(Product brands listed from image above: Kevyn Aucoin, Lipstick Queen)
Chemistry Cosmetics Boutique in Vintage Park curated many hard-to-find and unique beauty brands to allure their shoppers to visit
When myself and MRG beauty contributor, Stephanie Joplin, were approached by Cortney Brown to make a visit, we were so impressed by her line-up of great beauty brands that we had to make the short journey to check it out. Below are the highlights of Stephanie’s visit and her profile of the owner and her beauty store. So if you are in the area or just want to shop it online, by clicking here, by all means be our guest…you’re in for a treat and you will encounter many “beauty-ful products” from people like Kevyn Aucoin, Becca, Drunk Elephant, and one of my favorite and hard-to-find brands, Lipstick Queen, to name just a very few!
As you walk in the door of Chemistry Cosmetics in the quaint Vintage Park, a soothing calm falls over you. Stephanie here today, and I recently visited the brand new Chemistry Cosmetics (and loved it). The comforting color of the walls, the perfectly merchandized products, the subtle spa aroma, the warm smiles of the staff and even the elegant, cozy restroom nestled in the back of the store: all of these characteristics promote the atmosphere that Amanda Karvelsson envisioned when she dreamed of creating a new shopping experience for her clientele, nearly a decade before its inception in 2015.
“I am a researcher who is obsessed with products, ingredients, color and texture in cosmetics, but never found the store that carried the right mix and selection of brands that I was looking for, all in one place,” explains Karvelsson. “My inspiration? The most amazing store in the world: Bergdorf’s,” she says. “It feels like you are shopping in a friend’s home as you wander from room to room and the staff is the most professional on the planet. That’s the way I wanted my customers to feel.”
Karvelsson has done just that, but what about the brands on display at Chemistry Cosmetics? You can be sure that her handprint can be found on every single product.
“I personally vet every single brand and don’t buy it if I wouldn’t use it myself, period,” she states. “There are many brands that might bring bigger sales, but instead we select products that focus on results; the best ingredients, organics and hypoallergenics that don’t compromise quality or luxury.”
Karvelsson continues, “Many of these are smaller, international lines that you might find in a French pharmacy or from a high end department store and they are not advertised through the mainstream media. We find companies that spend their money on research and product development and exist for the customer that is tired of chasing trends and spending money on so many things that don’t work.”
On the day of my visit to the boutique, I was able to experience a signature facial from in-house esthetician, Holly Middleton and it was fabulous. Not only was I completely relaxed, but the products felt like silk on my skin. Middleton customized each step of my facial to cater to my skin type and the issues I expressed to her beforehand in our consultation.
Middleton joined the Chemistry team in March and has a background working in theatre and film, specifically on movie sets in Hollywood, California. Courtney Brown, Karvelsson’s store manager, was initially in search of a makeup artist to bring on board at Chemistry. When she spoke with Middleton, Brown discovered she had recently graduated from the Aveda institute and was, therefore, able to kill two birds with one stone. “Lucky me,” exclaims Holly, “I got to join the team as both the resident makeup artist and resident esthetician!”
Karvelsson gushes, “Holly is a perfect fit for us because she is full of knowledge and she’s seen it all when it comes to makeup and skin care, but she’s sophisticated and laid back. That’s our vibe,” she explains. “She is who you want to be in the spa room with.”
Something I can vouch for, myself.
The spa room itself is like something out of a Harry Potter novel. The “cupboard under the stairs,” if you will, but in this case, behind a secret door. The room is cozy and adorned with an elegant spa table and white marble accents.
I asked Karvelsson about her decision to hire a resident esthetician and begin offering spa services at Chemistry.
“I was very reluctant to do it at first,” she admits. “I did not want to offer services just for the sake of offering them; the spa needed to be a true extension of the Chemistry experience and it needed to reflect our values and culture: relaxed, discreet, luxurious, and most importantly, highly effective.”
When it comes down to it, for Karvelsson, customer is king: “Our customers asked, and when they ask, we listen!”
Other demands that had Karvelsson listening? Shipping products to those who can’t make it in to the store right away. “We offer same day shipping for everyone in the Houston area for a flat rate of $20, or free shipping with a qualifying purchase. For most Texas cities, delivery is next day for standard rates and we personally pack customized samples in every order based on your preferences.”
Brow and lash services are also on Chemistry’s radar and are becoming more and more popular. She imparts that lash tints and perms are “a revolution” and will minimize your time in front of the mirror each morning. “We have full makeup services for events and weddings that are personalized,” she adds, “and we will even come to your location!”
Karvelsson takes pride in what she does. You can truly tell that this is, indeed, her passion. “I am pretty sure I would be our number one customer if I wasn’t the owner!”
When asked if there are plans for other locations in the future, Karvelsson remains mysterious. “Yes,” she says. “Exciting news to come!”
(Product brands from image above: Skindinavia, Klorane, Kai)
Amanda’s In-Store Favorites for Fall and Winter 2016
Diego Dalla Palma – Concealer and Foundation
“They are slightly more coverage than I tend to wear in the summer but they look and feel like the skin!”
James Read – H2O Tan Mist
“The best self-tanning product, ever! It’s a rose hydrator spray with a sneaky dose of glow.”
Davines – Your Hair Assistant Volume Creator Powder
“This line makes you look way more high maintenance than you have time for! The powder sets me up for a good hair day no matter what.”
Kypris – Balm Cleanser
“Their new balm cleanser is very light and super mild; mine’s empty already!”
Southern Fringe – PetaLips
“Southern Fringe is Chemistry’s own brand, so it’s built to last in the Texas heat and humidity. Our PetaLips in Lavender or Chestnut make a good substitute for gloss as the weather cools and they last all day!”
Rouge Bunny Rouge – Mascara
“I switch to burgundy mascara during the fall and winter months; it adds depth to green and hazel eyes. Kevyn Aucoin is also releasing one that will be in-store soon.”
As for spa services, Karvelsson recommends the Carita Lagoon Facial, which happens to be the one that Holly recommended for me, as well. “Since I have dry, sensitive skin, it’s heavenly,” she declares. “The Lagoon Cream is a must have for me.”
As if running Chemistry isn’t enough for this mom of four and co- owner of a separate medical business with husband Robert, Karvelsson finds time to blog as well. “I post about beauty, products and life.” Follow along with Chemistry Cosmetics on Instagram or via #ChemistryCosmetics on all social media.
Chemistry Cosmetics
126 Vintage Park Blvd
Houston, TX 77070
Phone: (888) 640-8448
Beautiful article! Thanks for the rave Stephanie & Roz!
The primer and foundation are the best I have ever found!! The color match and coverage, is so wonderful I can’t tell I have it on. i highly recommend you try it because you WILL like it as much as I do.