to use. We formulated with clinically proven ingredients that genuinely do something, rather than simply supporting a marketing claim. Those ingredients are expensive. For example, the peptides in our moisturiser (which we've now sadly sold out of) can cost up to ten thousand dollars per kilo, which is why most larger brands leave them out in favour of cheaper alternatives.

My product philosophy has always been to use the best, most interesting, most effective ingredients and charge more, rather than compromise the formulas. That approach creates products that truly work, but it’s also a difficult business model to sustain as a small independent business.

We’ve also found skincare challenging to communicate online. Our packaging was intentionally practical and understated, designed to travel well and prioritise the formula inside. In an industry where many brands invest heavily in elaborate packaging over ingredients, that choice sometimes worked against us, particularly when customers are used to seeing luxury signalled visually rather than through formulation.

The reality of working at this level across a broad product range as a small business comes with real challenges. Long lead times, complex supply chains, minimum order quantities, and the cash flow demands of large-scale manufacturing have made it increasingly difficult for us to continue these categories in a way that is viable.

We’re sharing this context because we know how much these products matter to many of you. It allows us to be open about the realities behind these decisions, and to offer a final opportunity to stock up on favourites at a special price before they leave our collection.

Our New Chapter Sale begins at 7am on Friday 26th of December (AEDT):

Skincare: up to 70% off
Lipsticks: over 50% off
Nail Care: up to 70% off

This is a genuine transition moment for our brand, and a fitting way to close out the year. We have some exciting developments coming in the nail care space in the new year, doubling down on a range we’ve seen make a positive difference for so many.

Thank you for your support, and for being part of the Kester Black journey. We hope you’re able to enjoy a wonderful day with your loved ones this Christmas, and we’re looking forward to sharing what comes next.

With gratitude, 

Anna and the Kester Black team.

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Kester Black

A new chapter begins at Kester Black