Unicorn Lab Home Of the Original Dropper Bottle Shimmer Cuticle Oil - First Launched 2017

Bridging the Gap: From Clinical to Aesthetic

Before Unicorn Lab, cuticle oil was a clinical afterthought. While global giants like OPI, CND, and Essie were still using traditional brush-in-bottle applicators, I saw a disconnect. As an internationally trained nail educator, I knew what the industry lacked.

Cuticle oil had become a chore—a boring oil in a nameless bottle that often arrived wrapped in bubble wrap and went rancid within weeks. Scent options were minimal and rarely smelled like the real thing. I knew that if a client didn’t want to use their oil, their manicure wouldn't last to its full potential, and the technician’s work would suffer. I decided to stop looking for a solution and start making one.

We Didn't Just Change the Bottle—We Changed the Experience

We Didn't Just Change the Bottle—We Changed the Experience

In early 2017, I first stepped onto the scene as Emerson Crystals. It was here that I pioneered the transition to professional droppers in the Australian market. I replaced the clinical with the magical—combining the hygiene of a high-end serum with the aesthetic energy of a Melbourne-made sparkle. I didn't just join the industry; I helped shift the standard. I made cuticle oil an exciting art of the salon experience s and a product that clients actually craved.

The founders of Unicorn Lab in their 2020 retail store

Behind The Magic: Making Cuticle Oil Since 2017

The "Before" (Pre-2017):

  • Generic brush-on bottles.
  • Cross contamination.
  • Oils that went rancid quickly.
  • Minimal, chemical-smelling scent options.
  • A product techs struggled to sell and clients forgot to use.

The Unicorn Oil Revolution (2017):

  • The Signature Shimmer: The first in Australia to infuse an ethereal glow and glitter aesthetic into professional-grade oils, making them impossible to ignore. An idea I had while creating my initial project - a liquid highlighter for Black Mica 
    Cosmetics.
  • The Glass Dropper: We ditched the messy brushes for aesthetic, hygienic glass droppers that looked visually beautiful on a salon desk.
  • Scent Science: We moved away from "fake" smells to build Australia's largest library of 70+ authentic, professional-grade fragrances. Free from nut oils, mineral oils and fillers.
  • The Packaging: I wanted these products proudly display on shelves, given as gifts, and bring a luxury feel many brands still have not adopted to this day - packaging. Our cuticle oil arrived in their own individual boxes. A simple - yet overlooked detail.
  • The Oil Menu: We pioneered the "Scent Menu" concept, turning a boring retail item into a sensory experience that clients actually craved. Nail desks now had printed menu options for their clients to choose a scent.

The Original Pioneer

Listen to the experts. In our 2017 media debut, industry reporters confirmed what we already knew: this didn't exist anywhere - until we created it.

Our History in the Making

A look back at our 2017 media debut, where Unicorn Lab first began as Australian's first wholesale supplier of cuticle oils in our signature shimmer formulas and professional hygienic dropper bottles.
Cartoon unicorn with rainbow hair on a pink background with '2017 Throwback' text.
an original image of unicorn oil from 2017. One of our first of 5 original scents in a first release. Our cuticle oil was originally in silver and white themed packaging. Australias first shimmer cuticle oil in a dropper

Australia's first retail & wholesale supplier of cuticle oil.

Today, we remain 100% Melbourne-made and founder-led. We aren't just a supplier; we are the source. We handle the manufacturing, the small-batch blending, and the "heavy lifting" so that you can focus on what you do best: creating magic for your clients. We have grown from a boutique workshop into one of the country’s leading manufacturers of premium allergy friendly cuticle oils, wholesale and retail solutions. Offering industry only pricing to nail and beauty professionals, all while raising the standard in nail care education.


Embracing our history

From lab accident to a sold out product overnight, our signature product has come so far. Check out the evolution of our product here.


Home Grown Innovation

Our ingredients are locally sourced - supporting more Aussie brands.
With over 70 signature scents (and counting), we house Australia's largest library of professional-grade cuticle oil fragrances

Wholesale & Retail

Whilst remaining a direct to public business. Unicorn Lab has supported Salons worldwide by offering wholesale solutions available to industry professionals

Premium Ingredients

Our formulas are built on a foundation of FCO, Jojoba, Moroccan Argan, and Vitamin E oils. Free from nut, mineral oils, and cheap fillers. We hand-blend in small quantities to ensure every drop of oil is fresh and potent

Scent Science

Pioneered by Internationally trained Nail Educators, Unicorn Lab delivers education and research-based products. Made for Nail Techs - By Nail Techs with professional industry experience