You've fixed your face, did your hair, soothed those aching muscles, and maybe even had a needle prick here and there. Isn't it time you tended to your tips and toes? Here now are the best places in the Bay Area to fimd a mani/pedi miracle.
Cosmo Spa Lounge: Bio-Sculpture Manicure (Oakland)
East Bay women testify to the miraculous powers of Cosmo’s nail-saving
bio-sculpture manicure, a semi-permanent gel restoration system that helps promote strong, healthy, natural nails. The best part? This is the best spot we’ve found for intricate nail art in the Bay Area.
LuxSF: Custom Manicure (Hayes Valley)
A rainbow of colors on the wall tips us off to this cozy Hayes Valley nail boutique’s signature: cult brands of varnish (think Deborah Lippmann and RGB) in every shade imaginable. Those of us who love an outside-the-box mani will find plenty of glitter, and even Swarovski crystals, from which to choose. Don’t miss Lux’s own line of 100 percent cruelty-free polishes named for SF neighborhoods.
LV Nail Spa: Manicure with Nail Art (North Beach)
LV Nail Spa has made its way to our speed dial thanks to its competitive prices and modern techniques. The standard mani leaves us feeling pampered, but for a few extra dollars, we like the unique nail art designs, such as cute kittens or a chevron motif.
Milk+: Milk Soak Mani-Pedi (Russian Hill)
Known for its signature Milk Soak mani-pedi, Milk+ integrates the healing remedies of essential oils with soothing aromatherapy. Plus, the stylish spa offers complimentary tea and has an extensive collection of colors from OPI, Chanel, and Essie.
Spa Vitale: Hands and Feet Refresher (Embarcadero)
For a soothing lunch hour escape, you’ll find us indulging in this simple hand and foot massage at Spa Vitale, where a sweet stimulating scrub gets us primed before they massage us into moisturized bliss. In about an hour, we’re rejuvenated and ready to head back to work.
TopCoat: Gel Manicure (FiDi)
Located in the Crocker Galleria, TopCoat is the go-to nail studio for FiDi workaholics in need of a long-lasting gel mani or acrylic extensions to do the crazy Real New Jersey of Housewives proud.
Beauty product pick:
For bright and hard-to-find colors, such as birthstone hues and pop art neons, you can’t go wrong with Julep’s fresh and creative polishes ($14).
This article was published in 7x7's March 2015 issue.
