D

“Pamper Yourself Night” at Mockingbird Station Tonight

As part of the Station’s Cause for Celebration line-up (”community-oriented events every Wednesday evening during the holidays”), Pamper Yourself Night will feature mini-facials, massages, and hand massages, free with a donation to Genesis Women’s Shelter. The masseurs will be lined up near PURE Dental. (If you choose to pay for a teeth whitening special during the evening, PURE will also donate a portion of the proceeds to Genesis.) Billy Jealousy reps will also be at PURE for the mini-facials. The hand massagers will be located at Michael Raymond Salon, where you can also get make-up touch-ups, some hot chocolate or tea, and a free Aveda shampoo sample with a $5 donation. It’s a night full of minis, but your donation can be mini, too.

Trick or Treat Happy Hour and Spa Goodies The Ritz-Carlton Spa

For the first 75 people who reserve a spot, the spa at the Ritz will offer a free happy hour Halloween event, which will include complimentary mini-margaritas, guacamole, gelato, chair massages, make-up consultations, trick-or-treat bags with spa and salon samples, and a 25 percent discount on retail purchases and treatments booked during the evening. We’ve been to these Ritz spa events before, and we’ve told you we love them. They’re worth your while for an hour or two during the week. Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 pm. Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Aveda Institute Spa Now Taking Nail Appointments

The tranquil Dallas Aveda Institute pedicure room.

If you didn’t read my rave review of the new Dallas Aveda Institute do so here. In short, it’s tres fabuloso! At the time I wrote that blog they were not yet offering nail services but as of October 20 they are! I just booked my $21 sixty-minute pedicure and I can’t wait! It doesn’t look like they’ve updated their site yet to include the Dallas location but take my word for it – they are open and taking appointments for all services except massage (but that’s coming soon!). Click here for service list and prices (which are insane!). Call 214-363-1291 to book your appointment.

Minx It Up at Polished in Plano

As of Oct. 15, Polished nail salon, to whom we’ve given a D Beauty award, is also offering Minx. Prices are $55 for nails and $65 for toes, but if you’re a Polished member, you’ll pay $47 and $55 instead.
Thanks, Margaret!

Minx It Up at Troy Richard Salon

I told you you can get it here. Minx (as seen on Lady Gaga’s nails left)  is now being offered at Troy Richard Salon in Frisco, too. Prices for nails will be $45-47 (depending on your choice of a metallic or pattern set) and $52-57 for toes. The Minx application was similarly priced at Annice Spa Studio for $45 per fingernail application. Troy Richard Salon. 214-618-8071 or www.troyrichardsalon.com. Follow the jump to see Minx on nails and toes.

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Shop for the Cure: Er’go Pink Ribbon Candle

Who doesn’t love a delicious candle? For BCA month, Er’go has created a Pink Ribbon Candle with a fresh pink grapefruit scent. Each candle, for $22, is made with soy wax and cotton wicks, without chemical additives. Twenty percent of the proceeds will go to fund breast cancer research. V Spa. Hilton Anatole. 2201 Stemmons Freeway. 214-761-7800. And because we’re already talking about V Spa, know that from Oct. 12 through Oct. 18, the spa is offering three treatments for $50 each for spa week: a body warp, microdermabrasion, and organic pedicure.

Friday Giveaway: Renée Rouleau Mint Buffing Beads

In honor of the grand opening of the Dallas Center for Performing Arts, Renée has given us a bunch of her Mint Buffing Beads to give away to you. You know how we feel about Renée Rouleau’s products by now, but I can tell you that this exfoliator, specifically, is great. The formula has a fine, grainy feel, but the beads are spherical to prevent tiny nicks in the skin’s surface. It also includes Vitamin K for capillary repair, and peppermint oil to reinvigorate the skin. I love using it twice a week after removing makeup and washing my face and following with my regular serum/moisturizer routine. Through Oct. 18, Renee is offering a special facial to commemorate the Grand Opening, too. (For details, see after the jump.) You know the drill: the fill out the form, good luck, all that jazz. There will be 14 winners.

