
News from Kathy Hodge, It’s a Glam Thing NYC Beauty/Style Reporter.
New Yorkers rejoice!! No, seriously…..I wanted to skip down the street after seeing this! Duane Reade, our mega drug store has expanded to stake its claim to the luxury beauty market. I just came from the Manhattan’s Herald Square store, which is open 24 hours a day, and features its new Look Boutique. The boutique, located on the second floor, covers over 5,000+ square feet with its prestige brands; including fragrance, premium skin care lines, exclusive brands, a “brow bar” offering eyebrow shaping, and manicurists, and make- over experts. It is also staffed by full time beauty advisors. The floor also houses a pharmacy, and an InVite Health vitamin section that has a full time naturopathist. The main floor houses convenience foods, gourmet foods including the full range of their new DR Delish line. It will also have Rachel Ray cookware, sauces from Rao’s and Lidia Bastianich and a “fresh made daily section”.
Now, not being a native New Yorker, I had absolutely no idea what Duane Reade was when I moved here. I remember asking some co workers what they were doing for lunch, figuring I could tag along with them and get to know the neighborhood. They laughed and said that they had a date with Mr. Reade, and brought me with them. They took their drug store and generally supply runs VERY seriously! And with the convenience of their times and locations, not to mention their prices, I completely understood why. Now they have expanded their stores in the past, and have expanded out into the luxury brands, but they also have a LookRx healthy skin center with such brands as Lierac, Avene, LaRoche-Posay, Rilastil, 100%Pure, and MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross.
The ”brow bar” is part of Ramy cosmetics, hosted a “brow intervention” on June 17th. Ramy Gafni, known as the “Willie Wonka “of the beauty world, has been featured on Oprah, and his looks have graced many a fashion runway. Ramy’s beauty philosophy is simple: “Minimum makeup, Maximum impact!” Meaning, if you select the correct color palette to enhance your features and apply it correctly, you can look younger and more beautiful with a minimum of products and effort.
RAMY beauty therapy® incorporates Ramy’s “Minimum Makeup, Maximum Impact!” philosophy with his holistic approach to well-being. The entire multi-purpose product line is formulated with anti-oxidant vitamins, Avocado Oil and sunscreens. The oil-free powder formulations are silicone treated and micronized for incredible wear and a lightweight feel. Most incredibly, this basic face collection is suitable for any skin tone, from the lightest to the darkest complexions. ramy.com
Why am I so psyched for Duane Reade’s Look Boutiques and Ramy’s participation??? Okay, in a nutshell, I rarely have the time for a full day of beauty at a salon. And while I love the convenience of the nail shops every couple of buildings on the street, I am thrilled that I can actually go to a place where I can talk to someone and get a brow custom designed for my face. And unlike the tell tale red lines from the wax that will be on my face for hours, I was able to hop in, get shaped, and done in about 20 minutes and out the door for a meeting……….and surprise……I am wearing less make-up than a complete make- over, and look much younger and vibrant! The convenience can’t be beat! I will be there often! And I love Ramy’s cosmetics. I got a perfect brow wand which I love!
The Look Boutiques are currently in Herald Square, Chelsea, Rockefeller Center and there is one in New Jersey. Half of the 30 new or remodelled stores are expected to include the boutique. Check them out!