Beauty

Neon-lit workout spaces appear to be on the rise and, as a Personal Trainer who self-identifies as a Disco Moth, I couldn't be happier.

Boutique brews, bites and an onsite barber—Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen has you covered for all your foodie and furry needs. 

Look no further than the team at Boar & Blade for a tight fade, beard trim or suave new ‘do. Found on Tīramarama Way in Wynyard Central, the space has an industrial fit-out. Packed with top-quality banter from the friendly team rehashing the latest All Blacks match over a beer or sharing the dos and don’ts of travelling—we guarantee you’ll leave the chair having learned something new. Sit back and relax as the team works their magic. Bookings are essential, so be sure to get in quick as spots are filling fast. 

Located in Howick, Mooi Skin is all about the latest in beauty and skincare. Relax in their state-of-the-art studio as the experts work their magic, leaving your skin fresh and glowing. Not only do Mooi specialise in skin treatments but they also host make-up tutorials and are a one stop shop for all your product essentials! And, all you animal lovers and environmentalists will be happy to know, Mooi are big on the vegan thing with vegan treatments on offer as well as a line of vegan-friendly products from Rawceuticals.

Do you geek out over video games, comics, anime and cartoons? Wish to eternalize your love for a work or character in tattoo form? Look no further than Shop Nine And Three Quarters. With an extensive portfolio tattooing at international pop culture conventions, the guys behind the tattoo guns are well experienced in inking all things pop culture. What’s more, they’re absolute nerds when it comes to the subject matter, sure to provide a decent chat over common interests while painstakingly carving into your skin.

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Choosing a place to get your mane tame is a pretty big deal—ain’t nobody got time for hair disasters! Thankfully, the friendly folk at Marcelo & Co have no trouble tackling your hair wants and needs.

Located in Ponsonby is one of Auckland’s very own branches of Spring Spas—the global frontrunners in the day spa industry. Combining beauty treatments with relaxation, Spring Spa offers pampering from head to toe with an emphasis on nails, skincare, waxing, threading and multi-treatment packages. With an open plan design and concrete floors set against natural wooden fittings and pops of modern colour, this is your very own urban beauty retreat where you can beautify in style. Book a private room for some ‘me’ time or take advantage of the spa lounge to visit with your girlfriends and do some bonding. Sitting on the Ponsonby ‘strip’, this is a perfect pre/post activity to a shopping spree or a meal out.

Oh, how the beauty scene has changed. Rewind a decade and you would only dare whisper “bikini wax” on the phone and getting your brows tidied involved a bit of a pluck while you lay on a treatment bed. But now… both the brow and the Brazilian are an actual thing. No, more than an actual thing… they are the hierarchy of beauty needs. 

For a strong brow game, make a beeline for Takapuna’s OFF & ON. The trendy beauty destination specialises in all things brow and lash—shaping, colouring and lash lifts. But the pampering doesn’t end there! OFF & ON will hook you up with incredibly smooth skin, thanks to their extensive wax and laser services. If you live on the other side of the bridge, visit them in Newmarket, Britomart or check out their Quay Street branch for microblading.

For perfect brows and silky smooth skin, look no further than OFF & ON in Britomart. The friendly folk are pros at all things hair removal, offering both waxing and laser services. As for your brows, they’ll shape and colour them to perfection—and they can do your lashes while you’re at it. Neither a beauty spa nor salon OFF & ON puts the funk in funky with their quirky art, black-clad staff and great music. Can’t get to Britomart? Visit ‘em in Newmarket, Takapuna or get amongst microblading at their Quay Street branch. 

Flash City is a walk-in only double-whammy. A barber shop and tattoo parlour located on Ponsonby Road.

One of Aucklands best barbers is Brotherhood Urban Stylist. Based  in Takapuna, this barber shop strives to make you feel welcome and part of a “brotherhood” of sharing creativity. Specialising in both scissors and clippers, this barbershop has a service to suit every man. From a “classic brother” full-style cut with a hot towel finish, a “silver brother” colour to blend those pesky greys for a more natural look and an “executive brother” which includes a full scalp massage and a bevvy of your choice into the service. All while broadcasting the latest sports on the box…. Naturally. This barbershop is for sure a top contender on the list.

