Glow Skin & Body Studio Special Offer!

Glow Skin & Body Studio is a little difficult to find, so I’ll start this review off with detailed directions: just north of Ray Road on 44th Street in the Phoenix/Ahwatukee area, you’ll find the nondescript Mountain Park Professional Plaza. Turn in to the plaza, park in front of building two, and walk to suite 108.

Once inside Glow Skin & Body, you’ll feel like you’ve been teleported from an office building to a swanky resort spa. The entire place exudes a feeling of tranquility – from a reception area bathed in warm and earthy tones to treatment rooms that beckon with uber comfy beds and calming light.

Oftentimes at day spas, chatter at the front desk or in the hallways can ruin the mood. Such is definitely not the case at Glow Skin & Body, where I slipped into a healthy state of euphoria after about .5 seconds. There’s even a cute relaxation area that’s stocked with snacks and delicious flavored water.

Glow Skin & Body Studio is really an all-encompassing spa and wellness center. On the menu you’ll find everything from facials and massages to microdermabrasion, acupuncture, and enhancements like waxing, makeup and tinting services. I think the organic facials are a major highlight. Using Eminence products, options include an apple and paprika exfoliating treatment and parsley and cucumber oxygenating facial, among others.

My customized facial was a combination of ingredients and products all meant to balance my dry and oily skin, detox, control acne, and heal scarring. Here’s the list of goodies my aesthetician used:

• Rhonda Allison Beta Green Cleanser
• Eminence Rosehip and Maize Exfoliant with Lime Stimulant
• Rhonda Allison Pepsin and Papain Enzyme
• Eminence Calm Skin and Clear Skin Masque
• Eminence Rosehip Moisturizer and Stone Crop Serum

Every step of the facial was like a ritual – applied with purpose and care. And, I could tell that the aesthetician was being careful to be quiet in her movement, which is something I really appreciate. The leg, arm and neck massage – followed by warm towels applied to hands and feet – made the experience that much more luxurious.

Book your organic facial at Glow Skin & Body Studio by calling 480.759.8400.

Read more about Glow Skin & Body

Scottsdale Plaza Resort Special Offer!

Feeling disconnected? Need focus or creative inspiration? The Salon & Day Spa at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort may be your answer! While not necessarily a traditional massage experience, the Dehp Massage brings relaxation to a whole new level by incorporating emotional and mental stimulation.

I went into the session unsure of what to expect and left with more gratification than I could have ever thought. Let’s rewind a bit though as I am sure you may have a few of the same questions that I did when I scheduled my treatment.

My first question was what exactly was I getting myself into. Is it a massage, an inner voyage, an emotional challenge or something entirely different? The answer? All of the above. The treatment utilizes a 90-minute massage and focuses on balancing the rhythms of your body to stimulate thoughts and images, which are all explained at the end of the session.

My next question: What do I wear? I arrived with all the necessities in hand and prepared for anything but, as my husband regularly lets me know, I was over-prepared. For this treatment, dress as you would for a regular massage.

Josette, the therapist who leads and performs the Dehp treatments, immediately set me at ease by explaining the process. During the session, as I briefly mentioned above, many thoughts and images cross the mind and simultaneously, Josette builds a connection and picks up images and emotions of her own to help her guide the session. Throughout the massage, you simply say whatever images and thoughts that occur and Josette writes them down to discuss upon completion. If you are anything like me, which she assured me most people are, you will not understand how any of these things relate or mean anything — but they do and everything she explained was right on.

It was amazing to hear someone vocalize thoughts and feelings I couldn’t quite put my finger on, but hearing it said aloud made perfect sense. The whole experience is quite personal and divulges things about yourself that you might not even be aware of; in fact, that’s really the point. Our bodies spend so much time picking up external messages that they can’t process everything and many messages get lost in translation. While it didn’t directly solve any problems or spark any supreme ideas for me specifically, it did give me insight into some personal struggles and I left feeling much more in control of the direction I was taking my life.

As it turns out this is not an uncommon feeling post-treatment. Many writers use the Dehp sessions to spark creativity while others use it to figure out how to embrace or solve situations in their life.

