L.A.’s Eastside goes glam with new beauty spots
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L.A.’s Eastside is suddenly booming with new beauty spots — geared to the neighborhoods’ growing luxe-hipster set. So the outposts are as posh as Bev Hills spas, but instead of piped-in Enya, you get to vibe out to Radiohead.
And it’s about time. With gas prices busting our budgets, driving across town for a facial seems pretty preposterous.
Here are some of the best — and freshest — Eastside places to get glam:
Body Bar Urban Spa & Boutique
Where it is: Silver Lake
Why it’s tops: This modern, minimalist outpost (see photo, left) offers a full menu of sophisticated facials — from your basic extraction-and-massage deal to more hard-core microdermabrasion, glycolic and vitamin C options — and body treatments including massages, wraps and active baths (i.e. volcanic ash and milk whey). And the space itself is gorgeous — featuring polished concrete floors, vintage-style bathrooms and the best pre-treatment ‘chill-out’ room around, boasting super low lighting, hip magazines and fetching modern furnishings.
3037 West Sunset Blvd., (323) 663-1533
Lucas Salon
Where it is: Echo Park
Why it’s tops: Lucas is a hipster salon with down-home appeal (you won’t be intimidated, but you also won’t have to explain what an “Agyness Deyn crop” is). And you get a lot of bang for your buck — the stylists are stellar and haircut prices hover around $100, depending on whose seat you’re parked in. But no need to be choosy — they’re all good.
1541 Echo Park Ave., (213) 250-7992
Stark Waxing Studio
Where it is: Silver Lake
Why it’s tops: This intimate, loft-like studio (see photo, right) is on a major thoroughfare and graciously accepts walk-ins (Viva after-work waxing!) Aestheticians use hard wax and strip wax, depending on the consistency of the hair and where is it on your bod. The lobby is stocked with yummy beauty products and candles from posh brands including Malin & Goetz, This Works and Mor — so you can grab that birthday gift on the way out.
3335 W. Sunset Blvd., (323) 666-3335
Dtox Day Spa
Where it is: Atwater Village
Why it’s tops: This Griffith Park-adjacent hideaway, which resembles a pagoda crossed with a SoHo loft, is a solid all-around spa in a neighborhood suddenly flush with fledgling, upscale businesses. There’s the usual run down of facials, body treatments and waxing, in addition to some oddities (chocolate lover’s facial, anyone?). But book early — it gets busy on the weekends and can rarely accommodate walk-ins.
3206 Los Feliz Blvd., (323) 665-3869
-- Emili Vesilind
Photos courtesy of Body Bar Urban Spa and Boutique (top) and Stark Waxing Studio (bottom).