photography courtesy of Blushington
We’d sworn off having our makeup done, but an hour in Kate Conkey’s chair here converted us. The feminine, light-filled, L.A.-based studio offers professional makeup application (the kind starlets get on Oscar night) that’s accessible and affordable. Conkey and her equally gifted colleagues collaborate with clients to create the perfect look for any occasion. Or, for those less versed in the language of lipstick, there’s a menu of six options from which to choose, from the minimal Pure & Simple to the retro, red-lip, winged-eye Lucky Stars. The various looks cost $30 to $50 and include the use of cult-favorite, high-end brands like Stila, Becca, Julie Hewett, and Kevyn Aucoin. They also sell the products, so you can attempt to re-create your look at home (or at least be prepared for a touch-up after you leave). It also happens to be in a perfect spot, next to neighboring blowout-only hotspot Drybar, should you be in the market for a hair fixer-upper, too.