Leaving the room I felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest. Each experience at The Salon & Day Spa is personal and unique and at the end, Josette offers all of her clients the opportunity to reach out to her if they have follow-up questions. All-in-all this was an unforgettable experience and one that this spa girl is certainly glad she had!

Style Suite 35 Special Offer!

I’ve got great news, Spa Girls (and guys if you’re out there). This town has some amazingly talented hair stylists who don’t charge an arm and a leg and your first born. It just takes some work to find them. Case in point, Miranda of Style Suite 35 in Phoenix. Her studio is tucked in the corner of a strip mall on Cave Creek Road. I’ve zipped by the place dozens of times and never noticed it. Until that is, I made an appointment for a California highlight, cut and blowout.

Her studio digs are modest – a stylist chair, full-length mirror, black leather couch, shampoo bowl and artwork on the wall painted by her father. Her dad is an artist and her sister is a fashion designer. An artistic eye obviously runs in the family (more on that later).

Miranda was ready for me when I got there. An Arizona native, she has a calm and professional demeanor, gorgeous porcelain skin and a great head of hair. We chatted about my own frazzled hair and she confidently mixed up the color and got to painting and foiling.

My regular stomping ground is a bustling salon in Scottsdale. I love the place and the people-watching is oh-so fascinating. But this experience was different. There were no distractions, no clients eying me up impatiently as they waited for my chair and no dizzying din of dryers and chitchat. This was all about me. I kinda liked that. In fact, it was relaxing. Wow, yeah, I think I actually relaxed.

So once the color had processed, I made the three-step trek to the shampoo bowl (no hiking across a salon with hair full of foils to get to the shampoo area). Miranda gets some serious points for an awesome shampoo and head massage. Nothing like it.

Now for the scary part. The cut. Like many of you, I’ve had enough bad hair cuts in my life that as soon as those scissors come out, my palms sweat. “Just a trim,” as I always say. Which is exactly what I usually get. But Miranda actually shaped my hair. She gave it some long layers around the face, which I desperately needed. I was nervous, I admit it. But I very much sensed that artist in her. She took off a little here, a little there and continuously sized up each trim, stepping back every once in a while to eye it up.

The blowout brought it all together. The beautifully blended highlights came to life as my hair dried and the soft layers framed my face perfectly (here’s a pic, you may have to “Like” the page first to see it). The bonus came when she totaled up my bill. Pleasantly affordable.

That night, I had a little shindig to stop by where I got tons of compliments on my hair. The next day, another event and more compliments. I’ve been really happy with how the color and cut have grown out and I’m definitely going back. I’ll miss the buzz of my regular Scottsdale salon but a Spa Girl’s got a do what a girl’s got to do. I want those hot pink Vera Wang wedges I pinned on my Pinterest page this morning and I’ll happily save a buck or two on my hair to afford them. Especially when it looks this good!

Thanks Miranda of Style Suite 35 and see you again soon!

Read more about Style Suite 35

If you’re looking for an affordable, clean and relaxing place to get your mani/pedi on, look no further than terés Nail Bar in Old Town Scottsdale. This new nail bar takes an innovative approach to nail therapy.

Courtney, the founder of terés (pronounced te’rez) and graduate of Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business took her personal experience from hundreds of visits to nail salons across the Valley and applied them to the comforting experience you get at terés. While talking with her, I discovered that we had the same issues with most nail salons; if you can afford the services, the experience is less than stellar and if you can’t afford it, the experience is great but the bank-breaking price cuts into the process of tranquility.

That is how terés was born. A chic nail bar with affordable prices centered around great customer service.

Upon entering terés, I noticed the chic and cozy décor. Think of city loft meets an apothecary. Swedish lines mixed with an inviting atmosphere makes you feel like you’re at home. I was greeted with a smile and offered their signature aloe water. Cool and refreshing, the aloe water (available at the nutritional store next door) gave me a sense of calm as I scanned over my “Bar Tab” to pick out my services. I chose a pedicure, complete with custom glitter and a Stress Relief Remedy scrub that is made in-house. This is something I’ve never seen before. Terés makes all of their own Therapeutic Remedies (sugar and salt scrubs) from scratch with no chemicals added. The real lavender leaves and chamomile in the scrub, along with the other natural and organic ingredients, made a huge difference.

