-
-
Ad Space
(728 x 90)
Published on 5/17/08
Sign up today!
Soulistic Five Elements Signature Facial at Soulistic Studio & Spa
Sold on the benefits of organic skin care, this eco-friendly spa and yoga studio’s au natural facials feature a customized blend of 100 percent organic products from a Hungarian line called Éminence. And after seeing the immediate postfacial results, we can see why Soulistic is hooked on the products. The experience starts with a little alone time in the infrared sauna (to help release toxins), followed by a few moments under the steam machine to open up facial pores. After diagnosing our skin type, the aesthetician handpicked products from a selection of cleansers, toners, exfoliants and masques featuring ingredients as varied as paprika and sour cherry extracts. During our treatment, intoxicating whiffs of grapefruit, wild plum, pear and peach filled our nostrils. Between the constant face, neck and hand massaging, and the fruity smells, we found ourselves dozing in and out of consciousness. But by the time we snapped out of the hypnotic state, we felt physically and mentally rejuvenated. 805 N Milwaukee Ave at Chicago Ave (312-226-7685, soulisticstudiospa.com; $85 for 60 minutes).—Jessica Herman
Spa Manicure at Allyu
Perched on the riverfront, Allyu (pronounced “ah”–“you”) is eco-conscious in every possible way—from the materials used in building the spa to the ingredients it chooses for services. Case in point: the manicure. The treatment tables (pictured) don’t just look cool, they’re made of fallen trees from West Chicago, milled by a local couple who tries to keep tree wood out of landfills. Instead of exfoliating and moisturizing our paws with tubes of mass-produced lotions and serums, the aesthetician gently massaged on a yummy-smelling, homemade scrub of brown sugar, honey and lavender—scooped out of a pastel-colored ceramic dish. Next, she slathered on a cool, ginger-infused masque before wrapping our hands in steamy towels to lock in moisture. (Add on some mood-boosting hand reflexology for $15 to take the experience from super to sublime.) When the spa does use store-bought products, you can be sure they’re good for your body and the environment. Polishes are made by SpaRitual, a vegan line that’s toluene- and formaldehyde-free. Our scraggly nails were Friday-night ready after the 30-minute treatment—and they still looked perfectly polished on Monday. 600 W Chicago Ave at Larrabee St (312-755-1313, allyuspa.com; $35).—Liz Plosser
Botanical Skin Resurfacing Anti-Aging Facial at Blueberry Moon
Aveda has been creating beauty goods with an emphasis on environmental safety for 30 years now, and as an Aveda-concept salon and spa, Blueberry Moon in Lincoln Park exclusively uses these products. The natural, chemical-free cleaners, masques and lotions used in this facial are not only extremely refreshing for your face, but also good for Mother Earth. Our service began with a relaxing foot soak, followed by a “choose your own” sensory journey, where we closed our eyes and let our nose decide on one of three scents offered throughout the facial. We were treated to a bevy of products—all containing natural ingredients, including mango seeds (conditions and hydrates skin), pennywort plant (reduces skin irritation and puffiness) and tourmaline (a mineral that boosts skin’s energy and radiance). The end results (disappearing fine lines, a natural glow) are similar to that of microdermabrasion—without the harsh chemicals and skin irritation. 2108 N Halsted St at Dickens Ave (773-529-3333, blueberrymoon.com; $125 for 60 minutes).—Kevin Aeh
Comment