Spots Around Sav Issue 4: Where to get your makeup that’s not Sephora

Written by Alexa LoSchiavo. Graphic by Micaela Alomia.

Makeup has always been something I have never been super comfortable with. I never grew up watching the YouTube makeup artists who others were obsessed with, I never bought colorful eyeshadow palettes or played around with lip lines. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that knowing how to comfortably wear makeup is a skill that helps portray who you are. It’s not an untapped, scary world but rather an adventurous, beautiful place to go when you want to elevate your look or feel more confident.

Makeup also tells a story. Each look you explore tells more about who you are.  It’s an act of confidence, an act of power to know who you are and present yourself in that way. But oftentimes, shopping for makeup doesn’t give you that same access, that step into your confidence. When you go to Sephora, you’re surrounded by big, bright lights, personalized care that’s not always accessible and rows and rows of brands to choose from. It’s a wonderful company model, and on a big scale, it works incredibly well at connecting people with makeup in a quick, consumerist context. However, Savannah has more to offer you, or rather, Lalka Beauty Co. does.

Lalka Beauty Co. is a personal, community-driven company started because of one woman’s love for Old Hollywood makeup. Dawn Angeletti named this company after the pet name her grandmother used to call her, “Lalka”, the Polish term for doll. Dawn grew up with her grandmother, who shared her passion for makeup and ultimately went on to be a makeup artist for several important actors, who are all pictured on the walls of her shop.

With Dawn’s expert hand, this beauty shop has been transformed into a tiny, elegant place where one can browse for makeup and skincare alike. She effortlessly crafted a boudoir, old Hollywood vibe while further highlighting important makeup she feels proud of and cares about. It’s easy to believe her when she says this product is the best, because she has twenty-five years of experience in film and TV to back her up.

As someone who has always felt overwhelmed going into stores with bright lights and thousands of different branded signs, Lalka feels like a haven for confidence and beauty. It caters to everyone, offering joyful, welcoming and extremely personalized care. When you walk into the little store tucked away on the edge of Forsyth, you’re greeted by a bright, hand-drawn sign welcoming you in. Right away, the light changes, a warm yellow glow you don’t get at Sephora, and you enter a curated space of glamour and community.

The makeup is curated and tucked away in all corners, but Dawn or her other attendants will help you with any and all of your needs. They ask you what you’re looking for and give you specialized care, showing you different brands, spreading blush and eyeliner on you to make sure you get the exact right thing you’re looking for.

It’s localized help that gets to the root of what you need; they know about what’s happening in town, they know that SCAD kids have lots of homework and oftentimes very little sleep, and they know exactly what you need. The connection you get from shopping at Lalka is one that stays with you. As I went in, in search of just some brown eyeliner, I was met with warm arms, shown which shade to get, given little goodies and samples and personalized care based on what I needed.

Lalka Beauty Co. celebrates community and connection in every inch of their shop, and I encourage you to go and talk with Dawn or her other attendants. This shop embraces all your needs and helps you find what you’re looking for. So next time you’re dreading the 15-minute drive to Sephora’s fluorescent lights, know that Lalka Beauty Co. is there for you, with open arms and open doors.