Spa

Tres Belle Spa: Review + Interview

December 3, 2013

I was long overdue for a facial so I headed to Tres Belle Spa in Brooklyn NY to receive a deep pore cleansing treatment and a light peel. This was my first visit to this well-known medi-spa and I could not have been more thrilled with the experience. The energy from the staff is warm and inviting and you feel right at home as soon as you walk through the door. I was immediately offered a warm cup of tea while I filled out my skincare questionnaire to assess my needs.

My esthetician Paula (who had the most radiant skin!) quickly ushered me into the treatment room where I changed into a spa robe. She gave me the option to choose between two skincare lines, Tata Harper and Skinceuticals. I chose Skinceuticals since I’ve already tried Tata Harper and wanted to experience something new. She explained the steps along the way but still gave me enough quiet time to relax and really enjoy my facial. She made some product recommendations but was not trying to “sell” me anything, I appreciated that. At the end of the facial my skin felt like new and the dry patches on my face were now smooth and softer.

At Tres Belle Spa all facials include a scalp massage, custom blended soothing mask, a vitamin application and a custom exfoliation. It’s truly a luxurious experience!

During my time at the medi-spa I had a chance to catch up with the owner, Allison Tray. I was curious about her business so I asked her the following questions:

1. Please tell me about your journey as a medi-spa owner. What prompted you to enter this business?

I was working for many years in the high-end fashion industry. My dad was a chiropractor at the time and had read about these lasers that remove body hair. I was laughing when he asked me if I wanted to go into this business and asked him “Does this mean my claim to fame will be removing peoples unwanted body hair?!” His reply was “Why not?” After being in business for about a year, a very loyal clientele quickly grew. They began requesting other services like facials and said they only trusted us {Oksana and I my employee of 10 years} and didn’t want to go to any other spa. So, I expanded services and staff to fit the demand. It was exciting to grow this spa together with my clients.

2. What makes Tres Belle different from other spas?

I come very a very philanthropic family and have used my spa as a vehicle to contribute to society in anyway I can. I have rallied my staff and my community to collect food during Hurricane Sandy, Clothes and gifts for domestic abuse survivors, Prom dresses for teenage girls living in Brownsville, curated goodie bags for a program to inspire inner city black teenage girls, Presented to transgender teens about skincare and hormones, sponsored the American Cancer Society gala 3 times, Help the local animal hospitals. Our quality comes from the inside out. Every single appointment with clients is treated as the most important we’ve ever had. I’m proud to say our tiny piece of Brooklyn has been called “World Class.”

3. What are the most popular services that clients come in for?

We are the Laser Hair Removal go-to in NYC. Many of our clients actually live in Manhattan. We have over 10 years of hands-on experience with all skintones. We have special equipment to treat black/brown skin not only safely but effectively. We have received many accolades over the years for our laser and also for our facials. Our esthetics’s are the best of the best. I interview many staff no less than 3 times before they begin working at Tres Belle Spa. They are all medical estheticians and have completed many years of technique work and to this day, continue furthering their knowledge.

4. What spa trends do you see for 2014?

I see treatments that yield longterm results becoming much more popular. Clients seem to want the latest technology like never before. They are seeing the value in getting laser hair removal and having it gone. People are too busy to fuss. They want results driven treatments that last. Laser hair removal takes the worry of unwanted hair “down there and elsewhere” out of your life completely. No one has time to run around looking for waxing when that spur of the moment beach trip pops up.The same with skincare procedures aside from healthy, periodic cleanings, clients want treatments to deliver results that improve their skin over time. Photofacials for instance, your skin might look even a bit worse right after the procedure but give it 6 weeks and skintone is evening out, collagen and elastin and kicking in and the skins overall appearance gets better and better.