While I relaxed in their outrageously comfy custom pedicure station, I let all my cares melt away. The soothing nature of the atmosphere that terés offers is indescribable. The vibe is chic but not uppity. Charming but not cheesy. Just right!

Upon completion of my pedicure, I watched as one by one, their clients melted away into relaxation mode. The best part is that my pedicure was the same price as the more inexpensive, not-as sanitary and less relaxing place I used to go to. I now call terés my mani/pedi home.

I would definitely recommend terés nail bar to anyone who is tired of paying ridiculous prices for a great pedicure experience.

Postscript: Terés has a membership option, which I totally took advantage of. With the Month-to-Month Membership, $25 is drafted from your checking account and you get to apply that toward any service. The best part is, members get a significant discount compared to non-members making your experience that much more affordable! An Annual Membership option is available too.

Terés Nail Bar is located at 7120 East Indian School Road in Scottsdale. For more info, call them at 480.499.4901 or visit teresnailbar.com.

Healthy Glow Skin Care Special Offer!

Nestled in a quiet complex in Scottsdale, Healthy Glow Skin Care is the epitome of customized beauty. In desperate need of a pore cleansing and some relaxation, saying I was excited for my facial would have been an understatement. Upon arrival, the staff addressed me with a very low and calming tone. Arriving (late) from a stressful day of long meetings and putting out fires, stepping into this small boutique-like oasis was definitely the welcoming I needed. They put me at ease within moments.

Monica, the owner, offered me water and, after taking out my contacts and lying on the exceptionally comfy treatment table, the skincare guru began to work her magic. After a short assessment, she discovered my skin was oily and dehydrated. Using her own line of products, she began to work her magic. Every product she used on my face smelled like I was standing in a fruit orchard. The smells were intoxicating and organic.

Because I am only a moment from turning 30, adding an anti-aging element into my skincare routine has been at the forefront of my mind. Not really knowing what to look for or how to incorporate an anti-aging product into my acne-fighting skincare routine has been extremely frustrating. I never had an issue with blemishes growing up but as I’ve gotten older, it’s been an uphill battle.

Monica assessed my skin and used a combination of Healthy Glow Skin Care’s custom line of products and machines to produce what I can only describe as a “healthy glow.” She used a combination of light therapy and ultrasound to unclog my pores and bring out the natural beauty of my skin. After my facial, my man friend exclaimed that I looked radiant. Considering I wasn’t wearing a stitch of makeup, I considered this to be a success!

Beyond their custom facials, which range from an Express Facial to a decadent Chocolate/Acai Facial, the beautification experts at Healthy Glow Skin Care also offer massage therapy, Botox, natural injections, and eyelash and eyebrow tinting. Being the resident hair removal junkie, I was pleased to find out that they take their hair removal very seriously and offer five different options: waxing, sugaring, threading, laser hair removal and electrolysis.

Overall, the cleanliness and calming feeling I got from my short visit ranks Healthy Glow at the top of my list. The entire process was peaceful and pleasant. If you like a “Cheers”-like atmosphere, where everyone knows your name, Healthy Glow Skin Care is the place for you. I will definitely return!

Read more about Healthy Glow Skin Care

Bliss meets serious skincare therapy at Spa tacular Sleekskin!

I visited Spa tacular Sleekskin for a facial treatment with the owner Debbie Davis, who runs the uber successful, one-woman show in Scottsdale. With more than 15 years experience as a licensed aesthetician, Debbie might not openly admit it, but she is known as quite the miracle worker. Don’t believe it? Ask her to show you the photo she has of one of her long-term clients, an attractive 80-year-old woman who doesn’t look a day over 65 – and who has never had any plastic surgery.

The Spa tacular Sleekskin studio is quaint and welcoming, with a reception area and a spacious treatment room. Debbie’s warm smile greeted me as I walked in, making me feel immediately at ease despite the fact that she was going to be examining my skin at serious close proximity. She began by asking me a few questions about my skin and then explained that I would be getting her signature 60-minute Custom Anti-Aging Firming Facial along with a Revitalight LED skin treatment. She told me that she believes in blending serious skin therapy with deep relaxation and a highly personalized experience.

