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Beauty Black Book
A city by city guide to the top spots for getting gorgeous.
Cities N-S
New Orleans: Facials
Earthsavers
5501 Magazine Street
504-899-8555
Price: $70—$110
Aestheticians at this wellness center combine organic Eminence products with intense lymphatic drainage massage to treat anything from dryness and breakouts to uneven skin tone. Their mantra: The healing is in the hands.
5501 Magazine Street
504-899-8555
Price: $70—$110
Aestheticians at this wellness center combine organic Eminence products with intense lymphatic drainage massage to treat anything from dryness and breakouts to uneven skin tone. Their mantra: The healing is in the hands.
New York: Brows
Carlo Geraci
cgeraci@nyc.rr.com
Price: $75 for individual appointments; $35/person for brow party
Geraci's house calls and speedy scissor-and-tweezer technique have made him the top pick for beauty editors who wouldn't dare go public with unruly arches. Looking to save a buck (or 30)? Invite four friends to your apartment for a brow party.
cgeraci@nyc.rr.com
Price: $75 for individual appointments; $35/person for brow party
Geraci's house calls and speedy scissor-and-tweezer technique have made him the top pick for beauty editors who wouldn't dare go public with unruly arches. Looking to save a buck (or 30)? Invite four friends to your apartment for a brow party.
New York: Facials
Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at the Plaza
1 W. 58th Street, 4th floor
212-265-3182
Price: $185—$235
At this sleek contemporary spot, which specializes in rejuvenating vinotherapy facials, the pampering doesn't end in the treatment room. Clients are also encouraged to visit the wine vault, where the sommelier can explain the difference between a Barolo and a Brunello as they sit back and enjoy a glass of the house red.
1 W. 58th Street, 4th floor
212-265-3182
Price: $185—$235
At this sleek contemporary spot, which specializes in rejuvenating vinotherapy facials, the pampering doesn't end in the treatment room. Clients are also encouraged to visit the wine vault, where the sommelier can explain the difference between a Barolo and a Brunello as they sit back and enjoy a glass of the house red.
New York: Facials
Wei Lang Spa
584 Broadway, Suite 506
212-925-7570
Price: $130 and up
Pre-photo shoot, the city's top models slip into this downtown space, where makeup artist turned facialist Wei Lang steams, cleans and depuffs skin to camera-ready perfection. Her Japanese pressure-point massage has been known to help clients achieve some much needed beauty rest.
584 Broadway, Suite 506
212-925-7570
Price: $130 and up
Pre-photo shoot, the city's top models slip into this downtown space, where makeup artist turned facialist Wei Lang steams, cleans and depuffs skin to camera-ready perfection. Her Japanese pressure-point massage has been known to help clients achieve some much needed beauty rest.
New York: Haircut
Pipino New York
3 Centre Market Place
212-871-5533
Price: $120 and up
From the opulent baroque wallpaper to the custom-made Fendi chairs, luxe doesn’t begin to describe this dazzling salon. And when it comes to shaping hair, Pipino’s precision cuts—long layers are his specialty—guarantee that you’ll never have a hair out of place.
3 Centre Market Place
212-871-5533
Price: $120 and up
From the opulent baroque wallpaper to the custom-made Fendi chairs, luxe doesn’t begin to describe this dazzling salon. And when it comes to shaping hair, Pipino’s precision cuts—long layers are his specialty—guarantee that you’ll never have a hair out of place.
New York: Haircut
Oscar Blandi
545 Madison Avenue
212-988-9404
Price: $90 and up
At his sprawling new midtown space (it measures a whopping 9,000 square feet!), Blandi and his masterfully trained staff trim the tresses and pump up the color of Jessica Biel, Faith Hill and Shakira. With a cappuccino bar and Nintendo DS area (where kids can wait), everyone gets the VIP treatment.
545 Madison Avenue
212-988-9404
Price: $90 and up
At his sprawling new midtown space (it measures a whopping 9,000 square feet!), Blandi and his masterfully trained staff trim the tresses and pump up the color of Jessica Biel, Faith Hill and Shakira. With a cappuccino bar and Nintendo DS area (where kids can wait), everyone gets the VIP treatment.
