Whether you want to hydrate, calm or illuminate your skin, sheet masks are one of the best ways to fast-track a brighter, fresher-looking complexion. Inevitably prompting Silence of the Lambs jokes from any onlookers, each mask is designed to mimic the shape of a face, laden with a purpose-driven serum and hydrating elements such as hyaluronic acid or formulas that pack a collagen-infused punch. Our tip is to keep a handful in the fridge as the chilled mask helps to firm up a tired, puffy face for the ultimate self-care. Here are the best sheet masks to try now.
Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Nick Paulsen | 9 Aug 2024
In a subterranean spot beneath Commercial Bay sits Kemuri Hi-Fi, a bespoke new basement lounge bringing the essence of Tokyo’s jazz kissas to the heart of the city.
The sultry underground bar is the brainchild of world-renowned bartender Jason Clark (JC) and promoter and record collector Vishal Vasan, aka DJ Vee. A subterranean sanctuary that uniquely showcases Clark’s fine whisky collection and Vee’s extensive assemblage of vinyl records, the vibrant new spot feels like a truly novel addition to the city’s hospitality scene, “Good music and delicious drinks are the key elements to a great bar experience,” says Vee. “Our collections are a slice of our personal journeys through hospitality and entertainment.”
An escape from the city’s hustle, Kemuri Hi-Fi offers an intimate social hub where high-quality drinks and curated music take centre stage (with a few Japanese bites thrown in for good measure), “Many years of travel, experiencing bars throughout the US, UK and Japan inspired us to create a uniquely Kiwi version of the classic Japanese jazz kissa,” says JC of his new co-found venture, “Kemuri Hi-Fi will be more like an international version of a kissa. In Japan, the drinks are often quite basic and you’re there to sip and listen, not talk. Whereas the international versions have more of a vibrant vibe, and this is what we’ll offer at Kemuri.” he continues.
Here, the drinks certainly go beyond basic, with an inventive cocktail menu, a curated wine list with an emphasis placed on quality Champagne, and, of course, an extensive whisky offering. In fact, JC’s whisky collection (which forms the basis of the offering), has been decades in the making, “I’ve picked up spirits of all kinds, but the bulk of it has been whisky. Many bottles were purchased on travels through Scotland, the US, Japan and Dubai,” he tells me, continuing, “Over the years I’ve opened, shared, and enjoyed far more than I’ve managed to keep sealed, but what I have kept and shipped home is all pretty special stuff — much of which isn’t available here,” he proudly states. “These whiskies, along with others hand-selected from local partners, will be displayed in cabinets and laid out according to flavour profiles as opposed to regions, making it much easier for people to navigate and select a whisky that suits their personal preferences.”
But, while Kemuri Hi-Fi undoubtedly specialises in whisky, there’s a lot more on the drinks menu to get excited about. With JC being a world-renowned cocktail bartender, a comprehensive and highly creative edit of high-level cocktails is guaranteed. “I’ve let the creativity run wild on this cocktail menu, alongside some clean, minimalist drinks to balance it out. I’m particularly excited about running a Japanese ice carving program which will really elevate our serves.” Being big Champagne fans, JC and Vee have set up partnerships with Moet, Dom Perignon, Krug and Armand De Brignac, to ensure they have an incredible selection of fine and rare Champagnes available.
Music also plays a fundamental role at Kemuri Hi-Fi, and, drawing inspiration from the incredible, bespoke sound systems you’ll find at Tokyo’s jazz kissas, Vee and JC commissioned a bespoke high-fidelity sound system by Tobias Shaughnessy of Tub’s Audio, which sits produly behind the bar and builds rich, layered, warm sonics. The space itself is fitted with acoustic materials to enhance the listening experience, while the music — Kemuri Hi-Fi’s essence, is Vee’s vinyl collection, accumulated over the course of a musical journey that began as a teenager in his hometown of Wellington in the early 1990s and has been collecting ever since. “Kemuri Hi-Fi will be a high-fidelity lounge for us to host a talented pool of incredible DJs, along with a carefully selected range of passionate record collectors who will be sharing their own musical influences and stories for the listening pleasure of our guests.” says Vee.
Further setting the bar apart, Vee and JC have dreamt up a number of alluring memberships (one of which includes a personalised bottle of single malt to sip on site) for those who want to connect with the bar and appreciate its equal parts: community and culture. The Whisky Membership offers VIP perks, plus a personal bottle of Kemuri Hi-Fi whisky to sip whilst visiting. Vee and JC have collaborated with Waiheke Whisky to craft a bespoke single malt whisky, with only 200 bottles produced, hand-filled from a single cask. The Champagne Membership offers similar perks, alongside access to exclusive Champagne and wine offerings and events, and your own bottle of Moet Grand Vintage, while the Kemuri Hi-Fi VIP Membership grants members access to monthly members events and early access to ticketed Kemuri Hi-Fi music events.
