With a burning desire to create things, a love of aromatherapy and training in natural herbs, it’s no surprise that Michelle Waite turned her hand and mind to natural skin care. It was her move from Sydney however, to her Mum’s River Flats Estate farm in Broke, that set her course in motion.

Making beautiful skin care products for almost 20 years, it was Michelle’s involvement in helping to maintain the farm and the olive trees planted by her brother many years before, that led her to create BARE Nature’sKin – a hobby that’s now become her passion and life’s calling.

“It all started in the [olive] grove” Michelle explains.

Already an advocate for sustainability, Michelle saw an opportunity to create something really special with hand-made olive oil soaps. The main ingredient being the soft, malleable, gelatinous natural oil by-product, derived from making River Flats Estate extra virgin olive oil.  

“Olive oil has long been known for its benefits to our diets, but its antioxidant and vitamin properties and moisturising effects are also very beneficial for our skin. It’s also easily absorbed and environmentally friendly” says Michelle.

In addition to utilising the olive oil products from the family estate, Michelle harvests her own herbs, seeds, flowers and minerals and utilises other locally sourced products wherever possible to ensure BARE Nature’sKin stays as close to nature as possible. The milk from Michelle's goats even help to craft some of her popular soap strips.

No synthetic, artificial scents or colourings are used by Michelle, only pure essential oils. Teas and natural mineral clays together with spices and herbs form the colouring of each different blend, and its the fibres and granules from the gentle crushing of those ingredients which create the soap’s natural exfoliant agent.

Browsing the BARE Nature’sKin collection at Marion and Michelle's gorgeous shop in Broke, it’s clear the products go beyond simple skin care. Her skin loving and nourishing range of olive oil and goats milk soaps make you feel good on the inside and encourage you to create your very own daily bathing ritual around.

With more than 20 crafted soap blends like Blood Orange & Cedarwood, Huon Pine & Leatherwood Honey and Rose Geranium, you’re sure to discover a scent that speaks to your soul.

Michelle also makes other skin care products, like her Aloe Vera moisturiser as well as body scrubs and luxurious milk and honey baths that’ll make you want to instantly fill the tub!

For those interested in learning more, Michelle offers workshops  to have the whole experience, book a goat milking lesson with Michelle and Snow White, Michelle’s beautiful Sannen nanny goat or pop next door for an Olive Oil tasting with Marian. River Flats Estate also has weekend, holiday and farm stay accommodation available in three lovely properties all within walking distance of each other on the Olive Grove.

As a part of the workshop you'll be taken on a farm walk which will help you identify which herbs and weeds are the ones that bring about flowing skin inside and out. You then get hands on making numerous products to take home. Including Suncream, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, lip balm, rich cream for sensitive skin, body butter and precious nourishing oil.

All ingredients, jars, bottles and a delicious vegetarian lunch feast are included in the cost.

You can find BARE Nature’sKin products in a selection of stores in Sydney and Newcastle, online at BARE Nature’sKin or you could visit the beautiful store in Broke. Located on Marian's River Flats Estate property the gorgeous little cottage not only displays Michelle’s BARE Nature’sKin products but the River Flat’s Olive Oils and Chutney products handmade by Michelle’s Mum, Marian.