If you’d told me a few years ago I’d be creating content for some of the most beautiful, high quality brands in New Zealand, I would’ve laughed and kept blow waving a client’s hair. But here I am, 10 months into taking UGC seriously, and wow… what a ride it’s been.
I started dabbling in UGC casually during the big COVID lockdown of 2021. Like many of us, I was online shopping and using products I genuinely loved. But turning it into a real thing? That took time, trust, and alignment. Once I leaned in fully (hello divine timing ✨), everything shifted.
And you know what’s been the biggest surprise? Discovering boutique New Zealand brands that are absolute gold. Small businesses creating next level quality products that, quite frankly, put the big name giants to shame.
Let me introduce you to the brands that genuinley changed my daily life one honest review at a time.
☀️ The Best Tan I’ve Ever Used: Byremi Tan
I’ve tried so many self tanners over the years, and I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the best. The tone, the fade, the feel, it’s like a holiday in a bottle. No weird smell, no patchy fade, no transfer and it develops in just 2 hours. The tan comes in a medium, and an ultra dark shade and both are absolutely stunning!
Use code JASMINE15 at checkout to save a little! Not sponsored, just love.
🧬 Hair Loss Savior: Elevana Hair Growth Serum
Between working, postpartum life, and sleepless nights my hairline was struggling. But Elevana’s serum? A total game changer. My strands feel stronger and my hairline genuinely filled in. I knew the ingredients were solid because of my hairdressing background but this exceeded my expectations. I noticed results after the first 4-6 weeks! Hello fluffy hairline! You are so welcome here!
✨ Jewellery You Can Live In:
From sleep to showers and even the ocean, these pieces haven’t budged. They’re high vibe, NZ owned, and each carries a beautiful message:
Divine Me Essentials creates “Jewellery that reminds you you’re divine” and champions size inclusivity for every body type. Plus size girlies, they have your back!! Glimmers by Jess offer custom impression keepsakes. Mine is of both my husband and my daughter’s fingerprints side by side. 😍 Wildly Understated crafts jewellery that say “I’ve got this” even when you’re winging it. Perfect for the millennial mother in all of life’s chaos.
Use code JASMINE50 for $50 off your first order at Glimmers by Jess.
💅 Press On Nails That Don’t Quit: Pressing Nails
I had my eye on pressing nails since they launched over covid lockdown. I was skeptical being a long time builder gel girl and a hairstylist who’s hands are always in water. But these gel press on nails stay flawless for 3 weeks. no lifting, no chipping and they take about 10-15 minutes to apply. They’ve replaced my salon visits, and I’ve never looked back because quite frankly I don’t have the time to sit in a salon for two hours and pay $100+ anymore.
💧 Small Batch Skincare That Works: Mater Beauty
I’ve been a supporter of this brand since I launched my own ecommerce business back in 2021. We even did a few giveaways and collabs together because I just loved them so much and I’m still a customer to this day. The One & Done Cleansing Balm and serum duo are part of my soul care ritual and will be until it stops being made (that will be a very sad day). Made in NZ in small batches, and you can feel the intention in every drop. Also, it smells absolutely divine!!
🧶Matching Mum & Mini Beanies: Dolly & Nanna
Okay stop, how cute is this mother daughter matching moment? 🫶🏽
My daughter and I both have beanies that we were gifted from Dolly & Nanna and they are next level cozy. The interchangeable pom-poms are such a cute point of difference, and the quality is unreal. Super warm with the softest inner lining you’ll ever feel. These aren’t just cute, they’re actually practical for those cold school runs and outdoor winter activities. They don’t just have beanies either. Checkout their website and browse their gorgeous array of accessories.
I even have a cheeky discount code for you JASMINE15 at checkout. I’ve you purchase I’ll earn a small commission.
🎒 Baby Bag Goals: Hannah & Henry Apparel
This isn’t just a baby bag, it’s a whole vibe. Stylish, functional, and crafted with high quality vegan leather this bag is durable and fits everything. I can’t believe I survived without it for the first year of motherhood. This bag is a handbag, shoulder bag, crossbody, and backpack all in one! 🤯 If you purchase through the link above or use my code JASMINEROZELLE I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
🍼 Little Sips for Little Hands: Tricky Cheeky Club
These anti leak bottles are a busy parent’s dream. They outperform big brands, with their advanced features, they look cute, and bonus! You can match with your mini. They have both small cups for kids, and mini silicone cups for toddlers and come in an array of gorgeous colours. I’ve replaced my S brand bottle with this one because I just love it so much more!
🛁 Bath Time Bliss:
Little Rose has our babies covered! Literally, in the best 100% (actually) natural baby skincare! Bath time is now a ritual. Gentle magnesium bath flakes, Calming magnesium baby balms, and natural teething remedy’s perfect for a restful sleep.
Saltd has the rest of the family covered with premium magnesium oil sprays that are pure peace in a bottle, relaxing bath flakes and luxe silk eye masks. These products have changed our evenings into what feels like a spa ritual that ends in the most restful sleep.
Use code LITTLEROSE10 for 10% off your first order at Little Rose.
🕯️ The vibe setter I never knew I needed: Sunday Culture
These are not your average soy candles, they’re mood magic in a jar (or, literally any fireproof vessel you choose!) The scents? Divine. The burn time? Long. The aesthetic? So dreamy. Every time I light one, it feels like I’m setting the tone for a slow, intentional moment (even if there’s chaos happening in the next room). They’ve become a little ritual for me whether I’m batching content, editing at night, or finally getting five minutes to myself after bedtime. Absolute soul soothers. And I’m pretty sure that’s why they’ve named themselves “Sunday Culture” because that’s literally the vibe I get every time I light one!
💗 Why Supporting Small NZ Brands Matters
Without UGC, I never would’ve discovered these incredible New Zealand boutique brands. And that’s honestly heartbreaking. Their passion, care, and quality deserve the spotlight.
Shopping small isn’t just about buying local, it’s about supporting real people, choosing intentional products, and valuing the story behind every piece.
I’ve lived with these products during the chaos of mum life, work life, and everything in between and I can tell you: they’re worth it.
If you’ve been curious about small NZ brands, let this be your sign. And just a hint, Christmas is only 6 months away. 😉
Which brings me to say… There were so many beautiful brands I wanted to include in this blog, but you’d be here all year reading a Harry Potter sized novel you never signed up for so instead, I’ve created a free Shop Local, Shop Small Christmas List! It’s packed with my favourite small business finds from across Aotearoa, all linked for easy online shopping.
Inside, you’ll discover gems like custom sized swimwear, beanies with interchangeable pom poms, luxe skincare, water tumblers, herbal remedies, hot chocolate bone broth, self warming eye masks, curated handmade jewellery, trendy durable phone cases and more, all intentional, meaningful, and made with love.
With glow, gratitude & so much love,
Jasmine Rozelle
xx