Best of Boston

Don’t fret the closure of Shu Uemura’s beloved Newbury Street boutique (our former fave). Just head for A Matter of Face in the North End. Unlike some bigger cosmetics chains—where selection is vast, but service is often lacking—owner and makeup artist Paula Tierney is hands-on, helping shoppers choose colors and formulations from a stellar lineup of hard-to-find brands like Julie Hewett and Paula Dorf. Consultations on skin health by experts from Darphin, Caudalie, and others will help you maintain a smooth complexion—the perfect canvas for those playful cosmetics.