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 is an interesting store and rather large. Until recently it used to be the Life Pharmacy…read moreoutlet and even though the name has changed they still stock the same stuff pretty much. So what can you expect to find in an outlet pharmacy/beauty store? Many things. Need to bulk up? They sell fitness supplements, protein powders, carb free foods and other concoctions to enhance your gym workout and if you manage to sustain an injury they have a good first aid section too. Need a gift for granny? No problem, this is talc and soap city. There is also a great range of shampoo, conditioners and other hair product. They sell large salon size product too, so many washes for such a low price and loads of hair accessories. Nail polishes, make up and perfumes and skin care are more towards the front of the store and often you can get yourself some pretty good bargains. For example I once got a tub of Freeze 24/7 moisturiser for $50 instead of $135 and it wasn't expired. Do check the expiration dates though, usually they tell you if they are close to being past their shelf life but you never know. Perfume to plasters if you are in Dress Smart have a look and see what you find,

This place is a real find - make sure you have lots of time because there's bargains galore. I…read morepopped in to get a gift and ended up stocking up bigstyle for not very much money. Aromatherapy kits (bottle of oil and sticks) start at $3 and everything is beautifully packaged so your dinner party host/neighbour that fed the cat/person you just met and is now having a birthday won't think you're a cheapskate. And who ever buys decadent scented candles for themselves? There's a huge range of different smells available in lots of styles - there's a gardening range, men's range, cupcake "flavours" etc etc. Plus some cool random homewares (beach umbrellas and stuff), along with beauty accessories like cosmetic purses, Party Feet, lip balms and more. My husband swears by the Man After Shave Balm (score brownie points with surprise presents for loved ones) and I really love my $2 Eye Cream which smells and feels delicious. The shop is really well laid out, the stock seemingly perfect and the prices low. A ssshh shop - don't tell everyone.

If you like the products from the Aromatherapy Company, you absolutely have to visit this outlet…read moreshop. They have so many of their products here that are so much cheaper than they are in the retail stores. The most useful thing about this store are their gift packs they make such excellent gifts. They have mens gift packs that have soap, after shave cream and shower scrubs. They have baby ranges, gift packs of diffusers, candles, fragrances and creams. Nothing is over $30 here, it really is a bargain hunters dream. They also have homeware items such as candle holders, bags and décor like this amazing hot pink buddha candle, oh my goodness I wanted it so badly. They have really good free parking outside so you don't have to feel bad about spending a long time looking around. The staff are really friendly here but they aren't intrusive, they leave you to look around and only help you when you need it.

First rule of Importers Clearance sale: have a plan. Second rule of Importers Clearance sale: take…read moreyour credit card. These things don't seem to run on a particular timetable but nonetheless have become a regular event at the Auckland Showgrounds. I'm not sure where the stuff comes from but I don't really care. It's perfume, cosmetics, makeup, haircare, toiletries and more, hugely discounted on a MASSIVE scale. It's an ugly crazy bun fight and this is the kind of shopping you need to prepare for. Be fed, watered, have your parking money ready in cash (or be prepared to walk as I do from Puriri Ave) and get your head in the game. Oh, and do not under any circumstances bring a handbag or bag of any kind. If you do, you'll have to leave it in an unpoliced bag area, thus creating anxiety and the risk of rushing. This place is overwhelming so take your time and be careful because you will spend thousands if you let yourself just go for it. So get a catalogue, figure out what you're going to buy and then (good luck) try and stick to it. I always spend more than I intend; I just can't help it. To be fair though, a shop here will see you through a year or so and you can buy better quality than you can usually afford. Just try to maintain self-control!

I was so excited to stumble across Makeup Direct. It looks fresh and exciting from the outside and…read moreI made a quick beeline to the door. It all went a bit pear-shaped after that. First thing I spotted? OPI nail polish (I'm the biggest fan) selling for $23.90 each. "Huh? But I thought this was a discount shop?". Fair enough, Farmers now sells its OPI for $26.90 each (ridiculous), but there are plenty of places online where you can get your OPI fix for much less. So I figured the really exciting discounts must still be to come. But no. There was a jumbled range of products, organised by item type (eyeliner, bronzer, mascara, etc) rather than by brand, which makes it hard if you're on the lookout for something in particular. On the plus side, there were two sales assistants who were very friendly and approachable, and you can certainly get products there cheaper than at other retail destinations. Perhaps I just set my expectations too high. Le sigh.

