Salon and Spa Directory: Massage Envy (Plus a Giveaway!)

I really can't think of anything better than getting a massage and a facial in the same day. So when I had the opportunity to visit any Massage Envy location of my choosing recently -- with the promise of enjoying both services in one fell swoop as part of the Ultimate Envy Treatment -- I, of course, leapt eagerly to the massage and facial tables at once.

I had been curious about Massage Envy for quite some time before I finally visited one. A massage for under $100? A facial for under $100? Could they actually be any good, I wondered? Well, I had no reason to worry -- because the massage and facial I received were among the best I've experienced in my many, many (MANY) years of spa going.

I visited the location in Pittsburgh's Wexford neighborhood (yes, I actually traveled to the suburbs for this), and was immediately put at ease by everyone from the receptionist at the front desk to my massage therapist and esthetician. Everyone was friendly, accommodating and ready to ensure I had the most marvelous time during my treatment.

Before any treatment at Massage Envy, you must fill out a form with your concerns and areas you'd like to work on. I give a lot of kudos to my massage therapist for not thinking I was crazy, because my sheet basically said she should pound me into the table and work out as many kinks as humanly possible. (What can I say, I carry a lot of tension in my neck, shoulders and back due to my migraines.) To her credit, her strokes were even, firm and just deep enough to make me know every single knot would be released -- without making me want to cry out in pain at the same time, which is a feat in itself with deep tissue work! The hour went by rapidly, probably due to the fact that I was completely blissed out the entire time.

My facial was just as wonderful. Massage Envy uses Murad products and customizes every facial to your skin type and concerns, so I knew I was in good hands (pardon the pun). My skin had been incredibly dry, thanks to the horrible winter that seemed to go on forever, so my esthetician worked to hydrate, nourish and moisturize the skin as much as possible. And here's how I REALLY knew the facial was perfect (aside from the fact that my skin looked absolutely glowy and incredible at the end of it, obviously): I FELL ASLEEP WHILE SHE WAS DOING MY EXTRACTIONS. If you can squeeze my skin and make me take a nap at the same time, I'm pretty sure it's love.

Since there are Massage Envy locations all over the United States, it's incredibly easy to find the location nearest you for a little pampering. You can find your nearest location at massageenvy.com. Introductory massages are $49.99 for 1 hour or $74.99 for 90 minutes, or you can become a member for $59.99 a month.

And here's the best part. One lucky reader has the chance to win a Massage Envy Gift Card to experience the Ultimate Envy Treatment for yourself! This giveaway has a retail value of $110. To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

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