Retail therapy: Lighting the way

Diptyque candle. Photo / Babiche Martens

Mecca Cosmetica has become the New Zealand stockists of Diptyque, the cult French candlemaker.

Combining classical style with modern twists, these justly famous slow-burning candles include such interesting aromas as Feu de Bois (Wood Smoke). Diptyque also makes eau de toilette and now body care products, including soaps, scrubs and lotions, all with evocative aromas from nature.

Candles cost $128, and the eau de toilette is priced from $155. Find out what the fuss is about at Mecca Cosmetica, 128 Ponsonby Rd.

Ruby loves Rosemount

Ruby has teamed up with Rosemount to create this exclusive, limited edition "Rosemount O" dress, currently up for auction on Trade Me. The dress was designed by Ruby's Deanna Didovich - who says she was inspired by an ethereal, alpine feeling - and is reflective of Rosemount O's bubbly nature, hence the layers of floaty fabric and volume. Proceeds from the auction of the dress will go to the Breast Cancer Research Trust. Bid for the dress now on Trade Me.

Music Awards fashion

It's not just about the music: last week's Vodafone NZ Music Awards featured plenty of eye-catching red carpet fashion, including TV3 presenter Samantha Hayes in a new season Juliette Hogan dress, David Dallas in a Zambesi Man suit, and Gin Wigmore in her lingerie. Stitch Ministry designer Kylee Davis continued her relationship with the VNZMAs by creating sexy 100 per cent knit dresses for the ushers' gowns, as well dressing presenter Shannon Ryan.

Plenty to celebrate

About Face skin clinics are celebrating a milestone 25 years in business this month with some fantastic client offers. The family owned Auckland business is at the forefront of delivering facials and skin rejuvenation treatments, plus a range of other salon services such as massage and maintenance care. The chain was set up by Marianna Glucina, then a recent beauty college graduate, who opened her first salon in Henderson.

When the original arcade salon relocated to WestCity in 1996, About Face brought beauty therapy into the mall, and now the business also has clinics at St Lukes and Sylvia Park as well as in Mairangi Bay, Remuera and Mt Eden. About Face was one of the earliest to introduce the use of medical-grade IPL to New Zealand in 2003 and this year brought in Fraxel re:fine, a new-generation laser treatment.

To celebrate its 25th birthday, About Face has launched a promotion from today until November 16 during which time there will be a daily $10 deal for customers who spend $60. The extra $10 deal will get them a revolving range of specials from beauty products, to microdermabrasion at unbeatable prices.

Workshop and Wang

The new season collection from Alexander Wang has arrived in store at Workshop, including Wang's main line, footwear, accessories and pieces from his diffusion line T by Alexander Wang.

Christmas bells

We hate to scare you before the decorations start appearing, but it's under 10 weeks until Christmas Day so we're already getting the good oil on seasonal special deals.

If you're posting items overseas you need to start planning this month if you want to get the best mail rates.

If you're just out to find the perfect present for someone special, or drop hints about what you'd like to be given, then start looking from now on, with beauty counters especially starting to put out their gift sets.

But don't worry if you leave things until the last minute, because Viva will be full of great gift ideas as December 25 looms.

Black magic

The latest black and gold limited edition ghd styler is bound to be on some Christmas lists, with the Deluxe Midnight Collection gift set also including a travel-sized blowdryer, heat resistant roll bag and mat, and a Baroque-inspired gold ornate mirror. The ghd IV styler is normally $350, so the limited edition set which costs $359 is a bargain buy if you need an iron upgrade that also looks red hot. Available from selected salons, for stockist information ph 0800 424 744.

Down Mexico way

The Citta homeware store at 20 Normanby Rd, Mt Eden, is celebrating the arrival of the new season Summer Loves Mexico collection this weekend. From Friday shoppers can get in the vibe with Mexican food and margaritas. There will be great specials and all purchases of Citta products will go in the draw to win $500 worth of Citta Design products. Arriba!

Breast buddy

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and there are loads of ways you can help raise money. One of our favourites is Tim Tam biscuits, aiming to raise $100,000 for the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition with the Pair Up with Tim Tim initiative. Tim Tam will match your donation so even if you can only donate a dollar or two it will be worth twice as much for the charity. Simply visit facebook.com/breastbuddies to donate and to vote for New Zealand's Breastest Buddy.

Clarification

Boh Runga's new jewellery range for NZ Mint is called Weapons of Mass Devotion.