Mall hair salons are changing for the better thanks to THE CUT in Sylvia Park. As the brainchild of Auckland-renown hairdressers Hamilton Brooks and Frana Evans, THE CUT is drop-in studio slash blow-dry bar like no other. It’s a happy-medium between a high-end boutique salon and drop-in mall salon, catering to your “I-need-to-get-my-hair-did-but-I-suck-at-making-appointments” dilemma. The services menu includes haircuts, fringe trims, hair treatment and a luxurious wash and blow-dry.

Let’s be honest, Auckland ladies are spoilt for choice with places to be preened and polished. Until now, the guys haven’t been as lucky—introducing Auckland’s first men's only skin clinic: About Man.

Feeling stressed and looking to bring a little Zen into your life? Then look no further than Chuan Spa. Situated in the heart of Auckland City at the upmarket Langham Hotel, Chuan Spa is a modern, oriental style retreat that offers an array of tranquil massages, skincare and beauty packages that will be sure to restore your Chi in no time.

Part of the Castaways Resort, the luxurious Bersanti Day Spa is Auckland's only cliff-top spa. Boasting breathtaking panoraic views of Karitahi Beach and beyond, things don't get much more spectacular than this!

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Just a hop, skip and jump away from the city, Spa Ayurda is your go-to destination for a pamper sesh. This Ponsonby gem has allsorts of treatments on hand that will leave you feeling ultra zen and rejuvenated. Recently crowned as the best Ayurvedic spa in the whole of Oceania, their signature Ayurvedic Body Rituals are not to be missed. Want to get the whole family in on the pampering? Just your luck men's kids' and and pregancy wellness packages here too!

Benebabes of Auckland, Ponsonby Road is where you'll find your sanctuary. Benefit, the iconic San Francisco cosmetics brand, smiled upon our little nation of beauty fanatics and gave us New Zealand’s very first Benefit Boutique! Treat your brows to some shaping, your legs to some waxing, your skin to some spray-tanning and, to sum up their array of services—your body to some beautifying. Benefit Boutique’s beauty experts will make you feel like the gorgeous, glowing babe you are. 

For all your make up needs, look no further than Smashbox in Ponsonby. At this welcoming beauty store, you'll find all sorts of quality products to add to your make up bag or, book in with the talented ladies and they'll make you look fabulous in no time. Whether you've got a special occasion in the works or need to get glammed up for your wedding day, Smashbox Ponsonby has got your face covered—literally. 

Rosenthal® Facials is taking the skincare scene by storm with a natural approach to wellness & beauty. Michelle and her magic touch are located on top of Annie Boyd’s on Jervois Road. This product-free approach makes the radiant and anti-aging facials perfect for all those sensitive skinned beauties. Indulge in a deep, relaxing and rejuvenating facial releasing all that built up tension. Rosenthal is inspired by a natural approach to wellness and beauty using a facial massage tecnique that encourages blood flow and produces collegan, leaving you with that radiant glow we are all after. Michelle is available by appointment only. 

Skin Boutique in Browns Bay is your go-to for specialist beauty therapy and skin rejuvenation treatments. The caring therapists are dedicated to providing the best in service and individual care. In fact, if you can't seem to find a treatment that suits your needs,  your Master Therapist will create the perfect treatment just for you. All areas of beauty are covered—from personalised facials to the usual grooming admin—and are provided by highly trained therapists who are dedicated to delivering the uttermost in care.

Located in the heart of Mairangi Bay, you’ll find FaceTime Skin Clinic. The oh-so modern salon specalises in all things skin, offering treatments to reverse premature skin aging as well as managing problematic skin. They have a range of facials and skin treatments (think corrective peels, dermal skin needling and light therapy) as well as classic beauty services.

Show your nails a bit of love with a visit to Verdo Nails in Parnell. Book in for a quick shape and polish or treat yourself to a 60-minute deluxe spa manicure—go on, you deserve it! The boutique salon also offers eyebrow waxing and tinting, eyelash tinting and spray tanning. We’re particularly fond of their four-week make-up courses that teach you the basics of getting your make-up looking amazing. 

