Girl Talk with Olga & Tara at Brooklyn Groove

It’s Women’s History month so we are going to milk it and highlight as many awesome local women as we can. The story between the duo at Brooklyn Groove, the new natural skin care boutique on Nassau Ave in Greenpoint is a special one. When you visit the shop, not only can you buy high quality products to keep your skin healthy and beautiful – but it’s like hanging out with your girlfriends.

The relationship between shop proprietor Olga Stefanska and Make-Up Artist Tara Schwartz was fated. When the storefront, a former hair salon, was vacant – Tara worked out a deal with the landlord to use the space as her make-up studio. When Brooklyn Groove opened and Olga moved in – it was a match made in make-up heaven.

Olga did a fantastic job designing the space in what Tara described as her “vintage rustic Anthropologie like,” style and the conveniently located shop is flooded with gorgeous natural sunlight – not ugly fluorescent lighting you find in drug stores and chain cosmetics stores.

Olga, who comes with a background in the perfume business wanted to offer Greenpoint good quality non-toxic skincare products and is knowledgable about each product she offers. Talking to Olga is like taking Natural Make-Up 101.

She explained that many brands, “don’t do trials and don’t test enough so who knows what is going to happen once you put it on your skin,” which is why she uses products that include “food grade quality ingredients like coconut.”

One of Brooklyn Groove’s bestsellers that was highly recommended by Olga is the Soap Walla Deodorant Creme. I grabbed a jar and love it!

Do you find that most natural deodorants just don’t work? I had accepted my stinky fate until using this product. It has a pleasant lavender aroma, it isn’t sticky and I miraculously don’t smell.

Using Brooklyn Groove’s niche brands – Tara offers make-up consultation services to customers and organizes fun parties in the shop. If you’re a bride to be, make sure to check out the weekly Make-Up Happy Hours on Thursdays from 4-8pm to experiment with the look you want on your special day. But if you’re single you will find these social events fun, too. Tara said she began brainstorming events with local singles in mind.

“Ladies Night is already on Thursdays,” said Tara, “so come here before you go out and get your make-up done.”

Buying make-up in this relaxing setting is what makes local shopping so satisfying. While learning what skin cleanser is best for my skin type I got advice about make-up ideas for my own upcoming wedding, chatted with Olga about her recent engagement and we got all giddy about Tara’s love life. Buying mascara or blush is more fun sprinkled with girl talk – which is the kind of friendly experience you will enjoy at Brooklyn Groove.

And this Saturday 3/29, check out the Beauty Liberation Party and throw away your toxic make-up routine. Try products that won’t harm your skin with synthetic chemicals while enjoying complimentary mini-facials, make-up by Tara, wine and prizes!

Now you don’t have to go all the way to the city to buy good quality make-up. Oh yeah, and there is an entire Men’s and Baby product line, too.