Atlanta-Boston
NEW! 2011 PICK
Atlanta: Hair Color
Dyer & Posta
600 Chastain Rd., No. 216
770-514-1620
Price: $50-$140
Located 20 minutes outside the city, this salon offers single process, highlights, color correction, and balayage and boasts savvy staffers who are trained in the techniques of N.Y.C. color guru Marie Robinson. It’s also one of only five salons in the U.S. that provide Marie Robinson’s Colorist Cure conditioning treatment, an essential oil–rich formula that's applied post-dye to help lock in your new, glossy shade.
600 Chastain Rd., No. 216
770-514-1620
Price: $50-$140
Located 20 minutes outside the city, this salon offers single process, highlights, color correction, and balayage and boasts savvy staffers who are trained in the techniques of N.Y.C. color guru Marie Robinson. It’s also one of only five salons in the U.S. that provide Marie Robinson’s Colorist Cure conditioning treatment, an essential oil–rich formula that's applied post-dye to help lock in your new, glossy shade.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Atlanta: Waxing
Sugarcoat
1062 St. Charles Ave. NE
404-249-0013
Price: $35
The natural, homemade wax here-composed of lime, honey, and sugar-is literally good enough to eat (technician Raquel Souza has nibbled on chunks to prove it). No cloth strips necessary: Souza swiftly pulls off each piece of wax in the opposite direction of hair growth (which prevents ingrowns). And the space is a teenage girl’s dream: white-cushioned benches, pink pillows, and a light fixture that looks like bubbles floating in midair.
1062 St. Charles Ave. NE
404-249-0013
Price: $35
The natural, homemade wax here-composed of lime, honey, and sugar-is literally good enough to eat (technician Raquel Souza has nibbled on chunks to prove it). No cloth strips necessary: Souza swiftly pulls off each piece of wax in the opposite direction of hair growth (which prevents ingrowns). And the space is a teenage girl’s dream: white-cushioned benches, pink pillows, and a light fixture that looks like bubbles floating in midair.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Austin: Facials
Cheeky Professional Skincare
1502 W. Sixth St.
512-482-8338
Price: $55
Visitors are offered water or wine upon arrival at this cozy spot, but owner Abby Bridges understands some clients don’t have time for hours of indulgence. Her Quick Fix Facial gets a glow in 30 minutes using organic Eminence skin-care products to cleanse and moisturize. And Bridges thoroughly massages potion into the skin, so you still get a bit of pampering.
1502 W. Sixth St.
512-482-8338
Price: $55
Visitors are offered water or wine upon arrival at this cozy spot, but owner Abby Bridges understands some clients don’t have time for hours of indulgence. Her Quick Fix Facial gets a glow in 30 minutes using organic Eminence skin-care products to cleanse and moisturize. And Bridges thoroughly massages potion into the skin, so you still get a bit of pampering.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Austin: Facials
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
98 San Jacinto Blvd.
512-685-8160
Price: $135
Wind down with a snack (dried fruit and granola) in the large relaxation room before your treatment. The type of facial you get isn’t determined until the aesthetician analyzes your skin. For the Moisture-Balancing Facial, the skin is cleansed, exfoliated, and hydrated with natural products. But you might not remember it all afterward: The reflexology session on face and arms is so blissful, it’s proven to bring on the z’s.
98 San Jacinto Blvd.
512-685-8160
Price: $135
Wind down with a snack (dried fruit and granola) in the large relaxation room before your treatment. The type of facial you get isn’t determined until the aesthetician analyzes your skin. For the Moisture-Balancing Facial, the skin is cleansed, exfoliated, and hydrated with natural products. But you might not remember it all afterward: The reflexology session on face and arms is so blissful, it’s proven to bring on the z’s.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Austin Hair Color
Francisco's Salon
1400 S. Congress Ave., Suite B-160
512-707-7626
Price: $61 and up
Owner Francisco Villa is a whiz at creating subtle, was-she-born-with-it shades. Case in point: A brunette left with a mix of highlights and low-lights, which he blended under the top layer of hair, for a natural, multidimensional auburn hue. On a sidenote, the red Craftsman toolbox drawers at every styling station are a fun touch.
