Saks Fifth Avenue unveiled its new beauty mecca this week, featuring a revamped presentation of makeup, fragrance, skin care and wellness, in line with the Manhattan’s mothership overall renovation. “We wanted to create a destination in our New York flagship where customers could experience the best that beauty has to offer,” said Tracy Margolies, Saks Fifth Avenue Chief Merchant. “It’s a competitive market, and we wanted to give shoppers something they couldn’t find anywhere else.” Mission accomplished.

Here, the Top 10 reasons why CEW Beauty Insider believes you should run, not walk, to see this unparalleled beauty experience.


1.It’s Humongous


As in, 32,000 square feet. (For comparison, an entire football field is 57,600 square feet.) The good news is that no wall is higher than 5’7”so customers don’t have to worry about getting lost and never finding their way out. But pack water and a snack—you’re going to want to make a day of it.

2. There Are Loads of Freebies


They’re called Beautiful Discoveries, and they encompass more than 85 complimentary services, from express facials and skin care consults to brow shaping and foundation matching.

3. The Design is Sublime


The Saks Store Planning and Design team worked with the architectural firm Gensler to realize the overall concept and layout. Together, they restored and opened the windows overlooking Fifth Avenue, imported custom terrazzo floor tile from Italy, and envisioned a bespoke, softly-curved plasterwork.

4. Look Up


Coming early next year, a 68’ x 20’ digital screen will be installed on the ceiling and display a rotating selection of Saks-specific art.

5. Discover Exclusive Brands
If finding things no one else has is important, check out Saks’ 15 exclusive lines, such as Orveda, FaceGym and Art Meets Art, which are only available on the second floor.

6. Niche Purveyors Haven’t Been Forgotten


The Apothecary is a dedicated 160-square-foot space housing 30 cult-favorite brands, such as Angela Caglia, Christophe Robin and Marvis, conveniently in one place.

7. Smell Better


Whether taking in the Guerlain Parfumeur boutique, where one can explore 110 fragrance options and personalize a bottle, or investigate the exclusive scent offerings from Ex Nihilo, Hermès, Roja Dove, visitors are definitely going to want to expand their fragrance wardrobe.

8. Do More Than Shop for Beauty Products
In between perusing the more than 50 counters, pop in for some CoolSculpting, courtesy of Skinney MedSpa; get nails refreshed by Sundays; or pick up a hand-tied bouquet at EB Florals. And that’s just for starters. There’s also a slimming massage treatment offered by Martine de Richeville, as well as lash styling by Blink Brow Bar London.

9. The Treatment Rooms are Transporting


Can’t make it to Paris? No worries. The Chanel spa room is inspired by the Chanel au Ritz Hotel Spa in the City of Light, while the Dior outpost mimics the Dior Institut in the Plaza Athenée. Plus, there are 13 more cabines, many dedicated to brands such as Clé de Peau Beauté, La Prairie and Sisley Paris.


10. Because, Gucci


The Italian fashion house could not be hotter, and its first beauty concept store, showcasing fragrance and cosmetics, is here. Enough said.