clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Boston's 38 Essential Spots to Shop All Things Beauty

By Susie Kostaras
View as Map
By Susie Kostaras

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Boston boasts a bounty of beauty resources at your soon-to-be-manicured fingertips that extends beyond the department store counter (though we're good in that category too). Multi-brand national retailers and freestanding boutiques from popular prestige brands make it easy to grab whatever product your favorite blogger is recommending—while independent shops offer a complementary assortment of small batch beauty goods, often do-gooding products that are chemical-free or all natural. Stay up on your cosmetics, haircare, and ever-crucial skincare at these 38 stores and salons—we even included spots for men's grooming needs.

Our map is in no particular ranked order; rather it's organized from North to South. Feel free to send feedback: boston@racked.com.


Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

ULTA Beauty

Copy Link
Ulta is a suburban hybrid of both ends of the spectrum: drugstore through prestige. You'll find plenty of nail color, hair tools, a fragrance bar, and in-store salon services that won't break the bank but still perform.
15 Mystic View Road, Everett, MA 02149
(617) 381-0040
(617) 381-0040

Sally Beauty Supply

Copy Link
Sally Beauty Supply is by no means the glitzy, glamorous beauty boutique you'd expect from the Back Bay, but it has all the fixings you need for an at-home salon experience, from mani/pedis to hair removal and hair styling at an affordable price point. [Photo]
14 McGrath Highway, Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 625-5400
(617) 625-5400

A Matter of Face

Copy Link
Owner Paula Tierney founded this, one of Boston's few independent skincare and cosmetic boutiques, in 2007 and hasn't stopped applying makeup since. The small store has been awarded multiple "Best of Boston" titles and stocks Bliss, Paula Dorf, Peter Thomas Roth, and Clarisonic. [Photo]
425 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-5874
(617) 742-5874

OFFICINA 189

Copy Link
Forget Chanel No. 5 and Marc Jacobs Daisy. If you're looking for a fragrance that nobody else in your office will be wearing, head to Officina 189. Italian scents from My Inner Island, Nobile 1942, and Acqua Dell'Elba truly stand out and can only be found here. [Photo by Flagship Photo]
189 North Street, Boston, MA 02113
(857) 233-4300
(857) 233-4300

Walgreens

Copy Link
Sure, the opening of this mega-drugstore in the middle of Downtown Crossing was somewhat controversial last year—but truth be told, its beauty department really is above and beyond your typical Walgreens. Hard to find brands like Boots No. 7, Nuxe, and The Balm sit alongside usual suspects like OPI, Essie, and L'Oreal. [Photo]
24 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 372-8156
(617) 372-8156

The Beauty Mark

Copy Link
This souped up cosmetics boutique stocks selected merchandise from brands including Kai and Lipstick Queen, but its true mark on Beacon Hill is the service menu. Best known for eyelash extensions, the beauty destination offers makeup applications and basic nail services as well. [Photo]
33 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 720-1555
(617) 720-1555

Trephin Salon

Copy Link
Trephin is off the beaten path of salon-filled Newbury Street, with an award-winning Downtown Crossing studio. The somewhat edgy salon promotes Australian lines like Evo and Kevin Murphy, both of which are paraben- and sulfate-free to keep your hair in good shape. [Photo]
25 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111
(857) 233-2363
(857) 233-2363

Louis

Copy Link
Luxury retailer Louis likes to refer to its beauty department as an apothecary, selling Kur by Londontown nail care, Bond No. 9 New York-themed perfumes, and Jenny Patinkin brushes. [Photo by Flagship Photo]
60 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 262-6100
(617) 262-6100

Chanel

Copy Link
Housed in a corner of the new, opulent Chanel boutique is the luxury house's beauty department. The current season's color cosmetics are proudly on view, along with a display highlighting the company's iconic fragrances. It's a great excuse to scope out the space. [Photo]
5 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 859-0055
(617) 859-0055

