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 :)

The gang of 'Pink Ladies' at Phoenix cosmetics are here to make all your makeup dilemmas plain…read moredisappear! Always dressed in pink satin Phoenix Cosmetics bomber jackets, the staff here are very distinctive, and fabulously put together which is always a good sign in employees in retail stores like this. I had a function that I had to attend with my partner and had bought an outfit that I wanted to accessorize with a rockabilly sort of makeup look but had no idea how to achieve this myself. Luckily for me it's retro glam month at Phoenix and I scored a 1/2 hour retro makeover for $40. I combined this with a babe'n set of Hollywood Lashes that really completed the look. I also walked out with a few other little bits as well, which is pretty hard not to do when they have such a beautiful range of makeup (the lipsticks ohmygoooosshhhh!) It really is heaven for girls.

Phoneix is perfect for someone like me. Someone who doesn't have a clue when it comes to make up…read more You can just wander off the street into their cosmetics store and be sorted out by one of the 'Pink Ladies'. There are no beauty school drop outs here; these Pink Ladies know their stuff. Using the Phoenix cosmetic ranges I was whipped in to a picture of beauty (well nearly, ha). What I liked best is this range is young. It's bright, it's fun and it's on trend. This isn't surprising as the owner, Phoneix, is still in her 20's herself. I walked out with a handful of makeup, including foundation which I always find really hard to choose. You can take it one step further and for $75 get an actual make up lesson. They also do hens nights (a friend of mine did one and it sounded like a proper hoot) make overs and special occasion make up.

Lan is incredible!!! They are sooooo thorough and incredibly professional. everything is done with…read moreextra care. I've hair chemical straightening with them for 10 years and they are best with keeping hair incredibly healthy!! Hair dying and cutting is exceptional and I don't trust anyone else in New Zealand to do it. The service customer care first and the green tea is delicious. If you want the top stylists in the country - it's LAN.

Really really disappointed with my hair cut today. Service was great, products they use were not…read moregood quality for $75 hair cut. I was allocated to hairdresser Mitsuko, I showed her the photo Of hairstyle she carefully checked the photo and asked me about length which was a good start. Then after she started using shearing scissors, omg!! after I got home and had a good look, my hair was sheared to half of the amount and most of hair is down to my ears length, all by shearing. My whole hair is now in various length and way way thinner than needed and not even close to what I wanted. She basically trimmed off half of my hair.. extremely disappointed, never had such a bad hair cut before. Waiting for my hair to grow back, scary experience, unskillful hairdresser

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!

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.

I've been going to this salon for 5 years and absolutely love it. The team are warm, talented, and…read moregenuinely care about your hair. My hair is long, healthy, and I love the colour -- it's never looked better. They create a plan with you to achieve your hair goals and maintain amazing results. Eliza is my hairdresser, and I think she is just the best!

I've been seeing Mana at Blaze for over 10 years--and for good reason. He's kind of a "hair…read morewhisperer" Mana brings expertise, care, and integrity to everything he does, which you feel when you walk through the door. Blaze isn't just a salon, it's a place where you're looked after by a team of caring and kind people who genuinely want you to walk out feeling your best.

what a great vibe this place has, the staff are all really friendly and chilled. A big thank you to…read moreKylie for such a great cut and conversation! Loved it! I really enjoyed the entire experience from phoning for an appt to heading out. Thank you lovely peeps

My favourite hairdressers in Auckland!…read more As someone with curly hair it can be really hard to find a hairdresser that understands how to cut curls and what really works when it comes to de-frizzing and hydrating your hair. The stylists at Exile have never let me down on this front. Nor have they let me down when it comes to a full head of highlights - the stylists are experienced and know exactly what they're doing. They are also incredibly friendly, with most of them being quite young. Their age means they are the perfect hairdressers for young adults - they know what is fashionable, how to rock certain colours and styles and that saving money is important where possible! Amber and Sarah are my two heroes when it comes to my hair! Always full of advice and banter, we talk about everything from hair to fashion, travel to music. I highly recommend both of these lovely ladies, especially if you have curly hair! Tip: If you're a student and go during the week, student prices are available and mean a good haircut and colour can be yours!

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.