New York: Hair Color
Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger
17 E. 71st Street
212-535-3519
Price: $250 and up
New York socialites keep Dorram on speed dial—and for good reason. Working out of a swanky new Upper East Side townhouse, the master weaves golden highlights that make your face glow. Trendsetting towheads Uma Thurman and Reese Witherspoon are both clients.
17 E. 71st Street
212-535-3519
Price: $250 and up
New York socialites keep Dorram on speed dial—and for good reason. Working out of a swanky new Upper East Side townhouse, the master weaves golden highlights that make your face glow. Trendsetting towheads Uma Thurman and Reese Witherspoon are both clients.
New York: Makeup
Portia Peters
Armani counter Bloomingdale's NYC
504 Broadway
212-729-5900
If you still haven't found a base you're in love with, try Peters as your matchmaker. A skin tone perfectionist, she'll find the ideal shade to camouflage any flaws while still allowing your complexion to show through. After a few swipes of her makeup sponge, you will see the transformative power of foundation and will be ready to move on to eyes, cheeks and lips.
Armani counter Bloomingdale's NYC
504 Broadway
212-729-5900
If you still haven't found a base you're in love with, try Peters as your matchmaker. A skin tone perfectionist, she'll find the ideal shade to camouflage any flaws while still allowing your complexion to show through. After a few swipes of her makeup sponge, you will see the transformative power of foundation and will be ready to move on to eyes, cheeks and lips.
New York: Nails
Rescue Beauty Lounge
34 Gansevoort Street
212-206-6409
Price: $30—$125
Owner Ji Baek enjoys rock-star status in the mani-pedi universe. While her custom-blended polishes—often inspired by the fashion runways—set the trends for the season, the stiletto-clad manicurist's No. 1 priority is cleanliness, which is why every treatment begins with a fresh packet of sterilized tools.
34 Gansevoort Street
212-206-6409
Price: $30—$125
Owner Ji Baek enjoys rock-star status in the mani-pedi universe. While her custom-blended polishes—often inspired by the fashion runways—set the trends for the season, the stiletto-clad manicurist's No. 1 priority is cleanliness, which is why every treatment begins with a fresh packet of sterilized tools.
New York: Tanning
Paul Labrecque
160 Columbus Avenue
212-988-7816
Price: $95
Containing cold-pressed aloe vera, this tan is one of the most hydrating ones you'll find. After customizing your color, the staff blends it in with a sponge. The results have been seen on golden girls Paris Hilton and Kelly Ripa.
160 Columbus Avenue
212-988-7816
Price: $95
Containing cold-pressed aloe vera, this tan is one of the most hydrating ones you'll find. After customizing your color, the staff blends it in with a sponge. The results have been seen on golden girls Paris Hilton and Kelly Ripa.
New York: Waxing
Completely Bare
103 Fifth Avenue 212-366-6060
Price: $38—$105
If there were a patron saint of waxing, it would be Cindy Barshop—her salons were once dedicated to laser removal but have grown to include a full menu of waxes. Regulars love her for the patented Ouch-less wax (it grabs hair but not skin). And nervous first-timers quickly become devotees after trying the cb Relax wax option—which includes a pre-treatment numbing cream.
103 Fifth Avenue 212-366-6060
Price: $38—$105
If there were a patron saint of waxing, it would be Cindy Barshop—her salons were once dedicated to laser removal but have grown to include a full menu of waxes. Regulars love her for the patented Ouch-less wax (it grabs hair but not skin). And nervous first-timers quickly become devotees after trying the cb Relax wax option—which includes a pre-treatment numbing cream.
Philadelphia: Brows
Adolf Biecker Salon
210 W. Rittenhouse Square, 3rd floor
215-735-6404
Price: $50 and up
Though she's a backstage regular at New York fashion shows, Melanie Engle is happy to put trends aside when it comes to eyebrows. Instead, she focuses on making the process virtually pain-free. She preps skin with powder, then uses a lavender wax to define the natural hairline.
210 W. Rittenhouse Square, 3rd floor
215-735-6404
Price: $50 and up
Though she's a backstage regular at New York fashion shows, Melanie Engle is happy to put trends aside when it comes to eyebrows. Instead, she focuses on making the process virtually pain-free. She preps skin with powder, then uses a lavender wax to define the natural hairline.
