|
|
|
|
|
||
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| ||||||
|
I consider myself to be high maintenance; my ideal look includes freshly manicured nails, bouncy & shiny hair and, of course, glowing skin and perfectly applied makeup. The problem is -- I’m busy. And I’m not cheap, but I’m no Paris Hilton, meaning I’m willing to pay a fair price for a good value but I don’t throw money around. Oh, there’s one other thing, I’m incredibly hard to please. Basically, I’m your average woman. And so, I headed to Hush Salon & Spa in Lincoln Park looking for one simple thing: beauty without attitude that wouldn’t suck my schedule dry. Get me in, get me out (looking gorgeous, of course) and treat me like my business means something to you along the way. As I turned onto N Clybourn I was almost running late for my 9:30 a.m. hair cut, facial and No Chip manicure appointments at Hush. (Credit that over packed schedule I mentioned earlier.) Thankfully, I easily spotted the Hush awning and discovered abundant street parking on both sides of N Clybourn as well as parking aplenty in the adjacent Menard’s lot if I really got desperate. I walked into Hush Salon & Spa, took in the mint green walls splashed with a touch of rich chocolate, plush ultra suede couches and a large flat screen playing Breakfast at Tiffany's before coming to face with owner Carla Alvarado. After a friendly greeting and quick chat, Alvarado swiftly introduced me to the esthetician that would be administering my custom facial. The esthetician led me beyond the salon space, past a stunning manicure and pedicure area and into the seemingly hidden spa section of the space. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the salon, the spa is surprisingly expansive, as well as chicly decorated and immaculately clean. The esthetician left me in one of the spa rooms to slip into a chocolate brown spa wrap and slip under the crisp white sheets that adorned the spa bed. The room was gently lit with diffused sunlight thanks to numerous oversized windows that were draped with billowing ivory panels. So what exactly are the elements of a good facial? A comfortable environment (some women get massages to relax, I swear by facials), a smart and personable esthetician (don’t scold me like a child for not drinking enough water), and the final product, of course: renewed, squeaky clean, glowing skin. Hush’s skin care expert met all three of my criteria, chatting amicably as she worked her magic, answering all of my questions, and sharing a few gems from her well-earned skin care repertoire along the way. Using Bioelements products as well as Hush’s newly acquired GLO Therapeutics collection, she expertly cleansed, massage, hydrated and nurtured my skin. Much needed extractions were done with q-tips, more gentle than using fingers and, as I can attest, effective at leaving skin clean, glowing and free of clogs and blackheads. My next treatment, the No Chip Manicure, turned out to be the answer to my need to be immaculately groomed despite a crazy lifestyle. The nail technician offered me a wide arrangement of colors (including French Manicure) while explaining how the No Chip Manicure system works, how long I could expect my mani to last and what to do when it was time for a touch-up. After shaping and cleaning up my nails and cuticles, she began applying the No Chip polishes much like a traditional manicure: the No Chip basecoat is followed by two coats of the shade of choice (I went with the French). Unlike traditional manicures, the No Chip Manicure doesn’t chip, lasting about two weeks before needing to be redone (largely because of nail growth) and best of all, the manicure is perfectly dry as soon as it is applied - no UV lights needed and no smudging risked. The entire treatment takes about an hour and one week after the manicure, my nails are chip-free and longer than they’ve been in years, thanks to the protective No Chip procedure. Hush carries a bevy of shimmering shades to choose from, including OPI favorites such as “Lincoln Park After Dark.” Nails perfectly dry, I headed back to the salon for my hair cut appointment. The only thing worse than being stuck with a snooty stylist is getting a bad haircut, and so while I was instantly charmed by my stylist, he still had to pass the ultimate test: giving me the hair style I wanted and listening to my feedback about what style would work for me. I knew right away I was in good hands when he asked me to show him exactly how much length I was comfortable with him trimming from my long locks. After washing my hair with S Factor products, we headed back to his chair where he informed me that he wouldn’t be changing my signature look, just giving me a “major tune-up.” True to his word, he used a moderate hand in shaping my locks and yet managed to return the bouncy, healthy hair I’d been missing since my last good cut. He shared hair care tips along the way -- such as the importance of blowing out the underneath of hair for a great straight ‘do - but never came off as condescending. None of us goes to the salon looking for a friend, but a stylist who doesn’t “get” you will never get the look you want either. One masterful blowout later, I headed out, thrilled that in my search for great hair, I found a great guy who “gets” what this woman wants. Oh, and a note to my PrettyCity editors, should you need a review for Laser Hair Removal or Acupuncture, I’m your girl. But when it comes to my face, my nails and my hair, this oh-so-buy woman has time for only one destination and it’s no secret, that spot is now Hush. Click here for Spa/Salon prices, services, hours and more.
Click here for printable coupon for 25% off the service of your choice on Tuesdays
Beauty Bargains - Spa
Gifts - Spa/Salon Reviews - Spa/Salon
of the Week - For Him About Face - Hands Down - Feet First - Body Beautiful - Heads Up Advertise - Ask Spa Girl - Party Planning
|
|
