Los Angeles - December 21, 2004

Closet Case

The Beauty Closet

Shopping for cosmetics has never been an intimate experience.

If you’re not being pushed and shoved and spritzed in a bustling department store, you’re in a massive “emporium,” hopelessly navigating the aisles in search of that perfect lipstick shade.

So now for something completely different. Former Makeup411 beauty director Shannon Levy recently opened her own makeup store in a nook so tiny it could easily be mistaken for a walk-in closet (minus the shoe boxes and dirty socks). After weeding through the zillions of brands and making important beauty-industry contacts, Shannon has distilled her inventory to the best of the best, nabbing hard-to-find professional-grade brands like Paul & Joe, Sue Devitt, and Scott Barnes. She also stocks gorgeous fragrances by Beth Terry for Creative Universe and jewelry by local designer Lisa Star.

For special occasions, she’ll bring in makeup artists-to-the-stars to give you an individual makeover. The vibe is so cozy you’ll feel right at home.

Plus, in a space that small, the perfect lipstick is always only an arm’s length away.

The Beauty Closet, 12186 Ventura Boulevard, between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Whitsett Avenue, Studio City (818-508-1818 or thebeautycloset.com).