Set on a picturesque corner of Viaduct Harbour with wrap-around views and a cosy interior perfect for escaping winter’s inclement weather, Bivacco has become our go-to for after-work drinks or delicious weekend meals with friends. This beloved dining destination also takes things to the next level with their delectable Sunday Feast, drawing us down to the waterfront for an end-of-the-week dining experience like nothing else.
Bivacco’s Sunday Feast is an elevated buffet spread that takes place every Sunday from 11am until 4pm. There, for $85 per adult (and $35 for under 12s), diners can enjoy dozens of mouthwatering dishes with all the trimmings from a comprehensive menu guaranteed to suit any taste or proclivity.
For starters, there is a seafood station brimming with poached prawns, smoked salmon, seared tuna, and a pickled mussels with olive salsa verde. For antipasto, diners can delight in seasonal bruschetta, a selection of sliced cured meats, marinated olives, roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, and more, accompanied by Massimo Bocconcini and cheese, plus freshly baked bread.
Left: Seared Tuna. Right: Crispy Roast Pork Belly
And for the carnivores, Bivacco has curated a stunning selection of meats, too. The Carvery includes roasted whole sirloins, crispy roast pork belly, and for those seeking ultimate indulgence, a lamb leg roast stuffed with Italian sausage.
There’s also delicious woodfired seasonal pizzas, and the infamous pasta wheel featuring pipe rigate alla vodka, made to order, served from an aged parmesan wheel.
Pipe Rigate alla Vodka Pasta Wheel
But it doesn’t stop there. A series of locally sourced, slow-roasted vegetable dishes and mouthwatering roast potatoes will be on hand too, alongside an array of fresh and flavoursome seasonal salads for those seeking something a little lighter. Particular highlights include the Bivacco Caesar, duck fat potatoes with rosemary and garlic, fried brussel sprouts with frutta e noci, and seasonal honey glazed carrots with fennel and carraway.
Honey Glazed Carrots
And what feast would be complete without an unforgettable finale? The dessert station at Bivacco’s Sunday Feast is a haven for anyone harbouring a sweet tooth. Immerse yourself in the exquisite creations including a mango trifle, tiramisu, pavlova, carrot cake, vegan brownies, lemon ricotta cheesecake, and a Bivacco chocolate fountain with fresh fruit and marshmallows.
If all that weren’t enough, there is also a series of refreshing autumn-themed cocktails and champagne specials, so that you can sip on expertly-crafted libations as you let the afternoon unfold and bid farewell to the week that was.
Ensuring a laid-back but convivial vibe every week, Bivacco has topped off the experience by inviting a number of Auckland’s finest DJs to provide the perfect soundtrack to any feasting journey. On now and set to carry on for the foreseeable future, Bivacco’s Sunday Feast is the perfect way to end any week on a high note, and while walk-ins are welcome, we recommend booking now to secure your spot.
A new year calls for new adventures. These unforgettable voyages redefine luxury, sustainability, and cultural immersion. From gliding along the serene rivers of France’s Champagne region to sailing through Indonesia’s turquoise waters, these journeys offer the perfect balance of comfort, exclusivity, and environmental consciousness.
Sailing the Indonesian Archipelago
Glide through the turquoise waters of the Indonesian archipelago aboard a meticulously restored Phinisi boat, reimagined as a floating sanctuary of elegance and comfort. Amandira by Aman offers an exclusive voyage, immersing guests in breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse marine life — all in unparalleled style.
Amandira
Designed for just 10 guests, Amandira ensures an intimate and luxurious experience. Each cabin is exquisitely appointed with plush furnishings, ensuite bathrooms, and private balconies offering sweeping ocean views.
“Curated excursions unveil Indonesia’s hidden treasures — ancient temples, bustling markets, and crystal-clear waters…”
Master Cabin
Dining is a highlight, with an onboard chef crafting gourmet meals from the freshest local ingredients, complemented by an exceptional selection of wines and handcrafted cocktails.
Beyond indulgence, curated excursions unveil Indonesia’s hidden treasures — ancient temples, bustling markets, and crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs.
Amandira’s commitment to sustainability sets it apart, incorporating renewable energy and responsible practices to preserve Indonesia’s natural beauty.
