Winter is the perfect season to spend an afternoon in the company of friends or colleagues at a cosy our latest BeautyEQ Long Lunch, an afternoon of fun, fashion, beauty innovations, great food and excellent wine in the hills of Bombay, 40 minutes from downtown Auckland. Set in a Tuscan-inspired olive grove Bracu Estate is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. Our fabulous guests spent four hours in the company of great friends sipping the latest wines from The Hidden Sea, with a menu to complement them. Here’s all the action from our recent BeautyEQ Long Lunch in Bombay Hills, says editor Trudi Brewer.
FOOD & WINE
The recipe for success at a BeautyEQ Long Lunch is simple. A luxe-y location, delicious locally grown produce, beautiful wine and the latest fashion and beauty innovations. And the attention to detail at Bracu Estate makes us return to the beautiful venue. To match a three-course lunch, our guests were greeted with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck, warm bread and the delicious Bracu Estate olive oil. Choosing wines from The Hidden Sea is ideal for the conscious consumer. This wine brand gives back while you enjoy tasting this wine, removing and recycling ten plastic bottles from oceans and rivers for every bottle of wine they sell. The Rose or Sauvignon Blanc was served with spiced chicken breast, harissa pumpkin purèe, edamame beans, roasted cauliflower with tzatziki, hot gourmet potatoes, and salad greens. Followed by a dessert of sticky date pudding, butterscotch sauce, vanilla ice cream and coffee meringue shards.
BEAUTY
We always share the latest beauty innovations with expert advice at our long lunches. Our guests got the chance to try, touch, feel and buy from our pop-up beauty bars, including asap skincare and Glam Lash as well as Gucci Beauty from Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street, which allowed them to plan their beauty wardrobes and ask our experts any burning beauty question.
ASAP Skincare
We were thrilled to share one of the best cosmeceutical skincare brands in Australasia with educator Colleen McCleary from asap skincare, who shared a game-changer for the skin. DNA Renewal Treatment, with science-backed results, this serum is stacked with active ingredients, including telomere technology, to help repair DNA damage to boost skin clarity and firmness.
ASAP DNA RENEWAL TREATMENT, $165.
The jewel in the asap skincare crown is this high-tech anti-ageing treatment. For a quick science lesson: DNA is in every cell in our bodies and our skin, and telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of those chromosomes. The asap skincare educator Colleen McCleary says, “Think of these telomeres like the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces - they keep everything together and prevent that lace from fraying.” Along with that DNA telomere technology to ensure those fragile telomeres remain long, strong and healthy, this treatment also contains skin-firming peptides (proteins), an anti-pollution blend of jojoba, macadamia and olive seed oils, and plant stem cells to increase skin renewal, while marine extracts. Finally, potent marine extract and poly-glucuronic acid boost and maintain the skin’s natural moisture levels. The results include skin smoothness and the appearance of lines and wrinkles reduced, but most importantly, the skin feels firmer and looks brighter.
How to use: Use daily at night, before moisturiser.
The talented team from asap Skincare and editor Trudi Brewer with asap educator Colleen McCleary on stage.
Glam Lash by Manicare
An effortless, natural-looking glam factor is what the latest pre-glued faux lashes offer any makeup look. Trading that maximalist beauty vibe for a more demure look, Glam Lash answers that call for ready-to-wear lashes without the need for messy lash adhesive or a makeup artist on hand. These lashes are attached to a lightweight band stacked with glue that, once in place, looks real and feels comfortable to wear. Our guests got a quick one-on-one lesson on how to press on a set of natural-looking lashes and face the day or night.
Glam by Manicare Glam Jasmine Ready Pre-Glued Lashes, $15.
These mink-effect lashes can look natural or loaded with mascara; you can have a party look in seconds. But what our guests discovered wash how easy they are to apply, and they can be sued again at least five times. Carlene Price from Glam by Manicare shared, “The secret o the perfect fit is to measure and trim the lashes before placing them close to your natural lash line, and when it comes to applying the ashes, they should be the finishing step in your makeup routine.”
