Mimi's Little Black Book | Best Places to Primp

When it comes to looking and feeling fabulous maintenance is a must. Here are my favorite spots to primp and pamper yourself.

Best Nail Salon Dashing Diva
Dashing Diva is probably the hottest nail spa in NY. I highly recommend them for the perfect detail oriented mani and pedi. The glamourous pink interiors also add a touch of glamour to the whole experience. Try their UV Gel setting which makes nails look super glossy and perfect.

Dashing Diva

149 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10003

212.228.9999

Best Hair Color & Cut Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa
I am obsessed with dying my hair and believe me I've been up and down fifth avenue trying to find the best colorist and I have finally found him. Greg at Red Door Spa is the most talented colorist in the world. He gave me the best chestnut brown with golden highlights color that I am raving over. The service at Red Door is unsurpassed.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas
691 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212.546.0398

Best Wax Shobha NYC
I usually go to Shobha for all my waxing needs. They are very good at what they do and I have always been happy with my results and the exotic ambiance is always a plus. Shobha was voted as New York's best Brazilian was. Ask for Miranda.

Shobha

594 Broadway

New York, NY 10012

212-931-8363

NY Beauty Guide: Shobha Threading Salon

Shobha is my favorite place to get my brows done, for two reasons. The first being, I love the colorful and exotic decor and second being the great service. A friend tipped me off about Shobha a while back and I'm forever grateful for her suggestion. Shobha is incredibly clean, inviting and beautiful. The staff is amazing and they are very professional and clinical which I really appreciate. They also offer also waxing (the best Brazilian in NY mind you), sugaring and facials.

Indian women are obsessed with threading because of the precision and definition it brings to brows. I always make it a point to have my eyebrows reshaped while vacationing in India so it's nice to get the same look here in NY. Visit Shobha and make sure you you let them know we sent you and tell us about your experience. See all locations here. -Mimi

An Infamous Beauty Ritual

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Beauty is pain, and pain is vain. That old adage has coursed my mind ever since I was a little girl. But how far will you go to feel sexy? The notorious Brazilian wax has attracted millions of women throughout the globe. After hibernating all winter, I needed to thaw myself and experience a spring awakening. Out of curiosity, I decided to book an appointment at my local Aveda spa. Twenty minutes and $75 later, I was relieved and happy with the results. Gwyneth Paltrow once said that the Brazilian wax changed her life. I totally agree.

For those brave women out there who want to experience this, here are some pointers. Do some research before you book your appointment. Spas have different rates, which can range anywhere from $20 to $75. It would be wise to ask your girlfriends if they can refer you to an experienced aesthetician. Also, ask the spa what kind of wax they use. Hard wax is better than strip wax because it grabs onto the hair not the skin. Make sure that your hair is the right length before you get it waxed, about ¼ of an inch is perfect for optimal results. Mentally prepare yourself, but also take two Advil a half hour before your appointment. Try to avoid aspirin because it’s a blood thinner. During your appointment, don’t forget to breathe. It’s kind of like going to the gynecologist, it’s awkward at first, but remember that your aesthetician is a professional who has many daily appointments. Decide whether you want a landing strip or want to go all out before you get there. Some women opt for designs like hearts, lightning bolts, or initials. Don’t forget to get your aesthetician’s business card so you can book your next appointment with the same person. You’ll be able to enjoy your results for four to six weeks, but don’t forget to use a loofah to exfoliate and prevent ingrown hairs. Even though the Brazilian wax isn’t for everyone, it’s absolutely addicting. Trust me, you won’t be the only one who falls in love with the results.

-Therese Quiao