Beauty treatments can be a form of self-care, while also being part of the complex relationship we have with capitalism and the patriarchy and a way to support women-owned businesses. Girl, so confusing!

With all this in mind, we asked a bunch of cool, politically minded wāhine for the 'essential' treatments they prioritise in 2025. But first, a word from Team Ensemble with our tips:

“No beauty treatment is essential! But a cut and colour with Sean Mahoney at Colleen, Chinese pedicure at Nature Spa & Podiatry and eyebrow colour at The Beauty Merchant or Lash Noir always make me feel brand new. I used to get Botox about four times a year with Dr Sarah Hart, who I think is the best, but I’m unable to justify the cost at the moment…” – Zoe

“While it’s a fairly basic one, a haircut is essential. I have yet to find a favourite spot in Tāmaki, but Laine at Badaro in Wellington gave me some life-changing layers a couple of months ago.” – Sophie

“2025 hasn’t let me get too consistent with any beauty treatments, but I will always prioritise getting my hair coloured by Lauren Gunn at Colleen every six weeks. I also love a mall massage: Body Haven in St Lukes is pretty consistent. And while not strictly a beauty treatment, swimming in the moana all year ‘round makes me feel pretty great (and salt in the hair is a beauty vibe I guess!)”. – Rebecca

Kaarina Parker, author and model

​​I do most of my beauty treatments myself, both to save money and because I have major control issues, but the one thing I will always pay a professional for is nails. I get my nails done by Aley at Valet Nails in Ponsonby – it's a seamless and sumptuous experience every time.

Nat Robb, founder, Amélie

I haven't got a beauty routine, I didn't have access to anything while living in Te Māhia, so I'd jump in the awa or go for a surf to keep fit or relax. Now that I'm living in Tāmaki, I am keen to dive into this world a bit more and understand what is out there to keep me healthy. I've just joined Sala which feels good.

Rachel Soo Thow, content creator at The Lit List

A combination of two things really but I love doing a dry brush before an infrared sauna. Currently I’m using Tronque’s Ionic Dry Brush and I’ll take about 10 mins dry brushing before hopping into a sauna at Sala.  As well as being an amazing exfoliant, I feel like it awakens the muscles and delivers the best lymphatic drainage. Giving myself time to do this before a sauna or even before a shower works to keep me grounded, more present in the moment – everyone needs to dedicate a bit of time for self-care and I’ve found doing this for me just sets up the day to (hopefully!) be a relaxed one. I try to do this at least once a month if not more!

Tanya Barlow, nail artist and host of Hello Tanya podcast

The only beauty treatments I religiously get done (that I can’t do myself) are lash extensions and a brow tint, and a brow lamination every other appointment at Up. I’ve been going for over a decade and they do absolutely beautiful work! I love having lashes and brows done as it makes me feel put together even when I’ve just woken up – love a monthly high-maintenance appointment to be low-maintenance for a few weeks vibe! If I have a photoshoot or an important event, I’ll treat myself to some dermaplaning and LED treatment while I’m there too.

Lauren Brodie, content creator

Like sitting down for a coffee and a good cheese scone, massage is a fundamental part of my routine for relaxing and maintaining a healthy state of mind. Aesthetically, I’m all about lymphatic drainage – I can’t believe how different my jawline looks after a visit to Numa Skin Club. On the flip side, when my hip’s giving me grief (yes, I’m painfully aware of how much that makes me sound like a 90-year-old!), nothing beats a massage from Jade Thai Massage in Petone.  

Allyssa Verner-Pula, PHD student and host of Allyssa, unabridged podcast

I am a Nailtime in Newmarket loyalist, and always seem to be able to make room in my uni student budget for a new builder gel set there. I refuse to go anywhere else, because the salon is so stunning, the quality and care is next level and my nail tech Fiona is just so talented. Some say you are never fully dressed without a smile – well, I personally feel I am never fully dressed without a nice set of nails.

Zoe Black, deputy director Object Space

I’m very low-maintenance with skincare and don’t do any treatments periodically – rather focussing on time in the ngāhere or by the moana to rejuvenate, always with my greyhound Dilla. So really, greyhounds are my life balancer and I swear a walk with one by your side can cure anything.

Bailey Meredith, CEO and creative director of Baina

A facial – once a month. A quiet moment to reconnect with self and nurture my skin. Clare at Fenn is truly magic if you're in Sydney.

Amanda Linnell, writer and comms specialist

I visit family in Mangawhai regularly and, whenever I can, I book a massage with the incredible Cushla at The Sage Room. Those sore muscles from running, my aching computer-hunched shoulders and the general stress of life melt away under her intuitive touch. Cushla also does healing sessions which, depending on how open-minded you are, offer either a time to fall into the deepest of sleeps in her calming presence or the chance to expand your consciousness. You should see my crystal collection!