Half pharmacy, half gift store really and the gifts are really what set this pharmacy apart from…read morethe rest. The gifts are set out by scent, so there are different spaces for citrus, lavender, rose and so on which makes it really easy to find what you're looking for. The center of the store always has some incredible display of the latest offerings and additionally this pharmacy boasts a large range of natural skin care and cosmetic brands. I bought some pretty pastel purple Italian glass pots here the other day, am yet to use it for a prescription though.

This is a lovely shop for gifts but the prices are quite high, for the gifts and everyday personal…read moreitems. My friend from Australia was over recently and we had just done the Mt Eden Volcano climb, we headed down and into Mt Eden shopping district for lunch, on the way we popped into this pharmacy as my friend needed to buy deodorant (she had hers confiscated at the airport, remember no bigger than 90g! Or whatever it is!). She looked at several and then upon choosing came up to me -"is this normal?!"; it was under $10, but not by much. She has lived in several places around the world including Sydney and isn't fussed by money, but even she was shocked at basic items such as deodorant being so expensive in Auckland. I explained that Mt Eden is also a 'well-to-do' suburb so perhaps they were just that bit more pricey here as well.

My family has used Bruce Amies Pharmacy for more than a decade and the service has always been…read moreexceptional. The pharmacist goes out of his way to order items in advance if needed. When out of stock items are always available the next day, whether from the pharmacist or from the clerk who runs the store and NZ Post Centre. Friday's they're open later and during the Christmas-New Year season only close on the statutory holidays. Parking is never a problem. Staff are friendly and personable. Highly recommended if you live in the neighbourhood or are looking for a reliable pharmacist.

How do I write this without going overboard. I've been very happy with my prescription spectacle…read moreexperiences at Gates for a few years however today Lee, the owner, provided me with the best service I've ever received, anywhere. He solved a pretty big problem I created with the most professional demeanour you'd only ever dream of. If you are looking for absolute expertise go and see what the team at Gates has to offer. Especially Lee. Honestly you will not be disappointed.

Excellent, excellent, excellent. For years, Gates has had consistent, excellent customer service…read more Each time I have gone in, even if in service of glasses not purchased there, the staff has been helpful, gracious, relaxed and professional. Their range of frames is more interesting than more others in Auckland too. Keep up the good work, Gates Team. (And no, I swear, I am not related to any of them--they just plain old deserve a good review). Give them your business.

Even though this store is about a tenth of the size of the one on Broadway in Newmarket I think…read morethey stock about the same amount of product. The store is set up with product lining each of the narrow walls and through the center of the store. You'll find the same brands, Almay, Covergirl, Revlon, Loreal, Rimmel and Elizabeth Arden all at really cheap prices, usually half of what you would find the same product in Farmers or K-mart. I think the eyeshadows are very good value, considering they are this seasons colours and there are some L'oreal products that are direct US imports that we don't get here such as the HIP pigments and lip glosses which are really good products. I managed to get some Maybelline eyeliners last week for only $6, even though they are cheap they go on and wear well and the Onehunga store had heaps of them and some Rimmel eye quads, only $10. Great little store.

Life Pharmacy in Manukau does a pretty good range of your usual pharmacy fare with additional…read morecustomer service that's pretty consistent. They recently got a re-vamp and while the store is smaller it still manages to fit in all the necessities. I love looking at their OPI section, which they display really well and they have a pretty good range of perfumes and colognes to browse. When i'm in a hair pickle I usually pick up extra bobby pins and hair ties from here, then end up buying something completely different- those salespeople are just too good! Apart from their beauty products, they have a good range of over the counter medicines should you need them. The ladies there are helpful and always make good suggestions, but don't put on too much pressure to buy (I've had to buy antihistamines for myself after a crazy reaction, and they were certainly not cheap). They also provide piercing services here and they can usually do it for you straight away or within 30 minutes. Pharmacies are definitely not cheap, but Life Pharmacy does some great deals every week that you might find handy and the staff can help you out with whatever you're after or even if you're just after some advice on a product.

Not really a fan of purchasing anything from a store that has clearance in the title I decided to…read morego in one day to see what it was actually like. The store is set out in five main section, foundation, eyeshadows, nail polish, lip colour and mascaras just to make things easy. The brands you will find are Revlon, Loreal, Elizabeth Arden, Maybelline, Covergirl, Almay and Rimmel and a few other random ones. The range is not overly large, hence the 2 score which is a shame. What they do have which is good are the eyeshadows. Many of the Loreal products must be US imports as New Zealand does not get the HIP pigment ranges that you will find here. These are really good, they apply well and stay put without creasing and you can pick them up for around $10. The other product worth coming in for is the Rimmel eyeshadows. They are this seasons colours that you will find in Farmers but at half the price. There is a big range of mascaras though these are not brands I buy but do so for the eyeshadow because I go through them quick and these ones are well priced and do the job well.

I was a tad bit skeptical about the makeup, I mean it was so cheap that I figured it most be those…read morefake parallel import products. I am all for a bargain but when it comes to makeup and things that you apply to the skin, it can be a bit dangerous. I decided to walk in to check out what it was all about, last time at a makeup clearance I scored a lipstick by Revlon that is still one of my favourites. After I walked it, the place had a whole lot of things going on, from the ugliest tights I have ever seen in my life to bangles bracelets and makeup. The makeup was good and so was the nailpolish. I still wasn't impressed by the makeup so I stuck to buying the Sally Hansen nail products.

This store has a very impressive selection of Korean and Japanese cosmetics at reasonable prices…read more In particular their selection of cushion foundations and sheet masks is extensive and most notable brands are present. While prices are a bit above what you might pay on the internet by 10-20%, for me this is outweighed by the convenience of not having to wait for shipping, and the testers available. These are important for things like eyeliner, brow products and base makeup where you might want to test the shade or wear time. I would also recommend this place for any hair dye addicts as they stock palty, liese prettia, freshlight, beautylabo, shakin' puddin' and more, and the staff actually know their stuff about the colour accuracy and lasting power of each type! The shop assistants are very attentive and friendly - they will give you advice if you ask, but are also happy to let you browse without pressure if you say you are just looking around. If you're looking for a gift or product recommendations this is a great place to visit.

I love this store! They have great Korean skincare products and cosmetics that are usually hard to…read morefind in Auckland and the interior is cute too. The variety is pretty great and they are stocked up on most of the popular products which is great. I recently got some stuff and it was cheaper than buying it online which made me pretty happy. Most likely going to be shopping there more in the future :)

My local corner convenience store is called Pop Inn Dairy, owned and run by a lovely friendly…read moreindian family. I always find a lovely range of food, from fresh to packaged in their mini supermarket, eg - bacon, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, salami, fresh herbs, and a large selection of juice, water and soda. You can find just about anything you need for baking cakes, and cookies with the kids, if your looking for a good magazine they have a large selection. I'm always served with a friendly smile and a chat about my day. The store also has a wonderful assortment of candy and chocolate and ice cream for the sweet tooth shopper. My favourite dairy on the shore for sure!

Lovely friendly local dairy, with a great range of goods for its size. I highly recommend this…read moredairy, the milk is very reasonably priced as well.