Located on Darby Street in Auckland's CBD, Makeup Direct has a wide range of cosmetics and beauty…read moreproducts on hand. Reputable brands such as Maybelline, Loreal and Revlon are stocked by Makeup Direct, and at very low prices! A great range of nail polishes and make up brushes, fake eyelashes, removal pads, tanning lotions and other such essential products are also available at Makeup Direct. Everything a fashion loving, makeup conscious young woman could need can be found here. It's the perfect place for struggling students to get their makeup fix. Don't waste your time and money at the normal beauty counters - make Makeup Direct your first port of call, and you could be amazed by what you find. Makeup Direct's extensive range of stock means that it doesn't just cater to younger women - my mum also gets her basics from this store. The staff are always really helpful and knowledgeable. As makeup lovers themselves they are full of handy tips and advice - make the most of them!

I visited Mecca in Ponsonby a few weeks ago and had GREAT customer service from a lovely worker…read morecalled Karla. She helped me find exactly what I needed and left me very satisfied with my purchase.

Visited Mecca in Ponsonby again last Saturday 9th March 2024 and the lovely girls on the counter…read morerecommended I try the new Rose Inc Serum/ Skin Tint currently only available at Mecca Queen St as far as I know. It's an amazing product in skin care/ makeup if you care about what you're putting on your skin. So, I grabbed a tester during the week and will definitely be back for this product. It's luxurious on skin and blends in so well just by using fingertips plus makes your skin feel so good! Big THANKS again to the girls at Mecca Ponsonby, it's always a pleasure!

This is a nice little Body Shop which I visit most times I go to Sylvia Park…read more It's in an awkward little corner shop and the layout isn't particularly good, but the service more than makes up for it. I think the staff here have to work extra hard because with even a couple of customers in the shop, it's packed! But they always take time to greet you and help you out if you have any questions. I had some excellent advice here about selecting the correct colours in make-up, and they also gave me handy tips about which products have multiple uses, which I love.

So impressed with this shop. I really love how they work hard to improve the environment and…read moresupport animal rights. The other day, I signed a petition against party pill testing on animals - I wasn't even aware this was legal in NZ. They also had a kool incentive for Earth Hour - you sign the petition to say you'll switch off your lights, and they'll plant some trees. I usually consider Earth Hour a waste of time, but when followed by such action, it makes it worthwhile. Aside from that, the make up ladies are really nice and give practical advice. I like how they take the time to explain products to you, and don't try to force you into buying anything. There are plenty of tester products and natural ingredients, which is great for my sensitive skin.

For 12 years I was happy to buy American food and things like toothpaste with peroxide and baking…read moresoda not otherwise available in NZ from Martha's. During those 12 years one of the owners frequently went to America to buy the stock. And for many years they got special orders for me. But ever since the pandemic they have lost the plot. They refused to accept special orders and their shelves rarely offer me what I want. I have repeatedly asked them to figure out a new method of getting their supplies which they refuse to do. How they stay in business is a mystery without desirable stuff to buy. They're old and no longer seem to give a damn. I find it remarkable that they stay in business. Not worth the trip.

Ever have the feeling of giddiness as an adult, that makes you say 'get ahold of yourself now?' But…read moreyou can't and your smile is ear to ear. Well that's what Martha's Backyard did to me. I was instantly hit with Americana as the doors spread open for me. No need to trouble yourself with pushing a door American, here let me automatically open for you. Star! Since the owner was clearly using her consumer... ahem marketing skills, the first sight upon entering was a stock pile of Stars & Stripes regalia. All that was needed was the Star Spangled Banner playing in the background. Independence Day is only a few days away, so stock up. Martha's Backyard which of course is a play on words, (think Martha's Vineyard) has many American culinary favorites from candies, seasonings, sauces, cereals, beverages and snacks. I walked out with Cholula, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Lawry's Seasoned Salt, a pack of Lawry's Taco seasoning, mini Butterfingers and 2 boxes of Cap'N Crunch cereal for under $40.00. Not a bad price for imported happiness.