*Update: Congratulations to our 14 winners!

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I Got Minxed

Yes I did. (Although, that’s not me over there on the left obviously.) Minx is a nail covering, kind of like wallpaper, which covers your nails in a layer of fun, funky prints and colors. Unlike with nail polishes, you can get a serious tinfoil-like metallic look, pictured left, or an ornate design, like the one also pictured left. Minx, made a hit probably by Beyoncé and Rihanna is still not available in all salons, though. I got mine done at Annice Spa in Grapevine in the fun black and silver polka dot print also pictured left (but pretend the dots are tinfoil silver). It was gorgeous! For the closest salon near you, check out the Minx spa finder. Or contact Annice Spa at Reflexology2009@gmail.com for an appointment.

Friday Giveaway: Alterna Ten Shampoo and Conditioner

This stuff is liquid hair gold in a bottle. The Manolo Blahniks of the hair world, if you will. Used by beautiful-haired celebs like Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Victoria Beckham, and Isla Fisher, this anti-aging shampoo/conditioner set’s a good fit for all hair types, including coarse, colored, fine, or oily. According to Alterna, the magic is in the ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Caviar Age-Control Complex (It doesn’t get any more glamorous than caviar, does it?), White Truffle Oil, Champagne Grape Seel Oil (And champagne!), and other rare, exotic-sounding ingredients. In these tough times does anyone feel like throwing down $60 for one bottle of shampoo? Me neither. But you don’t have to. You might win it here if you fill out the form. If you don’t win and you want your own, go to www.alternahaircare.com to find a salon near you. Good luck!

*Congratulations Becca!

Drive-Through Renée Rouleau Gift Bag Service

To celebrate Renée Rouleau’s National Skin Care Awareness Month (September), she’s hosting a Front Door Gift Bag Pickup Promo. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Drive up to the spa and receive a gift bag—that simple. But it gets better because, as usual, Reneé Rouleau has her team of male models handing them out right to your car window. Woo hoo! The bag includes a gift certificate and RR samples valued at $100. Go pick up your treats and ogle the models at her Dallas location at 1722 Routh St. or Plano location at 4025 Preston Rd., Ste. 606. September 30 from 10 am to 2 pm.

Introducing Exhale Spa’s Well Bar

Exhale Dallas is working for the people. They know how busy we are so to help us de-stress (and undo damage from late-night partying) they’ve decided to start offering easy-in, easy-out 25-minute (or less) mini-treatments. You can book an appointment in advance (214-370-5800) or just show up but regardless, you’ll get the same great service as if you were gettting a full treatment. And as a special treat, from tomorrow until September 30 you can buy one treatment and get another free if you go on a week day. That’s a pret-ty darn good deal if you ask me. Below is a sample of some of the Well Bar mini-treatments. Set one up now – you know you deserve it. (more…)

Friday Giveaway: Kate Somerville Glow Kit

It’s nearing the end of summer, but a fresh face glow is never out of season. Congrats ahead of time to the winner of this giveaway, because this one’s a good one: Kate Somerville’s Glow Kit. Kate Somerville, esthetician to the likes of Paris Hilton, Kate Walsh, Felicity Huffman, and Jessica Alba, knows what she’s talking about, and she didn’t mind a bit sharing all the top secrets with me to pass along to you. Follow me after the jump to learn how to enter this giveaway and read up on the products. (You’ll want to, to understand the true power behind the Glow Kit.)

*Update: We’re giving away two sets! You’ve got until noon today, Monday, Aug. 31.

Congratulations Fern and Kathy!

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Von Anthony Salon Opens in Frisco

Amy Kott-Hovland, who we named a best hair colorist back in 2004, is the lady in charge at this new hair hot spot in Frisco. A luxurious and elegant vibe is the goal at Von Anthony, where the beauty menu includes color treatments, permanent waves, extensions, scalp treatments, massages, facials, and waxing. Amy has more than 20 years of experience, so you can trust her with all color queries and trimming troubles. Guests are encouraged to bring their own iPods to enjoy during treatments. (How cool is that?!) Check out the new ‘do shop for yourself at 7004 Lebanon Rd., Ste. 102 in Frisco.

