Los Angeles Beauty Experts, Salons & Spas
Celebrity facialists and hair stylists, healing day spas, waxings and more
Needless to say, tinseltown is chock-a-block with beauty and skincare experts, pampering spas, and fantastic hair salons, but some have that extra special star quality.
Facials: Touch of Faith Aesthetics
Faith Tatro was recommended to me by a certain gorgeous celebrity whom I met at a Hollywood party, who suffered from acne until she started making regular visits to the skincare specialist's West Hollywood loft space. Faith has worked in the field for years, and specializes in emerging technologies—she is one of the first practitioners in the US to use the Sapphire 3 Photo Abrasion tool, which is very precise in targeting fine lines, wrinkles, scars, pigmentation and acne. It would be impossible in a file to summarize the education I received from her, but I now care for my skin with a very different approach. If a product is not “alive and breathing,” she explains, your skin will not breathe or be cleansed properly. Faith uses the Epicuren product line, and acknowledges that Environ—which I've used and praised for years—is also top-quality. Most treatments are 90 minutes and are completely tailored to the “personality” of a client's skin. There's no massage included in the facial and it's not terribly relaxing or spoiling—it's just the real deal, and will leave you with the cleanest skin you've ever had. For the best results you should have a series of appointments; if I lived in LA, I'd go in every month! It's no surprise that her services are big with many of Hollywood's leading ladies; I'll respect their privacy and not name drop, but they are A-listers. The salon also offers fabulous Brazilian waxing and eyebrow or lash tinting. Prices vary per treatment and can only be quoted in person as per individual needs. The skincare services are expensive and it can take weeks to get an appointment with Faith, but it's absolutely worth every penny and worth the wait!
717 North Highland Avenue, Suite 6 | Los Angeles, CA 90038 United States
Hands and Feet: l.a. Vie L'Orange
Alison, our LA insider, tipped us off about this hand and foot spa, and it sounds absolutely delicious. In a little cottage tucked away from busy Robertson Boulevard, Vie l'Orange is full of brown wicker day chaises, soft cushy sofas and a little kitchen churning out treats to eat, as well as the fragrant treatment scrubs and "masques" that the skillful technicians apply to chafed feet and tired hands. As Alison entered, she was welcomed by the smell of freshly baked cookies—the perfect accompaniment to a warm oatmeal foot bath. Owner Johnathan Parson has really thought about what makes for a relaxing and delectable mani/pedi, and creates the spa's signature creams and potions himself. "I loved 'the old fashioned' pedicure," says Alison. "It includes a foot soak of warm milk, honey and oats to soften and calm, followed by an oatmeal masque to nourish the soles and the soul, indeed, as the whole experience was thoroughly relaxing and decadent." An expert manicurist in oft-demand to the stars, Melissa, treated her hands to a "vie manicure," comprised of all the basics done with care and precision, plus a parafin wrap to make her hands super soft. On your way out, pick up some of Johnathan's orange and cucumber hand and body cream.
638 1/2 North Robertson Boulevard | West Hollywood, CA 90069 United States
Day Spa: Kinara
Skincare clinic, day spa, cafe and boutique all in one. Decor is super chic, with Indian, Balinese and European influences, mixing warm colors with dark wood to make an environment that is stylish without being overly Zen. Each facial and body treatment was designed by founder Olga Lorencin-Northrup, who has 15 years of experience behind her. The custom facial includes a skin analysis so that it can be tailored to your specific needs, with pore cleansing, exfoliations, masks and moisturizing. They also offer microdermabrasion and men's facials, as well as a whole load of body scrubs, wraps and massages. The treatments are almost good enough to eat, among them milk baths and body scrubs made with Hawaiian brown sugar. If that's got your mouth watering, don't miss the delicious, low-fat food prepared by lovely chef Elizabeth Mendez, all of the ingredients are sourced from local farmers' markets and are great for your skin. It's pretty small, so there's no "spa" per se—no extras like a steam room or whirlpool—but you'll leave feeling pampered and refreshed.
656 North Robertson Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA 90069 United States
Day Spa: Ona Spa
Go for the "Ona Radiance" package—a complete purifying and cleansing treatment designed by Chinese medicine specialist and acupuncturist Nathan Anderson. The day spa is a temple of well-being, with Thai-style Buddha statues, dark furniture, waterfalls and large stone tiles. The signature treatments combine natural sound-scapes with aromatherapy and specially designed lighting—color is a big thing here. Each of these special treatments is themed around Orange (full of antioxidant skin-saver Vitamin C), Blue (calming and healing) or Green (plant-based detoxification). Ona also offers medi-spa treatments designed by Dr. Stanley Frileck, top LA dermatologist. Finish a rejuvenating session with a a cup of one of Ona's special teas. Heavenly.
7373 Beverley Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA 90036 United States
Hair Stylist: Lorri Goddard at Neil George Salon
Beg, borrow or steal to get a highlighting appointment with Lorri. You could say she has natural talent—the colorist has created blonde locks for the likes of Drew Barrymore, Reese Witherspoon and Brad Pitt. Her trademark is producing authentic looking color and highlights based on a client's eye color, natural hair shade and shape. Lorri is very much in demand, so you'll need to book ahead, but it's worth the wait.
