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 knowing how to comfortably wear makeup is a skill that helps portray who you are. It’s not an untapped world but rather an adventurous, beautiful place to go when you want to elevate a 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 display of 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. On a large 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 personalized, 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. Angeletti grew up with a grandmother who was incredibly passionate about makeup. She was inspired by her grandmother to move to L.A. to be a makeup artist for several important actors who are now pictured on the walls of her shop.
With Dawn’s expert hand, this beauty shop has been crafted into a tiny, elegant place where one can browse for makeup and skincare alike. She effortlessly created a boudoir, old Hollywood vibe while highlighting important makeup she feels proud of. 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 safe haven for cultivating 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 into a warm yellow glow, you don’t get at Sephora, and you enter a curated space of glamour and community.
The makeup is tucked away in all corners of the shop but Angletti or her other attendants will help you with any and all of your needs. They ask you what you’re looking for at the makeup counter 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 need.
It’s local support from Lalka Beauty Co. that gets to the root of what you need. They know about what’s happening in town and how to match the perfect eyeshadow to the local rock show on Saturday. They know that SCAD kids have lots of homework and oftentimes very little sleep (and how to find the right concealer to hide that).
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 friendly support in updating my makeup selection. I ended up leaving with a lipgloss that’s now become a staple and two shades of blush for different occasions (as well as a brown eyeliner).
Lalka Beauty Co. celebrates community and connection in every inch of their shop and I encourage you to go and talk with Angeletti 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.
Alexa is a junior majoring in Writing and hopes to pursue a career in publishing. Outside of writing for District, she can be found writing almost anything, reading in the park, or performing at an open mic!
