October 11, 2005

Products of Good Health

Marie Mason Apothecary

There are times when you realize what’s important to you.

Like when the pilot of your eight-seater plane confides that you’re his first official passenger, it dawns on you that experience is key.

But don’t let the newness of Marie Mason Apothecary scare you away. Located in the original pharmacy space in the Brentwood Country Mart, Mason brings fifteen years of product prowess as head buyer for Fred Segal Beauty to her new store. Pristine white shelves and robin’s egg blue walls promote a sense of well-being, while a handsome set of elk antlers lets you know this is not your grandma’s five-and-ten.

What sets Mason’s beauty boutique apart is her expert mix of classic elixirs, like perfumes from Santa Maria Novella, L’Artisan, and Tocca, and harder-to-find natural lines such as Buddha Nose and L.A.-based LaLiscious and Tillia. (She’s one of the few who carry the holistic cult deodorant Real Purity.) Dip into the glass jars and baskets filled with assorted goodies for the perfect pick-me-up. For a more personal touch, she’ll customize shower gel and body lotion just for you.

With treatment like this, you’ll never want to fly solo on your beauty missions again.

Marie Mason Apothecary, 225 26th Street, Santa Monica (310-394-5710 or mariemasonapothecary.com).