Spa Chakra on Fifth brings a luxurious day at the spa to a whole new level. Creamy white walls with cascading water and textured stone and tile envelope you, as does the fluffy white robe you’re given. And the treatment? Ah, the treatment! Let’s just say it was like no other I’ve ever experienced.
Sandwiched inconspicuously between two high-end stores typical of Fifth Avenue, you might recognize the address of Spa Chakra, which opened this location’s doors on May 1st. It was formally the beloved home of Cornelia Day Spa (and if you didn’t realize this, the slippers you’re given with the C’s on them will remind you). Cornelia was known for its high-end clientele, exceptional service and luxury spa treatments; and suffice it to say, Spa Chakra does not disappoint when filling Cornelia’s shoes…or slippers.
Part of the Guerlain Spa and Spa Chakra family (locations are throughout the United States as well as abroad), Spa Chakra on Fifth has transformed and revamped this location to include skincare products from June Jacobs and service offerings, including food and beverage from renowned Manhattan eatery Fig & Olive, a premium 75-minute facial for the equivalent price of the previously offered 60-minute facial, upgraded linens and an inviting lounge for friends to gather socially for a day of pampering (The David Evangelista Salon is also located here for the ultimate one-stop-shop for luxury spa-going). In addition, partnerships with local schools and charitable organizations will take place throughout the year to better the community and offer opportunity.
Bikinis, I love. Bikini waxes, not so much.
If you’re haunted by the too hot, too sticky, overused pots of wax and painful hair removal procedures; it’s time to try something new. Start this summer right by booking an appointment at Uni. K. Wax Center in Midtown.
The waxing parlor combines the best of both worlds: affordable service inside an immaculate, spa-like venue. Unlike salons that throw in waxing with manicures and facials, Uni. K. Wax focuses strictly on hair removal. Customers can rest assured that if there’s body hair, anywhere, it can be removed (even if it is on your toes).
Each treatment is performed inside a private room that offers a fresh, individual pot of wax. It gets better. Instead of a sticky concoction that glues to everything, Uni. K. Wax makes its own natural, herbal formula. The green, elastic mixture looks very much like candle wax. Skilled technicians mix individual portions on premises inside its pseudo-laboratory. As a result, you’ll never have to worry about sloppy seconds.
The summer isn’t even a third of the way through and I’ve needed to get a manicure and pedicure at least once a week! It’s out of control. Despite my supply of cotton balls and nail polish remover and an assortment of nail polish (so old the oil has now settled on top), my attempts to prolong the life of my mani-pedi at home inevitably result in disaster. Fortunately, I’ve found some professional, quality tools and products to assist me when taking matters into my own (less than perfectly manicured) hands.
Start Me Up Nail Kit from the Lippmann Collection
The Start Me Up Nail Kit from celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann comes in a cute carrying case ideal for travel (including your carry on luggage) and contains all of your nail care essentials: a “Smooth Operator” 4-sided nail buffer, lanolin cuticle remover, jojoba and vitamin E-based cuticle oil, 2-second nail primer for chip-free nails, rehydrating base coat with aloe, “Baby Love” pink, quick drying nail polish and “On a Clear Day” top coat. Your nails will be healthy, strong and looking great after one use! http://www.lippmanncollection.com
Perfect Formula – The Perfect French Manicure Kit
Add some Oo la la onto your hands and feet with the Perfect French Manicure Kit from Perfect Formula – Essentials for Perfect Nails. In a convenient and compact carrying case, you’ll find their Bright Base Coat (which brings out the natural color in your nails), an easy to use French Tip Wand and a High Gloss Sealer. In 3 easy steps, you’ll have a professional caliber French Manicure (without the annoying surcharge). http://www.perfectformulas.com
The Body Shop Manicure Tools
The Body Shop is known for carrying all essential beauty tools for the body – hands and feet obviously included. Their manicure set comes in a small travel-sized case and includes stainless steel nail scissors, miniature nail clippers, and a two-way nail cleaner/cuticle pusher. And if you’d like your tools a la carte, try their Big Nail Shiner (so effective you won’t need polish), Double Sided Foot File or Wooden Foot File. http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com
Don’t they say former fire setters become firemen? Recovered addicts become substance abuse counselors? And some of the craziest people become shrinks? Well, I’m an esthetician. So you won’t be surprised to learn that I have been obsessed with skincare and makeup since I was 12, when I got my first strawberry Bonnie Bell roll-on lip smackers.
Dawn in her natural habitat, a Deerfield Spa Treatment Room
My mother’s only condition when she gave me permission to start wearing make-up was that I wash it off at night. Before you could say Maybelline, I was more into cleansing and caring for my skin than dolling it up with icy blue eye shadow and bubble gum gloss. By the time I was 18, facials were my best friend, and when my daughter was born, it was only a few years before she became my favorite little practice doll for gently tracing lymphatic drainage routes around her bright baby face.
So believe me when I tell you that people neglecting, mishandling, and abusing their skin makes me more than nuts. It makes me sad for them. And as much as I want to take these people in my arms and console them, I can actually do one better – no, two better! Not only can I help fix things like wrinkles, sun spots, sagging skin, acne, enlarged pores, dark circles, breakouts, and more, I can teach my clients how to care for their own skin, so they themselves can help fix these things too. Sometimes I feel like I’m saving souls!
Deerfield Spa
This is not always easy, mind you. Though my clients want me to help them, they don’t always like hearing what I have to say about helping themselves, especially when it means getting rid of some of their favorite products. But here’s the deal: if it’s petroleum based, has lots of artificial colors, preservatives, and fragrances, and contains pore-clogging ingredients, it doesn’t belong in your repertoire! And believe me, I’ve nearly wrestled more than a couple of clients to the ground to excise the Pond’s cold cream from their lives. Gone to the mat to unclench an iron grip around a jar of Noxema. I know grandma used it and you love the smell because it brings back warm memories. No one should ever take that away from you. But instead of actually using the stuff, keep a jar by your bed and give it a whiff once in a while. Close your eyes, think of grandma’s sparkling laugh, her soft hands, how nice it was to hug her. Breathe in the memories. Breathe in the love. It’s a beautiful thing. Then put the jar down, walk away, and no one gets hurt.