Best Places to Shop Asian Beauty in Auckland City
BY JENNY JUNG
Probably our most requested article yet!
25 SEPT - 2024
We don’t gatekeep!
Growing up as an immigrant, it often felt like we were outsiders — searching for that sense of belonging. Oh how the tables have turned! Korean culture has got the world in a chokehold, from music to beauty, and everyone wants a piece of it! The love has spread across all of East-Asia with Chinese and Japanese makeup products and styles making a total comeback as well.
So many popular products in the Western market have been inspired by formulas that have been staples in Korea. Afterall, the Korean beauty industry is fuelled by billions of dollars poured into research and development, taking charge as the true pioneers of modern cosmetics. It’s no wonder K-beauty continues to be at the forefront, driving trends and introducing innovations we can’t help but love.
On that note, I have compiled an easy guide to my favourite places in Auckland City to get your hands on these must-have Asian beauty gems! Whether you're stocking up on your holy-grail serum or hunting for the latest cushion foundation, I've got you covered.
And don’t forget, if online shopping is your vibe, Olive Young Global and Yesstyle will always have your back with exclusive 1+1 deals and discounts!
@hikoco.official
@for_everyoung10 for Amuse Beauty
Hikoco
Hikoco is everyone's favourite K-beauty store for a reason. They are always ahead with the latest trending products and offer a fantastic loyalty programme, allowing you to earn up to $20 off your purchases!
Check out brands like Tirtir, Tocobo, Ma:nyo, iUnyk and By Wishtrend which are hard to find anywhere else. Additionally, Hikoco stocks the full range of Ohora pre-cured gel nail strips, which are superior to the regular press-on nails typically found at Chemist Warehouse.
Hikoco has multiple convenient locations, including Queen Street in the CBD, New Market and their newest store in Takapuna.
Hikoco, Newmarket Location.
Moona Store
Moona Store is criminally underrated. I feel like my little sister won't be happy that I'm sharing this gem because one of the main reasons we love Moona is that they always have their items in stock.
Aside from excellent stock management, Moona boasts one of the best ranges of Korean sheet masks. I love visiting bi-weekly and taking advantage of their 3-for-$10 deal from their extensive library display, which takes me back to my childhood and being in the candy aisle.
Additionally, if you have been on the hunt for the Medi-Heal Toner Pads, you can find them here. You can also find the All Day Tight Makeup Fixer, which rose to fame as the go-to setting spray used by K-pop idols.
Located in the heart of the city, Moona Store is easy to find. While you're there, treat yourself to the best sponge cakes from Yuan Taste, which is right across from the store!
Moona Store, Auckland CBD.
Vanessa
Vanessa is an Asian beauty store that is located in the same building complex as Moona. They sell a wide range of Japanese and Chinese makeup and skincare products including Ajuste UV Sprays, Hada Labo, Judy Doll, Leemember and Kiss Me Heroine!
In particular, check out the stunning range of Japanese false eyelashes. They are so beautiful and perfect for those who find traditional Western falsies too intense for Asian or smaller eyes. The variation in length and fullness is abundant, ensuring you find the perfect fit.
Vanessa, Auckland CBD.
Deiji
Deiji is a newer addition to Auckland City, conveniently located in Ormiston Mall. For those living in East Auckland who find it challenging to travel to the CBD, Deiji offers a wide selection of popular Asian household name brands right in your neighbourhood.
Their product range is impressive, featuring Shu Uemura, a wide selection of Judy Doll items, and many other Asian beauty brands that were new to me. I was particularly impressed by their extensive collection of brushes and tools, and I couldn’t resist picking up a few during my visit last week. I’d also highly recommend checking them out for their individual lashes which feature a variety of lengths! Super niche to their store and very affordable.
I also picked up a pack of the Disposable Moisturising Makeup Remover Oils which I have scattered throughout my bags! They are 2mls each and single use for sleepovers, post-gym routines or other makeup removing emergencies. It’s my current favourite discovery from the beauty scene. On that note, they have a wonderful range of K-skincare minis and bundles!
I'm From Face Mask Collection.
Ippondo
Ippondo, also located on Queen Street, is a great place for anything Japanese – snacks, haircare, hair dye, skincare, makeup, contact lenses and eyelashes. If you want a one-stop shop for Japanese goods, Ippondo is your place.
One of my good friends exclusively purchases her shampoo and conditioner from Ippondo because their extensive range caters perfectly to fine and thin Asian hair types. Plus, I purchased the famous LION Pair Acne Cream here, which is notoriously hard to find and often sold out! They also always seem to have stock of the Rhoto Melano CC Vitamin C which is also hard to get.
Ippondo, Auckland CBD.
J Mart
J Mart in Westfield Newmarket is perfect for those who prefer to avoid the city. It's a great middle ground between Ippondo and Daiso, though they don't carry the iconic Daiso Brush and Puff Cleaner – a must-have for anyone who uses makeup tools. Trust me on this; I even use it to remove foundation stains from my clothes, and it works like a charm.
I believe they have the best priced Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Premium Lotion here, which I love very dearly. It has a gel-like formula and works great as an essence or the first step of your skincare for ultimate hydration. If you prefer lotion types, they also stock the lotion formula at J Mart, too!
Hada Labo, Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Premium Lotion.
The Cosmetic Store
You can find the Cosmetic Store in both the CBD and Newmarket. While their range of shades and items may be limited, they excel in offering a wide variety of brands. I highly recommend The Cosmetic Store for their selection of Asian contact lenses with prescriptions. If you struggle to find beautiful contact lenses for your vision needs, this is the place to check out.
Star Shine Contact Lens.
I hope I covered all the bases, and I'm excited to see more Asian beauty stores pop up! Be sure to share today’s edit with your friends and family who are looking for the right Asian beauty stores. Happy shopping!
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