BEST OF BEAUTY
BEST OF BEAUTY FROM MAKEUP TO MANSCAPING, W E C O M B T H E B AY A R E A F O R T H E U LT I M A T E E X P E R I E N C E S .
ED I T ED BY SA R A H M E D I N A
PH OTO G R A PH Y BY SA M A N T H A WO LOV
MAKEUP J I L L M A R I E M LY N C Z Y K HAIR DAV I D TO L L S (COW B OYS A N D A N G E L S S A LO N) M A K E U P A S S I S TA N T PAU L E C K S H A I R A S S I S TA N T S A DA B E T T E N CO U R T (COW B OYS A N D A N G E L S S A LO N) MANICURE A L I FA WO N G PRODUCT ST YLING K AT E LY N J O H N S O N MODELS R O S A KO R H O N E N (LO O K M O D E L AG E N C Y) D O M E N I Q U E T E R RY (C A S T I M AG E S) AC H O K M A JA K (S CO U T M O D E L AG E N C Y)
WA L K- I N
QUICK
BARGAIN
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ARCHIMEDES BANYA VENIK PLATZA
(Bayview)
banyasf.com
Miles from downtown, Archimedes Banya is an urban sanctuary (with a clothing-optional hammam) that offers globally inflected treatments for more adventurous spagoers. When we’re feeling brave, we brace ourselves for traditional Russian treatments like the venik platza, a light “massage” (read: beating) with birch branches in a hot steam room. For something a little more humane, the Hammam body wash and massage is divine. —MICHAELA D’ARTOIS
CAVALLO POINT MASSAGE WITH CUPPING
(Sausalito) cavallopoint.com Just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point offers organic body treatments with a killer vista. After spending too many hours hunched over our desks, we ease our back pain with the ancient Chinese practice of cupping. The treatment improves blood flow and loosens muscles by stimulating the nervous system with small glass cups that suction to our skin. It leaves a curious matrix of red marks behind, but they soon disappear along with our deepest aches. —SARAH MEDINA
EOS MASSAGE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
(Union Square)
eosmassage.com
COURTESY OF EO
Michelle Bravo, founder of EOS Massage, has a few gifts to share: She is highly skilled in such divergent practices as lymphatic massage, aromatherapy, and
life coaching. With a holistic approach to healing, Bravo whips our minds and muscles into shape in no time with treatments that include decoding our star charts and untangling neck knots. —M.D.
FARMHOUSE INN WARMING GINGER HONEY MASSAGE
(Russian River)
farmhouseinn.com
Fresh off an $8 million renovation by Healdsburg designer Myra Hoefer, the Farmhouse Inn’s brand new spa features a farm-to-massage-table treatment menu using local ingredients and herbs grown in the onsite garden. The Warming Ginger Honey massage revitalizes our skin with an antiinflammatory bee propolis body wrap so sweet we’d almost lick it off. —S.M.
IMPERIAL SPA PURIFICATION BODY SCRUB AND MASSAGE
(Pac Heights)
imperialdayspa.com
Pain is beauty, and nowhere is this truer than at the Korean-style Imperial Spa, where the vigorous full-body scrubs obliterate dead skin cells (and stimulate circulation) in every bodily nook and cranny. Those of us who can handle it will emerge with perfectly creamy skin, made even smoother with a soothing smattering of oils, cucumber, yogurt, and milk. —M.D.
INTERNATIONAL ORANGE ESSENTIAL OIL MASSAGE
(Lower Pac Heights)
internationalorange.com
We love this freshly renovated Pac Heights spa for its Essential Oil Massage, which uses a myriad of calming aromalicious body balms from local company In Fiore. A finishing heat towel for the shoulders melts away any remaining tension. —JESSICA DO
NOB HILL SPA DEEP SLEEP RITUAL
(Nob Hill)
nobhillspa.com
Perfect for the everyday insomniac, the Deep Sleep Ritual includes a 50-minute Swedish massage to alleviate our pent-up stress. The spa’s integrated body serums and award-winning Deep Relax Oil are just the thing to tip us into deep sedation, giving our muscles the thumbs up to sleep the night (and maybe even the day) away. —J.D.
REMÈDE SPA AT ST. REGIS REMÈDE CUSTOMIZED MASSAGE
(SoMa)
remede.com
When we’re paying good money for a massage, we expect results we can feel: muscles that are loose to the touch. The customized massage at Remède delivers, with therapists who actually listen to our needs and occasionally check in about the pressure. Combinations of Swedish, deep tissue, and shiatsu ensure a tailored experience that makes us wish we could pop in for a 90-minute session every week.