Imagique Hair and Spa Grand Opening Party

You read about my wonderful visit to Imagique a while back, and then my follow-up blog on it after visiting facialist extraordinaire, Julianna Pabst. So the least I can do is not be selfish and inform you of their day-long grand opening party on Thursday, August 27th. Join them for music, snacks, and a look around this one-stop shop. Meet stylists, nail technicians, masseurs and estheticians in person to ask questions and learn about the services they offer. If you think about it, it’s a great way to “interview” the people who pamper without having to make a commitment. Get some information on their experience, techniques and personalities and then decide who you think will work best for you. Ooh, that’s such a good idea, I may just do that myself!

D’s September Issue Is Bursting at the Seams With Dallas Fashion and Beauty News

My spa travel story in the September issue of D is not the only beauty-related item in that magazine. The issue is actually chock-full of girlie goodness. Lucky for you, I put together a rundown of all the fashion and beauty fabulousness. Happy clicking!

1. Stephanie Quadri has the scoop on must-have fall fashion.

2. Sarah Eveans, Allison Hatfield, Tim Rogers, and I bring you the 11 Dallas Style Setters You Need To Know.

3. Laura Kostelny wants you to look beautiful at any age.

4. The D Beauty staff rounded up the latest and greatest Dallas beauty news.

5. Raya Ramsey knows purple is fall’s signature color, and she’s found the products to prove it.

(Photo by Maxine Helfman)

My Journey to Mii amo Spa in Sedona, Arizona

The only thing better than scouring the city to find the best spas in town is traveling the country to find the best spas in America. For the September issue of D, I wrote about my experience at Mii amo, a destination spa in Sedona, Arizona. You can read all about it right here. I don’t want to spoil the drama, but just so you know, I loved it.

Where Can You Get a Quick Braid Job in Town?

I got an email from a ShopTalk reader. Here’s the question:

“I know summer is almost at the end, but I am still craving the french-braid look. I usually have a friend braid my hair because my own multiple attempts on myself have turned out awful. However said friend is not available anymore. Is there a quick, inexpensive salon in Dallas that does french braids or braiding in general?”

I’m thinking any hair salon could do a quick French (of the braiding variety) for cheap, but do you ShopTalkers do of anything specific? Help a sister out!

Renee Rouleau Anniversary Sale Ends This Sunday, August 16

Forgive us for not alerting you sooner. It’s a terrible thing, being too busy to blog—especially when we’re talking about a sale on some of our favorite skincare products! I’ve been using Renee Rouleau products since last fall, and I’ve noticed a tremendous improvement in the texture of  my skin. Well, this week, through Sunday, you can get 15% off anything you need. Just go to the Renee Rouleau web site and use code W2009 at checkout.

Join the Pink Party at Aqua Medical Spa August 26

The third Wednesday of every month, from 6-8:30 pm, Aqua Medical Spa (both locations) hosts a Pink Party for girls only. For $59 you get to choose two treatments—mini facial, pomegranate peel, mini microdermabrasion, mini massage, lash tint, brow tint, or foot treatment—and you’ll receive a free makeover with Jane Iredale miseral cosmetics. Oh, and did we mention goody bags and pink champagne? You should wear pink too. You must call 214-443-0100 to reserve your spot.

Aloha, New Hawaiian Nail Bar

Because I’m a slave to convenience, my go-to nail salon just happens to be the closest nail salon to my apartment. Mai-Le Nails in the Old Town shopping center is not fancy—no massage chairs or complimentary wine or anything like that—just quick and basic manis and pedis. Until recently, I was completely fine with that. Then something happened. Construction started on a new nail place just around the corner in the same shopping center. The sign for the old tenant, Beauty First, came down and was replaced by a sign for Hawaiian Nail Bar, a local chain with locations in Flower Mound and Irving. So what’s a girl to do? Do I leave the Mai-Le folks who’ve been nothing but nice to me all these years and try out the new kid on the block? Or do I let loyalty prevail? ShopTalkers, have any of you been to a Hawaiian Nail Bar? If so, tell me all about it.

