A Matter of Face

Paula did my wedding makeup and I was absolutely thrilled with the results. She is extremely easy to work with and talk to, and made sure I was happy with the color choices and overall look throughout the process. Should I ever need my makeup done again (which is likely as I am not great at doing it myself!), I won’t hesitate to return to Paula.

It feels like fate that I met Paula who ended up nailing it when it came to my bridal makeup! I first met Paula at A Matter of Face when a group of my girlfriends bought me a groupon for a makeup lesson at her store. I had just gotten engaged 6 days before, and didn’t even have bridal makeup on my mind. From the moment I met her, she was friendly, professional and very talented at what she does. She made me feel comfortable, esp since I do not wear much makeup at all on the daily. By the time we were done with the makeup lesson, I knew I needed her to be the one to do my wedding makeup. At my wedding on 8÷22÷15, Paula did my mother’s, sister’s (MOH), sister-in-law’s and my own makeup. EVERYONE looked stunning. She listened to exactly what I had asked for, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled with the end result. Paula is amazing, and I couldn’t recommend her services enough!
You can check out the day of wedding slide show that our photographers put together for the reception. You can see the amazing job Paula did for my mother, sister and myself. THANK YOU!

WORST MAKE UP OF MY LIFE!!! If you know how to make your own make up, don’t go here, I was supposed to go to my birthday party after that place, I ended on my house washing my face, I guess u get what you paid for:/, and the good reviews I think are by her family, for real I leave from that place looking like an alien!!:(

I went to a wedding this Saturday and I had to get all fancied up. The place I was staying at had cats, which I’m very allergic to. I ended up breaking out in a red rash all over my face and the wedding was that night! Enter A Matter of Face. A few of the ladies in the bridal party had appointments for makeup here. I tagged along and asked the makeup artist if I could get some work done to just even out my skin. The makeup artist was so gracious and said that she would do it for free. She used foundation and other kinds of makeup to cover up my red, splotchy, dry skin. You couldn’t tell that I had a bad case of eczema. A Matter of Face saved me that day, and I consequently looked great in all of the wedding photos. If they can make someone look good with a terrible rash, they’ll probably do wonders with regular skin. I also need to add that the makeup artist who works here (I forget her name now) was just a nice, friendly person to be around.

Paula did our makeup for my sister’s wedding and she was amazing. I would highly recommend her! She was professional, patient, and was attentive to our requests and needs. My sister, mom and I all wear minimal makeup so we were nervous to have our makeup done. Paula kept us calm throughout by explaining what she was doing and giving us options for colors. All of our makeup was PERFECT and lasted the entire day/​night. We did not at all feel «made up” — we truly were better versions of ourselves which to me is the goal! Paula has a great energy and just a way about her that makes you so comfortable and happy! We are planning to go back in for makeup lessons soon!

Paula is wonderful! Before going in she was kind of enough to open early just to fit me in before a bridal party. She was gracious and attentive to listening to exactly what I wanted. The makeup came out looking even better than I expected.