1400 S. Congress Ave., Suite B-160
512-707-7626
Price: $61 and up
Owner Francisco Villa is a whiz at creating subtle, was-she-born-with-it shades. Case in point: A brunette left with a mix of highlights and low-lights, which he blended under the top layer of hair, for a natural, multidimensional auburn hue. On a sidenote, the red Craftsman toolbox drawers at every styling station are a fun touch.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Austin: Haircut
Keith Kristofer Salon
2785 Bee Cave Rd., Suite 351
512-233-1910
Price: $57-$87
At this trendy, art-filled salon, going slow is a good thing: Co-owner and stylist Kris Williams takes the time to ask about each client’s lifestyle and needs before raising her scissors. And whether she’s slicing long layers or crafting a short pixie, Williams frequently checks to see how strands fall as she snips.
2785 Bee Cave Rd., Suite 351
512-233-1910
Price: $57-$87
At this trendy, art-filled salon, going slow is a good thing: Co-owner and stylist Kris Williams takes the time to ask about each client’s lifestyle and needs before raising her scissors. And whether she’s slicing long layers or crafting a short pixie, Williams frequently checks to see how strands fall as she snips.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Austin: Tanning
Hush Hush Tan
1502 W. Sixth St.
512-482-8339
Price: $5-$55
In this cheery salon (love the blue walls and decorative fireplace!) owner Izabel Wicker sprays clients with an organic tanning solution enriched with antioxidants and botanicals like açai berry and rosemary. If you want to really dazzle, try the Glow with Gold, which incorporates gold shimmer into the regular formula.
1502 W. Sixth St.
512-482-8339
Price: $5-$55
In this cheery salon (love the blue walls and decorative fireplace!) owner Izabel Wicker sprays clients with an organic tanning solution enriched with antioxidants and botanicals like açai berry and rosemary. If you want to really dazzle, try the Glow with Gold, which incorporates gold shimmer into the regular formula.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Austin: Waxing
Milk + Honey Spa
204 Colorado St.
512-236-1115
Price: $75 and up for Brazilian treatment
Paper lanterns and lush plants make this spot feel like an oasis in the Texas heat. While waxes aren’t usually relaxing, a Brazilian performed by the easy-to-chat-to aesthetician Genevieve Faulkner is next to tolerable. For sensitive areas she uses hard peel-off wax (which adheres only to hair, not skin) and rarely goes over the same area twice.
204 Colorado St.
512-236-1115
Price: $75 and up for Brazilian treatment
Paper lanterns and lush plants make this spot feel like an oasis in the Texas heat. While waxes aren’t usually relaxing, a Brazilian performed by the easy-to-chat-to aesthetician Genevieve Faulkner is next to tolerable. For sensitive areas she uses hard peel-off wax (which adheres only to hair, not skin) and rarely goes over the same area twice.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Boca Raton, FLA.: Brows
Boca Brows
17940 N. Military Trail
561-370-9482
Price: $30
Owner Andra Taksey trained with brow guru Anastasia Soare in Beverly Hills and has now opened her own shop. Taksey’s sweet demeanor complements her serious skills: While waxing, tweezing, and snipping, she uses a tiny mirror to make sure hairs are perfect from all angles. After about 30 minutes, arches look groomed without a touch of pencil. Bonus: Each service includes a lip wax.
17940 N. Military Trail
561-370-9482
Price: $30
Owner Andra Taksey trained with brow guru Anastasia Soare in Beverly Hills and has now opened her own shop. Taksey’s sweet demeanor complements her serious skills: While waxing, tweezing, and snipping, she uses a tiny mirror to make sure hairs are perfect from all angles. After about 30 minutes, arches look groomed without a touch of pencil. Bonus: Each service includes a lip wax.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Boca Raton, FLA.: Tanning
South Florida Spray Tans
2800 Commercial Blvd., Suite 208
954-610-7212
Price: $65 for Tannerific Tan
A lesson in Spray Tanning 101: Elbows and knees are drier than other body parts and can absorb too much solution, which makes for a splotchy application. That’s why owner Jill Goldman takes care to moisturize those joints before airbrushing the entire body. After, she dries skin with a blower and passes a baby wipe over cuticles to get a clean, even finish.