If you need to up your lash game, call on the friendly team at Lash Noir. Located in City Works Depot, this salon is dedicated to all things lashes—perming, tinting and lash extensions—as well as brow services. One of their popular treatments is ‘feather touch brows’ that involves tattooing small hair flicks to transform your brows from drab to fab—it’s perfect for those with over-plucked brows.

In the heart of Mt Eden Village is a little brick building that is home to luxurious beauty therapy and skincare treatments. With more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry, owner and founder Lisa Morris is committed to providing the best in beauty. Loft Beauty Boutique has a wide array of treatments on offer including customised facials, waxing services, microdermabrasion, eye treatments, massage, spray tans, skin peels, manicures and pedicures. You can expect Individualised service, superior technologies and forever-evolving treatments, all in a warm and friendly environment. Loft Beauty Boutique has got all your beauty needs down pat.

While most of us shudder at the thought of waxing, the promise of pain-free, quality waxing at Bare Waxing & Skin Centre in Belmont has us thinking otherwise. Using the best waxes available, Bare is dedicated to providing clients not only with great results but also a relaxing waxing experience from start to finish.

One of Parnell’s heritage buildings is now home to ASC, an innovative hair salon specialising in expert colouring (taking place upstairs in the airy, tranquil loft) and sleek cutting and styling. ASC is run by husband and wife duo Stephen and Andrew Cockle who have over 40 years of local and international experience. Sip on craft beer or boutique tea and coffee as you let them work their hairdressing magic on your locks. 

If your beauty bag is looking a little empty, it’s time to pay the team at Mecca Cosmetica in Ponsonby a visit. Here you’ll find more than 40 of the world’s best beauty brands such as Nars, Stila, bareMinerals and Chantecaille (swoon!). Aside from make-up, they’ve also got skin and hair care as well as fragrances. If you need some expert advice, their resident make-up artists and skincare specialists will point you in the right direction. Warning: there’s a high chance you’re gonna want to buy ALL the things!

It’s no secret the ladies in this city are spoilt for choice with places to be preened and polished. However the guys aren’t quite so lucky—enter The Grooming Lounge. Tucked away in the CBD, The Grooming Lounge is an exclusive men’s grooming lounge with a wide range of services more luxurious than most. With massages and premium styling products only being part of the line up, this is the place to go for guys who want the best grooming experience in town.

Situated in Britomart, Ryder Salon is one of the best hair salons in Auckland. The beautiful designer interior, which includes art from sculptor Michael Parekowhai, sets the perfect scene for when you want to get your locks chopped, curled or coloured. The staff are super-friendly and extremely talented, so you can be assured that you’ll leave looking and feeling like a million dollars. It’s is also committed to sustainability and every product they sell in their retail zone is Paraben and Sulphate free. Ryder Salon is a true luxury hair salon experience.

Located on Richmond Road, you’ll find the lovely ladies at H & Co. This is one-stop shop does it all, offering both hair AND beauty services. Get a facial in the beauty room and then head downstairs to finish off with a blow wave—talk about pampering! You can get brow feathering done here—a semi-permanent brow tattooing technique that replicates the look of the hair. Hellooo perfect brows!

Nestled in Faraday Street, Parnell, The Beauty Bar is a one-stop shop for all things beauty. Headed up by Charlotte Harrison, a qualified skin specialist, they've got the skills to fix all your beauty faux pas. Check out their holistic offers like organic plant-based spray tans or dream honey facials. Beauty maintenance, skincare, holistic lash and brow treatments, facials, IPL hair reduction, permanent make up, spray tan, shellac—you name it, The Beauty Bar does it. Open by appointment only. 

Located in a stunning brick building at the top of Symonds Street is Erban Spa. The boutique day spa specialises in all things massage and beauty. Pop in for a pampering facial, relaxing massage or beauty treatment—they do brow and eyelash treatments, waxing, tanning, manicures and pedicures. We’re pleased to report the friendly team use Antipodes skincare products, made from organic and natural ingredients. Erban Spa is the place to go to indulge, unwind and relax.

When you’re looking to get your hair did in a friendly, skilled environment, make your way to MECA Hairdressing in Westmere. They’re committed to delivering exactly what you want using their amazing skills and talents. MECA will glam you up before a night out, give you a full-blown style and colour makeover or give your hair a healthy trim. They also have a makeup artist on hand! 

