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A Matter of Face
Category: Beauty and Spas Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Shopping Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Cosmetics & Beauty Supply [Edit]
425 Hanover St(between Battery St & Charter St)
Boston, MA 02113
Neighborhood: North End
(617) 742-5874
- Nearest Transit:
-
Commercial St @ Battery St (4)
Commercial St. @ Hanover St. (4)
Commercial St @ Fleet St (4)
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 11 am - 6 pm
Fri 11 am - 7 pm
Sat 10:30 am - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
20 reviews for A Matter of Face
20 reviews in English
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Review from Yelper O.
Boston, MA
4/5/2012
I purchased a buy with me voucher and am glad I did....I really, really, really like A Matter of Face. I used to always wear make-up and am not sure when I started getting so lazy and going without, I knew I needed a pick-me-up and to start wearing makeup again....A Matter of Face was the jumpstart my batteries needed! From the time I purchased the voucher, I waited almost a year before I called & made my appointment (before my voucher almost expired) and apparently so did many other people! Paula was so gracious and polite in scheduling all us last-minute folks and booking appointments well beyond the voucher expiration date if she had to. I wonder what her accountant must think because all the time-slots must have gotten filled up with the people using their vouchers before they expired and balancing that with the regular appointments, not fun I bet!
I was running late for my appointment and called ahead to let them know...Paula accomodated me and even though I was all frantic when I walked in 15 minutes late yet all my stress melted away when I sat in the chair for my appointment and from Paula's warm & friendly manner. I had a makeup lesson/application and walked out feeling great and like a million bucks. I love the darphin cream/moisturizer she introduced me to, I love the lip slip lip balm, I love the lip exfoliator and the makeup I bought and now use. Makeup, I'm back!!! -
Review from AnneMarie M.
Roxbury, MA
4/23/2011
Let me preface this by saying I've been doing my own makeup and others' for years and years. So, my standards are pretty high. Maybe impossibly high. I have never liked the way anyone else has done my makeup, but I decided to take a chance with the Buy With Me voucher. My friend and I went to try it out.
I was looking for something different. And after, I definitely looked different. The eye makeup was way too much for my face, and made my eyes look tiny. The dark extended from my crease to my eyebrow and even in my inner eye. Almost like a super intense smokey eye. I am warm colored, but the eye and face makeup used was cool. I looked sickly, and from far away like I had been punched in both eyes. Even my friend, who is usually positive and looking for the best, thought I looked awful. She was underwhelmed with her results too, and she'd gone to learn makeup application tips.
The owner was gracious enough to redo my makeup. Both women were so sweet to myself and my friend. I tried to find things to purchase after, but I have more color assortment in my own personal makeup drawer than I found in the store. I'm sure this is a wonderful place for weddings... I feel bad writing this review because of how lovely they treated us, but I just felt underwhelmed and ugly looking at myself when it was over, which is the last thing you want after you've gotten your makeup done. My friend and I both went home and washed our faces.
My only tip is to just be very specific with what you want. I said do whatever. And I got whatever. -
Review from Amanda D.
Marlborough, MA
4/3/2011
I had a Buy with Me coupon for a 60 makeup lesson/ application session and I have to say that I really enjoyed my experience. I was late because I could not find parking ANYWHERE (this is why I took a star away. The location is cool but also not exactly easily accessible to those who live outside the city) but Paula, the owner, was more than gracious about my tardiness.
I had a great consultation with Paula, got some great makeup tips and some new makeup brushes for a deal.
One thing to make note of is that they do not accept tips on your credit card, cash only which left me a bit surprised and embarrassed that I didn't have $ for a gratuity. -
Review from Erin H.
Brookline, MA
11/13/2011
I had a terrible experience and I will NEVER return.
I wanted to give this neighborhood venue a chance. Like many others, I purchased the make-up lesson. My experience during the make-up session was wonderful. Paula was friendly and accommodating. Since I had a lovely afternoon I decided to purchase $150+ of make-up. Many of the products I chose were out of stock. Paula explained she had a bridal party earlier that week and she was running low. No problem. I asked her to send me the merchandise via UPS. I was told one week. I paid for the products in full and left happy....
One week went by, nothing. Two weeks...three weeks. Finally I called the store, left a voice mail. One week...I called back, I called back again. Nothing....Finally after three weeks of calling, I spoke to Paula. She hadn't sent the make-up yet (6 weeks had passed!).