Julie Michaud Prettyology

Copy Link
Dubbed a high tech "beauty lab," Prettyology is the brainchild of award-winning brow, makeup, and micropigmentation expert Julie Michaud. Stop in for a grab-and-go pick of SkinCeuticals, NuFace Intraceuticals, and her own Prettyology cosmetics line. [Photo courtesy of Prettyology]
18 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 262-1607
(617) 262-1607

Bella Sante

Copy Link
While Bella Sante is primarily an award-winning spa, it also provides an edited selection of at-home products that complement its service menu. Find Carita Diamond Cream, Decleor serums, Phytomer skincare, and more. [Photo]
38 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 424-9930
(617) 424-9930

Jeffrey

Copy Link
Jeffrey Dauksevich is quite an elusive hairstylist, often pegged as Boston's most expensive haircut, and founder of the revered now-closed salon Umi. With his newer salon, JEFFREY, he has revived his product line (its formulas have been in demand as far as Europe), which includes a popular texturizing and dry shampoo powder. [Photo courtesy of JEFFREY Boston]
75 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 247-0770
(617) 247-0770

Marc Jacobs

Copy Link
Marc Jacobs caused quite a stir last year when he launched a beauty line, and lucky for us, we're able to shop it right on Newbury Street. [Photo]
81 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 425-0404
(617) 425-0404

Drybar

Copy Link
Sure, Drybar is known for its actual blowouts, but it also sells all the equipment and styling products necessary to recreate and upkeep the look at home. [Photo]
234 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 449-7287
(617) 449-7287

Kiehl's

Copy Link
Kiehl's has something for every customer at a wallet-pleasing price point, with unisex packaging and no-fuss formulas. Best sellers include its Creme de Corps, Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, and moisturizing alcohol-free toners. [Photo]
112 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 247-1777
(617) 247-1777

M.A.C.

Copy Link
M.A.C. is an undeniable mac-daddy of the cosmetics world, with legendary Viva Glam red lipsticks to assist its AIDS Fund, vibrantly pigmented colors, a variety of concealers, and photo-ready mineral powders. [Photo]
112 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-0013
(617) 267-0013

Marc Harris

Copy Link
The retail component of Salon Marc Harris is the typical arrangement of Bumble and bumble, Kerastase, and Oribe—but what's new on its shelves is Australian line Kevin Murphy. The professional quality products are paraben- and sulfate-free, using natural ingredients and recyclable packaging. [Photo]
115 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 262-2222
(617) 262-2222

Fresh

Copy Link
Fresh, maker of the ever popular "Sugar" line of body polishes and lip balms, has its roots in Boston. Head to the store for a walkthrough on the brand's latest and greatest skincare innovations. [Photo]
121 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 421-1212
(617) 421-1212

The Art of Shaving

Copy Link
The Art of Shaving is dedicated to exactly that: men's hair. Shaving creams, brushes, razors, and kits mixing them all are available for guys to stay smooth. Alternately, its Barber Spa can do the work for you with a full cut and shave menu. [Photo]
139 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(857) 239-7261
(857) 239-7261

Ball and Buck

Copy Link
Ball and Buck may have built a reputation on hard-wearing, US-made men's apparel and equipment, but it also is home to a curated selection of Malin + Goetz, Baxter of California, and Ursa Major skincare and grooming products. Plus, don't forget its in-store barbershop. [Photo by Flagship Photo]
144 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 262-1776
(617) 262-1776

Benefit Cosmetics

Copy Link
Cheekily-named, high performing cosmetics are the primary reason to stop in to Benefit. Drenched in a signature pink, white, and black floral wallpaper the store also contains a brow bar, an airbrush tanning room, and a couple full-body waxing rooms.
156 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 830-7110
(617) 830-7110

Bluemercury

Copy Link
DC-based beauty retailer Bluemercury focuses on spa-grade products and services. Prominent cosmetic lines Bobbi Brown, Trish McEvoy, and Nars add color to the space, while a nail wall showcasing mostly Deborah Lippmann polishes entices you to experiment. [Photo by Flagship Photo]
160 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 424-0004
(617) 424-0004

