Inside all of us, is not a book (well, there is that!), but there’s a boutique store that we’d like to open.
A while back, I asked the MAF members what kind of shop they could open if money was no object. We had all number of responses, from shops stocking candles, to craft shops, wool shops and sweet shops. For me though, I’d want to open a boutique makeup store and stock it with beautifully packaged products, and have a ‘bar’ where you could site and have your makeup done.
Knowing me, I’d probably not let anyone in, I’d just want to sit and look at everything all day, but fortunately, Pixi, who’s got the closest thing to my ideal store, does let people in!
I’ve shopped there a few times on my travels to London, but when I was down there last week, I got to spend quite a bit of time in the store.
It’s very much a boutique, with huge windows that beckon you in. The topiary trees outside are just a hint of what’s inside. Soft green decor and banks of old style apothecary cupboards display an array of products from Pixi and Pop.
Clearly this soft pale green is the signature colour for Pixi, as it’s echoed in the product packaging, but that doesn’t make it twee in any sense. Its just gentle and calm.
I was there long enough to watch plenty of customers come in and out. Its not the manic hustle and bustle that you can see in some stores, where it’s a case of ‘quick in and out and get sold as much as possible, then onto the next customer’, at Pixi, there was no hard sell, plenty of conversation, and professional makeup artists working there, who not only know their craft, but know the products inside and out. In fact, I met one artist there who had literally started her job the day before, and somehow, in the space of a day and a half, had wrapped herself around each product, and got to know it and it’s purpose very well. So much so, that rarest of rares, she raved about one product so much that I bought it on her recommendation, and anyone who knows my shopping style, knows that I’m not easily swayed!
So for me, shopping for cosmetics in a calm and gentle atmosphere is ideal. It wasn’t hard work, I didn’t need to beat the pushy staff off with a stick, and I thoroughly enjoyed the time that I had there.
And if you’re a makeup geek like me, definitely pop in, even just to have a chat with Amanda and her staff, they’re incredibly knowledgeable, and will happily take the time to talk to you.
Oh, and as for the products in store?! Easy! They’re great! Watch this space for some upcoming reviews.
Sam Donald
