Best new indie shops: Best for bath and body products

Score everything you need to clean up your daily routine.

By Laura Lanz-Frolio Mon Apr 11 2011

Best new indie shops 2011

  • Photograph: Krista Schlueter

    Spa Lab

    Spa Lab

  • Spa Lab chocolate bonbon soaps, $10 per handful, at Spa Lab

    Spa Lab chocolate bonbon soaps, $10 per handful, at Spa Lab

  • Spa Lab fortune-cookie soaps, $6 each, at Spa Lab

    Spa Lab fortune-cookie soaps, $6 each, at Spa Lab

  • Photograph: Saleena Fortunato

    Kaia House

    Kaia House

  • Photograph: Kaia House

    Kaia House nail polishes, $8 each, at Kaia House

    Kaia House nail polishes, $8 each, at Kaia House

  • Kaia House Organics hibiscus antioxidant-treatment moisturizer, $16, at Kaia...

    Kaia House Organics hibiscus antioxidant-treatment moisturizer, $16, at Kaia House

  • Photograph: Kaia House

    Kaia House Organics hibiscus antioxidant-treatment moisturizer, $16, at Kaia...

    Kaia House Organics hibiscus antioxidant-treatment moisturizer, $16, at Kaia House

Photograph: Krista Schlueter

Spa Lab

Spa Lab

Winner: Kaia House
Danna Nashaat, a former financial engineer, adopted an entirely organic lifestyle four years ago; her all-natural beauty line, Kaia House, and this eponymous Lower East Side oasis followed. You won't find any products with weird chemicals here, just pure ingredients like willow bark, which is said to reduce inflammation, and argan oil, which is thought to have anti-aging properties. The bamboo-floored shop is also stocked with minimally packaged goodies like detoxifying charcoal cleanser ($16) and rosewater toner ($16, with the option to refill your bottle for $8). For a little extra oomph, check out Nashaat's makeup line, which is displayed on a vintage vanity—and includes an array of nontoxic nail polishes named after international cities ($8). 9 Clinton St between E Houston and Stanton Sts (646-861-3508, kaiahouse.com). Mention TONY at checkout to receive 25 percent off through May 1.

Runner-up: Spa Lab
Owner Larry Costa has been creating his own beauty products for almost 20 years, and this nine-month-old spot is inspired by his private basement laboratory, where he conceives, bottles and labels every item he sells. Spa Lab is best known for carrying soaps that resemble edible treats, such as cinnamon buns ($7) and fortune cookies, which you can mix, match and take home in a Chinese takeout box (each $6). Spa Lab also sells cheekily named beauty products like the New Face Tomorrow treatment, which is infused with chamomile tea to plump up fine lines ($23); and the Only Thing That Works, a heating and cooling muscle relaxer with menthol ($19). If you have time, you can also treat yourself to a bit of pampering: Hour-long massages and facials both start at $100. 40 W 36th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-695-7711, spalabnyc.com). Mention TONY at checkout to receive 25 percent off through May 1.

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