With a passion for an industry that has the power to transform and elevate women at any age, Auckland-based beauty therapist Annie is riding high. In hot demand at her studios, and new additions to her skincare collection fresh on shelves, she talks with style director Louise Hilsz about her career and how to get the best brows you were born with.
Annie Bargiacchi in her Avondale studio
How long have you been a beauty therapist?
I qualified nine years ago. I’ve always been in and out of the beauty world, though. When I left school, I worked for Women’s Weekly on the fashion and beauty team. I have also worked for beauty wholesalers. I kept finding myself gravitating back here.
Why & how did you choose the beauty industry?
From a young age, I loved all aspects of beauty and was fascinated by the transformations achieved through different beauty treatments and products. I love helping people feel confident and empowered, not just in appearance but also in boosting self-esteem and well-being. I also love connecting with people and guiding them through their skincare routine or on a brow journey.
What treatments do you offer at Annie’s Beauty Room?
At Annie’s Beauty Room, both the Avondale and Newmarket studio I specialise mainly in lashes and brows but also offer dermaplaning and full-body waxing. I’m drawn to the treatments where a client will walk in with one thing and leave with that noticeable ‘wow factor’ difference.
You are well-known for your amazing brow work; what are the trends?
One of the biggest trends right now is the brow lamination. Depending on how you want to wear your brows, it can give the brows a sleek, uniform appearance or help to achieve that full, brushed-up look (that Hilsz loves, see her brow journey here). I notice a more ‘pulled back’ and thinner brow making its way in. We spent the last decade trying to undo the pencil-thin damage we did in the 90s, but it feels like that look is creeping back in. And with a shorter tail to the brows, adding more ‘lift’ to the face.
Style director Louise Hilsz getting her brows perfected and Bargiacchi applying the new ABR Skin Eye Gel
What inspired you to start ABR skin?
I've always loved skincare and have tried and tested many brands, but it started feeling overwhelming. And expensive. There was a different product or ingredient for each individual’s skin concern. I often had clients asking me for advice and feeling overwhelmed walking into a big department store and not knowing where to begin. So I wanted to simplify that for people and come up with a regime for myself and something that everyone would benefit from that didn’t include a million steps or cost the earth.
Tell us about your new ABR Skin products?
We have just launched a ABR Skin Hydrating Moisturiser, ABR Skin Cleanse Gel, and ABR Skin Eye Gel to complement the other products we already have and complete the ABR Skin family so people can have a full routine under one brand.
What is the step-by-step routine to use ABR Skin products?
The morning routine: ABR Skin Cleanse Gel ,spray ABR Skin Toning Facial Mist ABR Skin Hyaluronic Acid, ABR Skin Vitamin C, ABR Skin Moisturise, and apply ABR Skin Eye Gel.
The evening routine: ABR Skin Double Cleanse, spray ABR Skin Toning Facial Mist, ABR Skin Retinol, ABR Skin Moisturise, and apply ABR Skin Eye Gel.
The ABR Skin Toning Facial Mist doubles as an instant hit of hydration throughout the day and can also be used after your serums to help them absorb deeper into the skin.
You have amazing skin; what are your go-to products and treatments?
Thank you. Everyone benefits from Vitamin C, Retinol, and Hyaluronic Acid. I have been using these key products for years. I see Amelia Wood at Room9 for a tailed facial every few months and use the Omnilux LED face mask a few times a week.
What would we find in your beauty bag?
ABR Skin Toning facial mist, Victoria Beckham’s ‘Posh balm’, Revitalash Mascara + Lash & Brow serum and a Mecca illuminating stick.
What is your favourite fragrance?
Jo Malone - Red Roses Cologne.
Victoria Beckham Posh Balm, $60. RevitaLash Cosmetics Volumising Primer and Volumising Mascara, $69. Mecca Max Off Duty Glow Stick, $22. JO MALONE LONDON Red Roses Cologne, $274
What skincare ingredients or innovations are you most excited about?
I’m excited that the beauty industry is shifting significantly towards natural ingredients focused on healing and hydration. People are moving away from chemical-heavy products with additives and gravitating towards natural components that soothe and nourish the skin.
Photography Mike Rooke
A talented glass artist.