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BEST OF BEAUTY
music (a REM sleep-inducing technology developed by NASA). Cap off the experience with a dip in the spa’s geo-thermal pool. —LEILANI MARIE LABONG
THE SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL THE REDEYE
(FiDi)
mandarinoriental.com
East meets West Coast at this luxe FiDi retreat. With private treatment suites (plus a couple’s suite and relaxing Tea Lounge) and holistic Asian-inspired treatments, the only difficult part of your visit will be choosing which service to select. We especially love The Redeye, the ultimate antidote to skin- and sleep-ravaging travel. After a brisk dry body brushing followed by a tailored body massage, we feel refreshed and glowing from the inside out. What jet lag?
—CHLOÉ HARRIS HENNEN
SPA SOLAGE MUDSLIDE
(Calistoga)
solagecalistoga.com
The onsite spa at Solage Calistoga taps into the area’s famous hot springs for its signature mudslide treatment. During the three-step process, our skin gets a coating of essential oil–infused volcanic mud before a soak in a claw-foot tub filled with warm, lavender-salt water. We finish with a snooze in a reclining chair that vibrates to the tune of New Age
Apply the tropical-scented EO Body Serum 02 ($22) at bedtime: Its organic jojoba and coconut oils toil overnight to tenderize your rough edges. —L.M.L. // eoproducts.com
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BEST OF BEAUTY
ACQUA E SAPONE
FACE
ACNE BOOT CAMP
ARIA SKIN & BODY STUDIO
LABELLE DAY SPAS & SALONS
aesacnetreatmentsf.com
ENERGY HEALING FACIAL
(Potrero Hill)
CAVIAR AND CARAT FACIAL
(North Beach)
Ready to obliterate acne? Send your skin to boot camp. Acqua e Sapone’s customizable Acne Boot Camp is lauded for producing real results through recommended dietary changes, a personalized skincare regimen, and proprietary noncomedogenic products. Expect the compliments to start rolling in after just six treatments. —JENNIFER LIESKOVAN
AESTHETICS BY VERONICA CUSTOM SIGNATURE FACIAL
(Presidio Heights)
aestheticsbyveronica.com
COURTESY OF TATCHA
Skincare expert Veronica O’Sullivan pampers clients with custom facials that combat a plethora of problems, from Proactivresistant acne to suddenonset sun spots. The hour-and-a-half treatments, which incorporate luxury skincare products by San Jose-based Jan Marini, include soothing lavender aromatherapy, stimulating facial massage, and any combination of purifying, hydrating, and calming masks. If you want to put your best face forward, Veronica knows all the secrets. —L.M.L.
ariaskinandbody.com
(Union Square)
For a facial that’s anything but superficial, book an energy healing treatment with founder Thuy Pham, who combines an effective, personalized facial with super-intuitive energy work that aims to align the body’s chakras for an overall sense of well-being. We emerged with even, glowing skin and a radiant sense of calm. —SARAH LEE
labelledayspas.com
BEATE COMMENT RETREAT
LORI ANDERSON SKINCARE
BETA-EX FACIAL
(Union Square)
beatecomment.com
Visage virtuoso Beate Comment recommends her Beta-Ex facial for acne sufferers and anti-wrinkle warriors. The treatment’s active ingredient, salicylic acid, is a gentle exfoliator that’s not only an effective pore cleanser and pimple reducer, but also a great surface line eraser. —MEKA BOYLE
GUNILLA SKIN ALCHEMY
Isn’t it time you treated your skin to some bling? LaBelle’s Caviar and Carat facial makes our skin glow, thanks to an antiaging and spot-reducing gold-based lifting mask massaged into the pores by owner Bella Schneider. For maximum illumination, vitamin A- and D-rich caviar seals the deal. —M.D.
ULTRASONIC FACIAL
(Japantown)
loriandersonskincare.com
We like our aestheticians like we like our mates: intuitive, gentle, and in it for the long haul. For nearly a decade, Anderson, who specializes in problem skin, has seen us through better and worse, tracking our habits and offering sound advice on everything from
diet to sleep. It may feel like going to confession, but Anderson doesn’t judge. She offers her undivided attention at affordable prices. For an extra boost, order up the ultrasound facial, using Glymed’s DermaSound Elite machine and various hydrating and brightening serums. You’ll be guaranteed an angelic glow. Follow-up quickies are on the house. —C.H.H.
SENSPA SENZEN MICROCURRENT LIFTING FACIAL
(Presidio)
senspa.com
This Presidio retreat offers a myriad of innovative body treatments for men and women, as well as a steam room, sunlit loungers, and a fireplace to encourage deep relaxation. We’re booking the SenZen lifting facial, which employs gentle microcurrents and LED therapy for anti-aging results that leave us hydrated and energized. This
spring, the spa will open a cafe serving seasonal eats from The Plant Organic. —EMILY HOLT
SPA RADIANCE NONSURGICAL FRENCH FACELIFT
(Cow Hollow)
sparadiance.com
Since 1976, Spa Radiance has been one of the most booked destinations for Alisters seeking flawless skin. We’re obsessed with the nonsurgical French facelift, a direct-from-Paris combination of microcurrents, lymphatic drainage, and a vitamin-rich mask that smooths our wrinkles— voila! —M.B.
