If you're looking for a true oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of New York City, look no further than Rescue Beauty Lounge. I'd been interested in Rescue Beauty Lounge for quite some time -- I love the nail polishes, and what better way to experience them than in owner Ji Baek's natural habitat?
So I picked up the phone and made an appointment for this past Friday. I decided upon the Collagen Wrap Manicure and Complete Pedicure -- it had been awhile since my last mani/pedi, and my hands and feet were looking a bit worse for wear!
Rescue Beauty Lounge is tucked away on Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, and it's honestly pretty easy to miss it if you don't know what you're looking for -- there's just a simple sign on an unassuming apartment building! But I have to say I was completely blown away from the second I stepped in the door. Not only was every person working there so incredibly friendly and helpful, but the space is calming and beautiful.
After picking out my colors (Catherine H for my hands, Catherine for my toes -- sadly, both limited-edition colors have sold out!), I was led to a private mani/pedi station replete with pillows, an overstuffed bench and even a miniature built-in table. I had two lovely ladies working on me at the same time, one for my hands and one for my feet, so I felt like a total princess!
The Collagen Wrap Manicure ($50) included a paraffin wrap and a collagen mask in addition to Rescue Beauty's signature hand treatment and a mind-numbing hand massage. The Complete Pedicure ($90) also included a paraffin wrap and collagen mask in addition to an AHA callous peel.
My hands and feet were treated so well that, even days later, they're still totally baby soft! Polish was applied meticulously and hasn't even shown one sign of chipping.
All in all? Manicures and pedicures may cost more at Rescue Beauty Lounge than your typical nail salon, but you really get what you pay for. I couldn't have felt more relaxed or walked out with a better set of toes and tips.
For more information on these treatments and the rest of the treatments offered at Rescue Beauty Lounge (including manicures, pedicures and facials with La Mer products!), visit rescuebeauty.com.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Salon and Spa Directory: Rescue Beauty Lounge
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Who's a Redhead? I Am, Thanks to Jan-Marie Arteca!
Every time I go to the salon, I just want my hair to be redder. And, luckily, my fab colorist -- the amazing Jan-Marie Arteca -- always knows just what to do to make my hair look absolutely incredible.
And this past Friday was no different! After two hours in Jan-Marie's chair -- and color on my roots, gloss and a single process color later -- my hair was so gorgeously bright red, I simply couldn't believe my eyes. I am so in love with my hair -- what a great start to spring!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
My Latest Mani: Rescue Beauty Lounge Catherine H
Deep, sparkly blue inspired by Henry VIII of England's fifth wife, Catherine Howard? Um, yes please. I took a trip to Rescue Beauty Lounge yesterday (more on that coming soon!) and simply had to go with Catherine H. This limited-edition color has been sold out on Rescue Beauty's site for months now, and unfortunately won't be coming back in stock -- so I simply had to choose it for my latest mani.
I am in love with the color -- it changes based on the lighting, so it can look anywhere from periwinkle to royal. The liberal pink and gold sparkle packed within adds such depth and a gorgeous, glittering finish.
What's on your nails? Let me know in the comments!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Trend-Spotting: The Flat Espadrille
This shoe combines the best of all worlds -- a chic flat, summer-appropriate raffia or jute, cool patterns and vibrant colors -- and voila! Such an amazing shoe for summer that looks good with everything from maxi dresses and miniskirts to leggings and capris. (Just check out the great option from Diane von Furstenberg, above, for proof.)
Check out some of the styles I’ll be adding to my wardrobe after the jump.
3.1 Phillip Lim Espie Espadrille Flat ($275 at bergdorfgoodman.com): The luxuriousness of leather paired with the casualness of jute? Perfection.
Diane von Furstenberg Cadence Espadrille Flat ($98 at nordstrom.com): What a fun graphic print -- so perfect against summer whites.
Rebels Rascal Espadrille Flat ($34.50 at delias.com): Because there's just nothing more glamorous than gleaming silver.
Kate Spade Lido Espadrille Flat ($98 at piperlime.com): There's just no better way to wear a power color.
Lanvin Satin Espadrille Flat ($435 at bergdorfgoodman.com):
With this hand-stitched pair by my side, I'm so ready to be a prima ballerina.
