Hunting Ground has grown into a local retail favourite, specialising in high-end vintage streetwear, one-offs and luxury designer clothing. Siblings Sian and Tina Kolose launched the business in 2018, initially as an online store before opening a boutique in Auckland’s Newmarket. They’ve built up a community of customers and fans, with pieces worn on the TV show Sis and by local musicians Jess B and Vayne. If you’re a fan of ‘90s streetwear, Hunting Ground is the place. Eldest sister Sian shares few of her favourite things.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, $39
I’ve got a hectic hair regimen but my favourite product for my unruly curls has to be the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I use this to style my hair as well as the Shea moisture shampoo and conditioner. When it comes to hair, I’m extremely low-maintenance also known as lazy. I just want product you can chuck in and go - this hair smoothie is perfect for that. It gives you long-lasting curls throughout the day. I couldn’t recommend it more if you have thick curly hair.
I have a whole bunch of totes I use for groceries, travelling (not that there’s a lot of travelling going on), carrying my laptop and just generally chucking random stuff into that can’t fit in my bag. Since plastic bags are out, tote bags are in!
You’d be surprised how much fits in them. I didn’t really get into tote bags until I went to New York and saw my best friend take one everywhere. We mostly walked or caught the subway, so didn’t have a car to carry half the contents of our house around.
Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, from $79
I’m skeptical of anything I see influencers being paid to push online, but after a year of back-to-back lash extensions, my natural lashes were left short and stumpy. Being used to long extensions, I didn’t think I could go on without luscious lashes to bat. I decided to try the Revitalash serum and it truly brought my lashes back to life - they’re longer and healthier than they were even before I had extensions. It doesn’t give the same effect and fullness as lash extensions but it definitely made my natural lashes grow longer. I 100% stan this product.
Richoux Patisserie vegan mince and cheese pies
Some things are just too hard to replicate vegan and I thought mince and cheese pies were one of them. Turns out, that’s not true if you’ve tried a Richoux vegan mince and cheese pie. It’s probably one of the best vegan pies I’ve ever had since I quit meat! I’ve even taken meat eating friends to try them and they’ve only had good things to say. Living in New Zealand, mince and cheese pies are part of our culture - so I’m stoked I can still enjoy one!
Coco & Eve microfibre towel wrap
Growing up with thick curly hair, I didn’t really know how to take care of it or how to get the most out of my curls. My hair was frizzy and I hated it, but I soon learnt that by having the right routine, hairdresser and products, I could learn to love it. So many people don’t know, including me for most of my life, that it’s best to dry curly hair with a microfibre towel. They soak up excess water while keeping moisture locked in and avoiding frizz, giving you perfect same day wash hair.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and Niacinamide
I have a bunch of stuff that I rotate in and out of my skincare routine but there are a few things that are in there to stay. Two are Paula’s Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant and Niacinamide which you can buy at 10% or 20%. Pores are probably one of my biggest concerns and both these products are perfect if you’re looking to minimise them. The best thing about the Paula's Choice range is that it’s affordable. I heard about it through many people that swore by it and they aren’t wrong.
Hoodies are a staple in my wardrobe and local brand Layplan is doing some pretty cool statement hoodies, as well as dresses they design and make themselves. They have a range of bright eye-catching hoodies styled to be worn oversized. They’re all on pre-order, so only the exact amount of hoodies sold are made to avoid waste. This is a really amazing brand run by two Pacifica women, their pieces are timeless and can be worn by people of all shapes and sizes.
Beeswax wraps
I’m always looking for ways to cut back on waste and live more sustainably. I’ve recently started using reusable beeswax wraps to try reduce the use of Glad wrap in our household. They take a bit of getting used to because they aren’t as easy as whipping out the Glad wrap roll. These can be pricey so it’s good to shop around, but if you have the time, there are plenty of online tutorials on how to make them yourself or even other alternatives like cloth covers or reusing shower caps.
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream, $58
I don’t wear a lot of makeup in general mainly because I do a horrible job of putting it on my face - but sometimes I want something to even out my skin if I’m going out. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue has been my favourite tinted moisturiser so far. I hate products that dry your skin out or look like they sit on top of it. This feels really light on your skin and it’s hydrating. Unlike other tinted moisturiser brands I’ve looked at, they also have a wide range for different skin tones which I think is so important for any makeup brand.
Vintage, in general
I worked in secondhand clothing and vintage for 10 years before branching off with my sister to open our own vintage store. Recycle clothing and giving new life to old pieces is a big part of my life. I couldn’t recommend buying pre-loved clothing enough - not only because you can find one-offs and hard-to-find pieces, but because it’s a small step we can take in helping save the planet. Some of my favourite vintage dealers are Percy's Vintage, Vintage Vamp, Vixen, Junk and Disorderly, Storeroom, People Being People, The Pop Up Shop LA...just to name a few!