One the best places to get your hair done out west, Tegan & Beau has created a relaxing and stress-free salon. From brilliant colouring to blowdrys and chops for both me and women, Tegan & Beau will sit down with you to discuss your hair needs, dreams and dramas before working their magic on your locks. 

Casa Hair & Makeup is a warm, friendly salon in Northcote. They create beautiful locks without you having to break the bank—exactly what everyone wants from a hair salon! Whether you’re after a quick job or a massive colour makeup, Casa Hair and Makeup listen to what you want and will make your hair dreams a reality. They also do special occasion hair and makeup, express blowaves and makeup lessons for those you are looking to paint their face like a pro. 

Located in the heart of Three Lamps is Servilles Ponsonby and taking inspo from classic French cafes, this oh-so fancy salon will have you feeling like a true Parisian as you get your hair did. Whatever your hair needs are, the team have your back—or should we say hair? Opt for a cut, colour, treatment, blow wave or hair-up and sit back and relax as the Ponsonby team work their magic. 

Servilles Newmarket is located a hop, step and a jump from some of Auckland’s best boutique fashion stores—how convenient. For all things hair, the team have you sorted. Reinvent yourself with a stylish new haircut or go all out and get your locks coloured. We’re big fans of their keratin blow-out treatment that gives you softer, smoother and silkier locks—yes please! 

When our hair is in need of some T.L.C., our first point of call is Servilles Takapuna. They’re all about indoor-outdoor flow here with a glass wall exposing the salon’s lush surrounds. Enjoy the view as the friendly folk transform your hair from drab to fab. Whether you’re after a mop chop, hair colour, hair-up or just a simple blow wave, the team have you covered. 

Lusting for those seamlessly blended, wavy locks you see all over Instagram? Amiee Marie is your girl. Working out of her boutique studio in Beach Haven, Amiee specialises in blonde and balayage, and the proof is in the pudding. Her gram is dotted with her natural, healthy looking hair creations, which you swear could have been pulled out of the depths of Pinterest. Amiee's studio is open based on appointments and can often be booked out weeks in advanced so get in early! 

Located in Ponsonby Central, Boar & Blade can be found pushing creative boundaries while respecting old-school barber values. It’s set up with vintage barber chairs, cowhide rugs, and stocked with plenty of music, beers, and banter. The Boar & Blade lads will give you a snazzy new style, a quick clipper cut, beard trim or hot towel shave in the comforts of their barbershop. With bookings essential, be sure to get in quickly as spots are filling up fast. 

If bold, bright hair is what you’re after, Live & Let Dye is exactly where you need to go. Not ones to stick to the boundaries, this Mt Eden salon will give you the kinda locks you want, no questions asked. From edgy pixie cutes to long elegant layers and creative colours, the Live & Let Dye team can make things work for all lifestyles and budgets. All their dyes are eco-friendly and will leave your hair in top condition. Sounds like a dream to us! 

We love a good excuse to get our nails done at The Nail Studio. With over 30 years of nail industry experience, you know you’re in good hands—literally. The Nail Studio provides bespoke manicures and pedicures offering both natural and enhanced nails using ethically-sourced products. The studio is set in a private home-based studio in Three Kings. It’s the perfect little escape for a bit of well-deserved pampering!

Maloney’s Barber Shop has been making Auckland lads look fresh for more than 10 years. Whether you’re after a cut, shave or just a simple trim of the ol’ beard, Maloney’s has you covered. If you’re feeling brave, book in for a traditional hot towel shave with a cut-throat razor—don’t worry, the friendly folk here promise not to pull any Sweeney Todd antics on ya!

Set in a New York loft-style space in the heart of downtown Auckland, Room 104 specialises in men’s grooming, making lads look as dapper as can be. Whether you’re looking for a quick wash and cut or a complete grooming experience, Room 104 lets you have a drink, read a mag and unwind. Unlike most barbers in town, their booking system means that you don’t have to wait or rush. 

This K'Road salon will give you exactly what every owner of locks wants—killer hair. Whether you’re after expert colouring, perfect 1920’s curls, a decent chop or a bold, bright makeover, your hair will be in good hands with the Killer Hair team. Pop by for a Big Blow Out or if you need to be in and out quick smart, the Fast & Fabulous style is the way to go. 

