Some of Hollywood's biggest names are quietly obsessed with a budget beauty buy that costs less than a tenner. While A-listers are synonymous with luxury skincare and multi-step routines that can cost hundreds, it turns out one of their most relied-upon essentials comes from a far more unexpected place.
The Cult Product
It's found in the aisles of pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse. The cult product in question is Lucas Papaw Ointment — the instantly recognisable red tube that has long been a staple in Australian households, and is now making serious waves on the global beauty stage. Despite its modest $5.49 price tag, the multi-purpose balm has become a behind-the-scenes hero for makeup artists working with some of the world's most famous faces.
Celebrity Fans
Among its reported fans are Sabrina Carpenter, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman and Meghan Markle, who are all known for their consistently polished, glowing beauty looks. And there's even industry chatter that Meryl Streep has relied on it too, with her longtime makeup artist believed to keep the affordable staple close at hand, though he's famously remained tight-lipped about the exact details.
How It's Used
Formulated with fermented papaya, the ointment is designed to deeply hydrate, soothe and protect the skin. It's most commonly used as a lip balm, delivering that soft, glossy finish often seen on red carpets, but its uses go far beyond that. Makeup artists frequently reach for it to prep lips before lipstick, tame dry patches of skin, add a natural sheen to cheekbones, or even smooth brows into place, making it one of the most versatile products in their kits.
Australian Icon
For Australians, the hype may come as little surprise, though. The ointment has been a go-to for decades, picked up during last-minute pharmacy runs and thrown into handbags without a second thought. But internationally, it's fast becoming one of beauty's worst-kept secrets, with savvy shoppers scrambling to get their hands on the affordable Aussie export.
'I've used Lucas Paw Paw my whole life,' one fan wrote. 'I'm not surprised the world is obsessed with it, Aussies are genius,' another joked. 'Not sure if everyone knows but you can buy it in a huge tub - I use it on my whole family,' a third noted. 'This red tube really is the one true Aussie icon,' a person said. 'I have one in every handbag I own,' another shopper raved. 'Wait? This is an Australian brand?' one surprised shopper wrote.
In an era where skincare trends are constantly evolving and price tags – and cost of living - keep climbing, this simple tube proves that sometimes the most effective products are also the most accessible. Because when it comes to achieving that effortless, hydrated glow, it turns out you don't need to spend a fortune - just a quick trip to your local pharmacy.