Aesop

Copy Link
Aesop is an Australian skin, body, and haircare line based on the premise of botanical ingredients married with super science for high impact concoctions to soothe every skin ailment and environmental woe. Helpful staff will help you sample the goods at its centerpiece sink. [Photo]
172 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(212) 899-3450
(212) 899-3450

Lush

Copy Link
Lush may be known for its bath bombs, but it makes pretty much every bath product you would need by hand: dry shampoos, just-add-water scrubs, color cosmetics, and limited edition fragrances. [Photo]
166 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 375-5874
(617) 375-5874

Kryolan

Copy Link
This international brand has 65 years of experience behind its professional-grade cosmetics. The Berlin-based company has equipped the entertainment business for decades—meaning their goods hold up against your iPhone's camera flash. [Photo]
31 Saint James Avenue, Boston, MA 02116
(857) 991-1115
(857) 991-1115

Camille Albane Paris

Copy Link
Camille Albane delivers an essentially French salon experience for one-stop beautifying. Get a razor cut and receive a Pigma custom color shampoo, pore over its private cosmetics line (with a new palette coming out seasonally), and enjoy the Essie nail bar on the garden level. [Photo courtesy of Camille Albane]
252 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 379-3220
(617) 379-3220

Sephora

Copy Link
It may be obvious, but it also wouldn't be a beauty guide without the omnipotent Sephora. A temple to all things pretty, the international leader showcases color cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, nail care, and its own private line in this sizable, conveniently located space. [Photo]
800 Boylston Street, The Shops at the Prudential Center, Boston, MA 02199
(617) 262-4200
(617) 262-4200

Oro Gold

Copy Link
As its name suggests, Oro Gold is a skincare line employing the powers of gold (in addition to other high end ingredients like caviar). Evidently, where there is a skin concern (neck care, oil-control, face masks), gold is part of the solution. [Photo]
100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-0007
(617) 236-0007

Saks Fifth Avenue

Copy Link
No surprises here: The Saks beauty counter experience is top notch for your major prestige brand needs. Estee Lauder, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Shiseido—it's there. [Photo by Flagship Photo]
800 Boylston Street, The Shops at the Prudential Center, Boston, MA 02199
(617) 262-8500
(617) 262-8500

L'Occitane

Copy Link
Mall-regular L'Occitane is centrally located at the Prudential Center, with plenty of its cult favorite collections using ingredients like shea butter, almond, and Immortelle. [Photo]
800 Boylston Street, The Shops at the Prudential Center, Boston, MA 02199
(617) 536-4289
(617) 536-4289

Neiman Marcus

Copy Link
Neiman Marcus is your typical department store experience, with counters touting La Prarie, Tom Ford, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, and more. [Photo]
5 Copley Place, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-3660
(617) 536-3660

Barneys New York

Copy Link
Into obscure fancy beauty products? Barneys is your spot. Come here for prestige inventory including $220 Byredo parfums, over a dozen creams above $500, and $75 refillable lipstick from Serge Lutens. [Photo by Flagship Photo]
100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 2116
(617) 385-3300
(617) 385-3300

Also featured in:

Follain

Copy Link
This newcomer has caught nationwide attention for its blend of American-made, all natural beauty inventory. Pick up some regionally sourced castile soap, Gwyneth Paltrow-approved skincare, Rahua natural shampoo, beeswax lip balm, and chemical-free cosmetics—owner Tara Foley will happily walk you through each product. [Photo by Flagship Photo]
53 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA 02116
(857) 284-7078
(857) 284-7078

Sault

Copy Link
Sault isn't the first place that comes to mind for guys' grooming, but it is equipped to clean him up nice. Find Simply Great beard oils and suds (of the washing kind) from The Beer Soap Co. [Photo by Flagship Photo]
577 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118
(857) 239-9434
(857) 239-9434

Skoah Boston

Copy Link
Skoah combines both in-spa facials and at-home skincare to round out its "personal training for your skin" regimen. Stop in the sunny South End outpost for easy take-home elixirs. [Photo]
641A Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118
(857) 350-4930
(857) 350-4930

