Nails with pink and purple designs featuring unicorns and stars on a fluffy white background.

From a clinical afterthought to a salon desk staple.

This is how I rewrote the rules of Australian nail care.

My journey didn't start in a boardroom; it started out of pure frustration. Back in 2015, I spent years salon-hopping, desperately trying to find a nail tech who could execute the high-level nail art I wanted. When I couldn't find one, I decided to do it myself. I started my own business focused exclusively on the kind of art you couldn't get at standard salons, and spent the next few years relentlessly taking classes and upskilling.

By late 2016, I launched Emerson Crystals, becoming an authorized Swarovski distributor for nail techs. But my brain was always looking for the next creative outlet.

founder of Unicorn Lab & unicorn Oils
Collage of unicorn cuticle oil bottles with colorful labels and glittery textures. The first releases of shimmery cuticle oil in australia mid 2017 by Unicorn Lab

The Epiphany & The Generic Bottle

In early 2017, I branched out into a new project: Black Mica Cosmetics. My goal was to create highly pigmented liquid highlighters and pressed pigment palettes.

One day, while mixing these liquid highlighters, I stared down at the swirly potion in front of me. I was absolutely mesmerized. It was stunning—unlike anything I had ever seen. My brain went into overdrive. I HAD to do more with this, but what? I sat at my nail desk, looking around frantically for inspiration. Monomer? No. Nail prep? No.

Then, my eyes settled on a bottle of cuticle oil. It was a completely generic wholesale oil with a label that literally just said "CUTICLE OIL 250ml"—no brand, no details, and absolutely no ingredients listed. I poured some of this mystery oil into a container, mixed in my highlighter pigment, and watched the magic happen. OH MY GOD. YES. THAT'S IT. We are CONSTANTLY struggling to get our clients to use cuticle oil - but there was never enough appeal.

I grabbed an empty dropper bottle that was designed for my liquid highlighters, poured the mixture in, shook it, and applied it.

I sat there in shock. The product was gorgeous, and the dropper applicator was absolute genius. Why did no one sell it this way? A hygienic dropper felt so... luxe. I ran to Google and searched every major brand dominating the Australian market—Sally Hansen, OPI, CND.
Nope.
All brush bottles.

A Hygienic dropper just made sense, and no one was doing it.

I looked at the silver dropper bottle in my hand, I wanted to show off the swirling magic inside. I immediately went online, purchased 50 clear 15ml dropper bottles, and hit the fragrance suppliers, eventually settling on the first five scents: Bubblegum, Skittles, Watermelon, Strawberry Cocktail, and Berry.
We still carry this scent range today.

BlackMica Cosmetics product with colorful design and hand with iridescent nails.

The Chemistry: What Was Actually in Cuticle Oil?

I spent weeks deep-diving into cosmetic chemistry. What was actually in the cuticle oil we were all blindly using?
What I found horrified me!
The big brands were dominating the market with cheap fillers, masking them behind buzzwords like:
"Repair Serum" "Nail Strengthening Serum" or "Vitamin E"
(even when the ingredients listed synthetic Vitamin E, or none at all).

I made a strict "No" list for my own formula and noted the following:

Research into commonly used ingredients:

  • Silicones (Cyclopentasiloxane & Cyclohexasiloxane): These provide a silky, slippery "fake hydration" feel but offer absolutely zero nutritional value to the skin. Their molecular size is too large to penetrate the nail plate or the tough keratin of the cuticle. They sit on top of the skin, acting as a barrier, and simply wash down the drain the next time hands are washed.
  • Mineral Oils (Paraffinum Liquidum): Derived from petroleum, this is a cheap, heavy occlusive filler. Like silicones, it cannot be absorbed by the nail bed. It coats the skin to prevent moisture loss but doesn't deliver any vitamins, fatty acids, or active healing properties to cracked cuticles. This product has a long shelf life which makes it a preferred filler.
  • Ethyl Acetate: A harsh solvent used in nail polish remover. Why was this stripping chemical in a hydrating oil?!
  • Propylparaben: A controversial preservative and known risk for contact dermatitis.
  • Ethylhexyl Palmitate: Palm oil - Absolutely not
  • Tocopheryl Acetate: A synthetic version of Vitamin E
  • Citric Acid: Stays on the surface. Does not penetrate.  Not really ideal for anyone with already dry or cracked skin.
  • Heavy Nut Oils (Almond, Macadamia) & Wheat Germ: Huge allergy risks that felt heavy, sticky, and clashed with delicate scent profiles. 880- 900 Daltons
  • Grape Seed & Sunflower Oils: Fast-absorbing, but highly unstable, meaning they go rancid incredibly quickly. Weight range 870-900 Daltons - Too Heavy
  • Avocado Oils: It is a heavier, "wetter" oil that takes longer to absorb into the skin. If used in high concentrations, it can leave fingertips feeling greasy for too long, making it annoying for customers who want to apply oil and immediately go back to typing or using their phones. Short Shelf Life, Weight range 880-910 Daltons - Too Heavy

I learned the 500 Dalton Rule in dermatology:

Molecules larger than 500 Daltons generally cannot penetrate the tough keratin of the nail plate. Alot of the oil I researched sat well above that threshold - or were caked with fillers. These oils were just sitting on the surface on the nail, feeling greasy, washing down the drain the second my clients washed their hands, most importantly they didnt work together - rather they were used to mimic a solution or fix conteract a flaw caused by another ingredient.