Review: Bliss’ Fat Girl Scrub and Love Handler

I love these products. Not because they work per se—although, they might. I’m not really sure. Can you ever be?—but because they feel good and smell good. I’m a Bliss addict. Anything Bliss I love. I love the moisturizers, face creams, foot scrubs, all of it. They smell clean and feel good. Same goes for the Fat Girl Scrub and Love Handler. I use the Fat Girl Scrub in the shower on my less-than-firm areas and feel the tingle from the minty salts. (The idea is that the scrub promotes circulation through massage and removes dead skin, making the surface better prepared for slimming lotions—like Fat Girl Sleep or Fat Girl Slim—afterward.) I use Love Handler, the “liquid workout for lazy abdominals,” according to Bliss folks. This lotion contains creatine and caffeine to firm your pudgy spots and burn extra fat cells. I just like the tingly sensation. But an independent study done by Bliss claims testers did see a difference in six weeks. I’ll buy that. Mostly because I’m a sucker for Bliss. Test the $36 scrub and $36 gel by checking out the products at the Bliss Spa in Dallas.

Equinox Spa Throws A Glam Slam

If you have a few free hours on Thursday and an extra 60 bucks in your pocket, have we got a deal for you. The Spa at Equinox Highland Park wants you to come out from 5:30-8:30 pm for Glam Slam, a “luxurious evening of beauty, fashion, and fun.” Attendees will receive two mini spa treatments, makeovers with Chanel Cosmetics, discounts on spa products and duds from The Shop at Equinox, plus free Cosmos and snacks. For reservations—which are required, by the way—contact spa manager Holly Gordon at 214-443-9009 or Holly.Gordon@EquinoxFitness.com.

Brow’sing at Calypso: Part II

If you missed it last weekend, you’re in luck, because it’s happening again this Sunday.
What: “Brow’sing”  at Calypso
When: Sunday, July 12  2PM-5PM
Where: Calypso at The Plaza at Preston Center
Details: Free brow-waxing by Kimberly Peacock (she uses the good stuff – Cirepil Blue) while you sip mimosa’s and shop the spring/summer sale. Everything’s marked down 20%-70% off, including popular items, like the “Hester” tunic (I got the black one last weekend…perfect beach cover-up).
Bonus: Enter to win a $500 wardrobe from Calypso. Winner will be selected on July 29th, during an in-store cocktail party.

Legally Blonde Pink Martini Mani/Pedi Party

I haven’t heard of anything so girly since my unicorn-themed bedroom from elementary school. In honor of Legally Blonde The Musical’s arrival at Dallas Summer Musicals, V Spa at the Hilton Anatole is hosting an all-out estrogen fest on Tuesday, July 14, from 6-8 pm. In addition to getting a mini-manicure or pedicure, you can also sip on pink martinis, listen to the musical’s soundtrack, and enter to win a pair of tickets to the show. Cost is $25, and reservations are highly recommended. So channel your inner Elle Woods and get those ressies made ASAP. Call V Spa at 214-761-7800.

“Brow’sing” at Calypso: Summer Sale and Free Brow-Shaping Sunday

What: “Brow’sing”  the “Wear Now Sale” at Calypso
When: Sunday, July 12  2PM-5PM
Where: Calypso St. Barth at The Plaza at Preston Center
Details: Free brow-shaping by Kimberly Peacock (who’s also a talented hair stylist at Dear Clark Hair Studio) while you sip mimosa’s and shop the spring/summer sale at Calypso. Everything’s marked down 20%-70% off, including designs by Chan Luu and the popular “Rowena” dress (pictured at left).
Bonus: Enter to win a $500 wardrobe from Calypso. Winner will be selected on July 29th, during an in-store cocktail party.

See you there!