Amelia WilliamsLast weekend, I found myself strolling through the streets of Auckland with my best friend. Got that coffee in one hand and funny, but got those lipstick swatches over the other.
We had a coffee date, but she also asked me to come with her as she spotted some good beauty products she needed for her work. She’s a makeup artist, by the way.
So, we roamed around and after spending hours, we found the best cosmetic stores in Auckland. If you’re looking for beauty spots too, check out this beauty crawl of shops offering quality and well-priced products.
How much do cosmetics cost?
Cosmetic products cost varies depending on the product type, brand, and store, but typically it starts from $7 to $60. Popular brands tend to be more expensive, as well as limited editions. Meanwhile, there are budget-friendly products available in local stores.
1. Mecca Cosmetica
Address: 128 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn
Contact Details: +6493608460,
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mecca Cosmetica is a well-established store with two branches in Auckland – one in Takapuna and one in Ponsonby. From makeup to skin fragrance, they have it in their shop.
We love Mecca’s collection of makeup products, especially their foundation and face primers, complete from sheer to illuminating. They also sell a wide range of makeup brands like Glossier, Jo Malone London, and some exclusives like ILIA Beauty.
Their staff are also welcoming, super-friendly, and not salesy. They actually help customers find the right product, like how they helped a woman find the right hydrating moisturiser and facial masks for her skin type.
Another thing we appreciate is that they’re so generous in giving sample products, whether it’s makeup or perfume. For us, it’s not just being generous but is also a wise marketing strategy that can attract more customers.
I also found out that Mecca offers glam services. Many customers come here to get their makeup done. One customer even came to the store since her makeup artist cancelled last minute, and though rushed, the store still accepted her.
The only thing to take note of is that the brands they feature in their Ponsonby branch are higher-priced items. They have more affordable brands available (Charlotte and Kevin), but on their other branch.
Helpful and friendly service
“Incredibly helpful and friendly service. Carla guided my daughter through the best options for foundation, with a perfect match straight up. We also purchased a gift card for a young friend, and the ladies even included a couple of samples for her, based on her needs. Loved every minute of our experience. Thank you”
-Ms. Shelley Dudson, Google Review
Knowledgeable and kind staff
“Had the best experience I have ever had at a Mecca this morning. The ladies that work at the Ponsonby branch are so knowledgeable, helpful, and most importantly, are kind. The lovely lady who helped me took her time to really understand what I was looking for and gave me some great recommendations; her expertise was incredible. Overall, the store has such a welcoming and positive vibe compared to most of the other Mecca branches in Auckland – this was such a refreshing experience :)”
2. HICOKO Takapuna
Address: 61 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
Contact Details: +6492000261
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
If you’re looking for Korean skincare and cosmetics, HICOKO might just have those imported products you’re looking for. Although they sell K-products, the store is proudly New Zealand-owned and operated.
They have complete skincare, makeup, and body products. We’re surprised that they also sell contact lenses and nail products, which we didn’t find in other stores.
Going in, we love the store’s interior – very relaxing and smells really good. You’ll also be assisted by some of their friendly staff, like Yena, Michelle, and Peshela.
Peshela, in particular, seems to be loved by many customers. One customer we talked to praised her for helping him find skincare products for her sensitive skin.
A couple more said that Peshela has great product knowledge and offers recommendations.
However, some customers complained that a few staff members don’t have the initiative to help. Others were only chit-chatting on the corner without helping customers.
Prices? A customer noted that the products, especially the cream she bought, have increased by almost 30% in the span of a year.
Kind staff, great interior, and a variety of products
“Went to the store yesterday, and their interior is so cute! They have a great variety of skincare and makeup, and their workers are all so kind, especially Michelle. Her service and guidance around the store were very helpful and efficient. I’m very happy with the products she recommended to me :)”
-Ms Rachel, Google Review
Amazing staff with product knowledge
“I have gone to many different skincare spots. Tried to find what works for my skin, and it never worked. I came into the Takapuna branch here at Hikoco and met Peshela. Amazing woman, who helped me find every single product that targeted my needs. I feel so much more confident in not wearing makeup and routinely come back for advice and new products to try! Amazing staff and product knowledge.”
-Ms. Jada Ferandoes, Google Review
3. Pristine Beauty
Address: 37 Mokoia Road, Shop no 7 Highbury shopping centre, Birkenhead
Contact Details: +64221610915
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pristine Beauty is another store focused on selling Korean skincare and makeup products. They also offer beauty services, like skin treatments, waxing, and more.