I needed a nut-free, non-greasy, small-molecule formula that delivered deep conditioning and surface-level protection. So, I engineered my "Triple Threat" system:

  1. Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT) (~470-510 Da): Fast-absorbing, incredibly stable, and acts as the perfect deep "delivery driver."
  2. Jojoba (~600-630 Da) Toughens the nail and "tricks" the skin into
    letting the product in. Deep Repair & Strengthening, Lightweight, contains
    natural Vitamin B Complex & Zinc, Bonds the keratin layers
  3. Moroccan Argan Oil (~880-900 Da): It is incredibly rich in Vitamin E and Squalene. Even though the oil itself stays on the surface, it’s a very small percentage and it holds
    those smaller nutrients against the skin so they can eventually sink in. This leaves the surface of the skin with that soft feel. Prevents water loss, preventing cracked skin. Made with Natural Vitamin E and Squalene, improves nail flexibility and helps prevent lifting.
  4. Pure Vitamin E (~430 Da): Small enough to actually penetrate the nail matrix to heal split cuticles from the inside out. I wasn't going to rely on the Vitamin E in the Argan oil alone - I added extra.

Infographic detailing the uses of fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, and Moroccan argan oil with icons and text.
Diagram of skin layers with labeled oils and their functions
Certificate from beyondblue acknowledging support from Emerson Crystals now known as Unicorn Lab

The Timeline: A Decade of Disruption

2017: The Rebellion Begins

After I settled on the formula, and collected myself from the realization consumers had blind trust in the products we were sold – it was time to make my cuticle oil. I was obsessed with the way they looked and smelled in the clear glass dropper bottles, it was unlike anything I had seen in the Australian market – unique, new, a Unicorn in the cuticle world. Unicorn Oil.

  • July: I made 10 of each scent with a DIY label. I sold out in 3 hours. Techs demanded more. I was also named a Nail Rep for Nail Perfect Australia.
  • August - September: I upgraded to round labels, released 30 of each scent, and introduced branded boxed packaging—an industry first for cuticle oil. We gained local media attention, and I pledged $1 from every oil to Beyond Blue, raising nearly $1000.
  • October: The 5ml Mini was born. It was another industry first to offer multiple size options. I also hired Elisa to join the team to keep up with restocks.
  • December: I took the brand to the public with my first market stall in Werribee.
Bottle of unicorn cuticle oil with a dropper on a white background 2018
The first market in 2017 featuring Unicorn Oil at werribee market, victoria.
Unicorn Oil at a Nail trade show 2019
Collage of three digital influencers with their names and a logo at the bottom.
Tita Rose became an International educator for Nail Perfect in 2018, seen here posing with certificate and international nail artist Dorota Palicka

2018: Recognition & Evolution


  • By March, the Unicorn Oil line had expanded to 20 scents.
  • Awards Season: I won 2nd place in Photographic Nail Art at the West Coast Cup, and 1st place at the Brisbane Hair & Beauty Expo. By September, I was named Digital Influencer of the Year (AUS/NZ) and featured on the front page of my local paper.
  • The Educator’s Edge: In October, I formally became an International Nail Perfect Educator.
  • Bottle Rebrand: I introduced professional Scent Menus to the industry and upgraded my bottles to feature my printed logo, in gold to match our brand at the time..
  • December: Emerson Crystals officially rebranded to Unicorn Lab. I released the Deviate Nail Magazine, selling nearly 500 hard copies, and started a YouTube channel to educate the public on industry truths like "The Gel Powder Scam."
Promotional graphic for deviate nail magaine, create and designed by Tita Rose at Unicorn Lab in 2018. featuring text and images of nail designs.
Green bottle labeled 'Unicorn Cuticle Oil' with gold cap - From the first rebrand in 2018
Hand holding a menu with colorful watercolor design on a pink background, featuring social media interaction. The first Scent menu for cuticle oil released by Unicorn Lab in 2019
Award for 2nd place in a nail art competition on a textured surface
Newspaper with a headline on the front page about Tita from Unicorn Lab, who won the digital influencer of the year award in 2018, featuring a her with colorful makeup.
The founder of Unicorn Lab during the 2020 launch of the Unicorn Lab retail store