DR. GAETANO ZANELLI MOLE CHECK
(Pac Heights)
zskincenter.com
Dr. Zanelli is the go-to guy when your concerns about sun exposure go beyond skin deep. His proprietary line of products, Z Skin, includes a range of sunscreens, cleansers, and creams. Post-mole removal, his after-care regimen keeps skin scar-free. —S.L.
COMPLETE ULTRASOUND FACIAL
(Cow Hollow)
gunillaskinalchemy.com
The complete ultrasonic facial at Gunilla Eisenberg’s tucked-away Cow Hollow salon utilizes ultrasound waves to help anti-aging and pigment-balancing products penetrate our skin. Eisenberg’s bedside manner is warm and jovial, making an otherwise intimidating prospect a pleasant affair. For an everyday fix, we swear by her custom line of rose-scented face oils and cleansers. —S.M.
Tatcha’s Original Aburatorigami blotting sheets ($12) are the powder- and fragrance-free answer to an oily girl’s lifelong prayers. —C.H.H. // tatcha.com
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BEST OF BEAUTY
BROW BAR
(multiple locations)
benefitcosmetics.com
Benefit’s brow bars have become famous for their fast and flattering signature wax. Six SF locations are staffed with licensed professionals, all highly trained in the art of brow shaping and makeup application. Get groomed and dolled up in one quick go. —N.P.
BIANCA RUBI
HABIT SUGAR WAXING
(Cow Hollow)
waxhabit.com
When we need an emergency brow fix but don’t have time to hit the salon, we call Bianca Rubi to rescue us. She arrives at our door armed with wax, tweezers, and tints for the perfect pick-me-up. She’ll even freshen up our makeup before a big night out. —M.D.
San Francisco’s first waxonly salon, this gorgeous Marina studio now offers sugar waxing—a favorite among Habit’s dedicated clients. The treatment is slightly more expensive than a standard wax, but gentler and less painful. We appreciate Habit’s is unparalleled discretion: Upon making an appointment, we received a code for the private entrance. —K.P.
CINTA SALON
HONEYPOT
AT-HOME BROWS
(by appointment)
biancadrubi@gmail.com
WAXING AND THREADING
COURTESY OF MARILYN JAEGER SKINCARE
permanent hair removal techniques since 2004. If you’ve never been under the laser, don’t fret: Treatments are administered with a skilled and gentle hand. Be patient: Extreme smoothness requires six to nine visits, with several weeks of recovery between treatments. —J.L.
SUGAR WAXING
(Union Square) cinta.com Bhavna Patel is just the kind of woman we want waxing our lady parts. A mother of two with decades of salon experience, she’s a matter-of-fact master aesthetician who’s pickin’ up what we’re puttin’ down: a vibe that says, “Let’s get this over with, stat.” After a few monthly sessions, the Brazilian will become a breeze. Patel also specializes in threading, an ancient alternative to waxing. —C.H.H.
(Union Square)
CITY SKIN AND LASER CLINIC
LA TIRA
PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL
(Union Square)
citylaserclinic.com
The registered nurses and nurse practitioners here have been honing their
honeypotsf.com
Pain is not a prerequisite at Honeypot, where punky proprietress Anna Crowley shapes up unruly brows using the ancient Middle Eastern technique of sugaring. Made of sugar, lemon juice, and water, the all-natural paste goes on cool before being gently removed with cotton strips (not violently ripped off as with wax). Grab three BitO-Honeys (Anna’s superstitious) from the candy jar on your way out. —L.M.L. WAXING
(Noe Valley)
latirawaxstudio.com
This four-room specialty salon eases the physical and mental pain of waxing with its cheerful décor, a soothing Enya-free
REMOVAL
BENEFIT COSMETICS
HAIR soundtrack, and a friendly staff who expertly applies (and strips away) quickdrying hard wax for minimal redness. Wax on. —E.H.
THE SOCIAL BEAUTY CO. BRAZILIAN WAX
(Marina)
thesocialbeautyco.com
The Social Beauty Co. is the sassy girl’s go-to for, shall we say, more intimate services such as The Sweet Spot—a surprisingly painless Brazilian wax—and its follow-up companion, The Pretty Kitty, which treats stubborn in-growns. Mink lash extensions, makeup, and blowouts are also on the menu: These girls know how to pamper. —M.D.
