As a huge fan of all things beauty, I simply adore the fact that Boston is home to a handful of fantastic beauty stores. I could literally spend an afternoon exploring new products at one of these local spots.
I personally love the high level of customer service a smaller beauty boutique offers its shoppers. For someone like me, who always has a million questions, it’s always refreshing to find that the associates have all the answers and more.
In a world filled with online beauty retailers and big box shops, I prefer to visit these gems for my skincare and make-up needs. If you live in Boston or are just visiting, and haven’t yet checked out these beauty stores, I highly recommend a visit!
The A-Lyst for Discovering Boston’s Beauty Shops
I’ve been a fan of this healthy beauty store since it opened its first location in Boston’s South End back in 2013. In fact, I actually credit the knowledgeable Follain staff for educating me about the harmful ingredients that are commonly found in skincare products. I love that I can walk into this bright, sunny shop and know that everything they sell is not only well-curated, but safe for me to use. My absolute favorite purchase from Follain is my refillable soap container, which I previously recommended here as an awesome gift; however, I have many must-haves! Don’t miss the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser, Tata Harper Restorative Eye Cream, Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator, and Organic Bath Co. Java Jolt Scrub. Even though they have several locations, every time I walk into my local Follain, it continues to feel like a warm and welcoming neighborhood shop. That, along with their AMAZING product selection, is what keeps me coming back again and again! 53 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA 02116
This is a one-stop-shop for all your health, wellness, and natural beauty needs. Established in the 1970s and a staple in Porter Square, Cambridge Naturals was truly ahead of the curve with its early adoption of the healthy beauty and organic product movement. Over the years, I’ve bought everything from salt lamps to vitamins there, but one of my favorite reasons to visit the shop is to check out their make-up, haircare, and skincare department. On my current must-have list are hair staples from Carina Organics (they have lavender shampoo & conditioner!), and Evan Healy’s super hydrating sheer tint sun stick for lips. 23 White Street, Cambridge, MA 02140
Did you know that the Origins store in Harvard Square was the brand’s first free-standing brick & mortar? Anytime I’m on that side of the river, I stop into the shop to replenish one of my favorite eye creams, the GinZeng Refreshing Eye Cream (it does an awesome job at brightening after a late night!). I also love testing out blushes and lipsticks from Origins’ full make-up line. For many years, I faithfully used the Lash Loving Mascara, which I would also recommend sampling the next time you are in Harvard Square. 6 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Benefit Cosmetics Boutique & Brow Bar
I’m sure you’re familiar with Benefit cosmetics from seeing them at major departments and beauty retailers, but the brand’s Beacon Hill location, situated on a charming corner of Charles Street, is my favorite way to shop their products. Not only will you swoon over the store’s ultra-feminine pink interior, but I am confident you’ll fall in love with a few of their staple products (Posietint Cheek & Lip Stain and High Beam have been a go-to in my make-up bag for years). Better yet, this Benefit shop also offers an on-site brow bar for all your waxing and threading needs. A one-stop beauty shop! 33 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02108
Outfit Details:
Top: J.Crew Gingham Tie-Neck Shirt with Ruffles
Jeans: Joe’s Icon Cropped Skinny Jeans in Kidd
Lipstick: Lancome Color Design Lipstick in Intense Fuschia
Nail Polish: Essie A-List
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Black Leather Pointed Toe Pump (old; similar here)