“Skin will always surprise you,” she said as she evaluated my face and started planning the treatment. The completely customized facial experience isn’t the only differentiator between Spa tacular Sleekskin and other places – there is also the fact that you may have an out-of-body experience thanks to the serious state of bliss that your treatment will leave you in. Not only does Spa tacular Sleekskin have a vibration-optional bed (how can you say no?) but in between cleansers, creams and masks, Debbie also uses a magical massaging contraption on your scalp and another on your feet. Not to mention the arm, hand and mini-back massage that comes with the custom facial – I felt my body sinking into a serious state of heavenly relaxation.

Debbie used a variety of products on my skin, including one of my all-time favorite brands, Eminence. By the time she moved onto extractions, I was in such a blissed-out haze that I didn’t feel an ounce of discomfort.

The next step in my facial was the Revitalight LED treatment, a NASA-developed form of light therapy where wavelengths of light gently and painlessly penetrate the skin leading to the production of tissue cells that produce collagen and reduce age spots and other problem areas. Debbie focused the light around the areas on my face that needed it: acne scars on my cheek and the frown line in between my eyes.

My treatment wrapped up with a Collagen Eye Treatment that left the skin around my eyes feeling tight and awake.

At the end of my experience at Spa tacular Sleekskin, my body felt like butter, my skin was glowing and my hair was a mess. It was heaven.

I learned that Debbie was a former Ford model (she still looks more than fabulous enough to be a mega-star), she worked in an Aveda salon for nine years, and that she is currently the director of the prestigious Valley organization, Women of Scottsdale. She credits much of her long-term success in the business to staying focused on development and keeping up with the newest trends and certifications.

Spa tacular Sleekskin offers a variety of traditional aesthetic services that can fit almost any budget. Check out AZ Spa Girls’ current Spa tacular Sleekskin deal and call her at 480.315.1364 to book your own heavenly skin experience.

Not all airbrush tans are created equal. Some might leave you feeling icky, like you’ve just rolled around in maple syrup and dirt. Others could make you look like a Jim Henson Muppet. But if they’re done right, like the custom airbrush tanning services from Bronzeology, you’ll leave looking and feeling like your skin has been kissed by the sun.

Bronzeology owner and airbrush artist Brenna Benson moved to the Valley of the Sun from Chicago in search of clear skies and a more laid-back lifestyle. Having owned a tanning salon in the Windy City, Benson now offers custom airbrush tanning exclusively at Steven Paul Salon in Scottsdale.

Steven Paul Salon is actually made up of smaller salon and beauty studios. That, coupled with décor that reminds me of a coastal Mediterranean town, gives the impression that you’re walking through some bustling Italian town square that just so happens to be lined with fantastic salon services. Besides the beauty studios, there’s also a café where you can grab a quick bite.

After checking in, Benson leads me through the bustle of beauty stations and up a flight of stairs, passed several individual studios (this is a huge place!) and into her tanning room. She explains to me today’s process – typical of other airbrush experiences: undress to your comfort level, take off all jewelry, put on the cap – and a little bit about the product line she uses.

Fantasy Tan is her solution and equipment line of choice.

“It’s a highly customizable line,” she says. “I have five different colors that I can blend to match anyone’s skin perfectly. So, not only can I control how light or dark the solution will be, but I can also work with specific pigmentation.”

What does that mean, exactly?

“It means that no matter what your skin tone, whether you’re fair-skinned with red undertones or have an olive complexion, we can create the perfect tan that is completely customized for you.”

I’m standing in Benson’s designated tanning area in all my glory when she powers on the machine. No matter which salon I visit, the actual airbrush portion of the tan is always cold. Benson flips on a space heater for my comfort and we get down to business.

Even as she’s spraying, I can feel how light the solution is. I know right away that there won’t be any “caked-on” sensation once we’re done. And another thing – there’s actually a pleasant scent to the solution! Was it floral? Citrus? It definitely wasn’t gross chemical like so many others I experienced before my initiation as a Spa Girl.

Once she’s sure she’s covered all of my nooks and crannies, taking extra precaution around my knees, elbows and other tricky spots, Benson applies a small dose of shiny powder to certain areas. This, she says, will prevent any smudging or weird coloring that can sometimes show up on the creases behind your elbows, for example.