2800 Commercial Blvd., Suite 208
954-610-7212
Price: $65 for Tannerific Tan
A lesson in Spray Tanning 101: Elbows and knees are drier than other body parts and can absorb too much solution, which makes for a splotchy application. That’s why owner Jill Goldman takes care to moisturize those joints before airbrushing the entire body. After, she dries skin with a blower and passes a baby wipe over cuticles to get a clean, even finish.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Boston: Facials
Exhale Spa Battery Wharf
2 Battery Wharf
617-603-3100
Price: $135
Snuggle up on comfy chairs with blankets and aromatherapy pillows before trying the popular Cool Beam facial, which uses LED light therapy (applied with a wand and cooling gel) to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. Immensely soothing, it leaves skin plump and refreshed.
2 Battery Wharf
617-603-3100
Price: $135
Snuggle up on comfy chairs with blankets and aromatherapy pillows before trying the popular Cool Beam facial, which uses LED light therapy (applied with a wand and cooling gel) to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. Immensely soothing, it leaves skin plump and refreshed.
NEW! 2011 PICK
Boston: Hair Color
Mario Russo
At Fan Pier, 60 Northern Ave.
857-350-3139
Price: $95-$400
Renowned stylist Mario Russo has tended to Beantown’s &eacure;lite for 20 years. This new location, adjacent to the chic clothing store Louis Boston, plays host to noteworthy colorist Josh Truax, who has a methodical approach—he carefully highlights and washes hair in sections to ensure equal processing time—and a conversational style that makes sessions fly by.
At Fan Pier, 60 Northern Ave.
857-350-3139
Price: $95-$400
Renowned stylist Mario Russo has tended to Beantown’s &eacure;lite for 20 years. This new location, adjacent to the chic clothing store Louis Boston, plays host to noteworthy colorist Josh Truax, who has a methodical approach—he carefully highlights and washes hair in sections to ensure equal processing time—and a conversational style that makes sessions fly by.
2010 PICK
Atlanta: Facials
The Aviary
659 Auburn Avenue, NE Suite 125
404-577-2460
Price: $80 and up
What do rock and roll and organic beauty have in common? It’s aesthetician Amy Leavell Bransford—daughter of Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell—who launched this eco-friendly spa last year. Leavell Bransford relies on a diamond-tip wand for gentle resurfacing and Dr. Hauschka products to leave skin smooth, not greasy.
659 Auburn Avenue, NE Suite 125
404-577-2460
Price: $80 and up
What do rock and roll and organic beauty have in common? It’s aesthetician Amy Leavell Bransford—daughter of Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell—who launched this eco-friendly spa last year. Leavell Bransford relies on a diamond-tip wand for gentle resurfacing and Dr. Hauschka products to leave skin smooth, not greasy.
2010 PICK
Atlanta: Hair Color
Soda Salon
597 Atlanta Street
770-642-1392
Price: $45 and up
Colorists here listen closely to your wishes, not their own whims. If a client asks for subtle change, they’ll paint on whisper-thin highlights that look sun-kissed, not streaky. Dramatic transformations are carried out delicately, in gradual steps.
597 Atlanta Street
770-642-1392
Price: $45 and up
Colorists here listen closely to your wishes, not their own whims. If a client asks for subtle change, they’ll paint on whisper-thin highlights that look sun-kissed, not streaky. Dramatic transformations are carried out delicately, in gradual steps.
2010 PICK
Atlanta: Haircut
Adore Hair Studio
245 N. Highland Avenue NE, Suite 160
404-522-0336
Price: $65
At her unpretentious Inman Park salon, Jill Gregory crafts boho-chic dos (read: tousled bobs and heavy, side-swept bangs) that look cool without trying too hard. Because these artfully disheveled styles can go from shaggy to shapeless between appointments, Gregory offers 15-minute touch-up trims free of charge.
