|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
||||||
|
Lakeview's charming Southport Corridor just keeps getting better. Fabulous indie boutiques, popular cafes, upscale restaurants with various ethnic cuisine, and now a taste of Italian luxury. Fuga, An Italian Escape is a salon that is directly influenced by the latest hair trends and treatments in Italy. A stellar staff of stylists and colorists speak "style" fluently, from cutting edge to conservative. However Fuga's latest Italian gem is its new, state-of-the-art spa, where pampering perfection meets European skin care. This location is easily accessible by public transportation and a short walk on foot, and street parking is available in the neighborhood as well. As I entered the space, warm colors and an inviting ambiance greeted me. After confirming my appointments for a "Colpi di luce" (highlight), "Taglio" (cut) and "Pulizia Viso" (the Fuga Signature Facial), I was offered my choice of tea, espresso, cappuccino, Pellegrino and even vino. Opting for water, the front desk associate approached the beverage bar and promptly returned with a refreshing glass, topped with a lemon. And with that it became clear that the Fuga difference is in the details. I arrived several minutes early so I had plenty of time to take in my surroundings. It was well worth the time to take in the postcard-perfect scenery. Authentic wood floors, glimmering glass wall sconces, a fireplace and golden hanging light fixtures keep the space modern and warm. The boutique space is generously stocked with luxurious products to serve any hair, body or skin care need. Product coolections that line the dark wooden shelves are Jan Marini, Yonka, Wella, Rene Furterer Paris, Aquage, Erbaviva and Inara among others. I then spotted Xela aromasticks, which I quickly realized were the source of the subtly fragrant aroma floating throughout. I relaxed in the front bistro area and reviewed Fuga's service menu, presented in the form of an Italian Passport. Modern Italian music and a wonderful display of paintings depicting traditional Italian scenery set the mood. In just a few short years, owners Kristen and Antonio Favaro, both fluent in the language, have successfully built an Italian escape in the heart of the Midwest. The stylist and colorist were ready to start my hair transformation. They escorted me to a consultation station where we discussed my desired results. My long hair was in dire need of both a color boost and shape-up of my style. The stylist listened intently as I described my desire to keep the length of my hair but lose the unhealthy ends and give me a little boost. The stylist advised a cut that would frame my face, take care of damaged ends while still maintaining the length. For the color, I was thinking I wanted to brighten up my tresses with cool, blond highlights. The colorist had her job cut out for her, as I not only had considerable grow-out, but my natural color is a light brown and a far cry form the cool blond I wanted. Up to the task, she knew just the trick: alternate the use of two different color mixtures, one being a high-lift and the other a lightener to create a softening effect. Heading to the back of the salon to start the coloring process, I passed the makeup consultation room, a spotless row of shampoo bowls and a manicure/pedicure area sectioned off with rust colored sheers (that naturally match the copper foot baths filled with sea stones). I was seated at a table with other clients who were receiving color services, and we simultaneously perused the large selection of magazines, nibbled on gourmet cookies and chatted with each other and the stylists. Once my foils were complete, the colorist set me under the Climazon, a silent machine that expedites the heating process to lift my hair color. She periodically checked in on me for beverages and magazines and to peek at the foils and monitor the color process. A short while later, it was time to shampoo. My hair was washed with a color-protecting shampoo that when worked into a full lather created an unbelievable aromatic effect. Next a Performance Plus treatment was applied to my hair to close the hair cuticle and lock in protein, followed by a toner to remove any unwanted warm tones, and finally a color-protecting conditioner. While the conditioner penetrated, I was treated to a delightful head massage, a treatment in itself thanks to the stylist's honed technique. My scalp tingling with renewal, we left the shampoo area and began the cutting and styling. After gently combing through my overly long layers (which take a lot of patience), they were placed into sections and cut. Next she blew dry my hair, piece by piece, with a round brush as I eagerly anticipated a peek at my new mane. My final look was perfect; I had a shapely cut that stayed true to my length and a soft and natural color without any harshness. With my new 'do I was whisked away to Fuga's second level where the spa resides. As I climbed the stairs, I passed vintage maps of Italy lining the walls as serene music softly filled the air. At the top of the steps, I noticed the posh window treatments and the Italian names like Romeo, Guilietta and Positano marking the doors of treatment rooms. The spa décor is consistent with the salon yet the spa features every possible amenity, from decadent steam showers and bathrooms to a cozy lounge and an outdoor sundeck. I easily imagined my girlfriends and me taking advantage of this space for a day of beauty and indulgence. An esthetician greeted me and showed me to the treatment room for the Fuga Signature Facial, a customized treatment based in botanicals and essential oils from the Mediterranean. She explained that this facial includes a face, neck, shoulder, hand and foot massage, so I should feel free to get comfortable. She didn't have to tell me twice. I happily slipped into the heated bed, focused my eyes on the panoramic picture on the wall in front of me spreading out the Amalfi Coast. With a knock on the door, she returned and we were ready to begin. The esthetician and I first discussed my current skin care regimen and the products I was using. After she had determined my skin type and combination needs, she accordingly chose products to incorporate into the facial, all from the Jan Marini and Yonka skin care lines. Now warm and cozy under the sheets, she began to remove my eye makeup and cleanse my face with a two-step process. To prepare my skin for exfoliation, she first worked by hand, then used a rotating brush and lastly an enzyme mask. While the mask penetrated, I was given a hand and arm massage, which made me sink a little deeper into the Italian cotton. After every product as well as the mask was removed, warm towels stepped in to sooth my skin with their temperature and texture and remove any final residue. Next, the not-so-pretty but necessary act of extractions. She worked primarily by hand, but used an extractor tool on any especially stubborn blackheads. Three separate serums were then used: one for my individual skin type, the next to hydrate and the last an anti-aging formula. The Hydrating serum was also used during the tension-relieving massage. After that, I received a foot massage complete with hot towels, while my eyes were covered with an eye pillow, and another mask went to work on my face. A final serum and hydrating cream were applied to complete the facial, a fabulous 60 minutes, during which the esthetician never once left me unattended. As I got dressed, I became aware of how relaxed my whole body felt. I glanced in the mirror before I left the treatment room and saw my reflection - glowing skin and healthy, shiny hair. Ciao Bella! But I couldn't leave without taking home a little something from Italy. I purchased a Wella shampoo designed specifically for blond color-treated hair and a Rene Furterer Conditioning Crème to keep my split ends at bay. As I departed, I knew it wouldn't be long before I returned for another stamp from Italy on my passport. Rounding out "la dolce vita" at Fuga's spa, the Amalfi Glow, Sensitive Juliet and Casanova's Facials; detoxifying body treatments and muscle-melting massages with sugar scrubs and rich, hydrating crèmes; and Trucco makeup applications, lessons and special event styling.
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
|
|
