Any savvy consumer knows that all businesses offering beauty services are far from created the same. Some are merely functional- the sort of place, say, to go to for a decent manicure, massage or facial. You get the job done. A rare handful, however, are top-brass establishments that excel in a particular area, whether it’s hair removal, a facial peel or highlights and a new do. Being the beauty mecca that it is, New York City happens to be home to several of the latter.
The below five names are a beauty black book of the greatest names around. They attract clientele from all over the world who plan a trip into town just to get a service.
Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal
5 E 57th Street
212-750-2000
The name of this chic space- reminiscent of a lobby at a hip five-star hotel – references how it gets rid of hair for anyone of any gender, but Romeo & Juliette is so much more: outfitted with 12 of the most advanced lasers available on the market, it’s the place to treat spider veins, telangiectasia or sun damage. Owner Christian Karavolas, who is available virtually 24/7 to answer any questions for his clients, honed his craft with training in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Laser can be a scary and painful proposition, but the team of skilled and warm technicians will put even the most skeptical and nervous person at ease.
Sessions start at $75.
Marmur Medical
12 E 87th Street, Suite 1A
212-996-6900
Opened on an elegant Upper East Side block in 2012 by doctor and experienced researcher Ellen Marmur (who happens to be a skin cancer survivor), Marmur Medical seeks to create a customized skin care experience for each patient. Dr. Marmur and her team believe that being straightforward and simple- never overly pushy- is the best approach and give you all the information you need to determine the best treatment for you. That could be a simple peel, a hydrating facial, Botox, fillers, laser to get rid of brown spots or something else- the wide array of options on offer impressive.
Pricing varies.
Envious Lashes
20 E 42nd Street, 2nd Floor
646-397-8877
Envious Lashes intends to be the pinnacle of envious eyelash extensions, and that it is and more. I’m a client and can say firsthand that strangers stop me on the street to ply me with compliments about my lashes. Its founder, Clementina “The Eyelash Queen” Richardson, is one of the most experienced stylists in the country and a pioneer in the field. She started her business in 2007- long before extensions were a trend- and counts a cadre of high-profile regulars as her clients including Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Grey. Either her or someone on her talented team determine the best lashes for you based on your eye shape, lifestyle and look you’re going for. Not only are they in the business of extending lashes, they know how to maintain them, too, with Keratin lash lifts and tinting packages.
Average Price: $105-$500.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
27 Barclay Street
646-880-1990
Your standard hotel spa this isn’t: the lavish Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown in Tribeca is home to one of the most fabulous retreats in town. Gifted director Tara Cruz has added many wellness-based treatments to the menu that are hard to find elsewhere. One of the newest is the “Sleep Well, Live Well” experience, which includes relaxing massages and various sleep-aiding tonics. Her innovative Resident Healers Program, meanwhile, is comprised of four uniquely skilled women, including world renowned spiritual teacher and acupuncturist Dr. Deganit Nuur, crystal healer Rashia Bell, pre and post travel relaxer Snow Shimazu and sonic alchemist Michelle Pirret. Facial lovers need to book the Soveral Signature Facial, created by Alexandra Soveral, where therapists give a vigorous facial massage with organic essential oils from Portugal- Cruz describes the service as a ”non-surgical facelift”.
Average Price: $100-$700.
Warren-Tricomi Salon
1 W 58th Street
212-262-8899 Ext. 1
Starting with a simple suggestion by his sister that he dabble in hairdos to make some money on the side, Edward Tricomi catapulted himself into hairstyle stardom. With his business partner Roxana Pintilie helping him open the first Midtown salon in 1990, the Warren-Tricomi empire officially began, and although he has 23 worldwide locations today, the sophisticated but welcoming flagship is at the storied Plaza Hotel. Tricomi is unrivaled when it comes to dry cuts, and has a lineup of colorists, too, but his salons offer much more than highlights, hairstyles and cuts. The nail technicians are second to none when it comes to manicures and pedicures, and there are also makeup artists and waxers on hand to make you look and feel your best.
Average Price: $50-$350.
