Beauty destination: Kiehl’s Britomart flagship boutique

One of the highlghts of my last trip to New York was a visit to the beautiful Kiehl’s flagship store at 109 Third Avenue (pictured above), so I was pretty excited when I heard that the New York skincare brand now has its own dedicated New Zealand flagship boutique - nestled in Auckland’s ever-expanding (and very cool) Britomart precinct.

Kiehl’s launched in New Zealand in 2010 at Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street and since then the brand has grown with the opening of counters in Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket, Ballantynes in Christchurch and Kirkcaldie & Stains in Wellington. It’s such an iconic brand that it has been crying out for a place to spread its wings and celebrate its New York origins, so this new spot in Britomart’s Atrium on Takutai shopping gallery is a true feast for the sense. The boutique’s authentic brick wall, vibrant gallery of historic images and neon artwork all pay homage to Kiehl’s rich history, and Kiehl’s resident “Mr. Bones” is also there as a nod to the brand’s pharmaceutical heritage. Unique to the Britomart boutique is an inviting consultation space where store patrons can unwind and discuss their skincare needs.

I’m off to the official opening this Thursday and can’t wait - great brand, great space, good times!