245 N. Highland Avenue NE, Suite 160
404-522-0336
Price: $65
At her unpretentious Inman Park salon, Jill Gregory crafts boho-chic dos (read: tousled bobs and heavy, side-swept bangs) that look cool without trying too hard. Because these artfully disheveled styles can go from shaggy to shapeless between appointments, Gregory offers 15-minute touch-up trims free of charge.
2010 PICK
Atlanta: Hair Treatment
Salon Moraee
1153 W. Peachtree Street NW
678-701-4076
Price: $75
An insider secret among Atlanta’s cognoscenti, this understated salon specializes in deluxe deep-conditioning hydra treatments, during which strands are wrapped with nourishing oils and then cocooned in a hot towel to seal in extra shine and moisture that lasts for days.
1153 W. Peachtree Street NW
678-701-4076
Price: $75
An insider secret among Atlanta’s cognoscenti, this understated salon specializes in deluxe deep-conditioning hydra treatments, during which strands are wrapped with nourishing oils and then cocooned in a hot towel to seal in extra shine and moisture that lasts for days.
2010 PICK
Atlanta: Nails
Ecobel Day Spa
3833 Roswell Road, Suite 105
404-760-0300
Price: $20 and up
Nail pro Jonathan Man, who’s known for giving the best foot scrub and massage in town, recently set up shop at this lavish beauty sanctuary. His bullet-proof polish jobs are guaranteed to stay chip-free for a week on hands and four weeks on toes.
3833 Roswell Road, Suite 105
404-760-0300
Price: $20 and up
Nail pro Jonathan Man, who’s known for giving the best foot scrub and massage in town, recently set up shop at this lavish beauty sanctuary. His bullet-proof polish jobs are guaranteed to stay chip-free for a week on hands and four weeks on toes.
2010 PICK
Atlanta: Tanning
Glow Mobile Airbrush Tanning
820 W. Marietta Street NW
888-779-4569
Price: $65
Alexandra Goldstein’s mobile service satisfies every spray-tan wish: It’s fast, streak-free, and done in the comfort of the client’s bathroom. Goldstein uses an organic formula and various nozzles to adjust the spray on tricky parts (like the jawline or knees) for an even finish.
820 W. Marietta Street NW
888-779-4569
Price: $65
Alexandra Goldstein’s mobile service satisfies every spray-tan wish: It’s fast, streak-free, and done in the comfort of the client’s bathroom. Goldstein uses an organic formula and various nozzles to adjust the spray on tricky parts (like the jawline or knees) for an even finish.
2010 PICK
Atlanta: Waxing
Wax
280 Elizabeth Street NE
404-525-8344
Price: $15—$135
With its charming wallpaper and breezy rooms, this swanky spa takes the anxiety out of waxing. Owner Myka Barbato uses multiple types of wax —a French blend lends extra moisture, while a vegetable-based version is gentle on sensitive skin — and mixes her own post-treatment oils for a final calming touch.
280 Elizabeth Street NE
404-525-8344
Price: $15—$135
With its charming wallpaper and breezy rooms, this swanky spa takes the anxiety out of waxing. Owner Myka Barbato uses multiple types of wax —a French blend lends extra moisture, while a vegetable-based version is gentle on sensitive skin — and mixes her own post-treatment oils for a final calming touch.
2010 PICK
Boston: Brows
Lauren Genatossio at Sarra Boston
840 Summer Street
617-269-8999
Price: $40
While getting a professional to groom your brows may seem high maintenance, Genatossio proves it can actually save you time in the long run. After you allow your over-plucked arches to grow in, she uses tweezers and scissors to tame unruly hairs and create a natural shape. If you have great brows, she explains, you need less makeup.
840 Summer Street
617-269-8999
Price: $40
While getting a professional to groom your brows may seem high maintenance, Genatossio proves it can actually save you time in the long run. After you allow your over-plucked arches to grow in, she uses tweezers and scissors to tame unruly hairs and create a natural shape. If you have great brows, she explains, you need less makeup.
