Part of our role as beauty influencers is to check out the best beauty destinations, and what they offer. Trudi Brewer and the team did that in style, driving the new crystal white Volvo XC90 - check out #BEQONTOUR.
Parking in Auckland is a nightmare. Not to mention getting around town to make meetings on time. So when Volvo gifted us their new XC90 for the day the idea of using its self-parking and 360 camera features inspired us to take a beauty tour around the city in style.
Here's how we found our new ride and the top beauty spots we visited.
Frenchie & Co
Where is it?
Browns Bay, Takapuna and Herne Bay in Auckland.
What's on offer?
From a well-stocked beauty bar (with the fab Becca Cosmetics and Kester Black nail colours) to those maintenance beauty duties such as waxing and brow feathering, this beauty destination offers it all. From a brilliant blow dry to a new season hair colour as well as a selection of gorgeous lingerie from Kate X Tee, KissKill and Queen of the Foxes - we love that it's a salon and beauty bar full of divine girly surprises - it has earned the title as our one-stop-beauty-shop.
Why do we like it?
The boutique ambience of this salon is just like relaxing in your powder room at home. There is a service to suit any hardcore beauty junkie or those who want a casual blow dry for a night out - it gets the #BEQ seal of approval. View the full menu and book here.
Lash Noir and Lash Noir Ink
Where is it?
City Works Depot, Auckland.
What's on offer?
From a couture lash lift to feathered brows or permanent makeup, there is not much this dynamic team don't know about grooming your best assets - lips, lashes and brows. For anyone wanting a little oomph in lash department, the synthetic mink or Soho silk extensions offer curl, length, and thickness. Or to define the lash line or lip contour using subtle tattooing methods we consider these beauty technicians true artists.
Why do we like it?
The venue is uber-cool, and the team are highly skilled at creating something wow for anorexic brows, sparse lashes and pale, thin lips. The after care service is excellent and the attention to detail unrivalled - it's a destination that if you can secure a booking - grab it. View the menu and book here.
OFF & ON
Image ON Brow Bar
Where is it?
There are four locations in Auckland including Britomart, Newmarket, Takapuna and inner city Quay Street as well as Wellington and Christchurch.
What's on offer?
The wax specialists of New Zealand - without a doubt. From a full Brazilian to an 'inbetweeny' - the wax menu caters to every square inch of your body. Along with their unique Browography service (microblading a new set of brows from the most non-existent natural brow) to the high tech laser. Anyone with hair issues can have them erased, corrected or enhanced - within hours.
Why do we like it?
The team are so well trained and super warm and friendly, which makes a big difference when baring your most intimate body parts. From a quick brow tidy to the commitment of laser hair removal, this is one destination that knows what women want and how to deliver. View the menu and book here.
Volvo XC90
What's on offer?
The pilot assist leaves you feeling more like you're flying than driving it's such a smooth ride. However what tops off the experience is the self-parking and 360 cameras. This means you can park on a dime, see everyone and everything around you including cyclists and pedestrians - and most importantly little kids. For racing around Auckland on a wet day this was invaluable. For those of us who are deeply shallow, the Swedish design features, heated leather seats, Thor hammer lights are all game-changers.
Why do we like it?
We won't lie, looks matter to the team at BEQ, followed closely by the convenience and ease of parking this SUV. From the smooth self-heating Nappa leather seats to the crisp crystal white exterior and clever cameras make this a pretty luxurious car to drive. It's keyless, comfortable, safe, and with plenty of room, enough for the kids and the amount of bags a woman can accumulate after a day of serious shopping. It's thought of all those little things in the design, and on a cold rainy day it is so easy to love - we did not want to give it back.
Learn more here
Volvo XC90, is priced from $97,900.