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.

I'm sure all girls can relate to me saying when it comes to hairdressers I can be a bit of a slut…read more It's not that I don't like getting to know my hairdresser and forming a relationship but there's always a part of me that wants to try out the next one, look for a cheaper price or a new look. Amanda Baker is one I tried for the first time a couple of years ago and since my first visit I have been back a couple of times. Although it isn't as cheap as the old shearing shed it is still a couple bob less than the norm. Every time I've been really happy with my hair after a cut here. Big Bonus is that most of the time they throw in a deep intensive repair mask or treatment for free, which my hair really needs. So I always leave with luscious locks and a pretty big smile.

From the owner: About Us Unlike any other salon on Auckland's North Shore,…read moreAmanda Baker Hair & Makeup is a firm favourite with the local's. Enjoy an array of quality hair and make-up services in an environment created to appeal to your senses - relax with a glass of wine while listening to uplifting music, enjoy the smell of scented oils burning away while our professional, friendly and talented stylists cater to your unique requirements. We understand that you need to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we know how important it is to be 'heard', this is why we endeavour to provide you with exceptional service, creating the styles, cuts, colours and make-up that you have always dreamt of! Call Amanda Baker Hair & Makeup today to enjoy an extraordinary experience for the senses, as well as, unsurpassed passion for beauty and well-being.

M.A.C cosmetics launched in 1984 in Canada and is now a very well known cosmetic brand globally. I…read morehave been using M.A.C since the 90's and one of my signature lipsticks is 'Ruby Woo' red. This store opened relatively recently at 130 Ponsonby Road, apart of the Lot 3 shops including other fashion brands & The Street Food Collective encompassing lots of food truck like 'The Lucky Taco'. M.A.C do $90 redeemable make-overs so you can purchase your favourite blush, eye pencil or gloss. All the makeup artists are friendly, qualified & personable. I have tried & tested most of their product over the years and my go-to is definitely the matte lipsticks. I'm delighted the M.A.C shop has finally landed on Ponsonby Road - my hood! Yelp happy!

Inside the Annah Stretton store I discovered this little makeup gem! They offer services like brow…read moreshaping, eyelash extensions and makeovers. The lady on the counter was beautifully made up and offered to put some eye shadow colours I was looking at on for me. Loved the service and will be back soon to try some eyelash extensions!

My friend & I went here one afternoon thinking the prices were great. Turns out there's a reason…read morethey were cheap. I needed a haircut and she was getting her eyelashes tinted. I waited for about 10 mins in the waiting room while my friend got her eyelashes done. A staff member came, looked at me and walked back out without a smile or a word. What am I, invisible? Another few minutes went by and then three staff gathered around the counter and had a highly confidential chat about money/business in front of me. They saw me there, smirked and carried on without a greeting. It felt like I turned into a ghost! After nearly half an hour of waiting & watching them do no work, I stormed out and got a haircut elsewhere. To Top it all off with something not at all Pretty, a few days later, my friend got an eye infection from the tinting. Beware! Not only is this place a ghastly pink colour, it's filled with ghastly customer service and poor quality deals.

If you want eyebrows like Cara Delevingne, look no further. Not only are the ladies at Lash Noir…read morespecialists in eyelash extensions, tinting and curling but they're also eyebrow magicians turning my unruly brows into sleek, well-shaped face framers in a single visit. How? Well, they use a trademark shaping method called Anastasia Brow Enhancements (don't worry, i'd never heard of it before either). Basically, it involves taking certain reference points on your face and then shading in your brows using the stencil that most matched to your natural shape. This means before they even bring out the dye and wax you can see what the finished shape will look like. Genius! I'll admit, the dye they used is darker than i'm used to and was a bit of a shock at first but after donning my new & improved brows for a day, i'm a fan. They also have products that help you sculpt your brows daily, which of course I convinced myself were a necessity. It still early days, but I'll keep you posted...

The first time I had my lashes done they were great and lasted pretty near three weeks,however I…read morehad them done a second time just a week ago and I'm afraid am not impressed. Unfortunately I got their newest recruit and it shows. I don't know if too much glue was used but all the lashes, particularly on one eye are clumped and stuck together and brushing them doesn't help I just lose more lashes and the glue peels off and sticks to the lashes...I'll be lucky if this lash extension lasts more than a fortnight. Beware who you use...