When we’re completely done, she hands me a brochure with information on how to make your tan last at home. I appreciate the small touches Benson adds to her airbrush service. They make a big difference.

With daily moisturizing and careful attention to Benson’s post-tan tips, I made my airbrush tan last a solid 7 days. There was no fake-bake look to my tan and no thick yucky feeling to my skin after the service. Benson’s experience and attention to detail is obvious. She’s an airbrush pro!

Call 630.669.2225 to book your next custom airbrush tan with Bronzeology.

As I sat at my desk working away one afternoon, I started longing for a tropical escape. Knowing very well an impromptu trip to Hawaii would wreak havoc on my bank account, I did the next best thing and scheduled a Lomi Lomi massage at Hawaiian Experience Spa in Chandler — the newest of their two Valley locations (the flagship spa is in Scottsdale).

When I arrived, I was greeted with a warm island welcome and a perfect balance of Hawaiian ambiance. I took a quick tour of the new location and then waited patiently for my escape to begin. To my surprise, the waiting area has a gorgeous waterfront view.

After learning I had never experienced a Lomi Lomi massage, my massage therapist Josh filled me in on a few unique characteristics of the massage:

1.    You lie directly on the vinyl table – they use LOTS of essential oils
2.    There is not a top sheet, just draping to cover important areas
3.    The therapist will climb on the table at various points
4.    There is a draping ritual at the end

Being briefed on what to expect set me at-ease for the rest of the massage and I felt more than comfortable – even with less covers than I was used to.

From the moment the massage began, I was transported from all my stresses and worries to a serene state of mind. The combination of oils and Josh’s fluid motions allowed for less friction during the massage, which brought on a completely different sense of relaxation.

The gracious use of oil and lack of bottom sheet allowed for simultaneous massage of both the upper and under sides of my body – something I had never experienced before. Boy, does that make a difference! Instead of kneading and rubbing, the massage utilizes your own body and balance to release tension and increase circulation.

As the hour came to an end I reluctantly slid off the massage table and headed toward the steam shower for a little more relaxation and some freshening up. I highly recommend ending with the steam shower.

Begin your post-massage experience with a 25-minute steam indulgence. As the steam clears, it is time to freshen up. But this isn’t your ordinary shower. With showerheads on all the surrounding walls and dropping from the ceiling, the room feels less like a shower and more like a waterfall. The best part? It’s couple-friendly.

After my Lomi Lomi, a steam treatment and waterfall shower, I had sufficiently fulfilled my need for a tropical escape. And with the undeniably more affordable price point, this is one I can indulge in on a much more regular basis. Thanks Hawaiian Experience Spa for my mini vacay!

Call 480.855.0145 to book your own Lomi Lomi massage or tropical escape at Hawaiian Experience Spa.

Pain FREE laser hair removal? Really? Yes, really! Read on!

If I had $200 and only two hours to spend it, I can guarantee Body Solutions Laser, Skin & Massage would be the place I’d go. For a business in the Grayhawk neighborhood of North Scottsdale, this day spa takes the cake for great prices and an even greater experience. Tucked in the same plaza as The Good Egg and Heidi Boutique, you could spend a full day of shopping and pampering in this little nook.

After a week that had flown by at work, I didn’t even know where to start on myself since I had neglected pretty much every inch of my body. I scheduled a full day of beautifying, which wasn’t as pricey as you may think. I got a killer deal through an AZ Spa Girls eblast (sign up for the eblast here!). The package included a 50-minute Custom Whole Body Massage, 50-minute Pineapple-Papaya Enzyme Facial, Crystal-Free Microdermabrasion and a lounge in the Aromatherapy Capsule Treatment Bed — all for only $109 (a $395 value)! Yep, you read it right — it’s good to be a Spa Girl!

I had two awesome treatments, to say the least. First, an incredibly relaxing full-body massage. The entire treatment was totally customized with exactly what I needed. My neck and shoulder had been bothering me and my therapist, Jamie, knew exactly how to work out the kinks.

