I landed in Auckland looking dishevelled so when I got a call from a friend asking if I wanted to…read morego for a spontaneous blog dry I jumped at the chance. My friend had somehow scored a "2 for $70" blowdry deal that included a glass of bubbles and a chocolate for us to nibble on while we got our hair done. I really enjoyed the experience at Dry & Tea. The staff were lovely and took a few minutes to work out how I wanted my hair done, showing me some pictures and talking about what I normally do with my hair to make sure they approached the task in the best possible way. The hair wash was good, though if I'd had time I would have added on the extra head massage option for $15. Who doesn't love a head massage! My blow dry was excellent. There was plenty of body at the top and curl at the end, and I managed to keep it looking good for five days by putting it in a top knot to sleep. Even if I'd paid the full $45, this was would have been money well spent. To not have to worry about my hair while away on business was worth every cent.

I walked In without an appointment and they were nice enough to fit me in for a cut…read more First impression of the store was clean, cute and professional. I came in based on the looks and the interior of the salon. I had a few cm of my ends cut because it was damaged from bleaching, dry and very tangly, and just wanted to fix the ends where there were a few knots. I got a moisturising shampoo, a wed and dry cut with a touch of hair serum on the tips. My hair is now smooth and silky like there were never damaged. Michelle was chatty and friendly, she did exactly what I said and wanted. The result, satisfying. The price was 85, which was more than I expected. But defiantly worth it and I'll pick this place again for the next time I'll need a trim.

When I first saw the billboards for Phoenix Cosmetics; a girl with glorious pink hair, perfectly…read moregroomed eyebrows, flawless skin and plump lustrous lips - I'd rolled my eyes and went about my day without a second thought. However soon I was hearing stories from my friends about how great the foundation was and what a great selection of eye shadows they stock, and I started to take notice. Then my mum came home with a make-up tutorial voucher for the Kingsland branch, so I thought hey, why not. Thank god I went. In just an hour I learnt all about which products are most suitable for my skin type, how to apply bronzer, blush and highlighter depending on whether it is for day or night wear, and also how to do a great smokey-eye - something I'd always struggled with. My tutor was a young funky woman who was incredibly friendly and chatty so even though I was the only customer in the store I was instantly put at ease. She also mixed my foundation there and then for me - unlike most cosmetics stores, Phoenix tailor make/mix their foundations to suit your skin tone. No more putting up with a lighter shade and using darker powder to get the right colour! As well as having a store stocked with eyeshadows, lipsticks, powders, brushes and foundation and providing make-up tutorials, Phoenix also provide eyebrow shaping and tinting services, spray tans and can do make-up for special events like balls and weddings at a very reasonable price. Bonus: As in other cosmetic stores, when you purchase a make-up tutorial or opt to have your make up done for a special occasion, the amount is fully redeemable on product.

I love coming to this place for my make-up whenever I have an event, their prices are very…read moreaffordable and you get to redeem the price of the make-over on their products...amazing! I also always come here for their eyelash extensions, they are false lashes that are semi-permanent! Depending on your lash cycle I think they can last up to 6 weeks. Mine only last about 3 weeks but I have a pretty quick lash cycle they are always coming out, plus I use make-up removers on them which isn't good for them. The price of their extensions is one of the cheapest I know, $50 for their natural set, most places start at around $80! They do an excellent job too, quick and virtually pain free...virtually. The place looks gorgeous, all pretty and pink you really do feel pampered on every visit, try this place out!

I had a traumatizing experience at this salon today. After receiving a service that was not what I…read morerequested (Express lashes), the technician became physically aggressive when I expressed my dissatisfaction. When I tried to leave, the technician physically pushed me and blocked the door to prevent me from exiting the premises. She applied a chemical remover to my eyes and abandoned me for over 10 minutes to serve other clients while my eyes were burning. When I asked for help, she was rude and dismissive of my pain. While I was visibly distressed and crying on the table, she was extremely rough, pulling my hair and scrubbing my eyes with excessive force. She admitted to lying about the timeframe of the procedure just to ensure I didn't leave without paying for a service I was unhappy with. left the salon in tears, shaking, and with significant eye irritation. A formal police report has been filed regarding this incident. Please stay away from this place for your own physical and emotional safety.

Super disappointed in how my eyebrows turned out. They were way too thin and uneven despite the…read morelady drawing on the outline, it wasn't followed well. Can't say I'll be returning.