Beauty tips from the neighbourhood lovelies

A while back I talked to some of the local lovelies – AKA the fashion designers working in my neighbourhood - about what makes them feel beautiful, and I thought I’d give you some of their hot hints here. Fashion and beauty have always been inextricably linked, and just as a designer has an aesthetic that defines them, so too do they know what to slap on their faces to match their signature style.
A recent inhabitant of the area after finally moving up the country from her home town of Dunedin last year, the gorgeous Tanya Carlson has her flagship store at 122 Ponsonby Road. The die hard surfer is a devoted fan of M.A.C's array of soft peach and nude toned glosses, and if banished to a desert island would leave the life boat clutching a tube of Light Expert Foundation No. 5 By Terry, which she grabs regularly from nearby temple to all things beauty, Mecca Cosmetica. The best beauty secret she's heard of late can be found in the same spot - time spent in the presence of Mecca's charming manager, Chris - whilst the one thing that makes her feel truly gorgeous is the dusky oriental scent of Arabie, by Serge Lutens Fragrances.
Walking past Juliette Hogan's flagship store at 170 Ponsonby Road is almost like being hit by a breath of crisp Spring air on a Winter's day, and her beauty style is equally fresh, light and girlish. She never leaves the house without lip gloss, her pick being the most fruity variant of Lancome's Juicy Tubes, Melon. The one beauty product the pale-skinned blonde can't function without is Chanel mascara, “as my eyelashes are pretty much non existent without a really good coating!” And what makes her feel beautiful? “Getting my make up done by the girls at M.A.C Chancery - they are so great there and they know exactly how I like it done. Not to mention how amazing it is when they put false eyelashes on me - I feel so beautiful when they are on and get so much attention, I love it”.
Jaimie Boutique at 270 Ponsonby Road is where you'll find the latest collections from the lovely Jaimie Webster (pictured above), who also stocks some of the most covetable international brands on the strip like Vivienne Westwood, Pour la Victoire and Petit Bateau. By day you'll find the fresh faced beauty wearing just a slick of gloss or balm, but she does love “a classic read if I do wear lippy… and this Winter I have been eyeing up a rather beautiful deep plum shade too.” She's also a long time fan of the legendary YSL Touche Éclat (“my wonder stick”), pure almond oil and Dr Le Winns Instant Beauty Cream, whilst the one thing she can't do without is “a lot of sleep, it is the only thing that really works for me out of all the beauty secrets I have been told!” Finally, what makes her feel truly beautiful? “Firstly sleep, then a good foundation and equally good blush… and of course, a fabulous outfit!”