The massage was immediately followed by an invigorating facial. I didn’t know what to expect since I had never tried microdermabrasion, but I really enjoyed it. I was scared that I might leave with red and irritated face but instead, my skin felt soft and super smooth and had absolutely zero redness. The aesthetician, Devin, then asked me if I’d like to try a product that was like a “work out for my skin” and I happily agreed. She then painted on a paprika-spiked mask from Eminence Organic that felt a little tingly after a few minutes of being on and left my skin looking rosy and refreshed. She even gave me a brow wax while I was there to straighten up my rough edges!

These two treatments were just what I needed, but the highlight of my visit was the laser hair removal that they offer. They call it “pain-free laser hair removal” but I figured I would be the judge of that. Plus, I could try it for FREE (yup, no joke!) in one area. I decided on my underarms.

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous at first. As much as I hate being hairy, I hate the RIP and the ZAP of removing hair even more. Melissa, my new best friend over at Body Solutions, assured me that I would hardly feel a thing with the laser treatment.

I laid down on the treatment bed and she decked me out in some really cool looking laser-blocking glasses, put my arms over my head and went to work on my underarms. First was the gel. This was probably the most uncomfortable part of the entire process – just a cooling gel that is conductive to the laser process. Then she got the laser out. I held my breath and prepared for the worst as she swirled the laser gun around my underarm area … but that was it. Nothing. She said it might begin to feel warm as she continued, but I hardly felt a thing. And that was that, first armpit done! I laughed at myself a few times, but was pumped and ready to go for the second one. Voila! Ten minutes later, I was out of there with some fresh spray deodorant they provided too.

Now the best part. It’s two weeks later and I have hardly had to shave my underarms at all. Usually, they estimate that it takes four to six sessions before you’re completely hairless in that area, but I can already see a huge difference.

Bottom line, the laser hair removal is 150% worth every penny! It really is completely pain free and you are able to “try before you buy.” I’ve recommended it to all of my friends. I’ll be visiting Body Solutions at least every four weeks!

Spa Girls head to One Love Boutique Spa in Scottsdale to road test their signature “hot date” facial!

To sum it up in one sentence, I was thrilled from head to toe with my experience at One Love Boutique Spa in Scottsdale.

First I fell in love with its location at Scottsdale’s Salon Studios because of the convenient access to other beauty (like hair and nail care) studios. Then, I fell in love with the boutique itself: quaint and cute, like it belongs in some Hollywood starlet’s home! And, finally, I fell in love with owner and lead esthetician Amanda Osadchuk. (She’s a pretty badass young entrepreneur.)

Girl crush aside, Osadchuk is full of useful information that she readily shares with me throughout the treatment: what type of cleanser is best for my skin, the pros and cons of drugstore beauty products and advice on keeping skin moisturized in the Sonoran Desert.

I am visiting One Love Boutique Spa to test out their 60-minute Signature Facial, which Osadchuk used to call the “Hot Date” because it’s gentle enough to experience before any big event. The facial resurfaces, revitalizes and repairs skin to improve tone and texture.

Like any other treatment at One Love, the facial starts with a complimentary brow wax. After a pore-opening steam, a Clarisonic brush with Cleanzyme Cleanser purifies the skin in preparation for the Skinzyme Enzyme Exfoliant, which left my face actually feeling lighter!

Then, the C-ESTA serum and treatment mask from Jan Marini are applied as a way to replenish the skin with powerful anti-oxidants. Following a nice scrub, it’s an ultimate indulgence that firms and tightens my face. A final round of cleansing is followed by the application of a hydrating toner and Jan Marini’s Transformation Cream.

In between the exfoliation, cleansing and mask, there’s a stress-relieving neck and shoulder massage. The entire thing is topped off with a nourishing hand treatment – also included in the price. You also can add a mini-peel that helps clear up blemishes, in which case the treatment would be 80 minutes.

Once I’m all paid up at One Love, I’m ready to hit the town! To be totally honest, I find myself making plans for that night just to put the facial to “good use.”

Because One Love is a studio, there is only one treatment room. But I quickly learned that this just adds to the experience. You get the best care and attention from its staff because you’re the only customer getting a treatment at that appointment time. Plus, it makes the chic, comfy vibe that much better.

Besides skincare, One Love also provides expert mineral makeup consultations and application for every day, special events and weddings.

Call 480.552.4762 to book your own Signature Facial at One Love Boutique Spa.