With a bespoke high-fidelity sound system, meticulously designed space, tasty bites, and an unrivalled selection of libations, Kemuri Hi-Fi blends the essence of Japanese kissas with Clark and Vee’s unique journeys, creating a haven for whisky aficionados and music lovers alike. “Come into our space, sit back, relax with a delicious drink and enjoy the music while we tell you a story and take you on a journey.”
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm until Late
Nestled in a prime position within Princes Wharf, Somm Cellar Door not only affords its guests incredible, waterfront views but is also home to what is perhaps the city’s most impressive collection of wine. Couple this with consistently tasty food and a laid-back vibe, and you’ve got a more than perfect place to spend a relaxed few hours at any time of day.
This month, adding to our list of reasons to visit, Somm are celebrating Restaurant Month in a number of enticing ways, with two specially curated set menus for lunch and dinner, designed to delight, available with recommended wine matches or an exclusive European wine flight.
Somm’s butcher cut 250g
For just $30, From 12pm — 3pm, Thursday through Sunday, Somm’s bespoke lunchtime set menu serves up a feast for the senses. Start with charcuterie, cheese and pickles, before selecting a main from an alluring edit of pizzas sure to satisfy.
If you’re looking to explore Somm’s expertise, add the European wine flight to your order. Featuring four, 75ml, bespoke pours for $34, spanning Italian whites to French reds, this addition is guaranteed to elevate any lunch to new heights.
Market fish
Come dinner time, the $45 set menu, available from 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday, offers an entrée and main course. To start, select from crudo or burrata, before following up with a delectable main — with both market fish with parsnip, apple and sorrel and Somm’s 250g butcher cut with Bannockburn jus and chimichuri both on offer.
As with lunch, the wine flight is an essential addition, while the pairings offer the ideal accompaniment to the exceptional food on offer.
It’s no secret that wellness is big business. The now $5.6 trillion dollar industry is ever-evolving, with a new buzzword, trend, treatment, practice, or product entering the cultural sphere daily, often then exiting faster than you can say ‘Goop’. But, in this dynamic space, there are some developments that are truly worthy of your time, attention, and investment. One such practice that has proven its staying power is Psychodermatology (aka the mind-skin connection). Here, we explore its efficacy, uncovering how to improve our skin, and mind, in tandem.
Addressing the interaction between mind and skin, psychodermatology connects the two in a (somewhat complex) interplay between neuroendocrine and immune systems, with a focus on the nervous system, skin, and immunity. Dermatologists have long-stressed the need for a holistic approach when it comes to treating a host of skin conditions (from eczema to psoriasis, acne, and more — as well as premature signs of aging), but only now, after proving its undeniable efficacy, is heed being paid to mind/body health.
When you consider the myriad ways in which how we feel manifests itself physically — from anxiety-induced bloating to blushing when embarrassed and sweating when we’re nervous, the practice of psychodermatology (which seeks to treat skin concerns via a combined mental and physical health perspective) is incredibly logical. Particularly when we think of how the implications of stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest into more severe, long-term, skin-specific health conditions. This practice encourages the implementation of evidence-backed, positive lifestyle changes that can have both visible and non-visible effects, treating the body and mind to heal and clear our skin — and support our psyche in the process.
After seeing the results of this holistic approach first-hand, simply by implementing some more mindful practices into our daily routines (while we await the arrival of Psychodermatologists on our shores), we’re already huge proponents. Here, we round up a few ways to easily blend this new science into your everyday routine.
01. MIND OVER MATTER
The rise of the slow beauty movement saw not only an increased emphasis on evaluating the impact of beauty products (on not only our skin, but the planet, too), but the introduction of the principles of slow living into beauty and skincare routines. Psychodermatology takes this one step further, encouraging weaving the likes of meditation, journalling and mindful relaxation into daily life (inside or outside of your beauty and skincare routine) to cultivate calm.
02. A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
It’s no secret that breathwork has risen through the ranks in the wellness space, so potent is its impact. Mastering the art of breath can unlock both physical and mental health on an unprecedented scale, so it’s little wonder that its impact extends to the health of our skin, too. Implement a simple breathwork practice, such as box breathing, to feel (and see) the benefits.
