Off The Chain
by: Heather Bouzan
November 3, 2008

A guide to local independent beauty stores

Don’t get us wrong: we love browsing the seemingly infinite array of products at our local Sephora emporium (and, during tedious afternoons at the office, its virtual counterpart. It counts as research, no?). But as we filled our bathroom shelves with this essential beauty thingy and that must-have cosmetic doodad, we began to wonder if the love affair wasn’t blossoming at the expense of the little guy: the locally-owned, anti-big-business beauty shop. So we set off on a field trip of sorts, an exploration of the city’s retailers of pretty, from Hanover Street to Harvard Square.

The Beauty Mark (33 Charles Street, Boston, 617.720.1555). Just preppy enough for its Beacon Hill address, the Beauty Mark reminds us of that buttoned-up friend who’s always ready to let loose, drink cheap beer, and kiss cute boys after-hours. Thoughtful, consistent, and spirited, the boutique caters to serious beauty aficionados with a willingness to experiment.

Established: 2002; under current ownership since ’07.

Neighborhood: Beacon Hill.

In charge: owner Amy Chien Bailey, beauty-biz veteran and sometimes-model.

Claim to fame: the shop’s positioning as a “neighborhood beauty retreat” where locals can get honest opinions on what products will best serve their needs. Says Bailey: “I want [my clients] to leave the store feeling prettier.”

Key brands carried: SkinCeuticals, ModelCo, DuWop, Lipstick Queen, Kai Fragrance, Jimmy Jane Candles, Badass Hair.

Atmosphere: a sweet-smelling space that lures us in with new finds every time we pop by for a browse.

Key demographic: both ends of the spectrum, from those craving an updated new look but in need of some professional guidance to beauty-holics searching out cutting-edge, tough-to-acquire products that their friends won’t show up wearing, too.

Employee obsessions: Antioxidant Serum by SkinCeuticals, Julie Hewett’s Mineral Powder, DuWop’s Revolution Face tinted moisturizer.

Hidden gems: L’annine hand lotions, whose devotees include a group of male construction workers who’ve been known to stock up here; locally-based stylist Scott Fontana’s Badass Hair line.

Boyfriend-friendly: True Gentleman shaving products, all-over Ultimate Cleansing Cream by Badass Hair, Bumble + bumble’s Grooming Crème.

Hands-on: manis and pedis, spray tanning, lash extensions, makeup application, and eyebrow-shaping, plus Wednesday-night “Tips and Sips” makeup bag consultations and private “Powder Hour” parties.

Makeup must-have: ModelCo’s Lip Lights glosses with built-in mirror and light for easy application anywhere.

Hair necessity: Up all Night by Badass Hair for serious volume.

Skincare essential: SkinCeuticals’ Phloretin CF serum, which re-texturizes and renews skin while zapping age spots and hyper-pigmentation.

Key tool: any of Bailey’s selection of kabuki and bronzer brushes.

Coming up: Bailey has her eye on an organic bath-and-body line, and she’s considering adding facials to her repertoire.

Overall: personalized attention and a well-edited selection of product that’s not overwhelming.