Give A Gift of Beauty for Valentine's Day
What’s romantic? As a married woman for almost seven years now, sometimes I have to think about this when it comes around to Valentine’s Day. This year I decided the best romantic gifts—for both me and my husband—would be relaxing, aromatherapeutic spa treatments. For him, a nice long full-body massage (he’s a busy family law attorney, and getting busier—people never stop getting divorced, it seems). For myself, I love getting my hair washed and cut and highlighted. Chicago boasts a number of fantastic places to have these kind of treatments done—and having written up salons for a Chicago-based beauty magazine, I know a little bit about the topic. Here are several of my favorite purveyors of beauty in the city:
Spacio
2706 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL
This newish upscale day spa is a balm to each of the five senses. If you want to be pampered and rejuvenated, Spacio is pretty much a full-service mecca for spa lovers. It features the latest in services from injectibles like botox to haircuts to waxing. You can go for a day of treatments or just for one facial. There’s even a 3.5 hour spa package for expectant mothers. Spacio uses the best beauty products and has a staff that knows what they’re doing. If you go for a haircut, ask for Anita—she’s the best! Check out its offerings at www.spaciospa.com. Massages start at $50 and spa manicures will cost you $30.
art + science salon
1552 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL
and 1971 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL
and 811 Church St.
Evanston, IL
This thoroughly modern salon has been around for 15 years and boasts three locations. I’ve gone to the Evanston one for ages, and have always been thrilled with the results. The stylists themselves sport cutting edge cuts and brilliant color that inspire visitors and the décor is sleek yet relaxing. It’s a great place to go for the latest looks in makeup and hair. Cuts start at $52 in the Chicago salons and $48 in Evanston. Find occasional coupons at their Web site, www.artandsciencesalon.com.
Toujours Spa & Salon
5224 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL
Located in the bustling Andersonville neighborhood, five-year-old Toujours is a classy, chic place to get your beauty treatments done. They offer the usual salon staples, like facials, manicures and makeup, and they do it with service and style. Just walking into this place makes me feel trendier than I am. A haircut and blow dry starts at $55, with manicures beginning at $18. Go to www.toujoursspasalon.com for more information on their new location, right on Lincoln Ave.
Listening Touch Massage & Bodywork
3354 N. Paulina, Suite 207
Chicago, IL
and Mercy Hospital
Comprehensive Breast Care Center
2525 S. Michigan Ave. 12th Floor
Chicago, IL
and Re:fit
910 S. Waukegan Rd.
Glenview, IL
Laura Rose Boyle is a licensed massage therapist with training in a number of disciplines, including Thai yoga massage, polarity therapy and reflexology. She’s professional and caring, and always honing her craft. She spends her time not just giving massages to stressed out people like me, but also to patients with cancer. On occasion, she’ll even do housecalls, and she’s the first one I always call when I need a massage. Check out her Web site at listeningtouch.org.