5. What services do you recommend that clients add to their regular beauty regime?

Definitely a Clarifying facial at the end of summer and end of winter. These seasons bring on weather extremes that can make even the best skin get cranky. Post summer facials are going to deep clean the pores which have been exposed to on=the-go sunscreen, sweat, heat, and possibly a little extra cocktail-ing, all of these elements can lead to deeply congested pores, which lead to break-outs. Post winter skin will need lots of exfoliating to get the dead skin off and to kick-start cell rejuvenation. a professional peel and hydrating treatment will get you your glow back.

To find out more about Allison, click here.

Tres Belle Spa would like to offer Lipstick & Luxury readers an extra 10% off their Platinum, Gold & Silver holiday discount packages! You can use the code LIPSTICK

Holiday PLATINUM Package	$499.00
Front to Back Decadence:No need to choose between a facial or massage, indulge with both!Custom Luxury Facial w/ Scalp Massage Relaxing Back Facial w/ Massage Refreshing PCA Custom Peel Custom Soothing Treatment Eyebrow Shape Eyebrow Tint Eyelash Tint Value $600

Holiday GOLD Package

$299.00

Relaxation and Rejuvenation Personified…Our most popular service!
Microdermabrasion Trinity: Custom Facial, Double Layer Exfoliation including neck, Acupressure Lifting Massage including neck and shoulders, Custom Vitamin Treatment based on your needs, Peel, Custom Soothing Mask, Scalp MassagePLUS You choose Wax Area: Bikini line, Face or Underarm ALSO INCLUDES:
Eyebrow Shape
Eyebrow Tint
Eyelash TintValue $400

Holiday SILVER Package	$199.00
Custom Facial SpecialA special treat catered to your specific needs! Luxury Custom Facial Light Peel Soothing Mask Eyebrow Shape Eyebrow Tint

Getting Personal: My Day at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa

December 11, 2011

There is just something about New York City that is pulsating with energy and yet that same city energy can be draining. Many New Yorkers spend their lunch eating at their desks, running from meeting to meeting and sometimes running from work to school. All of these many responsibilities can leave you exhausted and even feeling a little bit neglected, especially in the skin care area. We all have deadlines to meet and items to check off of our checklists. But how often do we add our own needs to that checklist? I know that I’m sometimes guilty that. I always of make sure that my family is taken care of before I am, I can’t help it, it’s just who I am! So when I get a little overwhelmed I take a little spa break. Not only do we have to deal with the stress of life but the pollution in the city is terrible for your skin. A girl just needs to detox and rejuvenate herself from time to time.

Since I was long overdue for a spa trip, a facial to be specific, I booked some time at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in Manhattan. Getting regular facials is great for those with problem skin; for me it keeps my pores clear which helps to prevent breakouts and blackheads. But a professional facial also allows you to consult with a skin care specialist who can analyze and recommend treatments that are best for your skin. So really a facial is not just a little luxury but rather a beauty necessity.

The spa is located in Midtown Manhattan but even in the midst of this bustling city, this multi-floor spa is transports you away from the chaos. The spa is modern with minimal decor with bare walls and strategically placed lighting. The usual spa amenities are offered such as an assortment of chilled herbals teas and fruit infused spa water; which are placed on a cart in the waiting area. While at other spas; like Yelo Spa in NYC; I was offered a warm towel for my hands, someone took my coat etc. There wasn’t any of that here. The staff is courteous and professionally pleasant but I wouldn’t exactly say that they were very warm. When checking it at the front desk there was very little eye contact from the receptionist but she wasn’t rude, just not very energetic or overly friendly.

This was my first time getting a facial at the Red Door Spa so I chose the Essential Facial which is a standard customized facial designed to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate. My esthetician was very warm and pleasant; took the time to explain each step and suggest alternate treatments but didn’t try to upsell me. The entire facial, with the exception of the extractions was very relaxing; the facial included a shoulder and hand massage. The entire facial took about an hour and my skin looked so radiant, it’s amazing how clear your skin looks post-facial! There was only a little redness from the extractions but it disappeared within twenty-four hours.

