Not really a fan of purchasing anything from a store that has clearance in the title I decided to…read morego in one day to see what it was actually like. The store is set out in five main section, foundation, eyeshadows, nail polish, lip colour and mascaras just to make things easy. The brands you will find are Revlon, Loreal, Elizabeth Arden, Maybelline, Covergirl, Almay and Rimmel and a few other random ones. The range is not overly large, hence the 2 score which is a shame. What they do have which is good are the eyeshadows. Many of the Loreal products must be US imports as New Zealand does not get the HIP pigment ranges that you will find here. These are really good, they apply well and stay put without creasing and you can pick them up for around $10. The other product worth coming in for is the Rimmel eyeshadows. They are this seasons colours that you will find in Farmers but at half the price. There is a big range of mascaras though these are not brands I buy but do so for the eyeshadow because I go through them quick and these ones are well priced and do the job well.

I was a tad bit skeptical about the makeup, I mean it was so cheap that I figured it most be those…read morefake parallel import products. I am all for a bargain but when it comes to makeup and things that you apply to the skin, it can be a bit dangerous. I decided to walk in to check out what it was all about, last time at a makeup clearance I scored a lipstick by Revlon that is still one of my favourites. After I walked it, the place had a whole lot of things going on, from the ugliest tights I have ever seen in my life to bangles bracelets and makeup. The makeup was good and so was the nailpolish. I still wasn't impressed by the makeup so I stuck to buying the Sally Hansen nail products.

First rule of Importers Clearance sale: have a plan. Second rule of Importers Clearance sale: take…read moreyour credit card. These things don't seem to run on a particular timetable but nonetheless have become a regular event at the Auckland Showgrounds. I'm not sure where the stuff comes from but I don't really care. It's perfume, cosmetics, makeup, haircare, toiletries and more, hugely discounted on a MASSIVE scale. It's an ugly crazy bun fight and this is the kind of shopping you need to prepare for. Be fed, watered, have your parking money ready in cash (or be prepared to walk as I do from Puriri Ave) and get your head in the game. Oh, and do not under any circumstances bring a handbag or bag of any kind. If you do, you'll have to leave it in an unpoliced bag area, thus creating anxiety and the risk of rushing. This place is overwhelming so take your time and be careful because you will spend thousands if you let yourself just go for it. So get a catalogue, figure out what you're going to buy and then (good luck) try and stick to it. I always spend more than I intend; I just can't help it. To be fair though, a shop here will see you through a year or so and you can buy better quality than you can usually afford. Just try to maintain self-control!

This is an interesting store and rather large. Until recently it used to be the Life Pharmacy…read moreoutlet and even though the name has changed they still stock the same stuff pretty much. So what can you expect to find in an outlet pharmacy/beauty store? Many things. Need to bulk up? They sell fitness supplements, protein powders, carb free foods and other concoctions to enhance your gym workout and if you manage to sustain an injury they have a good first aid section too. Need a gift for granny? No problem, this is talc and soap city. There is also a great range of shampoo, conditioners and other hair product. They sell large salon size product too, so many washes for such a low price and loads of hair accessories. Nail polishes, make up and perfumes and skin care are more towards the front of the store and often you can get yourself some pretty good bargains. For example I once got a tub of Freeze 24/7 moisturiser for $50 instead of $135 and it wasn't expired. Do check the expiration dates though, usually they tell you if they are close to being past their shelf life but you never know. Perfume to plasters if you are in Dress Smart have a look and see what you find,

I visited Mecca in Ponsonby a few weeks ago and had GREAT customer service from a lovely worker…read morecalled Karla. She helped me find exactly what I needed and left me very satisfied with my purchase.

Visited Mecca in Ponsonby again last Saturday 9th March 2024 and the lovely girls on the counter…read morerecommended I try the new Rose Inc Serum/ Skin Tint currently only available at Mecca Queen St as far as I know. It's an amazing product in skin care/ makeup if you care about what you're putting on your skin. So, I grabbed a tester during the week and will definitely be back for this product. It's luxurious on skin and blends in so well just by using fingertips plus makes your skin feel so good! Big THANKS again to the girls at Mecca Ponsonby, it's always a pleasure!

Right on Queen Street beautiful Christmas windows & The only ones we saw in Auckland. They were…read morebeautifully done, music played at the puppets moment. The store was closed. We went inside looking for luggage and passed beautiful clothing and housewares. Santa was keeping Children busy. Luggage was around $1,000 so we moved onward

This was a wonderful find! I was in desperate need of socks, ha ha! My brother was looking for a…read moresweater and they were very helpful in pointing out where they were. There were several reasonably priced ones. Everyone was so kind and helpful.

Farmers had everything I needed and the customer service was lovely. I was desperately searching…read morefor a particular coffee machine and was delighted to find it at Farmers.

I cancelled my mattress order because this company reneged on the agreement to deliver within 3-5…read morebusiness days. I purchased mattresses elsewhere because of the muck around. Two weeks on from when I ordered, I am still waiting for a refund of $943 - despite five phone calls, repeated promises of callbacks that do not eventuate, and three unreturned emails. I had been a long time customer of farmers. The way this matter has been handled is appalling.