2010 PICK
Boston: Facials
Unique Verve
530 Tremont Street
617-595-2510
Price: $140 and up
After steaming pores at the city’s top spas, aesthetician Natalie Maibenko went solo a few years ago and opened up her tranquil South End skin studio. Shunning harsh ingredients in her anti-aging facials, she packs vitamins A and C into her peels and serums to erase fine lines, reduce pigmentation, and boost collagen production.
530 Tremont Street
617-595-2510
Price: $140 and up
After steaming pores at the city’s top spas, aesthetician Natalie Maibenko went solo a few years ago and opened up her tranquil South End skin studio. Shunning harsh ingredients in her anti-aging facials, she packs vitamins A and C into her peels and serums to erase fine lines, reduce pigmentation, and boost collagen production.
2010 PICK
Boston: Hair Color
Kent Newton Salon
1315 Washington St.
617-426-2640
Price: $70 and up
Upscale and intimate, this South End salon evokes a semiprivate atmosphere, as owner Newton tints the tresses of only two clients at a time. He favors foils and uses sheer gloss that guarantees shine for up to five weeks.
1315 Washington St.
617-426-2640
Price: $70 and up
Upscale and intimate, this South End salon evokes a semiprivate atmosphere, as owner Newton tints the tresses of only two clients at a time. He favors foils and uses sheer gloss that guarantees shine for up to five weeks.
2010 PICK
Boston: Haircut
Umi Salon
75 Newbury Street
617-247-0770
Price: $400
Owner Jeffrey Dauksevich is to hair what Jil Sander is to fashion: His geometric cuts appear simple but are masterfully constructed. Layers are snipped at just the right angle to lift cheekbones; pixies can be worn sleek or with soft waves.
75 Newbury Street
617-247-0770
Price: $400
Owner Jeffrey Dauksevich is to hair what Jil Sander is to fashion: His geometric cuts appear simple but are masterfully constructed. Layers are snipped at just the right angle to lift cheekbones; pixies can be worn sleek or with soft waves.
2010 PICK
Boston: Hair Treatment
Christa Comeau at Pini Swissa Salon
18 Newbury Street
617-236-1727
Price: $450 and up
Fans of Comeau’s straightening treatment know it’s not a quick fix — the process of painting on the keratin-based relaxer and pulling strands through a flatiron can take up to three hours. But the payoff is a mane that’s super-straight for up to five months, barely requires any blow-drying, and won’t frizz.
18 Newbury Street
617-236-1727
Price: $450 and up
Fans of Comeau’s straightening treatment know it’s not a quick fix — the process of painting on the keratin-based relaxer and pulling strands through a flatiron can take up to three hours. But the payoff is a mane that’s super-straight for up to five months, barely requires any blow-drying, and won’t frizz.
2010 PICK
Boston: Makeup
Dani Wagener
781-389-6520
Price: $150
The no-makeup makeup look is actually the most difficult to create, but Wagener has it down pat. She blends highlighter with foundation to give skin a lit-from-within glow and dabs on cream blush to heighten the dewy effect. Rich gel liners and glimmering shadows bring out the eyes, and a neutral stain subtly enhances the lips.
781-389-6520
Price: $150
The no-makeup makeup look is actually the most difficult to create, but Wagener has it down pat. She blends highlighter with foundation to give skin a lit-from-within glow and dabs on cream blush to heighten the dewy effect. Rich gel liners and glimmering shadows bring out the eyes, and a neutral stain subtly enhances the lips.
2010 PICK
Boston: Nails
MiniLuxe
296 Newbury Street
857-362-7444
Price: $18 and up
While the menu lists “mini luxuries” like a manicure and pedicure infused with warm oil, we prefer the basic mani-pedi: a 75-minute treatment that includes the standard nail filing and cuticle trimming, followed by Miniluxe’s lemon-infused exfoliating scrub, and cream that’s massaged into hands and feet to soften and smooth.
296 Newbury Street
857-362-7444
Price: $18 and up
While the menu lists “mini luxuries” like a manicure and pedicure infused with warm oil, we prefer the basic mani-pedi: a 75-minute treatment that includes the standard nail filing and cuticle trimming, followed by Miniluxe’s lemon-infused exfoliating scrub, and cream that’s massaged into hands and feet to soften and smooth.
