Aesop Paddington

The verdict

Peppered throughout the world, each Aesop store is a neat-sized mecca of luxury skincare—but each is also a totally unique design. The company regularly partners with incredible design talent to create a shop space that's intriguing, calming and serene (not unlike Aesop's products). 

Their Paddington outpost in Sydney was designed in collaboration with Melbourne-based Clare Cousins Architects. It celebrates Sydney's undying love of pools, referencing iconic local swimming spots like Icebergs, Andrew "Boy" Charlton pool and the city's many beachside ocean baths. Featuring a veil of grey-green resin-bonded pebbles across the walls, floor, ceilings and wash basins, you'll feel as if you're drifting across the bottom of a pool, suspended in crystal water. 

As for what you can shop here, expect to see Aesop's full range of skin, hair and body care products, all infused with botanical and laboratory-generated ingredients of the highest quality.

There's also an upstairs treatment room where you can book in for a 60-minute facial catered to your skin needs. 

Image credit: Aesop.