I had my make-​up done by Paula for my baby shower. I was dumb and let my LivingSocial coupon expire, so I used the paid value towards a make-​up application. It was okay, but definitely not worth $ 35, not for me at least.
I read other reviews and noticed a trend — many people who said they don’t use make-​up ever and needed basic help were really happy with their lesson and application, whereas many others who are used to doing their own make-​up and had high expectations were unhappy. I fall toward the latter category.
First the good; she did a great job on my foundation, concealer, and blush.
But my eyes: yeesh. We didn’t talk much about the plan in the beginning, maybe because I had brought a picture, but I do not like the way my eyes turned out. I told her that I typically use black liner, and she said she wanted to use gray if I was okay with it, because it was a daytime party. I said fine, but I wish I hadn’t because when I went home, I wasn’t able to fix it because I didn’t have any gray liner.
It was very weird — when she showed me the liner in the mirror to ask if I was okay with it, it looked fine, relatively subtle. But then AFTER asking if I was okay with the liner, she used the dark gray shadow to create a line that went up at the end, sort of like a cat eye, except that the line ended before the end of my eye! Like several millimeters before the end. It looked crazy. I noticed this only at the end of the make-​up application when she gave me the mirror to check my whole face — I asked her if it was supposed to look that way and she said she wanted to give my eye some lift. Since it looked crazy, I asked if she could extend the line at least. She did so, but then I ended up with a thick gray cat eye, which defeated the purpose of using gray for a daytime look. I had asked if she could do liner on my water line and she flat out said no, which was weird. And there were some tiny gaps between the liner and my lash line — total pet peeve of mine. Not something I’d expect from a professional. It also wore off so that it was a little patchy within a few hours. Honestly if I had time I would have wiped it off and done it myself in black, with black on the water line and proper primer so it lasted. At least I did have time to swipe on a few more coats of mascara because I could barely see the mascara she used.
I also redid my lips when I got home. It was nice of her to ask if I liked it when she put on a color, but there are only so many times you can say no. I said no and she changed it two (maybe even three?) times. then I started to get self-​conscious, so I just said I liked it with the intention to wipe it off and put my own gloss when I got home.
3 stars for a good effort from nice people. The people who work here are definitely working hard to be friendly and sweet, so I give them credit for that, though it felt a bit formulaic. Very nice smalltalk and sweet compliments on my features. But definitely not worth $ 35 if you are used to doing your own make-​up and you want someone to do an amazing, make-​up-​artist-​quality job that you couldn’t do yourself as an amateur. If you want that, go somewhere like MAC or hire a make-​up artist with top reviews on Unilocal.
I also have to agree with some of the reviewers that the owner is sweet, but doesn’t seem to be the best at running a business. When I came in, I was holding an empty plastic container from Starbucks and asked to throw out my trash. She said she didn’t have a trash receptacle, so I had to walk two blocks to the street one. Then I asked to use the restroom before we started, and she looked shocked and had to go get it ready first. Who invites clients in for business by appointment and doesn’t have a trash can or a ready bathroom?
Similarly, there was a small mix-​up when I checked out. I had originally told her on the phone that my LivingSocial voucher was expired, so she said I had to pay the difference but that she would honor the 50% off promotion on products. So then, when I went to check out with a couple products, she told me that she wasn’t going to charge me for the difference for my voucher, because I was pregnant and had enough to worry about. I was like, WOW, thanks! But then she charged me full-​price on the products. I awkwardly explained that she had told me on the phone that she would honor the 50% off. She said they don’t normally do that. It was a really embarrassing stand-​off until we figured out that it would cost exactly the same whether she waived the difference and charged full price, or whether she charged the difference and charged 50% off. Either way, really nice of her to make a concession she didn’t have to, but she should have remembered what she told me.
Lastly, as others have said, I found the product selection very sparse, and then I had to ask for the price to be looked up on each product, which was tiring.

I don’t really wear a ton of make-​up. I frankly don’t like make-​up at all and my «routine» is rather unimaginative. It takes all of three minutes and it’s been this way since I can remember. But when I have long work weeks (which is often) I end up looking like a zombie, which is when I wish I knew some cool tricks to disguise dark circles under my eyes.
So when my former roommate, who also works long hours, and I managed to snag LivingSocial vouchers for a massive discount on make-​up lessons and products; we were incredibly excited about it. Neither of us had heard of this place before and walked in with these crazy high expectations. Thankfully, Paula, who runs this place (and happens to be a total sweetheart) is a make-​up whiz and effortlessly transformed us into super glamorous versions of ourselves.
We waltzed out with a list of instructions on how to apply certain colors and ways to highlight or downplay specific looks; and with a lot of determination to put these tips to good use. Sadly, I haven’t. I’ve gone back to my basic make-​up ways, but this time with a little bit of comfort in knowing that IF I ever decided to glam out, at least I kind of know what to do now.
So if you’re in Boston and need make up application or lessons, go to Paula. She’s really good at her work, very open to suggestions and will take your schedule and preference into consideration. This place isn’t overpriced at all however they do have regular sales and offers so I’d suggest you try and look out for them if you’re not in any rush.
At the end of the day, Paula taught me how to wear minimal make up and still avoid the zombie look after particularly stressful weeks; which to me was priceless.

I booked Paula for my wedding day at the last minute. She did such a wonderful job. I told her that I wanted a natural and elegant look and showed her a few pics and she made me look exactly like the way I want to look like. I got so many complements for my makeup and hair (I did my hair with Stephanie at Philip’s Salon). Very happy about it and even thinking about buying some makeup products that she used on me.

I had a Boston Deals coupon for a $ 25 personal makeup application and lesson. The owner Paula could not have been nicer and made me feel very comfortable. I was very happy with the colors that she chose for my eyes and she was very accommodating when I said I wasn’t comfortable with the lip color or gloss that she selected. I definitely will be going back.

Let me preface this by saying I’ve been doing my own makeup and others’ for years and years. So, my standards are pretty high. Maybe impossibly high. I have never liked the way anyone else has done my makeup, but I decided to take a chance with the Buy With Me voucher. My friend and I went to try it out.
I was looking for something different. And after, I definitely looked different. The eye makeup was way too much for my face, and made my eyes look tiny. The dark extended from my crease to my eyebrow and even in my inner eye. Almost like a super intense smokey eye. I am warm colored, but the eye and face makeup used was cool. I looked sickly, and from far away like I had been punched in both eyes. Even my friend, who is usually positive and looking for the best, thought I looked awful. She was underwhelmed with her results too, and she’d gone to learn makeup application tips.
The owner was gracious enough to redo my makeup. Both women were so sweet to myself and my friend. I tried to find things to purchase after, but I have more color assortment in my own personal makeup drawer than I found in the store. I’m sure this is a wonderful place for weddings… I feel bad writing this review because of how lovely they treated us, but I just felt underwhelmed and ugly looking at myself when it was over, which is the last thing you want after you’ve gotten your makeup done. My friend and I both went home and washed our faces.
My only tip is to just be very specific with what you want. I said do whatever. And I got whatever.