Overall I was very happy with the quality of the service that I received and I would return again. While I didn’t receive five-star service, the service was quite good and the I was happy with the results. Have you visited any of the Red Door Spas?

Six De-Stressing Spa Products for Bath, Body and Face

April 14, 2011

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Maybe it’s got something to do with Tax Day, with everyone scrambling to find last minute forms or documents. Or maybe it’s the sometimes-gloomy, rainy weather that often persists throughout the month. Lots of spa junkies find that the best way to de-stress when you can’t get out for a facial or massage includes some home-spa pampering. If that’s your favorite form of stress release, here are six products that soothe and calm.

1.) Jurlique Rebalancing Sensitivity Kit: Although this is more of an everyday mini-regime, Jurlique’s Rebalancing Sensitivity Kit is incredibly well-suited to the purposes of relaxation. The four piece kit contains a half ounce each of Soothing Foaming Cleanser, Chamomile Soothing Mist, Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel, and Soothing Day Care Lotion, and it’s perfect for a home facial.

2.) Mario Badescu Azulene Calming Mask: Cult-favorite skincare line Mario Badescu’s Azulene Calming Mask is soothing both esthetically as a product and physically on your skin. Seamolliant is calming and moisture-binding (as well as really rich in skin-healing minerals), and Azulene and Balsam Peru have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and balancing skin tone.

3.) REN Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream: If you’re heading out after your stress-relief spa routine, a good anti-damage moisturizer will protect all your hard work. REN’s Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream has Omega 3 and 7 to repair skin, and Calendula to calm. There’s also a proprietary “Global Protection Complex,” with ingredients to fight free radical damage.

4.) DermaDoctor Calm, Cool & Corrected: Fairer skinned types are more likely to be afflicted with rosacea during periods of stress or exposure to the elements. (Or even a long night of mojitos.) DermaDoctor’s Calm, Cool & Corrected battles the spectrum of rosacea symptoms (like excess oil, redness and broken capillaries) while also working to correct signs of aging. Squalene and dimethicone keep skin hydrated, and chamomile and aloe calm.

5.) BambuEarth Chocolate Truffle Organic Whipped Shea & Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Cream: One of the super-greatest things about the internet is the abundance of amazing indie beauty product makers that will ship their carefully crafted wares straight to your door. Etsy is a huge beauty marketplace, and BambuEarth’s Chocolate Truffle Organic Whipped Shea & Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Cream is one of the nicer choco-spa options. “Foodie” scents are not for everyone (although I will personally cop to being a lifelong Angel wearer and chocolate body butter addict), but refined and beautifully packaged options like this one are delightful if you’re a fan.

6.) Sonoma Lavender Pastel Paisley Spa Mask: An on-call esthetician to give pressure-relieving facial massages when needed would be a great thing to have, but in a pinch, the Sonoma Lavender Pastel Paisley Spa Mask is a pretty substitute. Microwave the mask for warmth and to release the lavender fragrance. It also makes a pretty design element on your vanity table.

How do you unwind at home with beauty products? Are there any you reach for after a rough, long or taxing day?

Review: Yelo Spa in New York City

March 31, 2011

As part of my New Years resolutions I vowed to take better care of myself by indulging in spa treatments, meditation and basically anything that feeds my soul. One of my favorite ways to unwind is to get a great massage, a facial or other beauty treatment. So I decided to get a 50 minute Swedish massage and 20-minute nap at Yelo Spa in New York City. I’ve been under a lot of stress lately and this would certainly help to ease my tension. Yelo Spa considers itself to be a sanctuary in the urban jungle utilizing massage, reflexology and customized aromatherapy treatments to help restore physical and mental health.

