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Beauty is only skin-deep -- but sometimes, we want that skin (and hair, and nails) to sparkle. Here's your Austin beauty dream team.
Billing itself as a "natural apothecary," Sabia certainly lives up to the billing. This vaguely French-feeling Austin shop doesn't just carry a plethora of high end, nice smelling beauty brands (like Kiehl's and Dr. Hauschka), they have their own Sabia line of face and body products, as well as an on-staff aromatherapist who can mix up a special blend just for you.
Most people think of Castle Hill Fitness as a fancy gym, but they also offer massage, facials, and even acupuncture. They are also one of the only places in town to use the Space Odyssey-like "BodPod," a huge, pressure-controlled compartment that you climb into to measure your body fat percentage.
Westlake Dermatology is part dermatologist office, part med spa. They offer a ridiculously popular "Fire and Ice" facial that is basically a gentler chemical peel, using 18% glycolic acid and retinol to improve your skin's texture and restore your glow.
Blush offers one of the best Brazilians in town, in addition to a host of other waxing services, from the small (upper lip) to the large (full leg).
Pink and pamper-ready, Embellish is the kind of nail salon you want to hit up with a whole gaggle of girlfriends. The prices aren't too bad, either: A luxe mani is only $20.
Outstanding cut and color from a team of seasoned stylists, who all cut their teeth both at smaller ATX salons, Propaganda is choosy with their staff. Buffy Thomas is one of Propaganda's gems: I've recommended all of my friends to her for color, and they've all raved about the results.
Reasonably-priced waxing, to become (almost) as hairless as your heart -- or underarm, as the case may be -- desires. Come summertime, the $35 bikini wax is a cheap way to get Barton Springs-ready.
A sweet studio in Rosedale that will give you just the right amount of sparkle for a special occasion. There's no drag queen shellac happening here: just brow shaping, tasteful makeovers, and color consultations.
Driving out to Travaasa is a little bit like journeying through a tree-laden, Middle Earth forest to a mystical, mountain-top oasis: It's inside Austin proper, but far-flung from the inner city rush. The facials, massage, and even yoga classes here are all incredible, but my new favorite treatment is the "watsu," where a therapist takes you into a warm, private pool, holds you like a baby, and moves your limbs around in a healing dance. It's a terrific experience not only for the able-bodied, but for the elderly and disabled too, for whom traditional spa services aren't always accessible.
A hair salon and med spa, Waterstone will take it off (via chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal) or put it on (they're one of the only places in town to offer hair regrowth therapy for women). And if that doesn't bring a smile to your face, this will: Waterstone will even babysit your kids while you get gussied up.