2010 PICK
Boston: Tanning
Bella Sante
38 Newbury Street
617-424-9930
Price: $90
Perched above the jostling activity of Newbury Street, this spa has a wonderfully quiet (cell phone-free) atmosphere. The bronzing treatment starts with a full body exfoliation, followed by a rubdown with Phytomer’s Creamy Self-Tanning gel, which leaves skin a believable shade of golden brown.
38 Newbury Street
617-424-9930
Price: $90
Perched above the jostling activity of Newbury Street, this spa has a wonderfully quiet (cell phone-free) atmosphere. The bronzing treatment starts with a full body exfoliation, followed by a rubdown with Phytomer’s Creamy Self-Tanning gel, which leaves skin a believable shade of golden brown.
2010 PICK
Boston: Waxing
Salon Marc Harris
125 Broad Street
617-443-8633
Price: $15—$85
Director Anne-Cecile Curot heads up the spa at Marc Harris’s Financial District salon. There she uses a vitamin-enriched formula that adheres only to the hair (leaving skin free from irritation) and encourages yoga-like positions to get the best results.
125 Broad Street
617-443-8633
Price: $15—$85
Director Anne-Cecile Curot heads up the spa at Marc Harris’s Financial District salon. There she uses a vitamin-enriched formula that adheres only to the hair (leaving skin free from irritation) and encourages yoga-like positions to get the best results.
2009 PICK
Atlanta: Brows
Robin Stiles Salon & Skin Care
375 Pharr Road, Suite 106
404-264-9932
Price: $15—$25
Co-owner and brow expert Susan Soto worked as a fashion designer before trading in her colored pencils for a low-temperature hemp wax. Now fans rave about her ability to create clean lines and strong shapes with minimal sting.
375 Pharr Road, Suite 106
404-264-9932
Price: $15—$25
Co-owner and brow expert Susan Soto worked as a fashion designer before trading in her colored pencils for a low-temperature hemp wax. Now fans rave about her ability to create clean lines and strong shapes with minimal sting.
2009 PICK
Atlanta: Facials
29 Spa at the Mansion on Peachtree
3376 Peachtree Road
404-995-7529
Price: $140—$185
Married to a third-generation winemaker, Lydia Mondavi works with labs in Napa, Calif., and Milan, Italy, to produce grapeseed-based spa treatments. During the October cabernet harvest, the crushed seeds are rushed from the vineyards for use in the soothing facials.
3376 Peachtree Road
404-995-7529
Price: $140—$185
Married to a third-generation winemaker, Lydia Mondavi works with labs in Napa, Calif., and Milan, Italy, to produce grapeseed-based spa treatments. During the October cabernet harvest, the crushed seeds are rushed from the vineyards for use in the soothing facials.
2009 PICK
Atlanta: Hair Color
Soda Salon
924 Garrett Street
404-622-1565
Price: $45 and up
Masters at multidimensional color, the stylists at Soda Salon treat hair like a canvas fitting, since the space doubles as an art gallery. But don’t expect a stuffy museum vibe: The down-to-earth staff and cool setting have won this salon a loyal following.
924 Garrett Street
404-622-1565
Price: $45 and up
Masters at multidimensional color, the stylists at Soda Salon treat hair like a canvas fitting, since the space doubles as an art gallery. But don’t expect a stuffy museum vibe: The down-to-earth staff and cool setting have won this salon a loyal following.
2009 PICK
Atlanta: Haircut
Van Michael Salon
39 W. Paces Ferry Road, NW
404-237-4664
Price: $28 and up
Whether it’s a sleek bob or cascading waves, stylists deliver easy-to-wear cuts that suit a client’s hair texture. A free blow-dry lesson ensures salon quality results at home.
39 W. Paces Ferry Road, NW
404-237-4664
Price: $28 and up
Whether it’s a sleek bob or cascading waves, stylists deliver easy-to-wear cuts that suit a client’s hair texture. A free blow-dry lesson ensures salon quality results at home.
