This morning my work colleague, Masumi, asked me if getting spa treatments, like manicures or pedicures, helps reduce stress. I never really thought about it, but it sure does feel like a treat. With our every day routine of work, gym and household chores, we tend to neglect ourselves and these little pleasures available to us. This conversation encouraged me to research such places located close to the school. My research lead me to find spas that are actually called Beauty Bars!! Their “raison d’etre” is to pamper, pamper and pamper you some more with all their spa treatments, cocktails and girly atmosphere! I think our students would really enjoy visiting these establishments. I think I’ll also organize a girls night out with my friends soon!!
Sometimes all you need is an express mani or basic facial. Other times you need a slow, luxurious treatment to go with your girly gabfest. (Foot scrub, leg massage plus French pedicure, anyone?) Of course, it doesn’t hurt to add a cocktail or two in there. Either way you choose to glam-it-up, a string of beauty bars have recently opened in the downtown core.
1. INSTITUTE DE BEAUTE CARITA: 2020 Drummond
While you wait for your nails to dry (hair to set, etc.), you can peruse the in-store boutique that sells the lovely Mark + James line by Badgley Mischka, as well as jewellery by American Gerard Yosca or Di Donna, a sterling silver collection from Italy.clusive or hard-to-find product lines for sale; so why not throw in a little shopping while you’re there?
2. MATIS BAR ESTHETIQUE: 2125 Crescent
Matis is another North American flagship store that features haute qualité products from France, which are all beautifully displayed in the front part of the space. Owner Melissa Brassard was an estetician for 12 years before she opened Matis; she wanted to create a social place where women could hang out, enjoy a little TLC and not be shhh-ed. Thus, pedi-stations and mani-tables are strategically lined up in chit chat-friendly rows. (A closed section in the back is reserved for face and body treatments.) And in case you get thirsty, there’s a terribly chic juice bar that offers smoothies, as well as tea and coffee. If you’re short on time, I recommend the Express Counter where besides a speedy half-hour body massage, there are other rapid services like the clever Mani-shooters, which include nail grooming, massage and polish – all in 25 minutes. Add $5 and five minutes for the Pedi-shooter.
3. ROUGE NAIL BAR: 2070B Crescent
The downtown franchise of this hip mani-pedi chain has all the main ingredients that have made Rouge so popular; that is, ample mani-stations, a U-shaped, white leather couch; a large central flat screen; and all the Sx & the City or Gossip Girl you can take. Beauty junkies should ask for treatments that use the sweet-smelling and ultra-moisturizing Barefoot Venus products (the vintage-inspired packaging is so darling, you’ll want to buy something to use at home). Do note that the line is not only for feet, but hands too.