Best of the world, close to home

The way I would sum up the beauty floor at New Zealand’s most beauty-packed department store, is that it’s the best of the world, but close to home. We were all pleasantly surprised at just how much is actually there…

On a gloriously sunny afternoon, we had the pleasure of sharing a cupcake or two with the ladies from Farmers, by way of introducing beauty media to exactly what the department stores have on their shelves.

The way I would sum up the beauty floor at New Zealand’s most beauty-packed department store, is that it’s the best of the world, but close to home.

We were all pleasantly surprised at just how much is actually sold there, at – yes, you guessed it – your local Farmers store.

The very lovely Natalie, a Beauty Buyer at Farmers, said her most popular brands – aside from the top-selling "self-serve brands" (the mainstream and lower-priced brands) – were Elizabeth Arden, then Shiseido, then Clarins – the super giants of the skincare industry. No surprises there.

But it’s the other wee brands that were the surprises of today. The other boutique beauty brands that Thread would have expected to find in spas, salons and top-end stores alot less convenient than your neighbourhood Farmers. I was rapt to have a play with Butter London nailpolish, Napoleon cosmetics, Antipodes skincare, and Evolu.

Below: We love new make-up here at Thread.

A sneak peak of the Dr.Lewinn’s Skin Perfect anti-ageing foundation which utlises their breakthrough skincare qualities, in a foundation. It’s not out until July 2012 and in fact these two bottles have flown over from Australia and have to fly back after this launch!

Below: New cosmetic colour ranges. It was the first time I was aware of Butter London doing lipgloss, called LIPPY.

New make-up + women? It’s like kids in a candy shop.

Below: A plethora of Mother’s Day gift ideas. Beautiful – and fat free.

Megan has a manicure (with nail technician Lusia from www.mobilebeauty.co.nz) in ‘Trout Pout’, a gorgeous coral shade from Butter London.

Butter London is one of the top nail colour brands stocked at Farmers stores. Below: Rebecca from mixitup.co.nz and her turquoise Butter London nails.