Anita Roddick was pretty revolutionary back in the 70's when she opened her first natural and…read moreenvironemtally conscious cosmetics store (to become the Body Shop after her inspiration about a decade later). Their headquarters is very close to where I grew up in the UK and there was an annual School Trip to visit the production facilities. I think I was among the few boys who actually enjoyed that trip! Not only does the values of the Body Shop remain consistent to this day, they have expanded their campaigns both in terms of scale and diversity. All of this however is not to the detriment of a collection of excellent cosmetic products. I have been using their face care range for years, I suffer from dry skin around my eyes and have been a lover the eye mousturiser . Since they have launched a men's range, the root eye serum is my current cream of choice.

I love the body shop in general, for many reasons but mostly becouse they work ethically and they…read moreuse very organic and authentic ingredients in their products. The products featured in this store are not tested on animals and are likely to feature ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin c, green tea, and aloe vera as main components in its products. I specifically like this store becouse it is one of the biggest ones you can find in Auckland. What this means is that they have a huge range of products and are unlikely to run out, and also are more likely to feature the newer products on the market, as soon as they get in stores. Also, the staff are very friendly and always keen for you to try out the products before you buy them, providing samples and testers and so forth. This is great, as it ensures you are totally sure about what you are purchasing. Also, at the counter there is always a donation station, giving you the opportunity to give back, usually to organisations like World Vision. Another plus, I always like to walk through the store if I pass by it becouse I always come out smelling so good, due to all the amazing natural aromas in there.

This place is a real find - make sure you have lots of time because there's bargains galore. I…read morepopped in to get a gift and ended up stocking up bigstyle for not very much money. Aromatherapy kits (bottle of oil and sticks) start at $3 and everything is beautifully packaged so your dinner party host/neighbour that fed the cat/person you just met and is now having a birthday won't think you're a cheapskate. And who ever buys decadent scented candles for themselves? There's a huge range of different smells available in lots of styles - there's a gardening range, men's range, cupcake "flavours" etc etc. Plus some cool random homewares (beach umbrellas and stuff), along with beauty accessories like cosmetic purses, Party Feet, lip balms and more. My husband swears by the Man After Shave Balm (score brownie points with surprise presents for loved ones) and I really love my $2 Eye Cream which smells and feels delicious. The shop is really well laid out, the stock seemingly perfect and the prices low. A ssshh shop - don't tell everyone.

If you like the products from the Aromatherapy Company, you absolutely have to visit this outlet…read moreshop. They have so many of their products here that are so much cheaper than they are in the retail stores. The most useful thing about this store are their gift packs they make such excellent gifts. They have mens gift packs that have soap, after shave cream and shower scrubs. They have baby ranges, gift packs of diffusers, candles, fragrances and creams. Nothing is over $30 here, it really is a bargain hunters dream. They also have homeware items such as candle holders, bags and décor like this amazing hot pink buddha candle, oh my goodness I wanted it so badly. They have really good free parking outside so you don't have to feel bad about spending a long time looking around. The staff are really friendly here but they aren't intrusive, they leave you to look around and only help you when you need it.

They perfectly placed this shop at the top of the escalator for international departures... like…read moreyou literally have to walk through the store to get to your gate lol. Anyway, loved browsing the different bottles to kill time. And was certainly impressed by the number of locally distilled gins. Ended up treating myself to two bottles and a few packs of cigarettes. Biggest downside is that they limited my destination/route (Hawaii) to a total of 1 litre of alcohol. So was only able to get a regular size bottle and a pocket size.

This was your typical gauntlet of duty-free alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, watches, candy,…read moreetc after clearing security at an airport. My wife liked the array of cosmetics and candy items (you can't get in the states.) I thought the selection of booze was pretty good. Everything was displayed beautifully and merchandise was well organized.

Cute little shop in between the city, if you're looking for something from Japan! The with lots of…read moreitems in stock from basic home goods to crafting the variety of choices are available! The shop aisles are narrow, and because of the tiny space it does get over crowded. If you're trying to shop with a baby stroller/pram, it'll be very hard to navigate in the store. I recommend leaving the pram outside with a family member/friend while you shop inside. If your pram is narrow it'll fit just fine. The staff are quick to serve you if needed. The prices are 3.50$ each for any item in the store. If you purchase 3 items they are 10$. It is always being stocked with new items! I would recommend this place if you're looking for some cute but cheap items for stationery use and or household decorations!

This is the best shop in Auckland…read more Maybe it's because I spent my childhood watching Pokemon and Dragonball Z and slowly but surely convincing myself that my life would be a lot better if I was Japanese. Maybe it's because they sell tiny erasers shaped like ice-cream cones. Maybe it's because they stock ~100 different types of tupperware. I don't know. There is just something great about Daiso. Everything costs $3.50 and they sell pretty much everything. Last time I visited, I bought a plastic banana storage thing, a thing to put on the end my toothbrush, a cup, a pair of socks, and a bulk pack of those cotton buds you use to clean your ears (my ears are now very very clean). That's testament to the ferocious and impervious breadth of range that you can pick up in Daiso. Just go to Daiso. It's the best. A bonus feature is that all staff members are cute Japanese people wearing aprons. It doesn't get better than that.