Kiehl's brings some New York cool to the skincare market and I went along to visit their first…read morestand alone shop in NZ. I was mainly interested in one of their new products the 'Actively and correcting and beautifying BB cream' (with SPF 50 and vitamin C none the less). When I walked into their small but nicely designed store, the man working was helping another customer. They were discussing some dermatological skincare problem and what products they have that would assist. The man working was very knowlegeable. When that customer left with a sample, the man asked if I needed any help. He proceeded to tell me a lot about the BB cream and let me try it on my hand to see the texture and coverage. He was only too happy to let me leave with a sample of the product to take home. I said if I liked it I would be back to purchase. He said he would see me again very soon. I think he might just be right. If you have never tried Kiehl's before, I would definitely recommend a visit. They have a great range of skincare options (including a baby care range) and staff who are passionate about the product.

Kiehls is only a recent addition to the Britomart Precinct, but one that fits into its surroundings…read morerather nicely. Another upmarket type store it specialises in skincare and cosmetics and the like. I had grown unhappy with my tried and tested moisturiaer (Olay) so ventured into Kiehls to see if I could find something nice instore that would do as a replacement. There were many variations and types so no problems there, the shop assistant I dealt with was extremely helpful but almost too helpful at the other end of the spectrum, I could barely get her to shutup, I guess she was just excited about the product which is a good thing. On recommendation I went with the 'Ultra Facial Moisturizer' which is a pretty fantastic product, and I will definately be replacing it when ive used it all. The price point for me personally is a little high for most of their products, but it is a 'brand' as such. The products at Kiehls are simple and fuss free, while they wont change your life, make you skinnier or anything else, they will do what they claim to do and sort your skin out. Mine feels better already.

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.

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.

I suffer from terrible allergies and eczema and have dealt with so many pills and drugs from my…read moredoctors over the years. It's gotten to the point where I really don't want to put any more bad stuff into my body - so health shops have become my haven. And Health 2000 is one of the best. For one thing, the stock looks really fresh and new which means they're onto something good. And the store is nicely laid out. I could find my way around their easily which is often hard in stores where you have no idea what you're looking for. Their staff are really helpful but aren't too intrusive or selly. They just helped me find what I needed and offered the odd bit of information but then left me to make my mind up for myself. Yay for that! They've got everything you need to have a healthy and natural life.

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,

I am a big fan of L'Occitane hand creams! The Shea butter hand cream is divine! It's made from a…read morebotanical infusion of almond extract, honey and Sheer butter. That sounds good enough to eat, don't you think!? I love its non-greasy, richly moisturized feel and the refreshing natural fragrance it leaves behind on my hands. It may be a tad pricey but I'm happy to splurge on a product that produces such a terribly sensual experience!!! This is a French brand that knows how to combine nature and science to perfection! Their stores are usually fun to shop in. I love their beautifully presented gift baskets that capture some of the essence and beauty of Provence.

This place is small and mighty! I popped in here the other day for the first time as I had heard…read moresome great stuff about HealthPost, and I was particularly on a mission to find some good quality make up. Healthy, natural ingredients and no animal testing was my benchmark. The brands I know and love, (and HealthPost sell online) are Dr Hauschka, Living Nature and Jurilque. Now they only had products from Living Nature in the shop, but they do also stock a range of other brands I was unfamiliar with. Karen Murrell being one of them (great lipsticks discovered!). The shop had a small selection of organic food, lots or supplements, including a children's range and other various tea's and tonic's. Totally worth mentioning that although this is a small retail outlet, they have a very BIG online presence for you to shop to your hearts delight.

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.