Set sail on a voyage where adventure meets luxury, and every moment invites you to immerse yourself in Indonesia’s timeless allure.
Step Aboard a Floating Villa through the Heart of Champagne
Glide through the serene waterways of France’s Champagne region aboard Coquelicot Belmond, a meticulously restored barge reimagined as a floating haven of elegance and comfort. This exclusive voyage offers an intimate escape, immersing guests in rolling vineyards, historic châteaux, and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Coquelicot Belmond
Designed for just six guests, Coquelicot Belmond ensures privacy and sophistication, with exquisitely appointed cabins featuring plush furnishings, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the picturesque landscape.
Cabin interior
Culinary excellence defines the journey, with an onboard chef crafting exquisite meals using the finest local ingredients, perfectly paired with exceptional Champagnes and wines from the region.
Exterior Deck
Left: Champagne bar. Right Outdoor Dining
Beyond the indulgent dining, curated excursions unveil Champagne’s hidden gems—medieval villages, historic estates, and private tastings at renowned maisons.
“This exclusive voyage offers an intimate escape, immersing guests in rolling vineyards, historic châteaux, and the region’s rich cultural heritage.”
What sets Coquelicot Belmond apart is its commitment to sustainability, operating with minimal environmental impact through renewable energy and responsible practices that preserve the region’s natural beauty.
Drifting across the serene waters of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, Guntû is more than a luxury floating ryokan — it is a gateway to Japan’s most timeless traditions. Onboard, guests are invited to immerse themselves in cultural rituals that cultivate mindfulness, harmony, and a deep appreciation for heritage, all without stepping ashore.
The Terrace
Each day unfolds like a carefully curated ritual, beginning with guided meditation on deck. Rooted in Zen Buddhist principles, these morning sessions set a tranquil tone, with the soft sea breeze and rhythmic waves providing the perfect backdrop for quiet reflection.
“As the sun sets, the haunting melodies of the shakuhachi, a traditional bamboo flute, drift through the air, deepening the boat’s meditative ambience.”
Meditation Deck
As the day progresses, a traditional tea ceremony transforms the preparation of matcha into an artful meditation. Every movement, from the gentle whisking of the tea to the mindful sipping, embodies a philosophy of balance and respect — an invitation to slow down and savour the present moment.
Afternoons offer the chance to explore ikebana, the intricate art of Japanese flower arranging. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, guests discover the principles of asymmetry, harmony, and seasonal awareness that define this craft. As the sun sets, the haunting melodies of the shakuhachi, a traditional bamboo flute, drift through the air, deepening the boat’s meditative ambience.
Terrace Suite
Evenings on Guntû bring a sense of community, with exquisite kaiseki-style dining prepared using the freshest seasonal ingredients. These intimate meals are often accompanied by live performances of classical Japanese music or storytelling, offering a window into the country’s artistic traditions. Before retiring to elegantly designed cabins, guests can take part in a calligraphy workshop, tracing each brushstroke with mindful precision — another way to embrace Japan’s philosophy of beauty in simplicity.
Guntû
A journey aboard Guntû is more than just an escape — it is a passage into Japan’s cultural soul. By weaving centuries-old traditions into daily life on the water, the voyage becomes a seamless blend of tranquillity, heritage, and refined luxury.
Timeless elegance meets masterful design in Christofle’s Vertigo Caviar Set — a striking union of luxury and functionality, designed by Andrée Putman. The silver-plated two-piece design, featuring a lidded caviar bowl nestled within an ice-filled presentation dish, embodies refined indulgence, while Vertigo’s signature asymmetrical ring — a playful, sculptural detail — lends a contemporary allure. Designed in 2002, this exquisite piece transforms caviar service into a refined ritual.
Winter can be a time where literary inspiration is often lacking, but when we find ourselves ready to look for it again, leafing through a nearby coffee table book is always the next best muse. From the latest in Assouline’s travel series to books that impart the wisdom of designers who have shaped the world, these are the books you should add to your collection this winter.
