Five reasons to shop in Charles Street

This tiny Beacon Hill neighborhood still houses fusty antique shops, but several newcomers are turning one-way Charles Street into a destination for the young (under 40) and young-at-heart. It’s chock-full of tiny boutiques, where owners and their dogs are typically found on the premises. Better still, it lacks the mega chains (overlook Starbucks) and mega attitude of Newbury Street.

1.
The Beauty Mark
33 Charles St.
617-720-1555
If you need a little ankle-depuffing after all that walking around, stop by this sanctuary-esque cosmetics boutique and spa for a deluxe pedicure. The well-priced service ($45) includes a toe-to-knee relaxation massage with body butter, and nail buffing or polishing “to perfection.”
Featured in InStyle and Allure magazines, The Beauty Mark is the place to preen (and buy gift certificates for your best friends). Our favorite finds include eyelash extensions, lip plumpers and Kai perfume, made with white flowers-lily of the valley, magnolia, jasmine — and cucumber. Store shelves are lined with hard-to-find skincare and beauty products.

Owner Rebecca Primentel offers these best-gift recommendations: For the boyfriend or husband: a stocking full of Marvis dentifrice toothpaste or Tend Skin to prevent razor burn. For girlfriends, best friends and wives: eyelash extensions. “It’s fun and different,” says Primentel. For the nanny: “Something pampering” like a manicure/pedicure combo. For yourself: vitamin C serums from SkinCeuticals.