ZAZA THREADING
(SoMa)
zazanailspa.com
For those who use Retinol as part of their skincare regimen, brow waxing can be a dangerous prospect. Threading, a Middle Eastern technique that magically pulls out hair from the root by twisting it around a cotton thread, is a good alternative. The skilled threaders at Zaza Nail Spa deftly shape brows in less than 10 minutes, making the whole process a coffee-break endeavor with results that can last up to six weeks. —L.M.L.
Those pesky in-growns and blemishes have met their match in Marilyn Jaeger’s Spotless ($19-$99). This green tea– infused wonder will work miracles to relieve your skin of evil red bumps. —M.D. // marilynjaegerskincare.com 7 X 7. CO M
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ARCHER SALON BALAYAGE
(Union Square)
archersalon.com
Archer Salon is a quiet haven just off bustling Grant Avenue. But don’t let the cozy vibe fool you— expert colorists, stylists, and aestheticians run the salon like a well-oiled machine. For baby blonde highlights, Gari Cuevas is the pro; for the balayage experience, C.K. Karkhanis knows best. —M.D.
BARROW SALON COLOR AND STYLING
(Union Square)
barrowsalon.com
Adorned with art by local Lena Wolff, this salon is a mecca for good hair on the West Coast. Proprietor and stylist Michelle Snyder has cultivated a talented team with experience from New York Fashion Week and beyond: Barbara Thompson is our color expert of choice. Sit back with a made-toorder cup of coffee or a generously poured glass of bubbly while she does all the work. —K.P.
BLOOM BLOW DRY BAR BLOW OUT
(Forrest Hill)
bloomblowdrybar.com
Bloom Blow Dry Bar (say that 10 times fast!) is our go-to when only beachy waves will do. Summon your inner surfer chick and chill out during the shampoo—only Unite’s crueltyfree products will touch your tresses in this salon— and read magazines on an iPad while they give you that perfect, tousled blow dry. When you emerge, beware of catcalls. —J.L.
COURTESY OF REVERIE
COWBOYS AND ANGELS HAIR SALON AND ART GALLERY PRECISION HAIRCUT
(Union Square)
cowboysandangelssf.com
With more than 20 years in business, Cowboys and Angels has amassed a
serious cult following for their chic cuts and team of international stylists, including owners David Tolls, Louise Baranowski, and Tracey McAllister. The bright, airy salon and laid-back vibe belie their precision haircuts, designed to help even the most unruly strands fall effortlessly into place. Imagine that—a salon-perfect style that mere mortals can replicate at home.
DIPIETRO TODD SALON HAIRCUT
(Union Square)
dipietrotodd.com
When it’s time for a chop, we need to know who we can trust. At this mainstay salon, the dependable team of well-trained stylists has a warm chairside manner and deft scissorhands that effortlessly style magazinecover worthy hairdos. —M.D.
DRYBAR BLOWOUT
(Pac Heights)
thedrybar.com
We book our appointments through DryBar’s easy-touse app. The upbeat Pac Heights salon has pop music on the stereo and classic chick flicks on the flat screen. Choose from seven styles in their lookbook, including the wavy Dirty Martini (a favorite). Enjoy coffee or champers while the stylist works on your locks for a $40 flat fee. It’s as easy, and addictive, as that. —E.H.
MADISON REED COLOR AND STYLING
(SoMa)
madison-reed.com
It’s fun to go to the hair salon, but it’s even better when the salon comes to us. Madison Reed’s $99 Color to You service sends a pro colorist to our door. If DIY is more your speed, opt for the brand’s online subscription service. Either way, you’ll get 100 percent gray coverage without
HAIR
BEST OF BEAUTY
smelling like a lab rat: Madison Reed formulas are free of ammonia, resorcinol, PPD, and parabens, and leave your hair soft and healthy. —K.P.
SPOKE & WEAL HAIRCUT
(Russian Hill)
spokeandweal.com
A haircut from soughtafter celebrity stylist Jon Reyman is akin to a religious rite: He has a deific instinct about what our hair needs and how its shape can take your look up a few notches. His unusual practice of lightningfast dry cuts is easily the best thing you could do for your locks. —S.M.
TOKYOSF BARBER & BEAUTY SHOP HAIRCUT
(Nob Hill)
tokyosf.com
Specializing in a “concave” hair cutting technique that produces that long, layered, boudoir look made famous by the Victoria’s Secret Angels, TokyoSF is operated by master coiffeurs, David Fogle and the monomonikered Tokyo. Be sure to book in advance: This popular chop shop fills up fast. —N.P.