In the end, I never received the merchandise via mail. I had to physically go to the store; only then did she give me two of the five items she owed me. She promised to call/send me the other three items once she had them in stock. I asked for a refund for the remaining products and she declined. I have yet to see these promised items...it has been eight+ months. I spent $90 on makeup I never received. At this point I wasted enough time and money with Paula, it's not worth it.
I will never return. Paula is a lovely person, but she doesn't know how to run a business.Comment from Paula T. of A Matter of Face 11/15/2011
Dear Erin, I am so sorry for your experience. I do realize… More » -
Review from B.Kiddo K.
Boston, MA
1/12/2011
I would give this place a solid two stars. I went here a few times. Positives: huge makeup selection, huge variety. Negatives; the staff(owner), I don't find them very cool at all. Maybe it is just me but I asked a few other people before posting. Although she is helpful with the products it is sort of like pulling teeth if you aren't sure what is what. I really have not much make up knowledge so I needed some advice. basically, in a word I would say insincere. and that pretty much sums it up.
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Review from Ima B.
Jamaica Plain, MA
11/2/2010
Paula is awesome. My friends and I used a coupon for the "girls night out" make over event. She was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and fun. She has a no-pressure sales style and listens carefully to what you are looking for. Her passion for great skincare and make-up is very evident! Store is a lot more manageable and easy to deal with than Sephora's or other large chains.
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Review from Sue T.
Brighton, MA
4/17/2011
I had a really good experience at A Matter of Face. I'm a 35 year old woman who doesn't wear much make up and was looking for a make over a la Carmindy of "What Not to Wear".
I purchased a Buy with Me coupon for $25 that included a make up lesson/application, plus 50% off up to $100 worth of products. The owner Paula and the woman who did my make over (Kim, I think) were very sweet and personable. I was happy with the products and colors that were chosen for me and I was shown both day and night looks.
I ended up buying five products and am looking forward to using them and having a new, more polished look. The products are pretty expensive. I'm giving it four dollar signs because the retail price of what I purchased was about $145 (foundation, blush, blush powder, and two eye shadows).
Overall a great experience and I will likely be back to for an occasional splurge on a high-end product. -
Review from Debra L.
1/28/2008 ROTD 3/19/2008
I am so glad this place wasn't there when I lived in the North End or I would have been broke. I went on Saturday morning and they were doing complimentary mini-facials and make-up application. The owner, Paula is a sweetheart. She offered to go across the street and get everyone water & coffee etc. And get this, I checked my email today and I had a "thank you" email from her. It wasn't a form letter either -it was personalized and referenced things we talked about.
The facial was amazing. There was a rep. there from French skin care line Darphin (which refers to itself as "couture" skin care). Damn, if my skin didn't look and feel gorgeous after. It should have though - the prices are couture too at $55 for facial cleanser. I wanted to buy everything he put on my face but I limited myself to 2 items (this time).
The makeup application was a real treat too. She used Paula Dorf cosmetics (which I admit, I had never heard of) and took her time teaching me about application and explaining the reasons why she was doing what she was doing. The best part is, it looked really natural and I did not look like The Joker (R.I.P. Heath) when she was finished, unlike my last visit to the Chanel counter. I left there with quite a few new make-up items that I didn't need but had to have!
This is a place I can see myself visiting frequently. They have great men's products too. Lots of items from 'The Art of Shaving" and all kinds of products for any metro man. Ladies, it's a great idea to bring a little something home for your fiance' so you won't feel as guilty about blowing a bunch of money on beauty products. Money that's supposed to be part of your wedding & honeymoon budget. But come on, a girl's gotta look good!Listed in: The Old Neighborhood, Born to Shop, Me Look Pretty One Day
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Review from Caspad R.
Canton, MA
2/23/2011
This store is an absolute gem. Paula, the owner, is a sweetheart. So personable and engaging. She really focuses on customer service. She sends a personal thank you email after we visit her store. You don't get that type of attention at the department stores.
Living in the suburbs, we make a special trip to go into Boston to shop at A Matter of Face. It's worth the drive and the parking!! This shop is the only place I shop for makeup now. I was so tired of the awful makeup suggestions at the big cosmetic store counters and being ignored by the glam girls working at Sephora. I'll definitely keep making the trip to Boston to see Paula for makeup. -
Review from Nancy C.
