Meet the Makers: Sarah Simpson of Luxe Appearance
Getting to know Sarah Simpson
Luxe Appearance is Auckland’s premium provider of cosmetic medicine and beauty treatments, located at Orakei Bay Village. Founded on the principles of health, beauty, and wellness, the clinic offers a professional selection of anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatments — where luxury meets results!
We spoke to Sarah to learn about her journey and hear the story of how Luxe Appearance came to be.
So Sarah, it’s always interesting to find out where it all began. How did you get into the cosmetic medicine and beauty industry?
My journey to get here has been rather full-on, but one I’m very lucky to have been on.
25 years ago I started as an intensive care nurse and travelled the world working in this role both in NZ and the UK. After having my twin girls, I decided to enter into the big old corporate world to get some marketing and business experience. I have a Master's in Management and wanted to put that to good use.
I continued in the healthcare sector, working as a marketing manager for a company that specialised in a vast portfolio of orthopaedic implants. Super interesting work! I worked closely with some of the top Craniofacial Reconstructive Surgeons. It was during this time that I knew I was passionate about aesthetic medicine, and helping clients become the best version of themselves.
What made you decide to start Luxe Appearance Orākei?
After finding my passion for aesthetic medicine and always having a dream of starting my own business, I went all in and opened Luxe Appearance Orākei. I love the technical and artistic side of injecting, it is super fascinating work and truly a dream to have opened this business. I also love managing a team of people to bring the best possible results for restorative health for our clients.
I have learnt over time that there is a direct positive impact on someone's mental health when you help them feel the best version of themselves. There is truly nothing more rewarding than seeing someone walk out of our clinic looking and feeling amazing!
What’s your personal favourite Luxe Appearance treatment?
My absolute favourite treatment is Dermal Filler, as people see results immediately. We get clients wanting this for a variety of reasons. The most common that we get here at Luxe Appearance are clients aged 35+ wanting to add firmness and volume to their face. They are generally unhappy with how they are looking and are wanting to make an aesthetic enhancement. Younger clients use Dermal Filler for their lips, smaller accents on their face and as a preventative measure to prevent lines later on.
The second most popular is Botox. I refer to Botox treatments as having the Botox Effect, as anyone who gets this treatment immediately feels this sense of “I’m going to look fabulous when this kicks in” - and it’s cool to see. We are seeing several clients from 20 - 35 using Botox as a preventative measure, and clients aged 45+ have had ageing kick in and want to repair the physical signs of this.
Because you like to keep healthy and look after yourself, what are some of your favourite self-care practices?
I have an extensive skincare and exercise regime as that’s how I love to look after my body. I use great skin-care on my face day and night - without fail! I also go to the gym or head outside to run a few days of the week.
As much as the physical stuff is good, I also like to recharge mentally by taking the time each week to spend time with family and friends. I also make sure I have a few hours a week for ‘me time’ to potter around and rest.
You’re meeting up with friends after a busy day at work… What's your go-to catch up spot at OBV for drinks and nibbles?
I’m often known to pop into Ampersand Eatery because it’s right next door, and always love getting a cocktail at Beach Club!
The Luxe Ultimate Skin Membership gives Luxe Appearance customers regular treatments for just $99 per month. How do you select the best therapies and treatments for each of your members?
This idea came about from a previous employee who had seen a similar membership run over in Australia, so she helped us implement and run this membership system here in our clinic.
We have seen that clients tend to come in on an ad-hoc basis, as opposed to regularly once a month, whereas this membership gives the client a great treatment at a discounted price. They can come in and get a peel or exfoliation treatment, as well as enjoy 10% off products, plus an additional discount of 15% off dermal therapies and 20% off IPL. We see this as a win, win for our clients!
We love this membership system as we are really looking after our client’s skin. We can see the progress each time they visit from the treatments they get at our clinic, even if they do the bare minimum each month outside of their treatments.
Our boutique clinic offers a high-end experience and access to some fantastic machinery, including the UltraLux Pro IPL machine and UltraPro Light. We have the ability to customise all treatments depending on your skin concerns, and you can enjoy these in a relaxing environment - just close your eyes and you’ll feel like you’re in Fiji!
As your products are Medical Grade, they’re highly effective for various skin concerns. Tell us about how you select the brands you stock?
We have three major brands of skincare, Xcell which is a medical grade skincare, designed locally and produced in the most advanced skin facility clinics in the USA. We also stock Mesoestetic which is primarily used for our pigment customers. We have had DMK Skincare for about 3 years, and we have a perfect treatment that we like to refer to as the triple treat. This includes a DMK enzyme, dermal needling and light therapy.
Name your top 3 holy grail skincare or beauty products to keep your skin in tip-top shape every day… couldn’t live without…
This one is hard! I couldn’t live without the Ultimate Brightening Serum from Mesothetic, Saturate from Xcell- ultimate hydration and the DMK Vitamin C, and I cannot leave out the 130+ Pigment Control Tinted Block from Mesothetic, it's a go-anywhere all-round amazing SPF.
Your clinic is boutique and premium, how do you find the best pieces to suit the aesthetic?
Half of our clinic is made up of A&C Homestore, which is another OBV favourite of ours. If we need something new to add to the clinic, then we just pop down to the store and the team there is so very helpful. We love it!
Any other spots at OBV that you love?
We highly rate Khalid at the Urban Herbalist. We often refer a lot of our clients there as he is great at finding solutions for anxious and stressed-out individuals. We stock some similar products, but we value the work he does with his clients, and we have a great relationship. If you can’t sleep, then go to Khalid!