VEER & WANDER COLOR AND STYLING
(SoMa)
veerandwander.com
Salon-meets-apothecary Veer & Wander is our go-to for expert hairstyling and artisanal skincare products, makeup, and aromatic candles. (Strike a match to the 6 Brady Street wick, redolent of black tea and sweet tobacco.) Owner and stylist Connie McGrath is a known expert in both cut and color: Pick up some of her tricks of the trade during public workshops on Tuesdays. —S.M.
Supercharge your hair while taming fly-aways with Reverie’s Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment ($42), a serum blended with the finest organic ingredients. —B.K. // gmreverie.com
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BEST OF BEAUTY
MAKE UP THE BALM
FRENCH LAVENDER BODY OIL
thebalm.com
eoproducts.com
(Mission)
(SoMa)
Possibly the friendliest store in the Valencia Corridor, The Balm’s makeup mavens demonstrate all the techniques we’ve been hoping to master, from a cat eye to a red lip. Your session will be taped, and the video emailed to you free of charge. While you’re there, pick up a few paraben- and cruelty-free products in cheeky, girl-power packaging: We love the new Nude Dude eyeshadow palette. —KRISTEN PHILIPKOSKI
After 20 years in business, San Rafael–based EO is expanding upon its signature line of lavenderinfused products with new cleansers, exfoliants, and face oils enhanced with sea algae and mango seed butter for max hydration and collagen boost. We’ve long shopped the line at Whole Foods, but we’re also digging the experience at the brand’s stylish new storefront in The Market on Market (inside Twitter HQ). —J.L.
BARE MINERALS
JUICE BEAUTY
ORIGINAL FOUNDATION
(SoMa)
bareescentuals.com
COURTESY OF BENEFIT COSMETICS
EO PRODUCTS
NUDE DUDE EYESHADOW PALETTE
Bare Minerals’ lightweight cosmetics contain vitaminrich minerals that actually improve our complexion, not just cover it up. The formula’s built-in broadspectrum UVA and UVB sun protection means we don’t need to layer on greasy, pore-clogging sunscreen. For die-hard liquid foundation users, an easy “swirl, tap, and buff” mantra guides you through the powder application. —NICOLE PARADISE
ORGANIC LIP MOISTURIZER
(San Rafael)
juicebeauty.com
Juice Beauty relies on the power of vitamin-dense botanicals and an eco-chic philosophy in its highly acclaimed line of cosmetics, skin, and haircare products, all bursting with antioxidants and essential oils. Order the organic lip moisturizer, which makes our mouths über-kissable in just one yummy swipe. —M.B.
MAC PRO TRY-ON LASH BAR
(Union Square)
maccosmetics.com
The MAC Pro flagship store on Powell Street is a
fantasyland for beauty buffs. In addition to the brand’s standard fare, the store is teeming with all the MAC Pro tools we need to tackle even the most theatrical makeup looks. Add to that a lash bar, private makeover rooms, and 45 in-store makeup artists, and we’re dizzy with all the gorgeous possibilities. —N.P.
MARIE VERONIQUE
EVERYDAY COVERAGE
(Berkeley)
marieveronique.com
How many times have we wished for perfecting cosmetics that are good for us too? Enter Marie Veronique, a line of products that finally achieves the balance. For skin subjected to heavy makeup and product use, we recommend the Everyday Coverage moisturizing foundation, which protects from the sun and keeps our visage flawless. —FARNOUSH AMIRI
NARS
ORGASM BLUSH
(Lower Pac Heights)
RACINE CHRISTENSEN AT-HOME MAKEOVER
racinechristensen.com
When she isn’t working alongside celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman at NY Fashion Week, Racine Christensen—a Bay Area native and regular contributor to the pages of 7x7—is beautifying the faces of local brides, party girls, and high-power execs. A pro who’s perfected every look from natural to high drama, Racine is full of tips and tricks that help us recreate the looks at home. —EMILY HOLT
VÊNSETTE AT-HOME MAKEOVER
vensette.com
For on-demand glamour, Vênsette’s mobile app delivers hair and makeup artists right to your door. Toting all kinds of cosmetic goodies and a menu of looks, Vênsette pros get us red-carpet ready in less than an hour. For extras (airbrushed foundation, ladies!), request a custom look. —J.L.
narscosmetics.com
With a minimalist aesthetic and oh-so-vibrant hues, the Fillmore Street Nars boutique stocks some of the most luxurious makeup around. This is the place for color: We never tire of the award-winning Orgasm blush (it’s just a no-brainer) and the richly pigmented, hydrating lip glosses. —M.B.