Philadelphia: Facials
Rescue Rittenhouse Spa Lounge
255 S. 17th Street, 2nd floor
215-772-2766
Price: $65 and up
Call her old-fashioned, but owner Danuta Mieloch gives every client the same advice her Polish mother gave her over 20 years ago: The key to glowing skin is a balanced diet, laughter, and happiness. Then she embarks on a decidedly modern facial that combines LED therapy and micro-current stimulation to make up for bad habits.
255 S. 17th Street, 2nd floor
215-772-2766
Price: $65 and up
Call her old-fashioned, but owner Danuta Mieloch gives every client the same advice her Polish mother gave her over 20 years ago: The key to glowing skin is a balanced diet, laughter, and happiness. Then she embarks on a decidedly modern facial that combines LED therapy and micro-current stimulation to make up for bad habits.
Philadelphia: Hair Color
AMS Salon & Lounge
123 S. 16th Street
215-569-1515
Price: $125 and up
The Hollywood- and New York—trained staffers study your complexion to determine the most flattering hue. Then, also keeping your eye color in mind, they meticulously paint a carefully selected mix of highlights and lowlights for a result so natural it looks like you were born with it—only better.
123 S. 16th Street
215-569-1515
Price: $125 and up
The Hollywood- and New York—trained staffers study your complexion to determine the most flattering hue. Then, also keeping your eye color in mind, they meticulously paint a carefully selected mix of highlights and lowlights for a result so natural it looks like you were born with it—only better.
Philadelphia: Nails
Toppers Spa/Salon
117 S. 19th Street
215-496-9966
Price: $54—$76
A visit to this Center City retreat will quickly make you forget about the hectic pace four flights down. Manicures include an invigorating hot paraffin mask and a rich moisture wrap that leave hands velvety soft. The rooftop solarium with its palm-trees and lounge chairs is a tempting reason to skip the quick-dry top coat.
117 S. 19th Street
215-496-9966
Price: $54—$76
A visit to this Center City retreat will quickly make you forget about the hectic pace four flights down. Manicures include an invigorating hot paraffin mask and a rich moisture wrap that leave hands velvety soft. The rooftop solarium with its palm-trees and lounge chairs is a tempting reason to skip the quick-dry top coat.
Philadelphia: Tanning
3000BC WellMed Spa
8439 Germantown Avenue
215-247-6020
Price: $110
Time for a medical intervention? Cosmetic surgeon Brian Buinewicz created the line of products used at this sleek medi-spa—the tan starts with a skin-priming AHA scrub and an aromatherapy shower to ease your mind. The doctor's orders: a healthy glow with no zebra stripes.
8439 Germantown Avenue
215-247-6020
Price: $110
Time for a medical intervention? Cosmetic surgeon Brian Buinewicz created the line of products used at this sleek medi-spa—the tan starts with a skin-priming AHA scrub and an aromatherapy shower to ease your mind. The doctor's orders: a healthy glow with no zebra stripes.
Phoenix: Haircut
Mane Attraction Salon
3156 E. Camelback Road
602-956-2996
Price: $49 and up
This intimate spot draws clients seeking cuts that fall perfectly but require minimal upkeep. Before even lifting their shears, stylists meticulously study your bone structure and hair texture, then ask questions about your lifestyle. Consider it insurance.
3156 E. Camelback Road
602-956-2996
Price: $49 and up
This intimate spot draws clients seeking cuts that fall perfectly but require minimal upkeep. Before even lifting their shears, stylists meticulously study your bone structure and hair texture, then ask questions about your lifestyle. Consider it insurance.
San Diego: Haircut
Jet Rhys
3846 Fifth Avenue
619-291-7511
Price: $45—$160
At this bustling salon, stylists specialize in the “middy” cut—that small-change-big impact trim that helps growing-out styles get through the awkward stage.
3846 Fifth Avenue
619-291-7511
Price: $45—$160
At this bustling salon, stylists specialize in the “middy” cut—that small-change-big impact trim that helps growing-out styles get through the awkward stage.