03. REFINED RITUAL
Beyond weaving mindfulness practices into your skincare and beauty routines, go one step further and create a calm-inducing nighttime ritual. Incorporate gua sha, facial massage and oils to nourish the mind (while simultaneously improving the condition of our skin). It’s also amazing what taking time to wind down after a busy day will do for your beauty sleep.
04. GET MOVING
Exercising — even moderately, is guaranteed to help with overall wellbeing, but it also improves the function of the skin and improves our mental health. Getting your heart rate up and moving your body is always a great way of combating both skin and psychological stressors. Incorporate yoga into your workout routine, and you’ll tick the meditation box, too.
05. GOOD MOOD FOOD
Recently there has been growing research into the direct impact that positive nutrition can have on your mental health, with a number of foods that are great for an instant mood booster (as well as being excellent for overall health, and the health of your skin — win, win, and win). Fatty fish is one such powerhouse, alongside good quality dark chocolate, fermented foods such as kimchi, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut, plus banana, nuts, seeds, oats and, perhaps best of all — coffee. In moderation, of course. It’s amazing what an impactful change being more mindful and considered with your diet can make to your overall health.
06. SCIENCE-BACKED STEPS
Beauty brands are tapping into the psychodermatology trend with a more scientific approach, developing products with ingredients that harness the benefits of nature’s most potent stress relievers, which have been found to help treat stress-related skin conditions by lowering cortisol levels in the skin. Watch this space, as we predict that in no time at all these products will dominate the beauty sphere.
Nestled in the heart of Parnell, Orsini Fine Jewellery offers a shopping experience unmatched elsewhere, distinguished by the brand’s Italian-influenced atelier that transports those within to a far-flung place and different era entirely. Founded by Sarah Hutchings, Orsini brings the essence of Italian craftsmanship and design to the fore, offering a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Founder of Orsini Fine Jewellery, Sarah Hutchings. Shot by Vinesh Kumaran
Over the past two decades, Hutchings has cultivated a deep connection with Italy, frequently travelling to the country to attend prestigious jewellery fairs and collaborating with renowned local jewellers. This connection is most evident in Orsini’s own, exquisite collection, which showcases the artistry and expertise of Italian master jewellers.
In addition to Orsini’s own designs, the atelier boasts an incredible edit of esteemed Italian brands such as Pomellato, Marco Bicego, Chimento, and Al Coro, offering unique, high-end pieces exclusive to Orsini in New Zealand.
Left: Capri Villa visited by Hutchings. Right: Pomellato Nudo Rings
But it’s not just the many striking pieces found in-store that are on offer here. Orsini also excels in providing bespoke services, allowing clients the freedom to co-create custom engagement rings and sentimental fine jewellery. Hutchings and her team of master jewellers meticulously bring these designs to life, delivering distinctive and timeless personalised keepsakes crafted with care and creativity.
And, no matter the design, brand, or occasion, the thoughtfully curated selection at Orsini is rooted in Italian culture and architecture, with nods to this influence evident across the jewellery itself, and the atelier that speaks to Italian architecture so beautifully.
Left: Pomellato Nudo Rings. Right: Capri Villa visited by Hutchings
In fact, the interior of Orsini’s award-winning atelier is as captivating as the pieces it houses. Designed by Auckland-based Kanat Studio, the boutique’s layout draws heavily on Italian aesthetics. Generous dado rails, archways, and creamy white walls evoke the iconic Villa San Michele in Anacapri, while the space, with its soft curves and high gloss finishes, subtly mirrors the craftsmanship of Venetian boatbuilders. Elements such as plastered plinths that hint at limestone and a watery green rug referencing coastal shallows further enliven the Italian ambience. The interior design not only enhances the shopping experience, but also reflects Hutching’s personal connection to Italy.
Orsini’s award-winning interior draws heavily on Italian aesthetics
Visiting Orsini’s atelier is more than just a shopping trip; it’s an immersion into the world of Italian elegance and craftsmanship. Orsini Fine Jewellery stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Italian design and the dedication to quality and craftsmanship. It’s a place where the past and present of fine jewellery converge, offering a unique and luxurious experience for discerning clients.
From Dior’s opulent new spa in an unexpected location to a notable collaboration and more, this is everything that has our attention this week.
Moooi’s Multicoloured Monster Basketball
The Multicoloured Monster Basketball, a limited-edition collectible by Marcel Wanders of Moooi for Spalding, is a joyous celebration of life and colour. With its vibrant hues, whimsical graphics, and high-performance functionality, this bespoke basketball merges the worlds of art and sport, symbolising boundless creativity and the exuberance of play.
