• Sephora

  1500 Broadway, 212-944-6789

  We’ve had it in the city for half a decade now, but this French chain is still the most satisfying place to sate your makeup cravings. There’s the excellent selection of brands, from high end (Givenchy, Dior, Nars) to cheap and cheerful (LipFusion, Dessert Beauty, Urban Decay). There’s the clean, clutter-free presentation of the products. And there’s the sample-at-your-leisure option, plus the ample supply of tissues, cleanser, and alcohol to clean the testing stripes off the back of your hand. The service can be nonexistent or even hostile, but at least they don’t try to spritz you with the latest blockbuster fragrance against your will.

From the 2006 Best of New York issue of New York Magazine