A city of electric chaos and boundless creativity, Bangkok pulses with energy and an irresistible intensity. From bustling street food vendors to intricate Buddhist temples, it’s a place of contrasts — where spirituality meets non-stop movement, and tradition collides with modernity. From cutting-edge fashion to avant-garde dining, this dynamic portrait, guided by Simon Liberati, captures the city’s relentless vibrancy, cultural dynamism, and ever-evolving creative spirit.
Advertising in the 2000s reflected a world in flux — tech boomed, social media emerged, and brands embraced digital connectivity. iPods, reality TV, and online shopping reshaped culture, while wellness and personalisation gained traction. Spanning food, fashion, and entertainment, this book showcases a decade where ads didn’t just sell products — they captured a society in a period of radical change.
The New York-based design firm Torrey debuts its first monograph, celebrating Andrew Torrey’s transformative modernist interiors. Showcasing 23 projects across Manhattan, Miami, London, and beyond, this volume captures Torrey’s signature blend of clean-lined modernity, opulent finishes, and historical reverence. Featuring stunning photography, it’s an ode to contemporary glamour, effortless charm, and visionary design.
Step into the world of Valentino, where luxury and elegance reign supreme. This stunning volume chronicles the legendary couturier’s career through archival treasures — exquisite sketches, editorial spreads, iconic advertisements, and candid portraits. Offering a rare glimpse into Valentino’s creative brilliance, lifestyle, and legacy, this is a visual celebration of fashion’s ultimate maestro.
Discover the world’s most exclusive independent luxury hotels through this captivating visual journey. Showcasing over 70 legendary properties — from Norman Foster’s sinuous courtyard structure in Singapore to Jacques Garcia’s indulgent interiors in Paris — this exquisite volume celebrates unparalleled design and cultural richness. Featuring in-depth stories, expert insights, and contributions from iconic tastemakers, this is a curated tribute to the art of accommodation.
The visionaries behind the world-renowned jewellery brand David Yurman reveal their creative journey and shared personal history in this luxurious monograph, celebrating over 50 years of iconic design. Featuring never-before-seen sketches, artwork, and campaign imagery, this volume traces the brand’s rise from New York’s art scene to global acclaim — highlighting the duo’s most celebrated designs and their enduring artistic legacy.
Explore the captivating world of Hokusai, Japan’s pre-eminent artist, in this illuminating volume. From ethereal ghosts to the sweeping landscapes of Mount Fuji and the storied Tōkaidō road, his woodblock prints, paintings, and illustrations reveal extraordinary versatility. Featuring newly photographed artworks from over 100 institutions, this tome presents the most comprehensive portrait of Hokusai’s unparalleled artistic legacy to date.
At Queen’s Wineshop, the team like to think of themselves as the beguiling little entrance to the rooftop bar (Queens Rooftop) above, a place where you can slip away from the hustle and bustle of Te Komititanga Square and be gently spirited into another world. Inside, you’ll find an ever-evolving range of local and international wines and spirits, a cosy space filled with warm lighting, dark timbers, smooth tunes, and a team who truly loves helping you find your perfect bottle.
“We’ve curated our shelves with a wine for the people approach, catering to the wonderfully wide mix of people that call Auckland’s CBD home,” manager John Robertson tells me — whose deep roots in hospitality, from restaurants in London and Melbourne to the revered Blackhearts & Sparrows stores, give the shop its inviting tone. He and his team share an unpretentious knowledge and instinct for good drinking. If there’s no winemaker pouring in-store (a regular occurrence), there’s likely still something open, ready for a splash and a chat.
“Whether you’re after something special to celebrate, or it’s been a day and you just need something cheap and cheerful (hot tip: check out our School Night Wines basket), we’ve got you covered. Some bottles you’ll know you need, others you’re yet to discover.” says Robertson of the carefully curated offering.
Provenance is at the heart of the offering. “We work closely with our makers and suppliers to stock wines and spirits that speak of place and purpose. Every bottle has a story, and we’re here to help you find the one that deserves your attention right now.” Robertson tells me, adding, “We’re especially excited about the arrival of the Prophet’s Rock ‘Cuvée aux Antipodes’ Blanc, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it release made from one small parcel of Chardonnay, crafted in collaboration with the legendary François Millet of Chambolle-Musigny. It’s a real unicorn.”