The Eastern & Oriental Express, a luxury train in Southeast Asia, is a travelling memoir of a beguiling age. Among its 16 carriages is Dior’s first Southeast Asian spa — a sanctuary of tranquillity. The spa features two treatment cabins adorned with Dior’s iconic Toile de Jouy motif and handcrafted tropical wood, reflecting Southeast Asia’s natural beauty. Inside, shades of green, beige, and soft brown nod to the ever-changing landscapes just beyond the window.
Tronque’s Axilla Orb Natural Deodorant
The latest addition to Tronque’s pantheon of luxurious and efficacious bodycare products is a powerful natural deoderant that is as effective as it is easy on the eye. This luxurious solution, enriched with soothing plant oils and natural antimicrobial actives, instantly delivers moisture while neutralising odor with a clever blend of natural ingredients. Housed in refillable packaging with a stainless steel roller ball, Tronque’s innovative formula delivers results, leaving you fresh and dry, with no residue in its wake.
Bookworm
Releasing at the end of the month, Bookworm is a heartwarming new film made in New Zealand, which charts the journey of eleven-year-old Mildred as her life is turned upside down. When her mum is hospitalised, Mildred and her estranged father (a washed-up illusionist played by Elijah Wood), seek out the mythic Canterbury Panther. As they embark on a wild adventure, they discover more about each other and themselves than they could have anticipated, offering a captivating and moving exploration of life’s most fundamental relationships.
Apple’s TinyPod
TinyPod is a case that transforms your Apple Watch into a nostalgic iPod-like device. Removing the strap, you can hold and use it like a vintage MP3 player. Available with or without a scroll wheel, it aims to make your watch a more capable companion by offering a minimalist, distraction-free experience, perfect for curbing phone and social media habits.
The modular furniture maestros at USM have launched a new shade designed to blend seamlessly into any interior style while sitting harmoniously alongside any colour palate.
USM Modular Furniture’s beloved Haller storage systems, known for their vibrant yellow, stark black, and cool grey hues (with 14 colours on offer), now feature a new addition: olive green. This special-edition shade, used across the company’s familiar credenza, media console, storage unit, serving cart, and more, strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool tones, blending seamlessly into any design style.
USM Haller lowboy. Sara Bruce’s private residence, photographed by Jono Parker.
Left: USM Haller writing desk. Sara Bruce’s private residence, photographed by Jono Parker. Right: USM Haller bar trolley
Each piece is built from powder-coated sheet-steel panels joined together with chromed tubes and ball connectors that form a frame. This modularity allows you to add or subtract from your unit to fit your storage or display needs. With USM Modular Furniture, you get to be the designer, creating something completely original and unique to your needs. This new olive green shade enhances the versatility and aesthetic appeal of the USM Haller systems, offering a stylish and functional solution for modern interiors.
This August, in celebration of Restaurant Month, a number of the SkyCity eateries we turn to time and time again are pulling out all of the stops — offering enticing menus that highlight the best of their exceptional fare. MASU by Nic Watt is one such establishment, serving up a delectable four-course feast.
MASU’s Restaurant Month set menu is not to be missed, with fresh sashimi, Japanese wagyu, shiro miso cream caramel and more on offer, to be enjoyed across the month of August. For $79 per person, dinner will begin with guests invited to savour the chef’s sashimi selection, served with crispy sushi rice, chirashi, spicy miso and parmesan. Next up, a delectable assortment of mixed tempura is served alongside MASU’s traditional white miso soup, aburage, and wakame, with a tantalising dish of Japanese wagyu tsukune with yakitori sauce, rice, flame grilled broccolini, almond miso, and shichimi following shortly after. Dessert is a shiro miso cream caramel — the perfect way to finish, and there’s an option to add a wine pairing to the set menu at an additional cost.
Every trip to MASU is a flavourful exploration of the vibrancy of Japanese cuisine, but this limited-time set menu highlights the very best of the eatery’s offering. Starting on an inherently light and refreshing course, and building to a decadent dessert — with a few mouthwatering dishes in between, this is perhaps the stalwart eatery’s best menu yet. And, given MASU’s decade-long track record, that’s reason enough to book a visit.
As we find ourselves eagerly awaiting warmer and lighter days, a calendar packed with cultural events is keeping us excited for the final month of winter. From exceptional exhibitions and captivating performances to live comedy and more, here we present our August Culture Guide, sure to satiate your creative cravings.
