StormSister Spatique

Walking through the tiny storefront, StormSister Spatique (635 Smith Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-221-4668) feels a bit like finding a sorceress in the middle of the forest and a bit like asking your big sister for advice.

As a longtime resident of St. Paul’s West Side with twenty-two years in the biz (including a long stint at Just For You, a salon on Cathedral Hill she owned with her sister), Becky Sturm knows her niche: People want great skin-care, cosmetics, and other personal-care products, but might want to skip a trip to the spa for treatments (where many of these products are normally available) and go the way of DIY. To that end, she stocks the best of Phytomer’s Phytoceane and Vie lines—and she hasn’t forgotten men’s grooming needs with the full line from Phytomer Homme—and she’ll tell you what’s what. Her genuine enthusiasm and love of the product inspire even the most skeptical customer.

The breadth of products, from the latest in European skin care to local artists’ clothing handiwork and merchandise (such as Smart Women and Good Guys products from Girl Babies), makes for fun shopping, especially when Prince’s 3121 is pumping on the stereo. Sturm also has you covered for what happens after all that cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing—she carries pretty makeup from Fleur’s, which practically necessitates a vanity table.

If that isn’t enough, there are other beauty accouterments, such as sisal body brushes and shimmer powder (complete with a glam puff), not to mention nail care products (vegan and phthalate-free SpaRitual polish). Sturm’s blog contains juicy tidbits, notices of sales, and beauty commentary. Take it as a magical potion or your sister’s more experienced advice—either way, it works. Good things come in small packages.