Whether you’re deep into your natural wine journey, or just after something easy and delicious for a glass after work, the edit here caters to all. Thirsty patrons are also welcome to grab a bottle to drink in ‘the cave’ — a cosy nook to the rear of the space. This is a perfect spot to park up ahead of a dinner in the city, or for an after work drink in a quiet corner.
Every Wednesday, you’ll find the team hosting free tastings from 5–7pm. “It’s our way of helping you welcome the second half of the week and wave goodbye to the first. We’ll have someone in store pouring something interesting — always delicious bottles — and sharing their stories along the way,” says Robertson. On the 14th of May, Angie from Blanc Distribution will be in store, pouring a selection from Australia’s Unico Zelo, including their final release of the coveted Mallee Gambit Nero d’Avola.
But, whenever you choose to visit, whether its to grab a bottle on the way home, attend a tasting, or sit down for a shared bottle with friends, you’ll always find something new and exciting to discover. Queens Wineshop may be small, but it’s building something big: a local hub for wine lovers and learners alike, where every bottle comes with a story.
If you’re planning an office event or drinks in the CBD, reach out to the team directly, and they’ll be happy to arrange complimentary delivery. They’ll ensure your guests stay refreshed with a custom selection of beverages tailored to your celebration. Just give them one working day’s notice, and they’ll handle the rest. Deliveries are available Monday — Friday, before 10.30am.
As the seasons shift, Soul Bar & Bistro embraces the change with a bold new menu that captures the essence of indulgent dining on Auckland’s waterfront. Crafted with the freshest local ingredients and a flair for flavour, the latest offerings celebrate comfort, creativity, and the vibrant produce of the cooler months. Whether you’re settling in for a long lunch with friends or a moody date night, expect warmth, generosity, and plenty of reasons to linger longer.
Goat Fromage
with Honey, Pear, Walnut & Chargrilled Bread
Creamy goat fromage meets sweet honey and poached pear, topped with crunchy walnuts and served with smoky chargrilled bread — a rich, balanced start that’s made for sharing.
Ricotta Tortelli
with Sunday Sauce & Calabrian Chilli
Silken ricotta tortelli bathe in a rich, slow-cooked Sunday sauce, lifted with a flicker of Calabrian chilli. Comforting, fiery, and utterly satisfying.
Yellowfin Tuna Tataki
with Kohlrabi, Soy and Mirin & Wasabi Aioli
Fresh yellowfin tuna tataki, perfectly paired with crisp kohlrabi, a soy and mirin glaze, and a kick of wasabi aioli — a vibrant, balanced dish with layers of bold, refreshing flavours.
Hawke’s Bay Lamb Rack
with Salt Baked Kumara, Marjoram Chimichurri & Hard Neck Garlic and Honey
Succulent Hawke’s Bay lamb rack is complemented by salt-baked kumara, marjoram chimichurri, and a sweet, savoury blend of hard neck garlic and honey in a hearty, rich dish with incredible depth of flavour.
Confit Duck Risotto
with Mushroom Duxelles & Craggy Range Pecorino
Confit duck risotto with mushroom duxelles, topped with Craggy Range pecorino. Creamy, savoury, and packed with rich, earthy flavours, this dish offers a perfect balance of texture and depth.
Market Fish
with Parsnip and Parmesan & Truffle Jus Gras
Market fish, served with silky parsnip and parmesan, drizzled with rich truffle Jus gras. A refined dish, showcasing the perfect harmony of delicate flavours and indulgent depth.
Vincent van Gogh, Wheat Fields with Reaper Auvers, 1890, oil on canvas, Toledo Museum of Art, Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is more than simply a gallery — it’s a place where ideas take shape, cultures converge, and the world opens up. With multiple levels of dynamic exhibitions, thought-provoking programming, and a world-class collection, it remains Aotearoa’s most inspiring visual arts experience. And now, it’s easier than ever to experience the best of it.
There are myriad options to immerse yourself further in the gallery’s vibrant year-round programme, with the best way to do so being a membership — granting unlimited entry to paid exhibitions, access to special events, discounts in the shop and café, and more. And the gallery’s newest membership option, Dual Membership, inspires not just cultural connection, but connection to a loved one, too.