To achieve the perfect 24-hour cat eye, let Benefit’s lash-hugging They’re Real Push-Up Liner ($24) do all the work for you. Steady hand not required. —S.M. // benefitcosmetics.com 7 X 7. CO M
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BEST OF BEAUTY
FELLOW BARBER
MANSCAPING SF
HANGOVER TREATMENT
HAIR REMOVAL
fellowbarber.com
sfmanscaping.com
(Mission)
(FiDi)
One too many negronis last night? No problem. Fellow Barber’s bargain Hangover Treatment helps to cover up evidence of too much elbow-bending. After hot and cold towel wraps, a facial scrub, and a eucalyptus mask, we’re practically good as new. —B.K.
Expert aesthetician Gilbert Colorina ain’t afraid of no beastly sasquatch. In his small studio on Market Street, Gil will shave or wax the wild tendrils on your chest, legs, and back. (By the way, your proverbial manhood is not verboten.) Need a drink? There’s an array of spirits on hand to help calm the nerves. —B.K.
GROOM SUN DAMAGE RELIEF FACIAL
(Union Square) groom-sf.net
For serious sun damage relief, we put ourselves in the hands of Caesar Jimenez, whose super antioxidant corrective facial helps prevent pigmentation on and below the surface of the skin. The treatment cleans and brightens the face, and also includes a moisturizing treatment for hands and arms. A must for fearless gingers who spend too much time in the sun. —B.K.
J.P. KEMPT STRAIGHT RAZOR SHAVE
(Lower Haight) jpkempt.com
COURTESY OF ETTA + BILLIE; OPPOSITE: AUBRIE PICK; STYLIST: JAMES WHITNEY (ARTIST UNTIED)
MAN
Ditch your Mach3 and head to J.P. Kempt, where one soothing swipe of a sharp blade will make you appreciate the luxury of a straight-razor shave. Stylish white-smocked barbers will deftly transform your rugged mug into baby-bottom smoothness. We especially dig the soulful retro setting, which hums with good music and playful banter. —GARRICK RAMIREZ
WAXING 4 MEN
NOSE + EAR WAXING
(Union Square)
waxing4men.net
With age comes wisdom— that, and hair (a lot of hair) in unfortunate places. We take care of these unsightly nose and ear stragglers at this men’s-only salon, a safe space for taming the jungle on your face (and beyond). —B.K.
PEOPLES BARBER SHOP HAIRCUT
(TenderNob)
peoplesbarber-sf.com
Bright and stylish, Peoples Barber Shop is abuzz with regulars who return for the $38 haircut and major perks—a high-lather shave, hot towel treatment with facial massage, and your choice of coffee, beer, or bourbon. This spring, the men of Downtown Oakland will be better groomed than ever with the opening of People’s second shop. —G.R.
ROOSTERS MEN’S GROOMING CENTER GENTLEMEN’S CHOICE HAIRCUT + FACIAL
(San Rafael)
roostersmgc.com
Who says women have all the fun? At Roosters, men are pampered in a traditional barbershop setting. For a total transformation, the Gentleman’s Choice includes the standard haircut and hot-towel treatment, plus a not-so-routine seven-step facial shave. The barber’s unsolicited advice on your golf game? Complimentary. —S.M.
Ditch that pungent Irish Spring and pick up a sweet-smelling bar of Etta + Billie Vendetta IPA Soap ($10), which contains exfoliating grains from the IPA brewing process and essential oils to keep your skin moisturized. —B.K. // ettaandbillie.com
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BAY AREA COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY DR. KATHLEEN M. WELSH
(Pac Heights) weloveskin.com One quick look around Dr. Welsh’s well-appointed office (read: Perrier in the mini fridge and counters brimming with cosmetics) makes us rue the day we scoffed at mom’s advice to become a dermatologist. Welsh and her team of fresh-faced nurses know all there is to know about getting gorgeous, with a menu ranging from tattoo removal to Thermage. We credit her with finally getting us over the redand-peeling hump of retinol—she was right, the Kinerase tretinoin gel is “a game changer.” —C.H.H.
LIKE
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T-
EPI CENTER MEDSPA PHOTOFACIAL
Y,
(Union Square) skinrejuv.com
WS
COURTESY OF JUICE BEAUTY
When sun damage and daily wear and tear take their toll, we look no further than Epi Center Medspa, where cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Patrick Bitter originated the PhotoFacial. Restoring skin to its virgin state isn’t exactly fun—intense, pulsing light zaps the face in problem areas—but the result is a gloriously blotchfree complexion. —M.D.
GENTLE STAR MEDSPA BOTOX
(SoMa)
gentlestar.com
Now that Botox is de rigeur for everyone from style mavens to tech giants, the needle-wielding clinicians at Gentle Star Medspa are honing new treatments that won’t produce stoneface results. Dr. Thomas Ellis and Craig Shishido have created a unique formulation that improves the appearance of wrinkles for up to four months, leaving us with more youthful facades. —J.L.