The team from Glam by Manicare and Carlene Price on the beauty panel with editor Trudi Brewer.
Gucci Beauty at Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street
Lipstick was the focus of the day for Gucci Beauty. In hot demand now, a pop of colour on lips is the easiest way to update your makeup look and brighten your smile. Backstage and at the Gucci Beauty pop-up bar, our guests got to touch, try and feel the latest textures in lipstick, blush and a makeup palette to suit any occasion. While makeup was the drawcard, the new Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum Intense ensured every guest left with a luxe-y lingering scent of jasmine on their wrists.
From the latest lipstick to a clever multi-benefit palette and the new Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum Intense, our guests got to try the best from Gucci Beauty. While makeup artist Pim Tweephol from Smith & Caughey’s shared the latest makeup trends and tips with editor Trudi Brewer.
Gucci Beauty Rouge À Lèvres Satin - Lip Colour, $84.
Lips were the focus at the Gucci Beauty pop-up bar. The latest satin finish lipstick was on show and leaves a creamy pop of bold colour or subtle shade with a formal that delivers the perfect long-lasting satin finish. In 32 shades, there is perfect nude, red, pink, orange, purple and even a bold black for every skin tone. Pictured here is the classic Gucci colour Goldie Red.
FASHION
Smith & Caughey’s
Getting to curate a luxe fashion show from the entire fashion floor at Queen Street’s Smith & Caughey’s store was a career-high for our style director, Louise Hilsz. From local designers to the exclusive selection at Miss Smith’s Closet, each show offered a look for every occasion and every guest.
Look 1: Tommy Hilfiger Wool Crew Neck Jumper, $169, Tommy Hilfiger Frosted Floral Regular Fit Shirt, $189, Tommy Hilfiger Frosted Floral Flare Crepe Mini Skirt, $189, Marc Jacobs handbag and Miss Wilson Ariane boots, $359. Look 2: Tommy Hilfiger Relaxed Fit Tartan Check Blazer, $559, Tommy Hilfiger High Rise Straight Distressed Jeans, $279, Tommy Hilfiger sweater, Cathy Pope Lucent Saffron Gold Drop Earrings, $219, Yu Mei Scrunch Vi bag, $619 and Kathryn Wilson Amber loafer, $339. Look 3: Kowtow Lee dress, $379, Coccinelle Magic Suede bag, $749. Kathryn Wilson Kylee boots, $369. Look 4: Kowtow Row top, $249, Kowtow Field skirt, $299, Marc Jacobs The Leather Medium Tote Bag, $925 and Chaos & Harmony Dreamer Boot, $289.
Look 1: Marc Cain Longline Quilted Puffer Jacket, $1799, Marc Cain Colour Block Sweater, $969, Marc Cain Check Tuck Front Pant, $649 and Kathryn Wilson Pixie Loafer, $349. Look 2: Marc Cain Floral short dress, $1439, Chloe sunglasses, $665 and Miss Wilson Paige Boots, $339. Look 3: Marle Amara top, $300, Marle Viola pants, $280, Jasmine Sparrow earrings, $350 and Chaos & Harmony Kennedy mule, $349. Look 4: Marle Whitney dress, $450, Jasmin Sparrow earrings, $350 and Kathryn Wilson Gabby boot, $369.
Look 1: Kate Sylvester Cordelia Blouse, $429, Kate Sylvester Billy Skirt, $699, Dryberg/Kern Lucia Earrings, $279 and Miss Wilson Ariane boots, $359. Look 2: Sylvester Flannel Coat, $529, Sylvester Magnolia Shift Dress, $389, Gucci sunglasses, $530, Cathy Pope Lucent Saffron Gold Drop Earrings, $219, Deadly Ponies Sling Micro Bag, $579 and Miss Wilson Ariane boots, $359. Look 3: Karen Walker Buckingham Dress, $695, Karen Walker Super Duper Strength Sunglasses, $280 and Chaos & Harmony Dreamer Boot, $289. Look 4: Karen Walker Tuxedo Double Breasted Blazer, $575, Karen Walker Bearing Shirts, $425, Karen Walker pants $275, Karen Walker Fantasia Sunglasses, $320 and Chaos & Harmony boots.