Papatoetoe’s Halo Hair Design has been around for more than two decades so the team here really know their stuff. Pop in for a haircut or a pampering wash and blow dry. If you’re after something more dramatic, opt to get your hair coloured or chemically straightened. Alternatively, show your hair some love with a keratin treatment. Whatever you’re after, the team will transform you from drab to fab and give you the pampering you deserve! 

If your hair is in need of some T.L.C., pay the friendly team at Kohimarama’s Schnips a visit. You’ll be treated like royalty at the modern neighbourhood salon as you sit back and enjoy a complimentary hot drink. Reinvent yourself with a stylish new haircut or go one step further and get your locks coloured. We’re big fans of their keratin services—especially their luxurious Kerasilk treatment that leaves you with smooth and voluminous hair that lasts up to 10 washes.

Leah Light is pretty much every Aucklanders dream when it comes to finding the perfect spot to get your nails done. Leah has been in the industry for decades and strives to provide 'something special' on those days when you want to feel like a star. While her Parnell business also does waxing and tanning, nails are where it's at—celebs like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Lorde have all had their nails done by this talented woman. 

Equipoise Spa, located on Jervois Road in Ponsonby, is a place of tranquillity where customers can relax, rejuvenante and restore mind, body and spirit. At Equipose Spa, the focus is on enhancing the soul, which therefore enhances outer beauty and directly affects overall wellbeing. The menu of services at Equipoise Spa includes facials, body treatments, massage therapy and manicures + pedicures, among many other offerings.  

About Face has been voted New Zealand’s favourite beauty clinic and it’s no surprise why. Following their mantra “Great looking skin for a lifetime, without extreme measures”, About Face delivers the best in beauty in the form of facials. Auckland’s most comprehensive range of facials, it also offers an array of other offerings including massage and spa treatments, laser hair removal and manicures and pedicures.

Superette is super. Superette, Newmarket is one of our faves. The store itself is a beauty, decked out in delightful ornaments and prints—a pleasure to the eye. Glass cases show off some of our favourite New Zealand designer’s work, which is something we love about Superette. Supporting local designers in their dreams to leave an impression on the fashion world, has left an impression on us. We love supporting our fellow Kiwis, and we love that Superette supports them too.

Ponsonby has always been the neighbourhood of all things stylish and new. Superette does nothing but compliment this hip suburb with its alternative interior and fashionable attire. You can count on Superette to have the latest and greatest for both men and women, including but not limited to; shoes, clothing and jewellery. Superette never fails at having something that catches the eye, and what else can you expect when they sell some of the best designer brands in New Zealand.

Sunny Taka is slowly developing its shopping hub, and Superette sits top of the list. Walking into Superette is an outing of its own, beautifully designed items displayed so perfectly that you almost don’t want to buy them. But you do. Because you’re in Superette and everything is so carefully, artistically and lovingly produced. If you’re in the mood to spend a pretty penny, then you know where to go.

After a rather long stint in the shadows, the iconic Victoria Park Market has been returned to its former gorgeous self. It’s looking shiny and new, but with the exposed brick and community feel that made Aucklanders fall in love with the place all those years ago. Victoria Park Market’s re-development has seen a number of stores move in as well as some great bars and restaurants, old and new. 

Relax and ease the stresses of the world at East Day Spa in the heart of the city. As part of SKYCITY, there’s food packages to enjoy or visit for all your beauty and relaxation needs. East Day Spa is the go-to spa for local and visiting celebs is one of Auckland’s best spas with everything you need. 

Stephen Marr’s Lucy and the Powder Room is the ultimate haven for beauty lovers, and the perfect getaway for a girl’s day out. Head into Newmarket and indulge amongst the beautiful and feminine décor and offerings. The menu of services at Lucy and the Powder Room includes waxing, makeup application, facials and spray tans.  Allow yourself to be pampered, and in the lap of luxury at Lucy and the Powder Room.

Now you can get your hair done while sipping on beautiful tea AND get those talons into shape all under one roof. Located at Dry & Tea in City Works, Pop Nails’ owner Imogene Bevan is a true nail artist, creating a masterpiece on your fingertips. Whether it’s elaborate nail art you’re after or subdued pastels for a wedding, Pop Nails will nail it.