Pat Hanly, Pacific Air Journey, 1977, Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 1997. Photography by David St George
Auckland Art Gallery’s Dual Membership is a new offering for two people living at the same address — ideal for partners, flatmates, or close friends who want the freedom to explore the Gallery together or independently. Both members receive full access to the Gallery’s rich array of benefits, including free entry to all ticketed exhibitions (including this winter’s A Century of Modern Art, opening on the 7th of June), invitations to curator-led tours and previews, and use of the exclusive Members Lounge.
Dual members will also enjoy discounts at the café and Gallery shop, a subscription to Art Toi magazine, and regular updates to keep you connected to the city’s most vibrant cultural programme. A Dual Membership is available for $180 per year, or $270 with two guest passes — great for sharing your love of art with family or friends. This membership, or any on offer, are perfect as a meaningful gift for Mother’s Day, or for thoughtful gifting year-round.
From quiet solo visits to vibrant exhibition openings with a loved one, membership opens the door to richer cultural engagement, while supporting the Gallery’s vital work in our community — which is always a worthwhile pursuit.
From heartfelt dramas to feel-good comedies, these Mother’s Day picks celebrate every kind of mum. Whether you’re after laughter, tears, or total chaos (hi, multiverse), this mix of classics and modern gems offers something for every mood — and every mother-daughter dynamic. Settle in and press play.
Mother’s Day
A feel-good ensemble film following several interconnected stories, all centred around motherhood. Starring Hollywood heavyweights Jennifer Anniston, Kate Hudson, and Julia Roberts (among others), expect emotional twists, light-hearted laughs, and a glossy celebration of modern family dynamics.
Stepmom
A powerful tearjerker starring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon, exploring the evolving relationship between a terminally ill mother and her children’s future stepmother. Heartfelt, raw, and deeply moving.
Freaky Friday
When a mother and daughter magically switch bodies, chaos — and understanding — ensues. A hilarious, heartwarming look at generational disconnect, featuring standout performances from Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan.
The Parent Trap
Twins separated at birth reunite at summer camp and hatch a plan to get their parents back together. A charming, nostalgic tale of sibling mischief and second chances.
Lion
Based on a true story, this emotional journey follows a boy separated from his mother in India and his determined search to find her years later. Moving and unforgettable.
Anywhere But Here
Tender, tense, and full of soul, Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman shine as a mismatched mother and daughter duo who move to Beverly Hills in pursuit of new dreams.
Miss Juneteenth
A former beauty queen guides her daughter through a Texas pageant, confronting expectations, ambition, and sacrifice. A quietly powerful story of legacy, motherhood, and resilience.
Mamma Mia
Sunshine, ABBA hits, and a wedding on a Greek island — this musical romp is a celebration of love, freedom, and the unavoidable chaos of family.
Monster-in-Law
When a bride-to-be meets her future mother-in-law, sparks fly — and not the good kind. Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda face off in this sharp, over-the-top comedy about boundaries, sabotage, and winning your place in the family.
The Meddler
After her husband’s death, a well-meaning mother inserts herself into her daughter’s life with hilarious — and surprisingly touching — consequences. A gentle, witty story of healing and hope.
Everything Everywhere All At Once
A Chinese-American mother is flung into a mind-bending multiverse battle while trying to reconnect with her daughter. Absurd, brilliant, and deeply emotional — Everything Everywhere All At Once is a wild ride through motherhood and meaning.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Culture clashes and overbearing relatives collide in this beloved rom-com about love, identity, and the hilarity of big family dynamics with a delightful side of all Greek everything. Endearing, quotable, and full of heart.
Bridget Jones’s Baby
Our favourite hapless heroine faces motherhood — and a paternity mystery. Witty, romantic, and endearingly awkward, this late-series gem delivers laughs and a satisfying grown-up glow-up.
Bad Moms
Three overstretched mothers ditch perfectionism for rebellion in this raucous comedy about self-liberation, margaritas, and PTA mayhem. Chaos ensues — with plenty of laughs and unapologetic honesty.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Five couples navigate pregnancy’s unpredictability in this ensemble comedy. From adoption to surprise twins, it’s a heartwarming, often hilarious look at the rollercoaster of impending parenthood.
