Boutique Beauty Spot

Arch Apothecary

Outside of the frenetic, perpetually-crammed department store counters, Chicagoans have had little in the way of luxe skincare and makeup products and services - until now, that is. What a relief then that Arch Apothecary has opened its doors in the former Chicago Blooms space on Wells Street. Offering a full range of ‘counter’ services and stocking a selection of high-end product lines, Arch Apothecary has taken what was once a traumatising exercise in public exposure and humiliation, and repackaged it as a pretty, personalised and far more enjoyable boutique experience.

The first difference you’ll notice upon arrival is the warm, inviting space owners Betsy Branca and Lindy Goodrich have created, boasting salvaged barn-wood floors, chandeliers, and clean white and wooden therapy stations. Secondly, you’ll spy the range of both established and under-the-radar makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance, men’s shaving and home products, including Le Métier de Beauté, Kevyn Aucoin, By Terry and ELLIS FAAS, all of which you can leisurely try without bumping and jostling with your neighbour. Lastly, you’ll consider the waxing, facial, lash-tinting, brow-shaping and event makeup services, which wonderfully knowledgeable and helpful staff can tailor to suit your needs, and that can be enjoyed without the entire mall watching. Then you’ll swish right out the door (rather than via menswear and kitchen) looking, feeling and smelling fabulous – sounds better, right?