Sarra

Copy Link
Sarra, a Southie-based cosmetic studio known primarily for its brow services, also sells an in-house makeup line. [Photo courtesy of Sarra]
840 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02127
(617) 269-8999
(617) 269-8999

Be Styled

Copy Link
This homegrown blow dry bar chain is a breezy approach to the concept from one of Boston's veteran salon teams, SalonCapri. You'll find mostly L'Oréal Professionnel products and makeup from Too Faced on its shelves. [Photo courtesy of Be Styled]
49 Boylston Street, The Street Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 734-4000
(617) 734-4000

Caramelo Clothing Company

Copy Link
Finally, while not a men's skincare destination per se, Caramelo does keep men's grooming goods on its shelves, including Brooklyn Grooming beard oils and mustache wax, as well as Sallye Ander soaps.[Photo by Flagship Photo]
606 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 942-8127
(617) 942-8127
© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

ULTA Beauty

15 Mystic View Road, Everett, MA 02149
Ulta is a suburban hybrid of both ends of the spectrum: drugstore through prestige. You'll find plenty of nail color, hair tools, a fragrance bar, and in-store salon services that won't break the bank but still perform.
15 Mystic View Road, Everett, MA 02149
(617) 381-0040
(617) 381-0040

Sally Beauty Supply

14 McGrath Highway, Somerville, MA 02143
Sally Beauty Supply is by no means the glitzy, glamorous beauty boutique you'd expect from the Back Bay, but it has all the fixings you need for an at-home salon experience, from mani/pedis to hair removal and hair styling at an affordable price point. [Photo]
14 McGrath Highway, Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 625-5400
(617) 625-5400

A Matter of Face

425 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113
Owner Paula Tierney founded this, one of Boston's few independent skincare and cosmetic boutiques, in 2007 and hasn't stopped applying makeup since. The small store has been awarded multiple "Best of Boston" titles and stocks Bliss, Paula Dorf, Peter Thomas Roth, and Clarisonic. [Photo]
425 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-5874
(617) 742-5874

OFFICINA 189

189 North Street, Boston, MA 02113
Forget Chanel No. 5 and Marc Jacobs Daisy. If you're looking for a fragrance that nobody else in your office will be wearing, head to Officina 189. Italian scents from My Inner Island, Nobile 1942, and Acqua Dell'Elba truly stand out and can only be found here. [Photo by Flagship Photo]
189 North Street, Boston, MA 02113
(857) 233-4300
(857) 233-4300

Walgreens

24 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
Sure, the opening of this mega-drugstore in the middle of Downtown Crossing was somewhat controversial last year—but truth be told, its beauty department really is above and beyond your typical Walgreens. Hard to find brands like Boots No. 7, Nuxe, and The Balm sit alongside usual suspects like OPI, Essie, and L'Oreal. [Photo]
24 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 372-8156
(617) 372-8156

The Beauty Mark

33 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
This souped up cosmetics boutique stocks selected merchandise from brands including Kai and Lipstick Queen, but its true mark on Beacon Hill is the service menu. Best known for eyelash extensions, the beauty destination offers makeup applications and basic nail services as well. [Photo]
33 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 720-1555
(617) 720-1555

Trephin Salon

25 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111
Trephin is off the beaten path of salon-filled Newbury Street, with an award-winning Downtown Crossing studio. The somewhat edgy salon promotes Australian lines like Evo and Kevin Murphy, both of which are paraben- and sulfate-free to keep your hair in good shape. [Photo]
25 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111
(857) 233-2363
(857) 233-2363

Louis

60 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02110
Luxury retailer Louis likes to refer to its beauty department as an apothecary, selling Kur by Londontown nail care, Bond No. 9 New York-themed perfumes, and Jenny Patinkin brushes. [Photo by Flagship Photo]
60 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 262-6100
(617) 262-6100

Chanel

5 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
Housed in a corner of the new, opulent Chanel boutique is the luxury house's beauty department. The current season's color cosmetics are proudly on view, along with a display highlighting the company's iconic fragrances. It's a great excuse to scope out the space. [Photo]