LAUB DERMATOLOGY AND AESTHETICS COOLSCULPTING
(Mill Valley)
laubdermatology.com
Freeze away love handles with Laub Dermatology’s CoolSculpting procedure. The non-invasive laser treatment targets stubborn fat cells in our trouble zones and leaves us noticeably slimmer. Each treatment guarantees a 20 percent reduction in fat. Bikini bodies, here we come. —N.P.
SERENITY MEDSPA BODY CONTOURING
(FiDi)
serenitymedspa.com
Drs. David and Lisa Kang have achieved cred in the industry for their wide array of effective and personalized treatments employing methods both tried-andtrue and avant-garde. Body contouring services
MEDSPA
BEST OF BEAUTY
include non-invasive shaping, cellulite treatments, skin tightening, and even cosmetic surgery to help us achieve the bodies of our dreams. —M.B.
SKINSPIRIT MICRO-PENNING
(multiple locations) skinspirit.com
SkinSpirit’s four luxurious Bay Area outposts have all the offerings you’d expect from a medspa. We’re most excited about micropenning, a cutting-edge treatment that’s minimally invasive, but offers a full face refresher thanks to thousands of tiny needles that stimulate collagen and elastin, smooth lines and scars, break up pigmentation, and ultimately allow our products to better penetrate the skin. —K.P.
UNION STREET MEDSPA JUVEDERM
(Western Addition)
unionstreetmedspa.com
Union Street MedSpa offers FDA-approved services including Botox and photorejuvenation. For a quick, natural-looking lift, opt for Juvederm, the injectable dermal filler that restores contouring in the face. It’s a subtle makeover that lasts six to eight months. —F.A.
Local plastic surgeon Dr. Carolyn Chang collaborated with Juice Beauty to formulate the Stem Cellular Eye Treatment ($45), which firms the eye area and combats free-radical skin damage using Vitamin C-rich fruit stem cells. It’s a kinder, gentler alternative to the scalpel. —L.M.L. // juicebeauty.com
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LV NAIL SPA
SPA VITALE
BIO-SCULPTURE MANICURE
MANICURE WITH NAIL ART
HANDS AND FEET REFRESHER
cosmospalounge.com
lv-nail.com
hotelvitale.com/spavitale
COSMO SPA LOUNGE
(North Beach)
(Oakland)
East Bay women testify to the miraculous powers of Cosmo’s nail-saving bio-sculpture manicure, a semi-permanent gel restoration system that helps promote strong, healthy, natural nails. The best part? This is the best spot we’ve found for intricate nail art in the Bay Area. —S.M.
LV Nail Spa has made its way to our speed dial thanks to its competitive prices and modern techniques. The standard mani leaves us feeling pampered, but for a few extra dollars, we like the unique nail art designs, such as cute kittens or a chevron motif. —J.L.
LUXSF
MILK SOAK MANI-PEDI
CUSTOM MANICURE
(Russian Hill)
luxsf.net
Known for its signature Milk Soak mani-pedi, Milk+ integrates the healing remedies of essential oils with soothing aromatherapy. Plus, the stylish spa offers complimentary tea and has an extensive collection of colors from OPI, Chanel, and Essie. —M.B.
sfmilkplus.com
(Hayes Valley)
A rainbow of colors on the wall tips us off to this cozy Hayes Valley nail boutique’s signature: cult brands of varnish (think Deborah Lippmann and RGB) in every shade imaginable. Those of us who love an outside-the-box mani will find plenty of glitter, and even Swarovski crystals, from which to choose. Don’t miss Lux’s own line of 100 percent cruelty-free polishes named for SF neighborhoods. —BROCK KEELING COURTESY OF JULEP; OPPOSITE: LEVI BROWN / TRUNK ARCHIVE
MILK+
(Embarcadero)
For a soothing lunch hour escape, you’ll find us indulging in this simple hand and foot massage at Spa Vitale, where a sweet stimulating scrub gets us primed before they massage us into moisturized bliss. In about an hour, we’re rejuvenated and ready to head back to work. —B.K.
For bright and hard-to-find colors, such as birthstone hues and pop art neons, you can’t go wrong with Julep’s fresh and creative polishes ($14). —S.M. // julep.com
TOPCOAT GEL MANICURE
(FiDi)
topcoat.me
Located in the Crocker Galleria, TopCoat is the go-to nail studio for FiDi workaholics in need of a long-lasting gel mani or acrylic extensions to do the crazy New Jersey Real Housewives proud. —N.P.
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WELLNESS ACTIVE TRANSFORMATIONAL HYPNOTHERAPY HYPNOTHERAPY
(Pac Heights)
activetransformation.net
Studies show that after 600 sessions, just 38 percent of people undergoing psychoanalysis overcome their issues. But after six sessions of hypnotherapy, 93 percent of clients experience freedom from the ties that bind. During each mesmerizing 90-minute treatment at ATH, techniques such as progressive relaxation, direct suggestion, and guided imagery are used to help patients conquer whatever ails them, from insomnia to weight gain. Hypnotherapist Sandra Andersch calls this kind of healing “a luxurious massage for the mind.” —L.M.L.