Look 1: Boss Jocala Double Breasted Jacket, $999, Boss Esiah Top, $249, Boss Tiluna Slim Fit Trousers, $469 and Miss Wilson Paige Boot, $339. Look 2: Boss Soft Tweed Cropped Jacket, $879, Boss dress, and Chaos & Harmony Evermore Heel, $359. Look 3: Marella Cuneo Jacket, $1069, Marella Carina Trouser, $549, Marella Trani Blouse, $509, Jasmine Sparrow earrings, $350 and Kathryn Wilson Pixie Loafer, $349. Look 4: Marella Catone Coat, $909, Marella blouse, Marella pants, Marc Jacobs J Marc Shoulder Bag, $815 and Miss Wilson Zsa Zsa Heel, $299.
Look1: Cras Lara Dress, $469, Chloé sunglasses, $775, Deadly Ponies Mr Cub Mega Chain, $429 and Chaos & Harmony Rooney Loafer, $329. Look 2: Cras Melanie dress, $439 and Chaos & Harmony Soho boots, $429. Look 3: Baum Und Pferdgarten Bia jacket, $1049, Baum Und Pferdgarten Namiko Short, $614, Baum Und Pferdgarten Marion Blouse, $365 and Kathryn Wilson Pixie Loafer, $349. Look 4: Baum Und Pferdgarten Megara Blouse, $639, Baum Und Pferdgarten Callis Skirt, $617, Jasmin Sparrow earrings, $350 and Chaos & Harmony Eternal Heel, $389.
Look 1: Trelise Cooper Pressed In A Flurry Dress, $849, Trelise Cooper A Warm Reception Coat, $999 and Miss Wilson Zsa Zsa Heel, $299. Look 2: Cooper Star Studded jacket, $999, Cooper dress, Cathy Pope Lucent Saffron Gold Drop Earrings, $219, Tommy Hilfiger bag, $249 and Chaos & Harmony boots. Look 3: Ted Baker Tabytha Slim Fit Cross Over Knit Dress, $549; Swarovski necklace, $730, Swarovski cuff, $730, Marc Jacobs bag, $815 and Miss Wilson Zsa Zsa Heel, $299. Look 4: Ted Baker dress, Ted Baker Stariz Sequin Trench Coat, $1189, Swarovski earrings, $430 and Miss Wilson Ariane boots, $359.
Look1: Leo Lin Nayla Midi Dress, $1199, Chloe sunglasses and Miss Wilson Zsa Zsa Heel, $299. Look 2: Leo Lin Beatrice Short Sleeve Mini Dress, $639 and Chaos & Harmony Nomad Boot, $559. Look 3: ByTimo Spring Midi Dress, $899 and Kathryn Wilson Kylee boots, $369. Look 4: ByTimo dress and Miss Wilson Paige Boot, $339.
Look 1: Leo Lin Sonia Bishop Mini Dress, $839 and Chaos & Harmony Evermore Heel, $359. Look 2: Leo Lin Nina One Shoulder Dress, $1079, Jasmin Sparrow earrings, $350 and Kathryn Wilson Gabby boot, $369. Look 3: Leo Lin Brenda Puffy Sleeve Mini Dress, $959, Swarovski necklace, $730, Swarovski cuff, $730, and Miss Wilson Zsa Zsa Heel, $299. Look 4: Leo Lin Simone Puff Top, $359, Leo Lin Elina Pleated Midi Skirt, $479 and Swarovski earrings, $430.
OUR GUESTS
What a pleasure to host our wonderful guests. From the corporate tables to BFFs, who wanted to take the day out of their busy schedules, thank you for helping us create an unforgettable day at one of Auckland's most tranquil venues, Bracu Estate. We hope you enjoyed the afternoon and can’t wait to host you again soon.
See more action from the BeautyEQ Long Lunch at Bracu Estate Long Lunch here.
Video and fashion photography by Michael James Rooke, photography by Rebekah Robinson.
Book tickets for Friday, June 14.