Cambridge, MA
10/23/2007
A Matter of Face is a jewel to have in the North End. Located on Hanover Street near Salutation and Charter Streets. Everytime I go into the store I leave a better person! The makeup lines that are carried in this store are unique, they can only be found at Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdale's. Who wants to leave the city when everything you need is right down the street? Enjoy your experience.
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Review from Kimberley T.
Burlington, MA
9/11/2011
I had a Boston Deals coupon for a $25 personal makeup application and lesson. The owner Paula could not have been nicer and made me feel very comfortable. I was very happy with the colors that she chose for my eyes and she was very accommodating when I said I wasn't comfortable with the lip color or gloss that she selected. I definitely will be going back.
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Review from Tara P.
Sharon, MA
8/6/2011
i went to a matter of face for a makeup lesson with a coupon that i had gotten from buy with me. paula was great! i was looking for makeup ideas for my upcoming wedding and she picked out wonderful colors and adjusted things to my taste. i felt comfortable in her very capable hands and i really liked the products she carried. i would definitely go back again!
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Review from Jenna H.
5/5/2009
I stopped in here looking for a new face cream. I found the store to have great customer service and products. The lady that I worked with was honest and did not come off too salesish. I was very happy with my experience here and look forward to going back.
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Review from ChianWen T.
Boston, MA
5/31/2010
Paula is very sweet and helpful. The store is really small but there is definitely a neighborhood feel about this place. Plus I like supporting independent stores.
Paula herself looks beautiful and put-together. Her make-up is impeccable, very fitting and classy on her. I wonder if she's had less experience working on "ethnic" eyes. Definitely do not love the eye make-up demonstration on me thus the minus 1 star. I do appreciate that she took the time to give me a little make-over which really cheered me up even though I didn't spend much money. -
Review from Janine A.
Jamaica Plain, MA
5/17/2010
This is a small boutique where you get personal attention. I've experienced feeling overwhelmed at make up counters or being given bad advice by some young girl who's recommending night time make up for day. Paula was very helpful, didn't push me to buy, gave me tons of samples, and didn't make me feel dumb for not knowing all about the lines carried in the store. I'm going back for a free facial in June!
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Review from Alessandra H.
Quincy, MA
4/9/2010
Paula is super helpful and what a great boutique opposed to going to a dept store!! Love the personal attention
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Review from Caitlin H.
Lexington, MA
7/9/2009
Wish i lived closer!
I was living around the corner when A Matter of Face first opened, what a lucky find! Though, I can no longer spontaneously swing in when I am in need for face products or when in the mood for a mini-splurge, or a new lip gloss color with each new season, I am able to continue to rely on Paula for consultation regarding skin care products, and fun new make-up ideas. I have continued to be a customer from afar and have been so very pleased! Paula is able to decipher my concerns, ideas and wishes from email or phone and always finds the perfect product! She has great insight and knowledge of her products and takes the time to personalize selections for each customer, all done with a warm, genuine smile.
I LOVE the Julie Hewitt lip balm, moisturizing, with the perfect amount of shimmer, without any stickiness!
Already anticipating my next visit to the North End, A Matter of Face will definitely be a stop! -
Review from Donna B.
Boston, MA
2/24/2011
The store is small but packed full of high end skin care and make-up lines you can't fins most places. There is also a line that is great but very reasonably priced. The owner, Paula is a sweetheart - very knowledgable, patient, and friendly. She really goes out of her way to please & to make your experience fun and luxurious.
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Review from Christine P.
North Andover, MA
10/28/2009
Paula did the makeup for my wedding in June 2009. She was absolutely wonderful to work with and made my mom and I look stunning! Her prices were very reasonable too. We did the trial in the shop a month or so before the wedding and on my wedding day she came to the Back Bay and did our makeup in the bridal suite. The best part was the makeup was very classy and lasted all night. It was a pleasure to have her around that day and she was another proud woman in the room with us. If you are getting married in the Boston area you should definitely go in and speak with Paula.
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Review from Catherine P.
Bedford, MA
9/29/2010
Had a "girls night out" type even with mini facials and make overs. LOVED IT! We had so much fun, and the owner was awesome and so helpful and knowledgeable. Would definitely go back for my skin care and make up needs, and recommend that all ladies grab their girlfriends and head to Matter of Face!
