Jennifer Berg

Oh, the hassles of lakeside living. There are flyaways to smooth, blemishes to conceal, chapped extremities to soften. Thankfully, the folks at C.O. Bigelow Apothecary (a Big Apple standby for over a century) have recently packed up their potions and landed smack in the middle of Chicago, just in time for winter's beauty-blasting winds.

Originally established in 1838, the apothecary's Old World feel is kept alive in its Water Tower location: An austere black awning caps the store's entrance and paned windows display antique microscopes and beakers. Inside, the spacious shop is filled with white cabinets proffering every product a beauty-lovin' heart could desire. The apothecary's namesake line boasts a fabulous Lemon Body Cream ($24 for a hefty jar) that's silky smooth and deliciously citrus-scented. "It's our moisture hero," one staffer bubbles, citing the lotion's "super-emollient" properties. (Smirk now, but hope the cream's not sold out come February when believers' skin will be dewy and bright as a lemon grove.) The Mentha Lip Shine ($7.50) doubles as a breath freshener, eliminating two beauty debacles in one minty swipe. Finally, the Rose Body Silk ($18 for 8 oz) tickles skin pink with a flower-scented, light-as-gossamer touch.

Aside from its own line, C.O. Bigelow stocks fancy candles from Henri Bendel, makeup by supermodel-favorite line NARS, hair-care products from Frederic Fekkai and perfumes from the likes of Annick Goutal and Acqua di Parma.

Although the sight of men eagerly sniffing lavender soap (true story) is nothing unusual in Bigelow's beauty dome, all these fancy French names and flower-scented promises may not entice the average male shopper. Even so, the store doesn't overlook dudes in beauty distress. Carefully labeled sections point to men's hair and body care (by tony London line Molton Brown, no less) and there's even a spot for male lip treatment.

(2005-11-08)

Also by Jennifer Berg

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment