Color
When that drugstore box leads to "Pumpkin Streaks" instead of "Amber Glow," know that you can put your trust in the color experts at Sassoon Salon (399 Boylston Street, Boston, (617.536.5496). It doesn't hurt that the Boston outpost's spacious new digs are home to the brand's East Coast Regional Color Director, Richie Rivera, either.
Brows
In moments of severe brow distress, we've done well to duck into the cosmetics area at Macy's (450 Washington Street, Boston, 617.357.3000), of all places, finding solace at the Benefit Brow Bar. Staffed with brow techs who know their way around a strip of wax and a pair of tweezers, this spot is a place where appointments come easy, prices are reasonable, and results are solid. Plus, the counter's arsenal of cheekily packaged product means that an array of pencils, powders, and other cosmetic fix-its are at your disposal.
Bangs
Rainy day projects should never, ever include you, your hair, and a pair of scissors (or a ShamWow,
for that matter). But if you do happen to let your creativity run wild and need a quick fix, book an appointment immediately with Jana Rago at Salon Àcôté (132 Newbury Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, 617.262.5111). She's known to find a way to squeeze you into her crazy schedule and is a whiz at working with hair crises, including those involving bangs. As for bedazzling your favorite jean jacket and painting your bedroom neon green, we can't really help you there, creative genius.
Makeup
Liquid eyeliner? Easy peasy. False eyelashes? Piece of cake! Oh please. Don't let those do-it-yourself YouTube videos inspire a false sense of expert talent when you're getting ready for your next black-tie event. If you've already taken the smoky-eye look to a frightening new level and you don't know how to even begin to fix it, pop into Fresh (121 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.421.1212). Store manager Ulana Nosal or makeup artist Jeannie Vincent (our personal favorites) will wash your beauty sins away and give you a natural, dewy glow that says "Makeup, what makeup? I always look this fabulous." Ah, that's more like it.
Pedicure
It may cost nearly nothing to slap paint on your own toes, but leave the major cuticle surgery to the pros. The Specialty Pedicure ($90) at Melt Spa (172 Newbury Street, 617.262.1116) includes a long soak in seasonal scented oils followed by a scrub, mask, and blissful massage for your overworked arches. Sure, it's a splurge, but Melt's nail techs can repair any of the damage caused while you earnestly stabbed your poor toesies with manicure scissors. And after that otherworldly oil rub, your feet will thank you for hiring a professional.