2009 PICK
Atlanta: Nails
Wet Paint Nail Studio at Purple Door Salon and Spa
321 Edgewood Avenue
404-808-9931
Price: $20—$50
Terrance Terry wants his nail services to feel as good as they look. That's why he insists clients sit back and sip a glass of wine (or nibble on his stash of gourmet chocolate) as he scrubs, buffs and polishes hands and feet to perfection.
321 Edgewood Avenue
404-808-9931
Price: $20—$50
Terrance Terry wants his nail services to feel as good as they look. That's why he insists clients sit back and sip a glass of wine (or nibble on his stash of gourmet chocolate) as he scrubs, buffs and polishes hands and feet to perfection.
2009 PICK
Atlanta: Tanning
Summer House Tanning
2221 Peachtree Road
404-351-9060
Price: $65
This bronzing mecca is the official tanning salon for the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders. And no wonder—locals say that their airbrush formula, spiked with moisturizing walnut extract, is a winner. Plus, they score extra points for the speedy 15-minute application and the eight available shades.
2221 Peachtree Road
404-351-9060
Price: $65
This bronzing mecca is the official tanning salon for the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders. And no wonder—locals say that their airbrush formula, spiked with moisturizing walnut extract, is a winner. Plus, they score extra points for the speedy 15-minute application and the eight available shades.
2009 PICK
Atlanta: Waxing
Sweet Samba
884 Monroe Drive NE
404-347-5211
Price: $5—$60
Thoughtful extras like a glass of wine when you arrive and TVs on the ceilings make appointments more pleasant. But it's the nearly pain-free waxes that ensure an enjoyable visit. The owners swear the secret is the hard wax that contains beeswax imported from Brazil—it goes on in an almost transparent layer and leaves clients without redness or irritation.
884 Monroe Drive NE
404-347-5211
Price: $5—$60
Thoughtful extras like a glass of wine when you arrive and TVs on the ceilings make appointments more pleasant. But it's the nearly pain-free waxes that ensure an enjoyable visit. The owners swear the secret is the hard wax that contains beeswax imported from Brazil—it goes on in an almost transparent layer and leaves clients without redness or irritation.
2009 PICK
Baton Rouge: Hair Treatment
Rigsby-Frederick Salon Gallery Spa
7520 Perkins Road,
Suite 240
225-769-7903
Price $30 and up
If there’s a big social event on the horizon (think Mardi Gras balls and Louisiana State University homecoming), this is where the pre-party happens. While the chic updos—ladylike buns are the current craze—will last the night, clients rely on the salon’s keratin-infused hair-smoothing treatments to resist Louisiana’s sweltering heat and thick humidity.
7520 Perkins Road,
Suite 240
225-769-7903
Price $30 and up
If there’s a big social event on the horizon (think Mardi Gras balls and Louisiana State University homecoming), this is where the pre-party happens. While the chic updos—ladylike buns are the current craze—will last the night, clients rely on the salon’s keratin-infused hair-smoothing treatments to resist Louisiana’s sweltering heat and thick humidity.
2009 PICK
Boston: Brows
Studio 9
9 Newbury Street, 7th floor
617-267-9990
Price: $40
There's nothing makeup artist Cindy Jensen loathes more than over-tweezed arches. To convince her clients that a thicker shape is worth waiting for, she fills in brows with powder to show the eventual effect. When the brows have grown in, Jensen expertly wields tweezers to subtly enhance their natural shape.
9 Newbury Street, 7th floor
617-267-9990
Price: $40
There's nothing makeup artist Cindy Jensen loathes more than over-tweezed arches. To convince her clients that a thicker shape is worth waiting for, she fills in brows with powder to show the eventual effect. When the brows have grown in, Jensen expertly wields tweezers to subtly enhance their natural shape.
2009 PICK
Boston: Facials
Skincare Physicians
1244 Boylston Street (Chestnut Hill, Mass.)
617-731-1600
Price: $100 and up
Working under the guidance of Yale dermatologist Jeffrey Dover, the aestheticians at this top-notch practice have a clinical eye when it comes to treating skin. Their "medical facials" are all about deep cleansing and using active ingredients like glycolic acid. The result? Clear, glowing skin (no cucumbers required).