CHIRO-MEDICAL GROUP PHYSICAL THERAPY
(SoMa)
chiromedicalgroup.com
Because 15 or so minds are better than one, the Chiro-Medical Group brings to the table wizards of medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, massage, nutrition, and athletic training. It’s a one-stop wellness shop for us busy worker bees. —J.L.
DAKINI AYURVEDA AYRUVEDIC ANALYSIS
(Potrero Hill)
COURTESY OF HELIOTROPE
dakini-ayurveda.com
Courtney LaCava gains a full perspective of our everyday lifestyle, body build, and social tendencies to decipher which of three Ayurvedic doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) we fall under. Diet, water intake, sleep patterns, and other factors can be defined by your dosha, so feel free to use her wisdom to live more purposefully. —M.D.
FITWELL CHIROPRACTIC SPORTS MEDICINE
LIFE CHIROPRACTIC
CHIROPRACTIC
(Hayes Valley)
CRYSTAL THERAPY
Marathoners, mountain climbers, and the SF Giants trust Lisa Covey and her team to find the source of their mysterious aches and pains and to cure acute injuries and chronic nuisances. If you’re new to (or nervous about) chiropractic, the docs here will take the time to educate you. Fear not, relief is on the way. —K.P.
Encamped in a sunny little office just off Hayes Street, Life Chiropractic is the place to go for wimps afraid of neck adjustments. Dr. Austin, as we affectionately call him, has the manner of a friend you’ve known forever, an easy ability to articulate his knowledge in a way that humans can understand, and a gentle approach that leaves us euphoric. —C.H.H.
tanyacorona.com
JUICE SHOP
MOSS ACUPUNCTURE
TMI COLONICS
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
COLONIC
(Noe Valley)
mossacupuncture.com
When Elvis Presley died, his colon reportedly weighed more than 60 pounds. Urban legend or not, it appears the King was in need of a royal flush. At TMI Colonics, hydrotherapists Marianne Morrison and Julianne Bice relieve clogged-up clients with the Libbe “open” system, which involves relaxing in a reclining bed with a hole in the center (for you-know-what). Water is gently pulled by gravity into your nether region, until you flush it out using those strong bathroom muscles. TMI? But, of course. —L.M.L.
(Noe Valley) fitwell.com
JUICE CLEANSE
(various locations) juiceshop.com
We’ll take our juice cleanse without the flowery wellness mumbo jumbo, thank you very much. Juice Shop packs options for everyone, with six tasty, nutrient-rich bottles of organic juice per day. We add supplemental vials of aloe and bluegreen algae for the perfect cleanse that doesn’t leave us (too) hungry. —B.K.
KABUKI SPRINGS & SPA ABHYANGA OIL MASSAGE WITH SHIRODHARA
(Japantown)
kabukisprings.com
We like to enhance our immune systems and reduce stress with the Abhyanga oil massage with Shirodhara—the traditional Ayurvedic treatment in which warm essential oil is slowly poured in a continuous stream across the forehead. Unless you’re going for that I-justbathed-in-an-oil-slick look, make no plans for posttreatment revelry. —S.M.
CHIROPRACTIC
TANYA CORONA ASCENSION ALCHEMY
lifechirosf.com
(Mission)
(Presidio Heights)
In her spare but wellappointed office, Jennifer Moss uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, reiki, and cupping to address conditions from fertility to tennis elbow. Got brutal PMS? Trust us, Moss can handle it. A careful listener, she considers a patient’s entire medical history and lifestyle before determining the best approach. —E.H.
SAN FRANCISCO COLONICS COFFEE ENEMA
(Nob Hill)
sanfranciscocolonics.com
The popular coffee enema at this über-chic salon begins with the painless insertion of a small tube into the derrière. Cue the coffee enema, which stimulates the gallbladder and detoxifies the liver. Besides leaving you feeling light and energized, the 90-minute procedure also reportedly clears the skin and has been used as a form of cancer treatment. —F.A.
To clear our chakras, we sign up for healing crystal therapy at Tanya Corona Ascension Alchemy. During the 90-minute sessions, we relax on the massage table as the therapist creates grids of crystals around our head and feet. Allegedly, they are clearing the path to our true life purpose. And who doesn’t need that? —F.A.
tmicolonics.com
When heated, Heliotrope Massage Candles ($25), made from soy and shea butter, double as unwinding massage oils in scents such as black fig cardamom. —M.D. // heliotropesf.com
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