San Diego: Waxing
Beehive Waxing Salon
2564 State Street (Carlsbad, Calif.)
760-729-5200
Price: $20—$75
Many a swimsuit model stops into this So-Cal waxing salon before a surfside shoot—some clients travel up to two hours to undergo the meticulous process. Expert waxer Gene Sutton, who has spent 20 years developing her light touch, selects one of seven waxes to suit your skin type. And as incentive to show off Beehive's handiwork, the salon throws in a free thong with every bikini wax.
2564 State Street (Carlsbad, Calif.)
760-729-5200
Price: $20—$75
Many a swimsuit model stops into this So-Cal waxing salon before a surfside shoot—some clients travel up to two hours to undergo the meticulous process. Expert waxer Gene Sutton, who has spent 20 years developing her light touch, selects one of seven waxes to suit your skin type. And as incentive to show off Beehive's handiwork, the salon throws in a free thong with every bikini wax.
San Francisco: Waxing
Skin City
323 Divisadero Street
415-255-4777
Price: $10—$105"]
The technicians at this vibrant spot near the Haight may wax with the care of a surgeon, but there's nothing clinical about the experience. As reggae or bossa nova plays in the background, the staff members distract you with conversation as they speedily work with a formula rich in shea butter to quell post-wax irritation. Clients rave about the techs' bedside manner and are often sent home with a bottle of the house after-care lotion—gratis.
323 Divisadero Street
415-255-4777
Price: $10—$105"]
The technicians at this vibrant spot near the Haight may wax with the care of a surgeon, but there's nothing clinical about the experience. As reggae or bossa nova plays in the background, the staff members distract you with conversation as they speedily work with a formula rich in shea butter to quell post-wax irritation. Clients rave about the techs' bedside manner and are often sent home with a bottle of the house after-care lotion—gratis.
Scottsdale: Brows
Steven Paul Salon
7045 E. Third Avenue
480-603-1000
Price: $25
Tucked away on the second floor of this 10,000-square-foot spa complex, Koltton Fox can spend up to an hour on his brow artistry. If you feel yourself getting antsy, consider this: Clients rave that his intense focus can result in an instant (and inexpensive) face-lift.
7045 E. Third Avenue
480-603-1000
Price: $25
Tucked away on the second floor of this 10,000-square-foot spa complex, Koltton Fox can spend up to an hour on his brow artistry. If you feel yourself getting antsy, consider this: Clients rave that his intense focus can result in an instant (and inexpensive) face-lift.
Scottsdale: Facials
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Spa
5700 E. McDonald Drive (Paradise Valley, Ariz.)
480-948-2100
Price: $150—$245
Be sure to take in the stunning views of the fiery orange mountains before settling in for an intense Resurfacing Facial, which uses pharmaceutical-grade products to tackle skin discoloration—the not-so-pretty side effect of the intense year-round Arizona sun.
5700 E. McDonald Drive (Paradise Valley, Ariz.)
480-948-2100
Price: $150—$245
Be sure to take in the stunning views of the fiery orange mountains before settling in for an intense Resurfacing Facial, which uses pharmaceutical-grade products to tackle skin discoloration—the not-so-pretty side effect of the intense year-round Arizona sun.
Seattle: Facials
Spa Scotta
4915 25th Avenue NE
206-522-5800
Price: $50—$130
Developed by dermatologist Howard Murad, the IP5 facial peel features five potent exfoliators—Indian fig, vitamin C, and glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids—to instantly brighten and firm skin.
4915 25th Avenue NE
206-522-5800
Price: $50—$130
Developed by dermatologist Howard Murad, the IP5 facial peel features five potent exfoliators—Indian fig, vitamin C, and glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids—to instantly brighten and firm skin.
Scottsdale: Nails
Agua Spa at Mondrian Scottsdale
7353 E. Indian School Road
480-444-0547
Price: $40—$60
Technicians in this soothing white-on-white space study the condition of a client's feet before reaching for a pumice or file. For the most distressed soles, they recommend the warm tonic pedicure, with a heated masque to loosen dead skin before buffing.
7353 E. Indian School Road
480-444-0547
Price: $40—$60
Technicians in this soothing white-on-white space study the condition of a client's feet before reaching for a pumice or file. For the most distressed soles, they recommend the warm tonic pedicure, with a heated masque to loosen dead skin before buffing.
