Template:Cosmetics Store European beauty mavens have been raving about this upscale “soapermarket” for years, and it's about time we trend-starved Bostonians got a piece of the action. Lush looks almost like a fruit stand, with scrubs, bubbles, bath bombs, and chunks of handmade soap artfully heaped against chalkboard signs. The soaps, subtly blended with essences of fruits, spices, vegetables, and minerals, are sold by the pound ($27+/lb). Travelers swear by Lush's shampoo bars ($8-9), which come in handy tins and fit in your pocket—perfect for those who just can't leave home without a pocket full of shampoo. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Hotel Chocolat has some of the best chocolates. Hotel Chocolat first started as a catalog in the UK, then they expanded and opened up shops throughout the UK. This Hotel Chocolat on Newbury Street is one of the first Hotel Chocolat shops to open in the U.S. Another Hotel Chocolat will be opening soon at The Mall at Chestnut Hill. There is a ‘Tasting Room’ in which you can book an appointment for a more personal chocolate experience. The chocolates are pricey but delicious and great for a holiday gift!

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Winston Flowers provides high fashion flowers with a pricey tag. Educated in the lastest trends with flowers, Winston Flowers combines unique flowers in uber modern ways to bring beautiful center pieces and flower arrangements. The staff know the plants, down to their scientific name- so be sure to ask how to care for your purchases to get the most life. They often sell small plants by displaying them outside the shop, including small pines for the winter (hint hint: christmas tree for a small apartment)

Copley Flair is a one-of-a-kind Boston-prone shop selling novelty items, a wide selection of cards for all occasions, Vera Bradley products, and small collectable gifts. The shop contains about every novelty item- to weird boxed gum, squishy balls, iPod holders, and self-help books. The store is suprisingly well organzed and looks classier than most novelty shops. Forget your girlfriend's birthday/anniversary on the walk home? This shop was made for this exact purpose.

Go-to home and garden store (great gift store!). Between the planters/urns, tableware, wall-plates, oils & spices, and wine gear- you're sure to find something for all members of your family.

Agent Provocateur unveiled its controversial new window display on Newbury Street and let's say heads will be turning with the store's scantily-clad mannequins striking a come-hither pose that seems more like a Parisian red-light district and less Newbury Street. But, what do you expect from a store that means "inciting agent" in French? In the wake of Diptyque has emerged Agent Provocateur, a high-end lingerie shop with apparel that will raise a few eyebrows among Boston's Puritanical set. Co-founder Joe Corre, who opened the label's first boutique back in 1996 with Serena Rees, has crafted a naughty collection of classic to exotic lingerie. Think enticing suspender belts, corsets, garters and see-through undergarments that will add a sizzle to your boudoir during the winter months. Cross Streets: Claredon and Dartmouth

Prem-La provides all the wonders of the Himalayas to the people of the Boston area and the rest of the United States. An extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff makes sure that with each purchase you get exactly what you are looking for and always leave Prem-La better informed than when you entered.

UPDATE: The Tannery, a high-end clothing shop, is slotted to open at 711 Boylston sometime in 2009. Restoration Hardware unfortunately closed its doors in the Back Bay on May 17, 2008. However, the Restoration Hardware location in the Atrium Mall remains open.