When I arrived at the spa I was immediately drawn to the colorful modern setting. The staff was extremely friendly (even though I was 30 minutes early!) and I was offered a cup of tea from the assortment of herbal flavors and a warm towel for my hands. It was a nice treat to step in from the cold and enjoy a relaxing hot cup of tea (and to wash my hands, I am in NYC after all!). Since this was my first visit at the spa I needed to fill out their questionnaire to note any ailments or areas or concern and to select which aromatherapy combinations best suited my needs and my sound preferences for my massage/nap session. I chose Gregorian monks chanting (but there were several other options like the ocean, rainforest, nature etc.) and a essential oil combination designed to help me relax.

After enjoying my tea for a few minutes my masseuse arrived. She had really great energy, she was warm and engaging yet mellow. She asked a few questions to better assess my reasons for getting a massage and spoke in such a calm tone that it was impossible not to be relaxed. The massage was great, even though the reflexology as I’m a bit freaked by people touching my feet. Heh.

Now after the massage was the part that I was most curious about, the the Yelocab which was described a cocoon-like treatment room. I was wrapped in a snug blanket in the special zero gravity chair which leans back at an angle to lift your knees above your chest to allow the heart rate to slow down. The lights were dimmed the monks were chanting and I was relaxed but I just could not fall asleep. So I opted to meditate for a few minutes until the lights slowly (and colorfully) came back on. I really enjoyed my Yelo experience, the environment is built for relaxation, the staff did not try to push any products on me and the service was excellent. I can’t wait to try a facial at Yelo.

What was your most relaxing spa experience?

Get Gorgeous with Rue La La!

April 29, 2010

This week Rue La La is offering a Get Gorgeous Boutique where you can purchase personalized spa packages. What a great gift just in time for Mother’s Day! Take a look at some of the offer available:

Advanced SkinCare Day Spa and Laser Center is about much more than pampering with services. With personalized skin and body care programs that will substantially improve your appearance, including Forever Young Face, Light Therapy Oxygenation and Benefit Peel you will be sure to find exactly what your body is craving for.

Mizu, (505 Park Avenue, New York, NY): Mizu New York’s newly designed salon features relaxing lounging areas, private workstations and a wide selection of nutrient-rich, feel good products for your hair. Services being offered include a haircut, color, wash & style blending the finest hairstyling with modern architectural aesthetic and function.

John Barrett Salon, (754 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY): For more than a decade, John Barrett has been the mastermind behind some of the world’s most fashionable women. The salon, located in the penthouse of the famous former Goodman apartment, offers a haircut, half head of highlights, wash & style for the ultimate New York look.

The Parlour on Third, (8113 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA): The Parlour on 3rd is a chic hair care oasis in the heart of Los Angeles, located in the fashionable West Third Street / Fairfax district. They offer an exceptional and unique hair salon experience: an elegant décor and chill vibe with a truly hospitable staff committed to ensuring you walk out looking great with healthy and beautiful hair. Whether you’re looking for a cut, color, a new style, or drop-dead gorgeous highlights, you will be rewarded with a “miracle of magic” provided by the one and only Alyson Powell.

Carissima, (2901 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL): “Carissima translates to “an endeared one.” Lending itself to how they feel toward their clientele as well as professional staff. In conjunction with their name, they strive to maintain that each and every experience throughout their salon leaves you with a feeling of satisfaction and superior service, splashed with a pleasant uniqueness that is consistent and sincere. Services being offered include: Facial, Highlight service and singles process color & haircut.

Sean Patrick Salon & Spa, (1304 S. Halsted, Chicago IL and 7 S. Lagrange Rd., Lagrange, IL): Sean Patrick’s Salon and Spa, where the image becomes real. As a full service salon celebrating its 12th year in business, Sean Patrick’s offers the finest in hair and skincare services and our professional staff is also experienced in Massage Therapy and Make-up application. Services being offered include: Swedish Massage, Spa Manicure & Pedicure and Facial.

To purchase any of these packages you must be a member of Rue La La so be sure to login or join here. Enjoy!