9320 Civic Center Drive | Los Angeles, CA 90210 United States
Hair Salon: Juan Juan Salon
With its sleek monochrome style, Juan Juan is the place for a low-maintainance modern cut. Relax in the Zen-like surroundings as capable hands create stunning waves, cheeky curls and sumptuous shine. Since 2000 it's been under the helm of Sean Jahanbigloo, stylist to stars like Clare Danes, Uma Thurman and Elle MacPherson. He co-owns Juan Juan with his sister Elie and wife Jennifer, and although the client list reads like a who's who of Hollywood, they're just as concerned with regular guys and gals. Get your color done by Jennifer, who's created hues for Cate Blanchett and Julia Roberts. If she's around that is—she's often being jetted off to work on film sets. They also offer manicures, pedicures, make-up application and massages. Another salon can be found at 9667 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
11674 San Vicente Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA 90049 United States
Eyebrows: Anastasia
Anastaisa Soare's Beverly Hills salon is the birthplace of the eyebrow "groom," and is the place to obtain perfect arches in LA. Born in Romania, Anastasia studied architecture before going into the beauty business, which explains why she's so skilled at understanding the nuances of lines and shapes. Her client list is bursting with stars—Oprah Winfrey, Penelope Cruz and Sharon Stone to name a few—and after one visit, you'll see why. She makes your brows perfectly symmetrical, bringing harmony and definition to your face with flawless technique. Dubbed the "instant facelift," her grooming treatment gives you a polished look, which you can carry on at home with her range of brow and beauty products.
438 Bedford Drive | Beverly Hills, CA 90210 United States
Nail Salon: Beverly Hills Nail Design
If you've never seen a little dog having its nails painted, then head straight to Beverly Hills Nail Design. While you indulge in one of the best mani-pedis in LA, you can giggle at the pampered pooches who are getting the same, excellent treatment. Not to be left out, men can go there for treatments too. Complete the session with a neck and shoulder massage.
Phone: +1 310 205 0694
423 North Bedford Drive | Beverly Hills, CA 90210 United States
Waxing: Nance Mitchell Co.
Beverly Hills
If you want to get a "Hollywood" in Hollywood, head to Nance Mitchell's spa. Nance has waxed everyone from Demi Moore to Christina Aguilera. She's known for her practical, straightforward manner and her unusal range of waxing style options, including crafting initials or logos and applying rhinestone decorations! Enter through a discreet, residential looking doorway, and settle into her waiting room which looks more like a friend's living room, with elegant armchairs and couches that will put even the shyest starlet at ease. Nance also offers an array facials.
330 North LaPeer Drive | Beverly Hills, CA 90211 United States
Facials: Kate Somerville Day Spa
Face needs a freshen-up? Try Kate Somerville, the go-to-girl for glowing skin. A dedicated skin professional for 15 years, she founded the Skin Health Pyramid principles of skin wellness; her slogan "Renew skin, Restore health and Deliver results" says it all. The Beverly Hills spa has 16 treatment rooms with over 24 practitioners—all the estheticians trained by Kate herself. The stars love her, and many like Jessica Alba head there before any red carpet bash. Try the Dermalquench for serious hydration, using oxygen, hyaluronic serum and antioxidants. All the bits you want plumped will be plumped, and all the bits you want reduced will be reduced, and you'll be left with even, glowing skin. Who needs make-up?
8428 Melrose Place Suite E | Los Angeles, CA 90069 United States
Facials: Skin Remedies
LA insider Alison swears by the Carrie Edler's Photo Facials and Kelly T's Cleansing Facial. Photofacials use light energy in the form of Intense Pulse Light to stimulate the collagen in your skin, promoting elasticity and reducing fine lines. On my last visit, I brought Rusty, Alison's adorable pooch along with me (I was babysitting him that day) who seemed to like the face mask as he licked most of it off my face before Carrie stepped back into the treatment room. Now there's a seal of approval!
Phone: +1 310 453 6474
1828 Broadway # B | Santa Monica, CA 90404 United States
Waxing: The Wax Shop
Clean, fast, and painless. If these three words don't describe your last waxing experience then it's time for a change. Owner Tanya Lisita and her team offer all this and more, and at an unbelievable bargain. You have a choice of unconventional waxes made with natural ingredients; try the organic honey or strawberry for something sweet, or the calming mint gel that will certainly leave you feeling refreshed. And boys, don't be shy, there are treatments for you too. Clients also rave about the Wax Shop's flexible hours and easy parking—a rarity in LA.
400 S. Beverly Drive, Suite 102 | Beverly Hills, CA 90212 United States
Facials: Sally Hershberger The Face Place
People swear that this place delays the need for facelift. One of the original and still most effective anti-aging treatments on offer, they've been in LA since 1972, and are responsible for youthful faces such as Sofia Coppola and Tom Cruise. The treatment uses a galvanic current to stimulate regeneration of the facial tissues, boost circulation and balance pH. Combine that with deep cleansing of the pores and anti-ageing lotions containing zinc (anti-inflammatory) and Vitamin C (antioxidant and stimulator of collagen), and you've got the ultimate detox. Be prepared for the experience though—there are no soothing steams and gentle massages. This is a serious facial, complete with squeezing and extracting, but you'll leave with a rosy glow rather than redness—which is good as you might even spot a celeb while you're there. Renowned hairstylist Sally Hershberger, a longtime client, partnered with Face Place a few years ago and helped launch their fantastic product line, as well as an East Coast outpost above her salon in Manhattan.
8701 Santa Monica Boulevard | West Hollywood, CA 90069 United States
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laaronson on Jul. 29, 2008
irish95 on Nov. 21, 2008
naxten on Jan. 22, 2009
I've just been to The Organic Pharmacy on North Beverly Drive - it just recently opened and it is very cool and about time something like this was in LA. It is an English company - everything about the supplements and skincare is as organic and pure as possible!