New Zealand is home to some remarkable native plants, and few have a more recognisable place in traditional Māori plant use than kawakawa. With its distinctive heart-shaped leaves, kawakawa is found throughout much of the North Island and in the northern part of the South Island. It has a long history of use in Māori rongoā, or traditional Māori medicine, and continues to be valued today. For those of us interested in natural skincare, kawakawa is particularly fascinating. It

Finding a gift that feels thoughtful, useful, and a little bit special isn't always easy. Flowers are lovely, chocolates don't last long, and choosing something personal can be surprisingly difficult. That's where a beautiful skincare gift can be the perfect choice. A carefully chosen soap, body care treat, or pampering gift set gives someone a little luxury they can actually enjoy. And when it's handmade in New Zealand using carefully selected ingredients, it feels even more

Cleansing is one of the simplest steps in a skincare routine, but choosing the right face cleanser isn't always straightforward. Walk into any skincare aisle and you'll find foaming cleansers, cream cleansers, cleansing bars, gels, exfoliating washes and products designed specifically for dry, oily or sensitive skin. So how do you know which facial cleanser is right for you? The answer starts with understanding your skin type and choosing a cleanser that removes dirt, excess

If your skin often feels dry, tight or uncomfortable after showering, you've probably wondered whether you should be using a body lotion, body moisturiser or something richer like a body butter. With so many different products available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your skin. While the terms "body lotion" and "body moisturiser" are often used interchangeably, there are some differences in texture and formulation that can make one more suitable for you t

More people are looking for natural hair care products that gently cleanse their hair without relying on harsh ingredients. Whether you're looking for natural shampoo, an organic shampoo and conditioner, or simply a gentler alternative to conventional hair products, choosing the right products can make a noticeable difference to your hair care routine. At Ma's Goodie's, we believe hair care should be simple, effective and enjoyable. Our natural hair care collection includes s

Skincare For People in Their 40s

If you've never tried a milk soap, you're in for a treat. Here's everything you need to know about why milk has been used in skincare for centuries — and how to find the right one for your skin. There's a reason Cleopatra famously bathed in milk. It sounds indulgent, a little extravagant, and honestly — a bit over the top. But she was onto something that skincare scientists have since confirmed: milk is genuinely wonderful for your skin. At Ma's Goodie's, milk soaps have beco

Mother's Day is one of those occasions where a truly thoughtful gift says far more than an expensive one. And when it comes to making mum feel genuinely spoiled without being over the top, a beautiful collection of handmade skincare hits the mark every time. At Ma's Goodie's, everything we make is crafted in small batches in Auckland using natural, skin-loving ingredients. If you're looking for a Mother's Day gift that feels personal, luxurious, and a little different from th

It's one of the most common bathroom debates: bar soap or body wash? Both can effectively cleanse your skin, but the ingredients, formulation, packaging, and way they're used can make a big difference — particularly if you have dry or sensitive skin. So which is better: bar soap or body wash? The honest answer is that the formula matters more than whether it's a bar or a bottle. However, a well-made handmade soap can offer some advantages when it comes to simple ingredients,

Manuka honey is one of New Zealand's best-known natural ingredients, and it's easy to see why it has become so popular in skincare. Made by bees that gather nectar from the native mānuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium), New Zealand mānuka honey has a distinctive place in our natural landscape and food culture. In skincare, honey is valued for its moisture-attracting and skin-conditioning properties, making it a lovely ingredient for products designed to leave skin feeling soft

Sensitive skin requires special care, and not all soaps are created equal. At Ma’s Goodie's, our handmade artisan soaps are carefully crafted in small batches using gentle, natural ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and manuka honey. Perfect for delicate or reactive skin, our soaps cleanse without irritation and nourish and protect your skin every day. Why Sensitive Skin Needs Gentle Soap Harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and synthetic detergents can

Finding the right face moisturiser isn't just about choosing a product labelled "natural". It's about finding a moisturiser with ingredients and a texture that work well for your skin and fit comfortably into your daily routine. New Zealand is home to some wonderful skincare ingredients, including manuka honey and native botanicals, and there are plenty of locally made skincare products to explore. If you're looking for a natural face moisturiser made in New Zealand, here's w

Goat milk has been used in skincare for generations, and it's easy to understand why it has become such a popular ingredient in natural skincare. Naturally rich in fats, proteins, vitamins and lactic acid, goat milk can help create cleansing and moisturising products that leave skin feeling soft, comfortable and nourished. From handmade goat milk soap to facial cleansers and moisturisers, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this gentle ingredient into your skincare routin

When it comes to skincare, we're often drawn to products with beautiful textures, lovely fragrances, and natural-looking ingredient lists. But what actually makes a skincare ingredient worth looking for? At Ma's Goodie's, we love ingredients that have a purpose in a formulation — whether that's helping to attract moisture, conditioning the skin, adding richness to a cream, or simply bringing something special to the overall skincare experience. Here are five ingredients you'l

The Power of Salt Scrubs Salt scrubs are formulated using natural salts combined with oils and sometimes aromatics. The primary function of a salt scrub is to remove dead skin cells, revealing fresh, rejuvenated skin beneath. Exfoliation promotes circulation, allowing your skin to breathe while encouraging new cell growth. Salt scrubs are particularly beneficial for individuals seeking natural skincare solutions. The introduction of products like Ma's Goodie's Silken Honeysuc

There is a story behind every Ma's Goodie's product. What started as a love of making things by hand has grown into a New Zealand skincare and artisan soap business, with products created in small batches in Auckland. Our goal has always been quite simple: to create skincare and soaps that are enjoyable to use, thoughtfully made, and inspired by the ingredients we love. Where It All Began Ma's Goodie's grew from a desire to make skincare differently. Rather than simply reachi

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Staying hydrated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your skin looking youthful. Water is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and softness. As we age, our skin tends to lose moisture, leading to fine lines and dryness. Drinking enough water daily helps to combat these effects. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, which totals about 2 liters. Incorporating hydrating foods into your diet can make a signific

In recent years, coffee has stepped beyond the cup and into our skincare products. With its energizing aroma and impressive range of benefits, coffee-infused oil is quickly becoming a staple in beauty routines around the world. If you're on the lookout for effective ways to elevate your skincare, you’ll want to explore these five compelling reasons to incorporate coffee-infused oil into your regimen. 1. Rich in Antioxidants Coffee is packed with antioxidants that create a pro

Finding time to relax can be difficult, but creating a calming bath or body-care ritual at home doesn't have to be complicated. The right luxury bath and body products can turn an ordinary bath or shower into a relaxing self-care experience. From bath salts and moisturising body washes to nourishing body butters, relaxing scents and pampering gift sets, there are plenty of ways to create your own spa-like experience at home. In this guide, we'll look at some of the best bath

Healthy, hydrated skin isn't just a summer goal. Cold weather, dry indoor air, hot showers, sun exposure, and everyday environmental stress can all leave skin feeling tight, rough, or uncomfortable. The good news is that keeping your skin hydrated doesn't have to be complicated. A few consistent habits — including using the right moisturiser, avoiding overly hot water and choosing gentle cleansers — can make a noticeable difference throughout the year. In this guide, we'll lo