When & Where:From now until February 2025, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
This fascinating and thought-provoking exhibition explores the pivotal role of female artists in the shaping and development of New Zealand’s modern art, from 1920 to 1970, revealing new connections, previously hidden themes and revelling in the theatre of modern art.
Left: Infra, Choreography by Wayne McGregor. Right: High Tide, Choreography by Alice Topp
When & Where:Thursday 8th — Saturday 10th August, Aotea Centre
The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2024 winter season showcase, Solace: Dance to feed your soul, features a trio of spectacular ballets. Wayne McGregor’s “Infra” explores city life through abstract dance, with twelve dancers performing solos, duets, and ensembles to Max Richter’s evocative score. Sarah Foster-Sproull’s “To Hold” delves into the human form’s intricate wonders, accompanied by Eden Mulholland’s primal score and Donna Jefferis’s fashion-inspired costumes. Alice Topp’s “High Tide,” inspired by Ólafur Arnalds’s music, reflects on life’s cycles with Jon Buswell’s transformative stage design. This season offers a rich experience of reflection, beauty, and human connection through dance.
Passage de Terrasse avec Florence Weir, 2023, watercolour on paper, 375mm x 370mm by Julia Holderness
When & Where: Tuesday 13th August — Sunday 15th September, Sanderson Contemporary
In her solo exhibition at Sanderson Contemporary, Julia Holderness explores the themes of garden, landscape, and still life through diverse mediums. She delves into the works of Bloomsbury painter Vanessa Bell and plantswoman Kitty Lloyd Jones, weaving their influences with her own creations. Central to her exhibition is Florence Weir, a fictional conduit representing women’s historical roles in art and horticulture. Holderness’ practice is an interplay of research, fabrication, and artistic creation, contributing significantly to New Zealand feminist art historiography.
The powerful play Scenes from the Climate Era by David Finnigan
When & Where:From now until Saturday 24th August, Silo Theatre
Scenes from the Climate Era is a powerful play by David Finnigan, diving into the climate crisis through a whirlwind of scenes blending comedy, rage, and vulnerability. Spanning past, present, and future, it tackles humanity’s biggest story. A co-production by Auckland Theatre Company and Silo Theatre, this urgent work is a collective call to action for our era.
Enjoy a weekend of laughs at Comedy Festival — Winter Special, featuring Chris Parker
Following a wildly successful NZ International Comedy Festival, a trio of comedy specials is set to warm up winter at the ASB Waterfront Theatre. The three-night Comedy Festival — Winter Special features Chris Parker, Kura Forrester, and “Best Comedy Show on Earth” hosted by Tom Sainsbury. Enjoy a weekend of laughs with performances from New Zealand’s top comedic talent, bringing humour and joy to Tāmaki Makaurau’s waterfront.
When & Where: Thursday August 22nd — Saturday September 7th, The Frame Workshop & Gallery
Sean Beldon’s novel exhibition showcases 30 new works inspired by New Zealand’s ever-changing weather and the music that has influenced his life and work. Beldon’s evocative pieces capture the essence of landscapes through bold colours and dynamic atmospheres, as his South African roots and love for New Zealand’s scenery are reflected in his art, creating a compelling narrative of place and emotion through a series of sculptural, photographic, and painted works.
While Savor’s Spring Food Festival spans just 60 days, diamonds are forever — and when dining at Bivacco throughout the festival, you’ll have a chance to take one home to savour long after the Spring Food Festival curtain drops.
Running Monday through Saturday from 11am — 3pm (kicking off on Monday, August 12th) Bivacco’s Diamond Ladies Lunch offers a relaxed, three-course lunch for a modest $45, which includes a glass of Cloudy Bay Pelorus and an entry into weekly prize draws.
On the food front, you’ll find the ever-inventive and always tasty fare Bivacco is known for — from lemon stracciatella to prosciutto with melon, fennel seeds and white balsamic; grilled snapper with horseradish buttermilk, dill, braised celery, and mussels; and caramelised orange panna cotta with candied fruit biscotti — along with several more delectable dishes to choose from.
Front to back: Big Glory Bay Salmon Crudo, Wood Fired Bavette Steak, Bivacco Caesar, Pipe Rigate and Grilled Snapper
And, when it comes to the prizes up for grabs, while vouchers for Caitlin Crisp, Elle & Riley, My Beauty Room, La Tribe and Zambesi are certainly alluring, it’s the potential of taking home the ultimate prize, a 1.01-carat diamond from Partridge Jewellers ready to be set into a setting of your choice, that has us making a rolling booking. Valued at close to $9k, this is one prize draw worth entering.
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