If you want to explore beyond mall makeup stores or are looking to up your shelfie game with some new, independent and ethical beauty brands, Launch Party is a perfect one-stop shop in Over-the-Rhine. The coral-colored shelves are lined with everything from makeup, skin care and genderless fragrances to 10-free nail polish, cold-processed scalp systems and fun accessories, all from small businesses — including local ones. Items are hand-picked by owner Brit Cochran, a globe-trotting professional makeup artist with a passion for thoughtful and unique beauty products. Visit the store for in-person education and guidance, or shop online; each product features icons that indicate traits like whether it is vegan, eco-friendly, women owned, cruelty free or has a social impact. The store also provides full ingredient lists and brand info. With a goal of representing and celebrating the beauty of people of “every race, gender identity and age,” Launch Party’s products reflect the same ethos: to create a feel-good — and look-good — experience. shoplaunchparty.com.

Here are the 2023 Best Of Cincinnati® Reader and Staff Pick winners for Shops & Services.

1. Jungle Jim's International Market
2. The Party Source
3. Liquor Barn (Formerly DEP's Fine Wine & Spirits) TIE
   4. Marty's Hops and Vines TIE

Boys, keep out! Explorer Chick has women-only tours all over the world, but they call Cincinnati their home. With trips ranging from backpacking in the Grand Canyon to glamping in Belize, the tours focus on exploring new places and getting your heart and blood pumping for adventure. The website makes it easy to book  — sort tours by where you want to go and what kind of experience you want to have. Up for hiking? Rappelling? Surfing? All three? Click on those options and see where Explorer Chick can take you. And if none of your gal pals can go with you, don’t worry; it’s super-easy to bond with and befriend the other badass ladies on your trip. explorerchick.com.

1. Beelistic Tattoo


2. Skincraft Piercing & Tattoo


3. Hybrid Image

1. Cincinnati Museum Center
2. Parky’s Farm
3. Super Parties TIE
   4. Dave & Buster’s TIE

1. Top Golf


2. Toyko Kitty


3. MadTree Brewing

1. Richter & Phillips


2. Schwartz Jewelers


3. Monmouth Jewelers

1. Fern


2. Natorp's Nursery Outlet


3. A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

1. Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center


2. McKenna Cosmetic Surgery Center


3. The Plastic Surgery Group

1. Apollo Home


2. Jolly Plumbing


3. Zins Plumbing