Let's call Kit Mecca Cosmetics' little sister. If you're familiar with the Mecca stores then…read moreyou'll feel right at home in the Kit Cosmetics concession that is in the first floor of the CBD Myer store. They stock an entirely different set of ranges to Mecca and most tend to fall into a lower price point than some of the higher end brands you'd find in Mecca stores. But the quality and curation of only the best of the best remain (they're owned buy the same people). And true to their staff ethos, I've always encountered professional and eager to help staff in this concession. Plus they've never been overly pushy or those kind of sale people to follow you around endlessly once you've indicated you're just browsing. Pro Tip: looking for new makeup products but not sure where to start? Book in for one of their makeup application appointments. The cost is redeemable on product and you'll walk out feeling like a million dollars.

From the time I arrived at the spa to when I left I felt like royalty! The staffs care and…read moreattention was amazing. It was my birthday and I booked for a Decadence for the feet pedicure and every staff member that I crossed paths with wished me a happy birthday, I felt like an old friend, not just a new client. The visit started by changing into a robe and slippers, now I am a fluffy guy robe's usually don't fit, but that wasn't the case here, the robe fitted perfectly. Then I was taken to a relaxation room where I got to chill and relax even before the treatment started. Being my birthday there were three of us getting pedi's, and despite the chatter between us when it came to the hot stone massage we all fell silent and drifted to an almost comatose state of bliss. I have to say having pedicures are the ultimate luxury experience for me and I've been around awhile and had a few over my time and I can say that I have never had a more luxurious pedicure in my life!! Just when I thought it couldn't get better because it was my birthday we were given a glass of champagne and chocolates. This place offers the wow factor on so many levels. If you are visiting the hotel or just want to indulge in someone for a special occasion I would highly recommend them, I know I am taking my mum in for another double pedicure session for mothers day this year!

Feel like getting spoiled? I did. And after a massage, skin brushing, body polish, milk bath, body…read morewrap and 60 minute massage (aka the "spirit of the senses" package) I was ready to propose to Stephanie right then and there. If I just could have managed to keep my head up. It started out as usual - a locker room visit, a silky robe, and short wait in the lounge before I was led to my treatment room. From there it was 2.5 hours of bliss, all in one room, all with one therapist. This was definitely more of a relaxation massage, and though I mentioned it a few times, it was a little light for my liking... but at that point I was too relaxed to let it bother me. It certainly wasn't a cheap pampering session, but if you're looking to spoil someone rotten, this is definitely your place. Hydrated and velvety doesn't even begin to describe how my body felt afterward and after a beautiful tea in the lounge to round off the experience, I was ready to take over the world (perhaps right after a long nap).

They use organic, plant based ingredients whenever they can…read more They are Australian. They are romantic with their ideals and quote selections (on their packaging) They hire local designers to fit out each of their stores. They have impeccable, minimalist packaging. The staff are so lovely. The products are excellent. It's kind of expensive. It's totes worth it. I use very little else.

Being a gal that is fond of makeup I am prone like any mere…read moremortal to breakouts and general skin yuk-ness, Thankfully Aesop is to the rescue. Aesop use the finest plant based ingredients and anti-oxidants to create quality products for your skin. Their flagship store on Adelaide street is bare bones and beautiful, the famous brown bottles stand crowded on a long wooden bench and the effect is quite striking. The staff are friendly and really know what they are doing, they are thankfully not stingy with free samples and I get to go home and test out some of their range. I am particularly taken with Tea Tree leaf exfoliant The products smell wonderful and go on like a treat. While it is a bit too pricy for me ($40 for a 40g jar) I plan to save up some pennies and invest in a bottle.

I absolutely LOVE Perfect Potion! It's such a shame I can't get this in the US of A. The stuff is…read morekinda like The Body Shop but better, kinda like Jurlique but cheaper. Whenever I get the chance when visiting Brisbane, I try to book a massage here The smells of the natural oils are intoxicating and I know it just soothes me whenever I enter the store. I usually buy some sprays and products for my skin to bring back with me. I also like the fact that their packaging is still in glass bottles (not great when you're transporting it across the ocean) and the dark glass helps the product on the inside keep better. Because the stuff is so natural, they do tend to expire and when they do the smells and aromas change, so use them up before the expiration date!

I absolutely love this beautiful little store. The design and layout are flawless, their products…read moreare fantastic and the staff are incredibly friendly. Instead of the run of the mill, 'let me know if I can give you a hand' speech, one of them said 'if you want any help or some herbal tea just let me know'. I was a bit taken aback by her offer of herbal tea. Was she serious? I love herbal tea, why did I say no? As I pondered the logistics of such a service in a store with no apparent seating and numerous 'testers', I continued to browse through their huge selection of bath and body products. It really is great stuff that I highly recommend, and what a lovely environment to purchase it in.

Sure: Mecca has some hot competition on their toes with as ephors opening in Sydney this December,…read morebut for now, this is as good as it gets for us cosmetic loving dames and gents in Brisbane. Of course there's always that other shop, open 24/7 a.k.a the World Wide Web but you'll be pleased and/or surprised to note Mecca have recently dropped their prices quite heftily to fall in line with US prices. And they've always been generous with samples. As a dame with sensitive and often reactive skin, the ability to really test a product, be it makeup or skin care, before I buy is appreciated. Pair this with customer service from the staff that 9 times out if 10 goes above and beyond and it's a bricks and mortar store I'm more than happy to give my Monopoly money (read: paycheck) to. As Fleur pointed out the staff don't pounce straight away. They will ask but I've always found them to be respectful of my space once I say I'm just looking. Similarly, if you do need a hand they'll be ready! If you are to visit either of the Mecca's in the Mall, this is my pick. There's just a little more range than the Queens Plaza store.

I went into the store a few weeks ago to do a makeup tutorial. It was my first time doing one and I…read moredidn't really quite know what to expect. I was helped by a lady named Mindy and at first, the tutorial was quite good and engaging. But later on, when I was struggling with my eyeliner, she snatched the brush out of my hand and started mocking me, proceeding to tell me that I was doing it wrong in a very frustrated and annoyed tone. I thought the point of the tutorial was to learn more about makeup and get a better feel for some of the products I don't have much experience with. I spent the rest of the time feeling embarrassed and stupid, especially after continuing her rude behaviour. It made me want to leave and ruined an experience I received as a gift and was relatively excited about. I was disappointed because friends who had done tutorials at other Mecca stores had been telling me how great tutorials were but that was really undermined by my experience.

Had a lovely time at Aquarius enjoying a drink around the pool with my friend Jo and loved the…read moresteam room and dry Finnish sauna, enjoyed the chromotherapy in the steam room Great place. Highly recommend it. The professional staff made me feel at ease

This is truly a world class medispa! Dr. Tall was very professional, she has made a great…read moredifference in my appearance by reducing the signs of aging on my face. Surprised at how painless and fast the procedures were. Wonderful, helpful, courteous staff. Highly recommend this hidden gem in the heart of Brisbane.

Located in the mini shopping mecca of Elizabeth Arcade, I've…read morelost count the number of times I've walked past this small store. When I finally popped in I was pretty impressed with the selection and diverse range of asian beauty products and tricks of the trade. The sales staff are super nice and can offer you a hand (//quick translation!) or recommend the best product for the job. And I don't know about you, but there's been many a time when I've felt the need for a good "Pore Vacuumer" or intense whitening face cream in my life. So if you are in the market for crazy good false eyelashes or to create that oh so desired eyelid crease (Asians y'all know what I'm talking about) Cutie Q is your new port of call.