I had a really good experience at A Matter of Face. I’m a 35 year old woman who doesn’t wear much make up and was looking for a make over a la Carmindy of «What Not to Wear».
I purchased a Buy with Me coupon for $ 25 that included a make up lesson/​application, plus 50% off up to $ 100 worth of products. The owner Paula and the woman who did my make over (Kim, I think) were very sweet and personable. I was happy with the products and colors that were chosen for me and I was shown both day and night looks.
I ended up buying five products and am looking forward to using them and having a new, more polished look. The products are pretty expensive. I’m giving it four dollar signs because the retail price of what I purchased was about $ 145 (foundation, blush, blush powder, and two eye shadows).
Overall a great experience and I will likely be back to for an occasional splurge on a high-​end product.

I had a Buy with Me coupon for a 60 makeup lesson/​application session and I have to say that I really enjoyed my experience. I was late because I could not find parking ANYWHERE (this is why I took a star away. The location is cool but also not exactly easily accessible to those who live outside the city) but Paula, the owner, was more than gracious about my tardiness.
I had a great consultation with Paula, got some great makeup tips and some new makeup brushes for a deal.
One thing to make note of is that they do not accept tips on your credit card, cash only which left me a bit surprised and embarrassed that I didn’t have $ for a gratuity.

I would give this place a solid two stars. I went here a few times. Positives: huge makeup selection, huge variety. Negatives; the staff (owner), I don’t find them very cool at all. Maybe it is just me but I asked a few other people before posting. Although she is helpful with the products it is sort of like pulling teeth if you aren’t sure what is what. I really have not much make up knowledge so I needed some advice. basically, in a word I would say insincere. and that pretty much sums it up.

Paula is awesome. My friends and I used a coupon for the «girls night out» make over event. She was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and fun. She has a no-​pressure sales style and listens carefully to what you are looking for. Her passion for great skincare and make-​up is very evident! Store is a lot more manageable and easy to deal with than Sephora’s or other large chains.

Paula is very sweet and helpful. The store is really small but there is definitely a neighborhood feel about this place. Plus I like supporting independent stores.
Paula herself looks beautiful and put-​together. Her make-​up is impeccable, very fitting and classy on her. I wonder if she’s had less experience working on «ethnic» eyes. Definitely do not love the eye make-​up demonstration on me thus the minus 1 star. I do appreciate that she took the time to give me a little make-​over which really cheered me up even though I didn’t spend much money.

This is a small boutique where you get personal attention. I’ve experienced feeling overwhelmed at make up counters or being given bad advice by some young girl who’s recommending night time make up for day. Paula was very helpful, didn’t push me to buy, gave me tons of samples, and didn’t make me feel dumb for not knowing all about the lines carried in the store. I’m going back for a free facial in June!

Paula is super helpful and what a great boutique opposed to going to a dept store! Love the personal attention

I stopped in here looking for a new face cream. I found the store to have great customer service and products. The lady that I worked with was honest and did not come off too salesish. I was very happy with my experience here and look forward to going back.

I am so glad this place wasn’t there when I lived in the North End or I would have been broke. I went on Saturday morning and they were doing complimentary mini-​facials and make-​up application. The owner, Paula is a sweetheart. She offered to go across the street and get everyone water & coffee etc. And get this, I checked my email today and I had a «thank you» email from her. It wasn’t a form letter either –it was personalized and referenced things we talked about.
The facial was amazing. There was a rep. there from French skin care line Darphin (which refers to itself as «couture» skin care). Damn, if my skin didn’t look and feel gorgeous after. It should have though — the prices are couture too at $ 55 for facial cleanser. I wanted to buy everything he put on my face but I limited myself to 2 items (this time).
The makeup application was a real treat too. She used Paula Dorf cosmetics (which I admit, I had never heard of) and took her time teaching me about application and explaining the reasons why she was doing what she was doing. The best part is, it looked really natural and I did not look like The Joker (R.I.P. Heath) when she was finished, unlike my last visit to the Chanel counter. I left there with quite a few new make-​up items that I didn’t need but had to have!
This is a place I can see myself visiting frequently. They have great men’s products too. Lots of items from ‘The Art of Shaving” and all kinds of products for any metro man. Ladies, it’s a great idea to bring a little something home for your fiancé’ so you won’t feel as guilty about blowing a bunch of money on beauty products. Money that’s supposed to be part of your wedding & honeymoon budget. But come on, a girl’s gotta look good!