1244 Boylston Street (Chestnut Hill, Mass.)
617-731-1600
Price: $100 and up
Working under the guidance of Yale dermatologist Jeffrey Dover, the aestheticians at this top-notch practice have a clinical eye when it comes to treating skin. Their "medical facials" are all about deep cleansing and using active ingredients like glycolic acid. The result? Clear, glowing skin (no cucumbers required).
2009 PICK
Boston: Hair Color
Umi Salon
75 Newbury Street
617-247-0770
Price: $155 and up
Owner Jeffrey Dauksevich conducts offbeat yet insightful color consultations, often asking, “How do you want to feel?” before going to work on your hair. The “therapy” doesn’t end there. His staff has earned attention for an ability to rehab botched dye jobs and use the balayage technique (see sidebar) to create truly believable blondes.
75 Newbury Street
617-247-0770
Price: $155 and up
Owner Jeffrey Dauksevich conducts offbeat yet insightful color consultations, often asking, “How do you want to feel?” before going to work on your hair. The “therapy” doesn’t end there. His staff has earned attention for an ability to rehab botched dye jobs and use the balayage technique (see sidebar) to create truly believable blondes.
2009 PICK
Boston: Haircut
Mizu Salon at the Mandarin Oriental
776 Boylston Street
617-585-6498
Price: $125—$150
Elan Sassoon, son of the legendary stylist Vidal, continues the family legacy of precision cuts at his new futuristic white-on-white salon. High-tech extras, like Myvu goggles (movies are projected inside the lenses) and WiFi laptops, keep clients well entertained.
776 Boylston Street
617-585-6498
Price: $125—$150
Elan Sassoon, son of the legendary stylist Vidal, continues the family legacy of precision cuts at his new futuristic white-on-white salon. High-tech extras, like Myvu goggles (movies are projected inside the lenses) and WiFi laptops, keep clients well entertained.
2009 PICK
Boston: Nails
Bella Sante
38 Newbury Street
617-424-9930
Price: $27—$95
This trendy spot is the ideal place to give yourself some serious post-shopping-spree rehab. The Foot Facial includes a hydrating massage, enzyme scrub, and warm paraffin treatment.
38 Newbury Street
617-424-9930
Price: $27—$95
This trendy spot is the ideal place to give yourself some serious post-shopping-spree rehab. The Foot Facial includes a hydrating massage, enzyme scrub, and warm paraffin treatment.
2009 PICK
Boston: Tanning
Grettacole
10 Huntington Avenue
617-266-6166
Price: $60—$115
Sometimes there's not enough time in the day to treat yourself to a leisurely spa visit. You need a believable glow, pronto. At this high-energy salon that's more about results than relaxation, technicians quickly—but carefully—hand-apply unscented tanning lotion to busy Bostonians. (Clients say that Mary Frangie is especially skilled at making semi-nude tanners feel at ease.)
10 Huntington Avenue
617-266-6166
Price: $60—$115
Sometimes there's not enough time in the day to treat yourself to a leisurely spa visit. You need a believable glow, pronto. At this high-energy salon that's more about results than relaxation, technicians quickly—but carefully—hand-apply unscented tanning lotion to busy Bostonians. (Clients say that Mary Frangie is especially skilled at making semi-nude tanners feel at ease.)
2009 PICK
Boston: Waxing
Bella Skin
846 Walnut Street (Newton, Mass.)
617-796-7900
Price: $10—$65
Newbies to Brazilian waxes should know that the staff members at this cozy three-room spa are masters at making your first-time going bare comfortable. Technicians work in small sections and don't allow wax to cool—often the source of the sting. As a result, clients say they provide "the best Brazilian ever" and "you'll
846 Walnut Street (Newton, Mass.)
617-796-7900
Price: $10—$65
Newbies to Brazilian waxes should know that the staff members at this cozy three-room spa are masters at making your first-time going bare comfortable. Technicians work in small sections and don't allow wax to cool—often the source of the sting. As a result, clients say they provide "the best Brazilian ever" and "you'll