Scottsdale: Waxing
Bliss at W Scottsdale
7277 E. Camelback Road
480-575-0164
Price: $70
Scottsdale may be known for its 200-plus golf courses, but it's quickly becoming a party town (with several spas for pre-event primping). Bliss's first Arizona outpost boasts pros who know how to take the sting out of fuzz-busting with its famous low-temperature Poetic Wax—whether you go for the basic bikini, Brazilian, or Betweeny Wax.
7277 E. Camelback Road
480-575-0164
Price: $70
Scottsdale may be known for its 200-plus golf courses, but it's quickly becoming a party town (with several spas for pre-event primping). Bliss's first Arizona outpost boasts pros who know how to take the sting out of fuzz-busting with its famous low-temperature Poetic Wax—whether you go for the basic bikini, Brazilian, or Betweeny Wax.
Seattle: Brows
Salon Dewi
1525 14th Avenue
206-381-3482
Price: $25
Using a gentle low-temperature cream wax imported from France and working in tiny sections, Travis Powell makes sure every stray hair (even the ones so tiny a human eye can't see) are carefully ripped away. This attention to detail guarantees minimal post-wax redness and at least four weeks of golden arches before your next shaping.
1525 14th Avenue
206-381-3482
Price: $25
Using a gentle low-temperature cream wax imported from France and working in tiny sections, Travis Powell makes sure every stray hair (even the ones so tiny a human eye can't see) are carefully ripped away. This attention to detail guarantees minimal post-wax redness and at least four weeks of golden arches before your next shaping.
Seattle: Haircut
Gene Juarez Salon & Spa
607 Pine Street
206-326-6000
Price: $45—$150
Cuts that start at $45 don’t usually involve a visit to a “shampoo spa.” But this salon, which features high-end Kérastase products in every treatment, is full of pleasant surprises. Our two favorites: The three-minute scalp massage that accompanies every pre-cut shampoo and the free bang trims between appointments.
607 Pine Street
206-326-6000
Price: $45—$150
Cuts that start at $45 don’t usually involve a visit to a “shampoo spa.” But this salon, which features high-end Kérastase products in every treatment, is full of pleasant surprises. Our two favorites: The three-minute scalp massage that accompanies every pre-cut shampoo and the free bang trims between appointments.
Seattle: Nails
Frenchy’s Day Spa
3131 E. Madison Street, Suite 103
206-325-9582
Price: $18—$47
The overstuffed chairs and fireplace offer a comfortable setting to enjoy the creative offerings. Try the Lulu (which calms with ginkgo and ginseng-spiked lotions) or the Parisian (with an invigorating sea-salt scrub).
3131 E. Madison Street, Suite 103
206-325-9582
Price: $18—$47
The overstuffed chairs and fireplace offer a comfortable setting to enjoy the creative offerings. Try the Lulu (which calms with ginkgo and ginseng-spiked lotions) or the Parisian (with an invigorating sea-salt scrub).
Seattle: Tanning
The Bronze Bar
2615 First Avenue
206-374-8512
Price: $45–$120
A visit to Deana Finch's newly renovated spray bar can combat Seattle's grayest days. Her organic tanning solutions vary from barely glowing to deep, faux-beach-vacation brown, and she offers a subtly sculpting bridal tan that won't rub off on your pristine white dress.
2615 First Avenue
206-374-8512
Price: $45–$120
A visit to Deana Finch's newly renovated spray bar can combat Seattle's grayest days. Her organic tanning solutions vary from barely glowing to deep, faux-beach-vacation brown, and she offers a subtly sculpting bridal tan that won't rub off on your pristine white dress.
Seattle: Waxing
The Wax Bar Seattle
5915 15th Avenue NW
206-789-2963
Price: $15—$69
The plush carpet and modern furniture give this space the feel of a hip lounge. And since the spa happens to have a liquor license (one of the only in Washington State), each sip of a cocktail helps to take the sting out of your appointment.
5915 15th Avenue NW
206-789-2963
Price: $15—$69
The plush carpet and modern furniture give this space the feel of a hip lounge. And since the spa happens to have a liquor license (one of the only in Washington State), each sip of a cocktail helps to take the sting out of your appointment.
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