Boston - April 28, 2006

A Shu-In

Shu Uemura Opens

As any flawless maiden of Tokyo will attest, the secret to beauty isn’t about just one product.

It’s a lifestyle. A way of seeing things.

Know what we mean? If not, you will, now that the Shu Uemura cosmetics boutique (only the third in the U.S.) has thrown open its doors.

Oh, sure, you’ll find all the brand’s top-notch products (from cutting-edge mascaras and lash curlers to gorgeous confetti-formula nail polishes) created under Mr. Uemura, whose beauty cult in Japan goes back more than 50 years. But you’ll also bump into a full lash bar ready to apply exotic lashes (mink and diamond falsies, anyone?) and a wall of sea-inspired skin care.

Advance buzz about the ethereal space hasn’t been overstated: It houses an art installation in which vibrant, hand-painted butterflies (a symbol of ephemeral and transformative beauty), created by the famed kimono designer Mamechiyo, swarm across the store and its ceiling, bringing loveliness to every pore in the place.

Including, none too surprisingly, yours.

Shu Uemura, 130 Newbury Street, Back Bay (617-247-3500).