Steph C.
Yelp
A few things have changed since I wrote my first review of Larchmont Beauty Center in 2010. I'm thirty-two, and have both more interest and more money to blow on fanciful beauty products than I did at twenty-four. I also live in the neighborhood now, and have a lot of love for the local businesses. I know I benefit from the charm and convenience of this brick and mortar shop. Which is all to say I'm sorry I was a brat and said that hair detangler was cheaper on Amazon! I don't even buy beauty products on Amazon! Please forgive me.
I actually don't like all the cosmetics stores that have popped up on Larchmont over the years--I know there are zoning issues here, but instead of a million beauty/candle/juice shops, can we get one fucking bar?--but Larchmont Beauty Center is wonderful, an institution with an enormous selection and a knowledgeable, friendly staff. I don't buy a ton of beauty stuff, but I've come in a handful of times over the last couple of years, and have had consistently good experiences.
The store is sizable, but it's a lot smaller than a Sephora or the cosmetics section of a department store. I guess that means there must be less product selection, but honestly, I haven't noticed. This place has everything, and it's a lot easier to navigate than a jam-packed Sephora, or a department store where there are separate representatives for every brand. The people here are super nice. I've gotten great help on a couple occasions, from a man who knows way more than I do about cosmetics. He pointed me in the direction of a great eyeliner and a long-lasting make-up sponge. He also helped me pick out a Christmas gift for my brother's girlfriend, highlighting some cult hit beauty products. Check-out is easy--the service is warm, and everything gets packaged nicely.
I hang out on Larchmont a good amount now, and I think my beauty strategy from now on will be to walk into Larchmont Beauty Center on occasion looking mildly confused. They always have whatever I'm looking for, as well as mysterious, marvelous products I never knew I needed.