A girl's got to do what a girl's go to to do to look her best, particularly when the ageing process…read morekicks in. This is where About Face in Mt Eden, they do have other Auckland locations, comes in for a regular facial skin treatment. The beauty therapist will discuss and suggest the best possible treatment to choose and all I really had to do was relax while the work was done. End result is a bright shiny face which actually does look a little fresher and more youthful. This award winning beauty therapist salon has picked up numerous awards over its 25 years in business. They have the gorgeous products, caring staff and tips for what will work best for your skin type. Give them a try is my recommendation.

At the risk of full on oversharing, About Face Mt Eden is where I get a wax on the reg. Every 5-6…read moreweeks, you'll see me trot into that little shop, and trot out about 20 minutes later. I've been going there for a while, mostly because of the location, but also because they do a good job and when you're getting a wax, you kind of don't want to take a risk with that shit. I was seeing one girl for a while, but then I swapped because she wasn't available one day. I'm not particularly loyal to any particular beauty therapist, but they are both nice. I've had a facial there a couple of times, it's been good. I kind of how they try and up-sell you at the end though. That sucks. It's like, "hey man, I've already spent $115 for on you cleaning my face and now you tell me I don't drink enough water and I need some kind of special moisturiser?!"

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.

They say eyebrows are the frame of the face, and so I am very particular when it comes to getting…read moremy brows done. The girls at Phoenix always do an amazing job tinting and shaping, plus you can do it all sitting up, so there's none of this lying down falling half asleep business. Phoenix have a great range of beauty products for sale too - my personal favourite being the custom blend foundation. They mix up foundation specifically for your skin tone so you can get it right every time you apply your make up. Hint - there's parking down the driveway at the back, so you don't need to trawl the main road looking for a park!

It wasn't a great omen, that when I walked into Blink Boutique I was greeted by the worlds most…read moreorange woman considering I was there for a spray tan. This had shaken my confidence and hope in getting a decent tan from this place but they pulled though for me. Maybe the chick only practices on herself and leaves all the good stuff for the clients because I must say I was really pleased with the overall result. The girl was friendly without being too chatty which is always a good thing when your getting a fake tan. The premises are really cool, functional without being too fussy like some beauty salons, with some awesome arty feature walls. This is primarily an eyelash bar which does tanning and makeup sessions as additional extras but well, and th prices are not to be sniffed at! This girl walked out a happy customer anyway.

Jess always looks after each and every client really well. They do beautiful lashes, quality spray…read moretans with organic ingredients and recently also have a nail service. The shop is fitted out quirky and fun and there are cosmetic bags and some accessories for sale but the service is always seriously good. I've never used their brow tidying or tinting service or make-up service but I have seen amazing results. Two car parks available, if it's full park on the road or across the street at the parking lot.

Located on the corner of Eldon Road and Dominion Road, The Villa Skin Spa is a charming wee beauty…read moreand day spa. Run by Fleur Harding, a trained beauty therapist, The Villa Skin Spa offers a variety of beauty and pampering packages. Whether you want your legs waxed, eyebrows shaped, full body massage, facial, electrolysis, spray tan or bridal makeup done, The Villa Skin Spa can accommodate your every need. One of the best things about The Villa, and one of the things that really sets this place aside from other beauty and day spas is, you are the only client in the building. Fleur is the only therapist that works in her spa, so you have her undivided attention while you are there. It's great! Though all the prices of treatments are pretty standard for beauty spas, The Villa Skin Spa always has great specials and deals on offer that are definitely worth looking out for. The Villa also offers gift vouchers which make the perfect Mother's Day gifts - I got my mum a full body massage and facial package deal for The Villa a few years ago and she was absolutely ecstatic. Keep this spa in mind!!! Bonus: Fleur is lovely. She's really down to earth and genuine, and unlike other beauty therapists, doesn't try and talk you in to treatments you don't need!

Wow what a fantastic experience. Was my 1st time to loxy's and is now my new hair home. Made to…read morefeel like I was the only person there explaining all she could about my hair once she was done was blown away by the style (had a cut and blow). Walked out feeling like pampered princess. Definately would recommend

I went to The Beauty Hut to get teeth whitening and my untamed hair, keratin straightened…read more Excellent service! My hair is so nice,straight and conditioned. I am so happy. My teeth are fab too! Very happy customer. I will definitely be back.

It was my first time at Bare Waxing last weekend and I think I'm gonna be a regular here…read more Initially I didn't know how it was gonna go as the salon I have been going to for years were booked out till Xmas and I was placed on a very long waitlist !! Well maybe that was a good thing cos the experience I had at Bare Waxing Grey Lynn was simply the best. Kim was very professional, efficient and friendly and made me feel comfortable throughout the whole session They also have an online booking system which is such a convenience when you're trying to juggle other life appointments. most salons dont offer this and you'd have to call them several weeks in advance to get an appointment. A few days after my session I received an email from them thanking me for coming in and they even threw in a voucher to use for my next visit ! And yes they have undercover parking too ! Awesome job team. Well done and I'll be back

Was really looking forward to my appointment with Bare. Not only are their prices competitive with…read moreother similar spas, they came recommended from a few of my friends. Booked an appointment the same day and was reassured there would be parking available. After realizing the carpark was completely full and circling the notoriously busy Grey Lynn, I ended up being late for my appointment. I even tried to call them to say I was trying to find a park but seeing as there wasn't a receptionist, my call went unanswered. No one from the spa thought to even call me to see if I was on my way. After stepping inside and ringing the bell twice over 15 minutes, I was happy to see reputable brands for sale but was still left unacknowledged. Someone took my appointment time. Unfortunately they were unaccommodating in finding a resolution of the situation besides another appointment time which didn't work for me - I already took time off work for that time frame. Bummer, I was hoping to be a repeat, monthly client with them. Guess I'm still on the hunt for a great waxing location...