Knocked Up
A one-night stand leads to an unexpected pregnancy, forcing a mismatched pair to grow up fast. Smart, crude, and surprisingly sweet, this comedy finds laughs in life’s biggest curveballs.
Basekin is bringing its skin-loving Tan+Hydrate Serum to our shores just in time for the cooler months ahead. Founded by two Kiwis, born from their own personal experiences, the brand blends clean, conscious skincare with 100% natural DHA for a radiant, buildable glow.
Powered by hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, this multitasking serum hydrates, nourishes, and tans in one effortless step. Basekin is a brand with a skinimalist ethos — fewer products, better ingredients, and a sun-kissed finish without compromise.
Here, we sit down with co-founders Lucy Caldwell and Bella Ireland to discuss their ‘why’ behind Basekin, how to best use the product, and what comes next.
Q&A
with co-founders Lucy Caldwell and Bella Ireland
Co-founders of Basekin Bella Ireland (left) and Lucy Caldwell (right)
Tell me about how Basekin came about, what inspired the idea?
Lucy: Basekin started in a pretty honest, personal way. I was pregnant, and like so many women, I started looking more closely at what I was putting on my skin. I’ve always been a self- tan girl — I grew up with fair skin, a lot of moles, and a family history of melanoma, so the sun was never really an option. But suddenly, I was reading ingredient lists and realising how many fake tans were packed with things I didn’t feel good about using daily. And beyond that, none of them felt like they belonged next to the rest of my skincare — they smelled weird, felt sticky, and didn’t match the standard I had for everything else I was using. That’s when it hit me: why should tanning feel like a separate category? Why couldn’t it be skincare too?
Bella: Around the same time, I was deep in work life, long hours, events, barely holding a routine together and constantly breaking out. My skin was reactive, and anything heavy or overly fragranced would just make it worse. But I still wanted to look alive, like I’d had eight hours sleep and a beach holiday. We kept coming back to this idea of a shortcut – a product that gave you that glow, but actually supported your skin, not sabotaged it. We didn’t want something complicated or overly “cosmetic” just something chic, effective, and genuinely easy to use. That was the moment Basekin started to take shape.
What happened from there, what steps did you take to bring the brand to life?
Lucy: Once the idea landed, we became a bit obsessed. We started pulling apart ingredient lists from traditional self-tanners to our go-to skincare and asking the obvious question: why had tanning been left behind? Everything still felt like the same old sticky mousse, overpowering fragrance, or synthetic DHA drops. We knew from the start that we didn’t want to create just another version of what was already out there.
Bella: We teamed up with an incredible Australian formulator and spent over a year developing a formula that would actually do something for your skin, not just tint it. It had to feel like a serum, not a tan. We used 100% natural DHA and layered in actives like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Vitamin C – ingredients we already trusted and loved. We tested it obsessively, on ourselves, friends, and family, refining until it felt like something we were genuinely proud to use. I remember the day when I said to Lucy, “We need to make this work, because I genuinely cannot live without this product.” From there, every part of Basekin, the feel, the formula, the tone, came back to one question: would we reach for this every day?
Why was it important to you to blend skincare with self-tan?
Lucy: For me, tanning always felt like the one step in my routine that didn’t match the rest. I’d invest in great skincare — actives, serums, ingredients that supported my skin — and then ruin it with a product that felt heavy, synthetic, and off-brand for everything else I was using. It just didn’t make sense. Skincare has evolved so much, but tanning hadn’t caught up. It shouldn’t be something that undoes all the good you’ve done for your skin, it should add to it.
Bella: There are definitely tan-drop products on the market, but most of them still felt like a compromise as they’re either too drying, too heavily fragranced, or not something I’d trust on sensitive, breakout-prone skin. I was constantly adjusting formulas to make them work better, mixing them into serums I actually liked. We wanted to cut that extra step and create something that was truly skincare-first, not an afterthought. Basekin isn’t just a tan with a little hydration thrown in. It’s a formula built from the ground up to support your skin and deliver a natural glow all in one pump.
The word ‘clean’ has been a bit contentious in years gone by. With Basekin, what does ‘clean’ mean to you?