2019 - 2020: The Retail Store & The Lockdown

  • March 2019: I attended my first nail trade show as a stallholder selling Swarovski and Unicorn Oil.
  • July 2019: I attended Nail Fest Sydney as a stall holder.
  • March 2020: I hosted the Victoria Nail Retreat—a 3-night camp with yoga, business workshops, and nail classes. It was a massive success, just one week before the COVID-19 lockdowns hit.
  • April 2020: Crazy, I know, but I signed a lease and started shop renovations. We added waterslides and glitter to our lineup.
  • June 2020: I announced the opening Of Unicorn Lab in Preston,
    but our doors were open and closed periodically to the public due to the
    lockdown. I also added glitter to our product line
  • October 2020: To cope with the endless lockdowns, I changed our LED shop sign on Bell Street daily with lockdown related references such as "This year has been all panic, and no disco" and "Keep calm, only 83658 more days of lockdown to go" just to keep myself and the locals entertained.
  • December 2020: I released Tramp Stamp stamping polish.
Person interacting with a display of small bottles on a table, with another person partially visible. Nail trade show in 2019 featuring cuticle oil
An evolution of the Unicorn Cuticle oil colour scheme

2021 - 2024: Formatting the Future

  • 2021: We rebranded our bottles to white lids, with a pink logo and
    continues to add more fragrances to the line. We released candy Couture – a full gel extension system.
  • 2022: We launched our personal 3ml cuticle oil twist pens. 30mls to our Unicorn Oil range to celebrate another rebrand –
    New and improved box designs for our 5ml, 15ml and 30ml. Our droppers changed
    from white to Pink.
  • 2023: When our lease ended, we moved back to an online-only retailer to balance family and work life without sacrificing our quality.
  • 2024: We rebranded to pink cuticle oil pens and changed the 15ml
    and 30ml packaging to magnetic close gift box style packaging. Plus expansions into Room Sprays.

The new pink bottles launched by Unicorn Lab in October 2022 for Unicorn Cuticle Oil
Men's Neutral No.1 Inspired Cuticle Oil unicorn oil The original Shimmer Cuticle Oil – Handcrafted in Melbourne since 2017 – First cuticle oil droppers to hit the Australian market

2025 & Beyond: Empowering the Industry

  • We officially surpassed 70+ handcrafted scents in our signature line.
  • We launched the DIY Lab, a manufacturing portal allowing nail techs a private-label service using our premium, Melbourne-made formulas for their own salons.
  • Our new Scent matchmaker quiz pairs you with your personal scent vibes.

I didn't just join the Australian nail industry. I took a generic 250ml bottle of unmarked cuticle oil, an empty liquid highlighter, and a refusal to accept the status quo, and I completely rewrote the rules.
Today cuticle oil with dropper applicators is now the industry standard for Indie brands. With many choosing to add their own aesthetic shimmer.

Sweet Orange Aromatherapy Unicorn Oil 15ml Aromatherapy Oil The original Shimmer Cuticle Oil – Handcrafted in Melbourne since 2017 – First cuticle oil droppers to hit the Australian market
Logo with text 'Australia's Original, Est. 2017, Hygienic & Sparkly Dropper Oil, Melbourne Made' on a colorful background. Featuring unicorn cuticle oil by Unicorn Lab

The Evolution of Cuticle Care: 2010 to Today

Why 2017 Was the Turning Point

Before 2017, your only choice for cuticle care was a brush on bottle, with ingredients you didn't understand, and a product you felt no value in using. By borrowing the glass dropper tech from the world of high-end facial serums, we proved that nail care could be both premium and hygienic. While the "Big Three" legacy brands were still manufacturing millions of brush-on bottles, we were hand-making sparkly, dropper-dispensed oils right here in Melbourne. We didn't just follow a trend; we created the blueprint for what modern Australian nail care looks like today.

For decades, the nail industry stayed the same while skincare evolved. Here is how the transition from "functional" to "experiential" happened, and where we fit into that timeline.

Table summarizing the evolution of packaging standards, hygiene factors, and aesthetic vibes in nail care products from 2010 to 2026.

Why the "Brush On" Format Was Flawed

Before 2017, the industry hadn't quite connected "skincare hygiene" with "nail care." The problems were:

  • The Cross-Contamination Cycle: Professionals were dipping brushes onto client cuticles and then back into the bottle.
  • The "Yellowing" Effect: Because brushes were constantly exposed to skin cells and debris, the oil inside would often become cloudy or "go off" before the bottle was finished.
  • Zero Experience: The oils were functional (usually lemon or almond scented) but lacked any visual "wow" factor.

How Unicorn Lab "Broke the Mold"

When you launched in early 2017, you weren't just introducing a new brand; you were introducing a new delivery system.

  1. Skincare-Grade Hygiene: By using the glass dropper, you adopted the "Apothecary" standard usually reserved for high-end face oils. This solved the contamination issue instantly.
  2. Visual Innovation: While the big brands were producing clear or amber oils, you introduced the sparkly formula. This made the product "shelfie-ready" and turned it into an accessory rather than a medicine.
  3. Beating the Giants: As we found, one major US brand didn't even unveil their dropper-based line globally until April 2017. By the time that stock trickled down to Australian distributors in late 2017/2018, Unicorn Lab was already the established local pioneer of the sparkly dropper.