Having heard about GBS for years from industry insiders, I decided to finally stop in and check out the Coral Gables location. First opened in 1979, GBS has been doing what Sephora and ULTA are doing long before either of these stores opened branches in the Florida market. I was a curious to see what set GBS apart.

First of all, GBS looks like a beauty supply store when you first walk into the space. You won’t find all the regular brands available elsewhere – no MAC or Bobbi Brown cosmetics, no retail hair products available in every outlet throughout the country. Instead, you’ll find tons of cutting edge products that are the latest, newest, most inventive tools available to beauty industry insiders. This is where make up artists, performers and stylists come to find the best and the brightest products available. 

One such product is Hair-U-Wear, hair extensions and pieces endorsed by Jessica Simpson and Ken Paves, Oprah Winfrey’s stylist. GBS was the first to launch the lines’ campaign called “That Can’t Be Your Hair, It Looks Too Damn Good!” Vivica A. Fox stopped in to GBS in order to buy Hair-U-Wear hair clips and eyelashes to wear to P. Diddy’s exclusive MTV Video Music Awards party.

While I was at the Coral Gables store, I had a chance to meet representatives of some of the lines GBS carries and to try their products – three of which are now staples in my beauty regime.

Firstly, I discovered the Babor skin care line, which combines state-of-the-art scientific knowledge with unique formulas based on precious substances derived from natural sources, including active yeast from champagne, rich macadamia nut oil, vitamins A, E and C, plus marine-based collagen and plant-derived ceramides. Originally sold exclusively in European salons, American clients of Babor are now loyal to its products, which combine luxurious textures and unbeatable results.

After a skin consultation, Babor training consultant Peggy Murray performed a mini facial and recommended products for my skin – all of which I loved and all of which I went home with! The HY-OL cleanser that combines the natural cleansing power of oil and water in a bi-phase cleansing system leaves your skin feeling clean and plump. The Mimical Control Cream was great – it’s the only formulation on the market using both peptides, to inhibit expression lines, and pro-endorphins to release muscle memory micro-tensions. It’s a miracle alternative to Botox.

The Sensational Eyes cream promotes elasticity, minimizes fine lines and doubles as an eye mask. My favorite product of all is the Multi Active Vitamin Fluid, which comes in individual glass ampoules and strengthens and revitalizes the skin. Used all together, these products leave you feeling clean, while the moisturizing creams and fluids plump up my skin without making me feel greasy. The best part is that I can already see a difference in my skin. Babor is now my cleansing ritual of choice and I can’t see myself ever being without it again.

My next beauty discovery was Op-Art, a revolutionary concept in eye color by Hot Pants Cosmetics. This is one of those things that make you ask, “What took them so long to invent this?!” The product was developed by Brooke Boles, president of the company who both modeled and acted in L.A. before developing her own line of cosmetics after seeing a need for great products in the marketplace. OpArt is a simple concept whose time has come – the eye color powders are paired with a base, which is applied first to the lid and which holds the colored powders in place.

Your choice of eye powder color will look differently depending on which base you use, so you don’t need 87 shadow colors. Just a few will give you a wide range of color options when used with the different bases. And, your shadow will stay in place and looking fresh for hours longer than traditional powder shadows. There are watercolor tones, earth tones and glittery powders that can vamp up your eyes at night or can be used as a liner.

Also check out the lines’ Lip Lust volumizer lip gloss. No stinging or tingling, just great glossy volume packaged in a tube with a side mirror and lighted applicator for touching up lips on the go – what a great idea!

The last product I fell in love with was another volumizer, this time for hair. BigWigg by AG Hair Cosmetics is a spray you apply to your roots that adds incredible volume and lift by thickening the hair shaft. This was a recent addition at GBS and all of the stylists were raving about it.

Did I mention that every GBS store also features a full-service hair salon? The menu includes color, cut, style, up-dos, relaxers, straighteners, hair extensions, specialty hair treatments, conditioners and wedding party packages.

While at the salon, I had a wash and blow dry by Francisco, who gave me what amounted to the most relaxing and thorough wash I’ve ever gotten in a salon – or anywhere, for that matter. When I commented on this to him, Francisco raised a perfect brow and informed me that really clean hair is the basis for any good style. He knows of what he speaks, as Francisco went on to give me a meticulously styled blow out while answering booking questions from his assistant. Local ladies clamor for his services and it’s no wonder – this Cuban-born hair stylist is a magician. Straightening hair, which I’m told is a six hour process, is one of Francisco’s specialties. Passing along trade secrets, like introducing me to BigWigg, is another.

Next I was passed along to Petra, who has been doing manis and pedis for over twenty years. Another highly skilled professional who considers that what she does is an art, Petra tended to my feet, while tsk-tsking over the state of my cuticles. After applying various oils to my feet and treating me to a long and luxurious leg massage, Petra got my toes in shape and had them looking like little polished jewels by the time she was finished.

GBS also has professional makeup artists on staff and offer clients complimentary touch ups and consultations, not to mention that they’re on hand to walk you through all the fabulous products they stock. 

GBS is also debuting new facial rooms in the Aventura (18545 West Dixie Highway) and Fort Lauderdale (31 N. Federal Hwy) locations. Certified aestheticians will offer customers professional skincare analysis and consultations as well as luxurious facial treatments from the leading skincare companies including Dermalogica, Babor and Murad. Another perk of a facial treatment room nestled inside a bustling beauty boutique is the generous discount applied to products purchased following the client’s treatment. Look for facial treatment rooms to launch in GBS’ other three south Florida locations throughout 2008.

All five locations of GBS, The Beauty Store are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Sundays, shop GBS from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Pinecrest, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables and Boca Raton stores. For additional information, go to www.gbsbeauty.com. Also visit the website often for special events. Past events that GBS has hosted or participated in have included the MTV beauty oasis at Sanctuary Spa, an official opening party for the movie “Hairspray” and in-store celebrity book signings.