New Zealand is easily in the top three of my favourite countries, but no one would go there for beauty shopping purposes, me included. You can’t help but notice that this wonderful island is far, far away from everything. But if you’re like me and like to pop into various beauty stores while sightseeing or wandering around just to check out the beauty stuff, you might find this post helpful. On to the New Zealand beauty shopping guide!
Prices
Let me start this by saying that NZ is expensive. Veeeeeery expensive. So, every beauty product will very likely be more expensive than in your home country. Exceptions apply: For me, coming directly from Shanghai, it’s nearly always on par with or even cheaper than Chinese prices. Which may explain why a lot of stores (especially at touristy spots like Auckland) cater exclusively to Chinese tourists.
Availability
I’m always interested to find brands that are unique to the country I’m visiting, but I wasn’t really into the offerings from Antipodes and trilogy, NZ’s most known brands. I instead went for the big international beauty brands that you’ll also find. Department stores have beauty halls that have pretty much the same offerings as they have everywhere, from Chanel, to Lauder’s brands, and more. There’s also Mecca Maxima, a Sephora/Douglas-like store, that has some pretty cool brand that I like to check out. For Americans very likely very boring, but a good opportunity for me personally to check out brands like Stila, Nars, Hourglass etc.
I chatted to a SA who told me the interesting little tidbit that their stock comes from Australia. Which means, in terms of seasonal collections, that you’ll get what AUS is getting. Also remember that NZ is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning that for them it’s Fall right now. In terms of makeup collections, it’s a bit jarring to see Chanel’s Spring collection when the leaves are turning outside.
Where?
I was initially quite confused because I couldn’t find any drugstores. Pharmacies offer some drugstore brands like Maybelline, Revlon and L’Oreal. In smaller cities they also sell everything from sunnies to postcards to inflatable flamingos.
Shopping malls are ubiquitous, and you’ll find the stores there that you might except – H&M, Zara, hairdressers, Mecca Maxima. Maybe your better bet when you want to get serious about shopping. But then – boring as hell. As shopping malls are everywhere.
Also, in smaller cities or suburbs you’ll find most beauty necessities like bodycare, haircare, deodorant and toothpaste in supermarkets.
My recommendations
Auckland
Stay clear of Queen Street when you can. It’s tourist-congested and the longer you walk, the dodgier it gets. Nevertheless there’re some stores there (like Mecca Maxima, Lush, and department store grandpa Smith & Cougheys) that I like to check out. I linked to the brands they carry. I like the Britomart area at the harbour much more, but it is very Lauder-centric – there’re Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone and MAC stores.
Auckland Airport isn’t too bad, though, although be warned that it’s under construction and can get very crowded at times. It has a decent selection of brands, and duty free prices mean that prices are around the level of European prices. Be aware that the big hall you’ll enter are actually two stores (Aelia and The Loop), divided through the centre aisle. If you want to check out two nice NZ brands for basic skincare, candles and diffusors, head upstairs to the gift shops, you’ll find both Smith & Co. and Ashley & Co there. I reviewed Smith & Co.’s great hand cream before here.
Christchurch
Although you’ll see traces of the horrible earthquake from 2011 everywhere in the city, Christchurch’s High Street looks immaculate. You’ll also find their old and venerable department store Ballentyne’s there. I didn’t had the time to check it out, but what I was able to see through the window was great (a wonderful looking Tom Ford promo) – maybe even better than everything I was able to find in Auckland. There’s also a very nice looking Mecca Mexima a few doors down. Don’t hesitate to visit Christchurch, btw. It’s an awesome city with a very positive, artsy and bustling vibe.
Queenstown
If you’ve come to Queenstown, chances are you’re in need of the following – mosquito repellent, sunscreen and maybe something to soothe sore muscles from all that bungee jumping, speed boat riding, cycling, snowboarding and trekking you might do. It’s only logical that this city filled with adrenaline junkies boasts some serious pharmacies! The one I went to (link) didn’t only offer all of the above, but also had a Smashbox, Clarins and Lancome counter. (Yeah, they also had sunnies, postcards etc.) All your needs covered, eh?!
Also, if you’re staying in one place in NZ long enough, there’s Sephora NZ (only online) that’ll deliver your Fenty Beauty to you. (Not saying I actually did that. Lalala.)
Worth it?
Yes and no. You’ll find famous NZ brands like Antipodes and trilogy everywhere, if you want to check them out. Smaller NZ brands might be harder to find. If you find yourself without eyeshadow primer and mascara, like I did when I came to NZ for the first time, don’t worry, you can stock up without any problems. If you’re coming from Europe or the US, everything will be eye-wateringly pricey, and you’ll find most brands at home anyhow.
