Pampering
illuStration by Mandy lau
Hers
Spas and styling services make women wonderful by Sheri radford
Vancouverites are often complimented on their dewy complexions and laid-back attitudes . We ’ ll let you in on a secret : it ’ s not just because of the active West Coast lifestyle and healthy locavore diet . Local women have a wealth of pampering options to help them achieve that radiant glow .
When a day of relaxation is on the schedule , The Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel is the first stop . World-weary travellers ( whether from around the corner or around the globe ) indulge in the Jet Lag Recovery package . It starts with a 90-minute Thai fusion massage , which combines yogalike stretches with deep-tissue massage , using lemongrass essential oil to soothe aching muscles and energize the body . Then a 90-minute cinnamon enzyme facial tightens and firms the skin . It adds up to three hours of bliss .
Next stop is The Ten Spot in Yaletown . Quickie manicures and pedicures are available , but when the goal is R & R , indulge in the full treatment : nail shaping and buffing , cuticle work , massage , polish application and nail art ranging from dots and lines to hearts and clouds . Fingernails and toenails end up looking like works of art , but without a Monet or Picasso price tag .
If you need some help to enhance your best facial features , head to Spa Utopia . Professional make-up artists can create a flawless look for daytime events , glamorous evenings out and everything in-between , including weddings . Splurge on some expertly applied artificial eyelashes , to make your eyes pop . Sixty-minute make-up lessons are offered , too .
For a cool coif to top off a polished look , Drybar in Nordstrom offers no cuts or colour , just perfect blow-outs . The stylists expertly tame all manner of tresses , from poker-straight to crazy-curly , and the libations-inspired menu includes the Mai Tai ( perfectly messy beach hair ), Dirty Martini ( tousled and textured ), Manhattan ( sleek and smooth ), Southern Comfort ( maximum volume ) and Cosmo ( lots of loose curls ). Make sure to add the heavenly 10-minute scalp massage during your shampoo . The only thing that could improve the whole experience ? An actual martini .
Finish off a day of pampering by slipping into the perfect outfit ( or several ), chosen for you by a personal stylist at Nordstrom . The service may be free , but the on-trend advice is priceless , not to mention the honest opinions and help navigating the store ’ s cornucopia of designer options .
Feel good , look good — sometimes it pays to indulge .
If You Go The Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel 845 Hornby St . 604-608-5340 . wedgewoodhotel . com / spa-wedgewood The Ten Spot 1006 Mainland St . 778-379-5959 . thetenspot . com Spa utopia in the Pan Pacific Hotel , 1001-999 canada Place Way . 604-689-7700 . spautopia . ca Drybar in nordstrom 799 robson St . 1-800-898-9246 . thedrybar . com Nordstrom 799 robson St . 604-699-2100 . nordstrom . com
36 EssE ntial VancouV er 2017 / 18