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.

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.

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.

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.

my best memories of lush were being in the queen street mall to see bands etc and the smell of lush…read morelingering in the air everywhere. I found the products ok I bought a hair shampoo bar once and a sunscreen in a bar as I get a lot of allergies to sunscreens for some reason since a child and need a zinc based one so I have to be careful what I buy.

Hannah helped me pick out some shower scents that fit my needs to a T!! Even gave me a few samples…read moreto try. What a star!!

Like a magpie, I was drawn to the sparkly jewellery at the front of this shop, thinking it was yet…read moreanother new accessories brand that had hit town. But no, in fact it's actually a beauty mecca - full of the types of pots and brushes and pretty cosmetics I long to cover my dressing table with. And such clever little ideas too. I was tempted by the Brow Sculpting Kit - which comes with a colour palette especially to suit your hair colour and also contained tweezers and a little compact. Then there were the bejewelled lipstick cases. And the brand's own range of nailpolishes in covetable colours. And the party palettes (with cheek, lip and eye colours). I also found out that the plush brushes have a huge cult following - apparently they've been used by makeup artists in Hollywood working on some big-name films. Even better - this Aussie owned brand is all all mineral based makeup so it's good for your skin, too. It must be - it's used in over 100 spas and salons and clinics throughout Oz. That's a brand with a good reputation.

The Issada concept store in the CBD is a pampered girls dream. Their beautiful Australian-owned…read moreboutique range of cosmetics is predominately mineral based and a welcome change to the caked-on look we have all donned at some shameful point in our lives. The store itself is sleek and stylish. There is a great selection of nail polishes, and also the opportunity to get your makeup done by one of the lovely shop attendants. Another thing I noticed was their range of wax crystals. A nice change to the average candle, you can put wax crystals in any vessel with the wick provided and it will act as a scented candle. With flavours like milk and honey, watermelon and coconut these make for an awesome gift to yourself or to a friend. If you find yourself spending loads of money in department stores on cosmetics, I urge you to try something different at Issada. In my opinion the quality is just as good for a little less on the price tag.

Great selection of high quality Korean skincare at reasonable prices. I bought a lot of face masks…read moreand some lip tints that I really love. They also carry some products you can find at Sephora like Olaplex shampoo. I will be visiting again!

I went to the Garden City shop, just for curious for the first time. But I had very bad…read moreexperiences, it is shocking!! the shop assistant was very rude. When I inquired a product, her response was "this product is for young people." Ok, I am not young or I looked horrible? I am in my late 20s. But by hearing that, I really wanted to give her a "F**k you". When I compared the price from e-bay, buying on line is way better and have more to choose from, and you will not be abused by the shop assistant, you just need to wait for a couple of weeks for the shipping from South Korean. I will never buy anything from W Cosmetics. They need proper training staffs.

One of the many make up places I have seen, Napoleon is one of my absolute favourites hands down…read more Now you can go on and on about the different types of make up everyone has, the eco friendly, the massive lashes, the natural products... but to me, good make up, is make up that looks good when you put it on period. The girls at Napoleon have long since schooled me on how to put make up on, sure, $70 later I was very skilled and appreciative, but I looked good. And that is why i'll go back there. They have a cool store, they have mega cool good quality make up, they have a cool approach to you as well.

I know a lot of people adore Napoleon makeup, and I must admit one of my favourite blushes of all…read moretime came from this store. The reason I'm only giving 3 stars is due to two things. 1: for albino vampire types (I don't drink blood but I glow in the dark) all the foundation is far too dark. Orange rings around necks are really not attractive. 2: the china doll gel eyeliner dried up instantly in its little pot. The products aren't cheap so I was pretty cheesed off when that happened, I'm not just talking it got a little gluggy, I mean it actually dried into a solid hard lump. I'll stick to Dior and Bobbi Brown when I feel the need for a make up splurge.

I'm a massive fan of Jurlique and their products. Produced in the Adelaide Hills using natural…read moreingredients from their own farm I love that I'm using high quality skin care products and supporting a local business in the process. Whilst the products are not cheap, in my experience they are incredibly good value with a little going a very long way that has had me comparing dollar for dollar against what appears to be cheaper alternatives but Jurlique comes out the winner. I also love how it makes my skin feel. No alcohol/chemical dryness or greasy layer that I experience with cheaper chemically based products. If you're new to the product the team instore will walk you through your skin care routine and needs to make sure that you get what's right for you. As an added bonus they have little starter kits so you can try a small amount before shelling out your hard earned cash for larger quantities. This store also has a day spa which is a wonderful way to experience the products first hand. My recent visit to this store in Wintergarden was the first in 12 months (that's how long my 145ml moisturiser lasts!) and the lady serving me remembered me from my previous visit... a great memory and a great customer service experience for me. This visit I learned that you can also bring your empty containers back for a 10% discount on the next purchase.

Bought some Arnica cream, when i got home and opened the jar the inner safty seal came adrift. Took…read moreit back the next day and got treated like it was my fault, and after some coming and going behind the scenes I was granted a fresh Jar from the shelf. I opened the jar and noticed that the lid was a lot tighter than the last one, good I thought untill on opening the security seal came free on its own...I inquired as to the security of this product that seems comprised....The reply was it must be just the batch and that was that. No concern here. So my next transaction was some medicine with reg 24 on the script which means the all the repeats can be despensed at once. As i was visiting Maleny for a couple of weeks, I only required enough to cover my stay as I had plenty of my medicine back at home. The Chemist refused to supply the smaller choice, saying that was the rule. Wrong Mr Chemist.... Just google PBS 24 Reg. It shows that it is flexable. We argued... not pleasant. I had to get in touch with my dr who sent me a script omitting the reg24. Later I found the Amcal Chemist at the Riverside Centre next time.

I'm not a big fan of this chemist warehouse, it's way to small. The staff seem annoyed when asked…read morewhere products are. Overall not a good place to go.