Bella: We get why the word ‘clean’ can feel loaded as it’s been overused and underdefined. But for us, it really just comes down to being intentional. Every ingredient in Basekin is there for a reason, and we’re transparent about why it’s in the formula. It’s about using what works, leaving out what doesn’t, and respecting your skin in the process.
Lucy: For me, it was about being able to use something daily without overthinking it. During pregnancy, I found myself reading every label and questioning everything I put on my skin, and tanning products just didn’t make the cut. With Basekin, we cut out anything unnecessary or irritating. No synthetic DHA, no fragrance, no fillers. Clean, to us, means it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, safe enough to use while pregnant, and still delivers real, skin-loving results.
How do you suggest using the product within a skincare routine?
Bella: We really designed it to fit into the kind of routine we actually have and that’s quick, a bit chaotic, but still intentional. I apply 1–2 pumps after cleansing, like I would any serum, then follow with moisturiser or SPF. It sinks in fast and doesn’t mess with anything else I’m using, which makes it easy to stay consistent.
Lucy: You can use it either way, sometimes I apply it at night, but if I’ve forgotten, I’ll throw it on in the morning as I’m heading out the door. Then I’ll catch myself in the mirror later, looking fresh without a drop of makeup. I find 1–2 pumps goes a long way as it covers my face and décolletage and gives that soft, everyday golden tone. If I’ve got something on like an event or drinks with the girls, I’ll use 3–4 pumps the night before for a bit more colour. It’s buildable, so you can tailor it to whatever you’ve got going on.
Who are you hoping to reach with the product, and what are you hoping to do for those people?
Bella: Basekin is for people like us who want skincare that fits their lifestyle and leaves them looking fresh and golden without overcomplicating things. It’s for the busy, the burnt out, the ingredient-conscious.
Lucy: I think we’ve both been through seasons where our skin felt tired, our routines felt too hard, and we just wanted one product to make us feel a bit more pulled together. Whether you’re postpartum, time-poor, or just totally over high-maintenance beauty, Basekin gives you a moment of ease, and a bit of confidence, without the effort. It’s not about transformation. It’s about giving your skin what it needs to look and feel its best every day.
Basekin is pregnancy-safe, which is near-impossible to find in a self-tanner. Can you explain to expecting mums why the product is safe for mums-to-be, and why this was important to you?
Lucy: This one’s really personal for me. When I was pregnant, I started looking at every ingredient I was putting on my skin and I couldn’t find a single tanning product I felt good about using. So many of them were packed with synthetic DHA, fragrance, or additives that just didn’t sit right. That was a huge part of why Basekin started as I wanted something I could use daily, without second-guessing it.
Bella: We were really clear from day one that the formula had to be safe enough for sensitive and hormonal skin, pregnancy included. We worked closely with our formulator to make sure everything passed that test. We use 100% natural DHA, no synthetic fragrance, no known irritants. The formula is gentle, hydrating, and supports your skin rather than stressing it so it’s not just safe, it’s genuinely good for your skin through every stage.
What does the future look like for the brand? Any additional products in the pipeline?
Bella: We’re just getting started. There are definitely more products in the pipeline but we’re doing it slowly and thoughtfully. We’re not interested in launching for the sake of it. Everything we create has to earn its place and genuinely serve a purpose. It’s about building a tight edit of essentials that work hard and make sense.
Lucy: We’ve always said: fewer steps, better skin. That’s the filter we use for every decision. Anything we bring out next will follow the same Basekin philosophy — skincare-first, multitasking, gentle, and easy to slot into real routines. No fluff or fillers, just products that make your skin feel better.
Anything else you’d like to communicate about Basekin?
Lucy: We built Basekin because the products we wanted didn’t exist. Self-tan always felt like an afterthought in a skincare routine and something you had to work around, not with. We wanted something that felt elevated but effortless, that fit into our routines without overcomplicating them. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing less, better.
Bella: For us, Basekin is just as much about how you feel as how you look. That subtle shift when your skin’s hydrated, even-toned, and you don’t need makeup to feel ready. We hear it from customers all the time — “I caught myself in the mirror and felt good.” That’s the energy we’re here for. Thoughtful formulas, fewer steps, and skin that looks like yours, just a little more golden.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
