1. Shop: Nisa Luxe
The Wellington intimates brand known for supporting and employing women from refugee backgrounds has elevated its made-in-New Zealand bralettes and briefs with a delicate ‘Luxe’ collection.
Nisa’s Luxe styles feature ultra-fine stretch mesh panelling and soft organic cotton to maximise comfort and coverage without compromising on sophistication. The introduction of a deep purple ‘boysenberry’ colourway alongside white and black adds further decadence to the collection.
“When people think lingerie, they often think push-ups and underwires,” says Nisa founder Elisha Waston. “We wanted to redesign lingerie to be for the person who wears it: comfortable, sensual and empowering.”
Available in sizes XS to 2XL, our eye is on the ‘Poppy’ bralette, which features rubber in place of an underwire for optimal bust support.
Shop Nisa Luxe at nisa.co.nz, in-store at Nisa Wellington, and at Saben Ponsonby from 8-10 July. You can also attend the Nisa Luxe launch party on Friday 8 July at Saben Ponsonby from 5pm to 7pm.
2. Try: Aleph Gel Liner Onyx
Mastering the art of precise eyeliner application takes time. And even with a steady hand, the formula you reach for makes all the difference. No one understands this quite like Aleph Beauty founder and make-up artist Emma Peters, which is why she has launched Aleph Gel Liner Onyx.
The incredibly versatile, intensely pigmented liner can be used to create whichever look currently takes your fancy – from perfectly flicked winged eyes to a dramatic smoky eye. The new formula is smudge-proof and easy to apply, but it’s also made from natural, environmentally-minded ingredients and packaged in an eco-friendly jar.
With two years of development and Peters’ no-fuss, beauty-is-for-everyone approach, we already know this clever little eyeliner will become one of our make-up essentials in no time.
3. Enjoy: Blunt x Liz Harry
Blunt’s latest umbrella collaboration serves as a much-needed reminder that winter isn’t destined to be all grey skies and drizzly days. For the limited-edition collab, Blunt has partnered with United Kingdom-based illustrator and graphic artist Liz Harry, who is known for sparking joy with her vibrant and playful designs.
Harry has adorned a candy-floss pink Blunt Metro umbrella with her signature illustrations to make wet weather a little brighter and definitely more fun. “My inspiration for the design came from vintage travel posters and luggage labels,” explains Harry, who conceptualised the artwork during a lockdown. “However, as our adventures had been very localised through the pandemic, I tried to imagine what a travel poster would look like if it were for a trip to the park down the road, or a muddy walk, what icons would be on there? Then I created it with my own illustrative spin and lots of colour.”
The Blunt x Liz Harry Metro is available for $139 online and at selected retailers.
4. Try: Jeuneora Beauty Sleep
If you’re having trouble sleeping, this product is for you. All you need is one scoop of Jeuneora’s Beauty Sleep — an antioxidant-rich ‘Adaptogenic Super Powder’ — to lull you into a better night’s sleep. If you’re wondering what adaptogens are – you’re not alone. Adaptogens are natural ingredients that help the body adapt to stress. In this case, Reishi, Maitake and Shiitake Mushrooms are featured alongside a unique pistachio extract and Fair Trade Cocoa. The result? A chocolatey blend mixed with water or your choice of milk to help you get some (often much-needed) shut-eye.
5. Experience: Haku Vodka presents Tanabata at Masu
The Japanese Tanabata festival celebrates the meeting of two stars, a time where it’s customary for people to write their wishes on colourful streamers and hang them on bamboo trees, hoping they’ll come true.
To bring the vivid Tanabata experience to Auckland, premium Japanese craft vodka label Haku has adorned Masu restaurant with ‘fukinagashi’ (streamers) and bamboo trees alongside thousands of lights that emulate the night sky.
Among the beautiful setting, guests can peruse a custom drinks menu created by acclaimed mixologist Akira Ohki to feature hallmarks of the colourful festival. We’re coveting the ‘Blue Okawa Star’ tipple made from blue curacao with pineapple and yuzu and the ‘Orihime’ with cherry blossom mirin and strawberry.
Tanabata is being held from now till 13 August at Masu. Bookings are essential — reserve your place at skycityauckland.co.nz.