Many customers praise their eyebrow services, saying they draw brows in perfect shape and colour. Many waxing customers also praised the owner, Neet, for being welcoming and sensitive about the customers’ likes and dislikes.
In terms of cosmetics, we like their broad collection of skin care, makeup, and hair products. We personally like the advanced snail peptide eye cream for only $37, from its original price of $39. For us, it’s a great deal.
We also found the shades of their Sisua lip syrup plumper collection very appealing, especially the no.4 honey grapefruit.
Another thing we love about Pristine Beauty is that they have gift cards, starting from $10 to $500. They also have gift cards for various occasions, such as birthdays, Mother’s Day, and Christmas.
There’s nothing to argue about the majority of their cosmetic products. Some of their beauty services, though, could use some improvement.
A couple of customers complained about the store’s poor nail services. Many were disappointed that the nail products aren’t from a good brand, and are only available in limited shades.
Excellent and hands-on owner
“Neet is the owner and excellent at what she does (hands-on). She establishes good rapport as well. Has a wide array of Korean products to choose from (wish we had testers, especially for makeup and afterpay), facials, wax, etc. Nevertheless, Pristine Beauty is my go-to choice for my monthly appointments. Savita, her beauty assistant, is also skilled at what she does. Neet’s husband also helps in their business.”
-Ms. Dixie Guste, Google Review
Amazing and recommended
“Have been going to Neet for 5+ years now, has always been amazing to me, my sisters and mum! Would recommend the Pristine Beauty Shop to anyone who asks me !”
-Ms. Melissa Joy Fatanitavake, Google Review
4. BODYFX
Address: 10 Collins Street, Morningside
Contact Details: +64800263939
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
BODYFX is a unique cosmetic shop. Unique because aside from the usual makeup products and beauty services, they also offer face painting for kids and adults.
Although they only have a small shop, they still have a great collection of makeup. From foundation to lipstick and eyelashes, they’ve got it all.
Plus, they make shopping convenient by allowing customers to purchase products in-store and online.
If you already know what brand you’re looking for, we recommend purchasing it online for convenience. Their space isn’t that big, and with their face painting classes, it can get crowded in the shop.
Their delivery is pretty fast too, so you don’t have to worry about delays. Their online checkout system is also easy to navigate, making the purchasing process even more convenient.
Just a heads up that they’re not your ordinary beauty store. They appeal more to kids and those who have events like birthdays, Halloween, and more.
Fantastic service in-store and online
“Fantastic service in-store and online. Wonderful quick online response time and usually get my products within 3 working days; however, MORE times than not they arrive within 24 hours! Absolutely love the team at Bodyfx!”
-Ms. Jemma Woodhouse, Google Review
High-quality products
“Fantastic! High-quality products time and time again!
I accidentally forgot to add an item to my order, and it was super easy to add it to the same parcel. Super helpful and friendly team! The package was shipped from North Island and delivered in the South Island the next day!”
-Mr. Caleb Davies, Google Review
5. Aesop Auckland City
Address: 35 High Street, Auckland Central
Contact Details: +6493022373
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Aesop Auckland City, which is also available online, has a great range of beauty products. From the usual makeup set and fragrance bottles to soaps and shampoos, they have it.
One thing we noticed about this store is that they aren’t that noticeable. Probably because the shop is a bit small, same with their signage. We feel like it deserves a bold and glimmering signboard so people know they exist.
But apart from that, we love that aroma you smell the moment you step into their shop. It’s relaxing, paired with the minimalist and neutral-coloured interior. We love the aesthetic and the experience – it feels like therapy, indeed.
We also love their products and how they’re neatly displayed, making it easy to find. We personally swoon over their collection of facial masks, especially the chamomile anti-blemish masque that’s ideal for acne.
The perfumes they offer smell really good. They are, however, a bit expensive and not that long-lasting.
Apart from that, the shop has great staff. Fin especially stood out to us. Apart from offering water to customers, he also advises those who need it. We saw him guide a dad in choosing skin-care products as it was his first time looking for some.
Great service
“Great service from the staff. Immaculate customer experience, even from walking past the store with aromatic scents. I recommend trying their hand wash to start your Aesop journey.”
-Ms. Dre, Google Review
Good-smelling store and nice staff
“I love walking into this store; it smells so good. The staff are super knowledgeable and the products are sooo good!”
-Ms. Alex Kai Fong, Google Review