Tory Burch Striped Lace-Up Espadrille ($135 at toryburch.com): I have a thing for stripes! The olive green of this pair evokes such military-inspired cool.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Go for Glaze: Korres Lip Butter Glaze
I've long been a fan of Korres Lip Butter. The tiny tubs contain some of the most moisturizing, delicious lip balms around. So is it any wonder that I've fallen head over heels for Korres Lip Butter Glaze?
This product is pretty ingenious -- it's got the texture of a balm and the finish of a gloss. Plus, it imparts just enough color on your lips to make them appear totally, completely kissable -- never a bad thing!
And, thankfully, Lip Butter Glaze is available in all my favorite Korres flavors:
Jasmine (sheer neutral pink)
Pomegranate (sheer coral)
Quince (sheer rose)
Raspberry (sheer berry) -- my absolute fave!!
Wild Rose (sheer deep red)
And an added bonus? It's free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and phthalates -- so it's incredibly good for you and your lips!
Korres Lip Butter Glaze retails for $14 at sephora.com.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Luxe List: 80 Acres Blood Orange Hand & Body Wash
It's not often that I recommend a product that's super expensive. But when I do, you'd better believe I absolutely love it and have to share my love with the world. To that end, behold The Luxe List, where I bring you the most luxurious products on the market that are actually worth their salt.
I have a body wash problem. What is it, you may ask? I have way too many in my shower! At any given time, there are no fewer than eight shower gels making their way through my rotation. So when I continue to use one day after day, foregoing all other scents and lathers that may abound, you just know it has to be special. Enter 80 Acres Blood Orange Hand & Body Wash.
Refreshing citrus essential oils, neroli, vetiver and jasmine combine to create a heady fragrance that evokes the citrus groves and wild jasmine growing on the MeEvoy Ranch (where this body wash is created). I've found that about 10 pumps onto a pouf create a lather so rich, so lush, so foaming, you'll be immersed in a veritable wealth of orange-scented bubbles.
Now, this body wash isn't unbelievably expensive -- it's just $20 at mcevoyranch.com. But I do think that's on the high end for a body wash, which is why I've placed it in The Luxe List.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Salon and Spa Directory: Mizu Salon
Are you seeing how shiny and healthy my hair looks in this photo? Well, it's all thanks to the fabulous Ashley Hanna from Mizu Salon.
Over the weekend, I went to the New York location for a blowout. I was immediately impressed by the beautiful open space and the product lines available at the register (think Oribe and Kerastase). After being treated to a luxurious shampoo, conditioning and head massage by Max, I was seated in Ashley's chair -- and this is where the real magic began.
Ashley deftly worked the blowdryer and then a flat iron to transform my kinky, coarse locks into the straightest, smoothest mane I'd seen in quite some time. She even went in with a pair of scissors and evened up some of the horrible, choppy layers I was given about a month ago -- so now they're more blended and my hair doesn't look as terrible while it's growing out! I thought this was so nice of Ashley, since I hadn't booked a haircut.
I was highly impressed by the professionalism exhibited by everyone at the salon. From the receptionist to the stylists, everyone was amazingly friendly and helpful, and could not have made my experience any more pleasant if they tried!
Mizu has locations in both Boston and New York, and blowouts start at $75. For more information, visit mizuforhair.com. You can also follow the New York salon on Twitter here, and the Boston salon here.
Get the Smoothest, Softest Skin with Caudalie
Want skin so soft and smooth, it will feel like a baby's you-know-what? Then you simply must try these two miracle products from Caudalie -- the Crushed Cabernet Scrub and Vine Body Butter.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Obsession of the Moment: Giles & Brother Tiny Safety Pin Earrings
Back in my teens, I went through a bit of a badass phase. I didn't get any tattoos and I didn't pierce my nose or tongue, but I did pierce multiple holes in my ears. And, while I've forgone putting earrings in them for the past few years, now I'm back to dressing them up ... thanks to Giles & Brother Tiny Safety Pin Earrings, that is.
First Look Fridays: Hairstylist Martin Samuel
Pirates of the Caribbean. Burlesque. Evita. Just a few of the movies that featured the work of hairstylist Martin Samuel. Read on to find out how he first got into movies, the hairbrush he can't live without and so much more.