Best of Boston

2006 Best Makeup

Beauty and Main

With their baffling variety and often-condescending staff, department-store makeup counters can intimidate the bravest shoppers. Skip the drama and visit Beauty and Main, where there’s nary a frantic perfume spritzer or overeager eye shadower in sight. The sales clerks at the local chain’s Harvard Square location will patiently steer you toward skin type-appropriate selections from upscale lines like Nars, Fresh, and Laura Mercier; also available are shaving oils, manicure tools, and body washes. We always knew it was possible: a cosmetics shop that has everything but attitude.

92 Derby St., Hingham, 781-740-1922, beautyandmain.com