Hitting the mark with boutique
Amy Chien Bailey always wanted to own a beauty boutique. But after graduating from Tufts in 1995, the Los Angeles transplant (and part-time model) had to pay her dues. She worked as a photographer's assistant, pulled two stints as a salon receptionist, and managed a mom-and-pop outfit.
Although the less-than-thrilling jobs taught her some useful tricks of the trade, Bailey was born with a knack for fabulous makeovers: "I was the girl that all of my friends asked to do their makeup before they went out," she says. "As a child, I was a serious tomboy . . . all of my friends were boys, but I loved makeup and giving makeovers. I would even pay my sister a dollar to let me gel up and style her hair and do her makeup." Bailey's passion for beauty and industry know-how is finally paying off. She recently purchased her longtime favorite beauty boutique, The Beauty Mark on Beacon Hill. And though she spends day after day in a store filled to the brim with beauty goods, she resists the urge to buy things she doesn't need. When it comes to beauty and fashion, the mother of two is all about sensible style and intelligent investments.
What are your favorite shops and fashion lines? My favorite places to shop are Wish, Holiday, and Intermix. Holiday has unique pieces that you won't find everywhere, Wish is great for wardrobe staples, and Intermix best matches my personal style. Fashion lines that I love include Theory and Susana Monaco. Theory, because the fit of their pants is perfect. Susana tops fit my body well and they are comfortable, easy to clean, and flattering to your waist. As a model, you really have to sort of learn what works with your body type. I also love Stella McCartney. I own a couple of pieces - they're pricey! But I'm a mix-and-match person. I'll buy a $400 something and pair it with something I bought at Target. Oh, and Reiss is another one. I love the cut of their blazers.
What are your go-to restaurants? My go-to restaurant is No. 9 Park. I've also been really impressed with the Liberty Hotel - Scampo, Clink, and Alibi. I like the architecture and how they made all of the spaces so different within the same hotel. It's also right down the street from my house, which is great. The pasta at Scampo is so good! And my favorite drink at Alibi, I have to say, is Jail Bait.
Favorite summer getaways? My summer getaways include LA, because my family lives there. We also like to go up to Gloucester. This summer, we're going to LA and Florida. It's going to be hot in Florida but we are going to Orlando for the kids. My girlfriend has a home on Holly's Island in South Carolina and we go visit her a lot as well.
She can't leave the house without: Sunscreen. Beauty starts with great skin. My store is right down the street from my house so if I forget anything I can just go back.
Beauty obsessions: I am obsessed with SkinCeutical. I have been using [the skincare line] since college. They use pharmaceutical grade ingredients and actually deliver what they promise. You can actually see results within four weeks. Also, Model Co. "Lip Lights." It's a lip gloss with good color and good coverage. The convenience factor is the best part about it. It has a mirror and a light so you can apply it anywhere, at night, in a cab. I just love products that do what they say they are going to do. Like "Locked Up" hairspray from Scott Fontana's line, Bad Ass Hair. It has the most incredible hold and it lasts all day. I'm also working on a more eco-friendly nail polish line called "Polished."
Best thing about Boston in the summer? I love the museums. We have so many great museums here. The Children's Museum, the science museum is incredible. They make it easy to raise kids in the city. I also love the MFA.
Beauty inspiration for summer: Summer is about looking like you didn't try hard, even if you did. It's all about taking it back to high school . . . Mascara, blush, and a light lip gloss, bronzer for the youthful glow. 