As the landscape of Braddon continues to change, another former stalwart has moved on to greener pastures. As of Monday 2 July, beauty destination The Lab will now call the leafy surrounds of Manuka home.
The familiar pink signage can now be spied marking the entrance to a narrow staircase, hidden between Priceline and a shop so nondescript I can no longer recall what it was. Emerging from said staircase, the new Lab is just as airy and light-filled as its previous Braddon home.
Bare white walls give way to warm timber floors, windows unobstructed by curtains allow light to spill onto inviting chairs. An installation of dried flowers and plants by Laurel and Lace fill the centre of the space and a small rooftop courtyard promises photo opportunities. This is same Lab but all grown up.
Co-owners Sianne and Tegan have earned cult status delivering beauty done differently: signature full brows, luscious lashes and megawatt makeup. In moving away from Braddon, the pair sought to find a location that was still central but had better access for their growing client base.
As well as ticking these boxes, their new space also offers a chance for expansion. With their focus continuing to fall firmly on the face, The Lab will soon offer luxurious skin treatments. And judging from the reception each new offering has received over the three and a half years since The Lab (then Brow lab) was first born in a corner of Mussen boutique, this extra layer of pampering will go down a treat with their carefully cultivated gang of devotees.