When I went back home to visit the UK last Christmas, I forgot my deodorant, so I popped into TK Maxx to buy another. I was scouring the shelves of this store which if you don’t know it, sells seconds and sale ‘designer’ and ‘high-end’ products. I was pretty interested to find that and so much of the beauty and skin care came from New Zealand! I tried to ignore the fact that it had been shipped all the way around the world and took it as a good sign that New Zealand does some really good skincare, that makes it all the way to the UK.
In the last year or so, I have moved almost 100% to use natural/organic and eco products on my skin and hair. (Apart from my head and shoulders shampoo, I just can’t seem to find a natural shampoo that cleans my hair properly – if you have any tips, let me know). In light of this, I decided to write this post to share the places you can buy great beauty and skin products in Wellington that are natural/ethical/eco/organic.
If you are reading this, you might also be interested in my recent blog post 19 Easy ways to be more environmentally friendly in Wellington, so be sure to check that out too.
Where to buy NZ natural skin care products in Wellington
Wellington Apothecary
Wellington Apothecary is one of those places that just feels so good to shop. You could imagine things used to be this way, where you’d buy your wellness products straight from the maker in a beautiful bottle. All their products are made in-house by qualified natural health practitioners and are presented so well that you can really tell you are buying something special.
They also have a practising Naturopath available some days for over the counter service tailored to you. They do amazing skincare, haircare, tea ware and aromatherapy. The price range is fairly high but for local, one of a kind, amazing quality products it is worth it. They have an in-house massage therapist too.
I really recommend their body oils, they last for ages and feel amazing.
Where: Cuba Street, Te Aro, But also stocked at Madame Fancy Pants, Tea Pea and Wellington Botanic Garden Shop
Commonsense Organics
Commonsense is your go-to for organic everything and natural and they have a really excellent range of healthcare They stock everything from skincare, cosmetics, toothpaste, suncare to insect repellants. Commonsense basically has everything you need all in one place. They have a range of brands from Wellington and overseas including Welda, Trilogy, Sukin and Antipodes.
Where: There are locations in Wellington City, Kilbirnie, Kapiti, Lowere Hutt and Johnsonville and you can also buy some products online
Aesop
I love cult skincare brand Aesop and was so pleased they started to stock the brand at David Jones on Lampton Quay, AND they are soon to have a new stand-alone store on Featherstone Street. If you don’t know it yet, Aesop is an Australian brand and the products are all made in Melbourne. The range of skin, hair and body care, is all widely sourced plant-based and natural ingredients of really high quality. The price range is high, so this is the kind of stuff you kind of have to splash out on but it is worth it and nice when you do. Their consultants are amazing and will try lots of the products on you and give you samples to make sure you get the right thing.
I love love love the Parsley Seed range.
Where: Aesop counter – David Jones, Lambton Quay + there is a new Aesop store opening on Featherstone street soon!
Health for Life
Health for life is primarily a supplement health store, but they also sell a really nice range of skincare and cosmetics if you need to pick something up while in the city. They are situated in Lambton Square Shopping Centre. They stock only natural and organic wellness brands such as Welda, Antipodes and have some amazing organic lipsticks. They are a locally owned and operated store and have a membership scheme so you can record and manage health supplement programs.
Where: Lambton Square Shopping Centre, Lambton Quay, Wellington CBD.
Madame Fancy Pants
The range of skin care at Madame Fancy Pants is not huge as they are more of a gift store, but they do stock a few really nice local skincare brands all together in one spot. They stock beautiful Girl Undiscovered, as well as Tailor Skincare, Wellington Apothecary and Mor Cosmetics. These are some really lovely local and high-end beauty products that are all natural/sustainable and sometimes hard to find. This is the kind of skin care that makes really good gifts, so worth checking out for this kind of thing.
Where: 225 Cuba Street, Wellington
Antipodes
You will find New Zealand made natural skincare and cosmetics brand Antipodes all over the city, in any shop that sells a large range of skincare like pharmacies, Farmers and some over the other locations listed above.
Antipodes is organic, natural, vegan and made in New Zealand and I love it because the price point is not too high and the products feel luxurious. I am a particular fan of their face oil.
Where: Unichem, David Jones, Health 2000, Life Pharmacy, Farmers and can also be bought at the Antipodes Online Store.
The airport store is now closed
Margaret Hema
I first heard about Margaret Hema products through my friend Lucy from The Residents who raves about her handmade oils. Hema originally started making the products for her facial clientele with the aim of creating products that would maintain a healthy pore structure. All the ingredients are natural and handmade. The products can be found in locations all over Wellington and you can find the stockists HERE. This is a good one to look out for natural skin care from a facial explicitly that is distinctly Wellington.
Where: Click for Margaret Hema Stockists, you can also buy ONLINE
Unichem
There are several Unichem pharmacies, throughout the city and they have a great range of natural skin company products from New Zealand. You will find Trilogy, Sukin, Antipodes and others. This is a good place to go for the whole range of these off the shelf products. A good one to head to if you want something from a large range.
Where: Lambton Quay, Cuba Street + many more locations
Farmers
Not forgetting farmers! They also have a really amazing range of the main NZ natural skin care brands. I also noticed recently that they are stocking Ethique who are doing the plastic-free range of products based out of Christchurch. I really want to try these soon. Has anyone tried them? Let me know your verdict in the comments section below.
Where: Lambton Quay
NZ Natural Skin Care Websites
You might be ok with buying your skin care online which can mean there are a few more options. Here are some great online stores in New Zealand selling natural skin care:
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For more from my summer check out these posts:
19 Easy Ways to be more Environmentally Friendly in Wellington
10 NZ Ethical Fashion Brands, you will LOVE
Where to shop organic/sustainable in Wellington
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Josie x