Best store for makeup

The leading beauty retailer in Europe for years, Sephora quickly took Back Bay by storm when it opened its Prudential Center outpost last October. And you'll feel like the proverbial kid in a candy store when set loose on its unmatched selection of more than 250 brands. From the newly fashionable Nars and Stila to classics like Chanel and Dior, each line's products are clearly marked and showcased under bright, flattering lights. Sampling the makeup, fragrance, and skin- and hair-care products is encouraged, and you can make an appointment with a resident makeup artist to develop a personalized look ranging from natural beauty to smoky-eyed vixen.

If Sephora is about beauty choices galore, the MAC counter is about one company doing cosmetics very well. Whether you're seeking something light and natural-looking or heavy and super-glamorous, MAC has it. Countless celebrities endorse MAC for its high-quality ingredients, rich pigments, lack of pore-clogging oils, and cruelty-free testing. To feel extra good about a purchase, check out the Viva Glam lipsticks: the entire proceeds from their sales go to MAC's AIDS Fund, which supports men, women, and children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Sephora, Shops at the Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, (617) 262-4200; Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, (617) 964-0800; www.sephora.com. MAC, various locations; www.maccosmetics.com.