After living in New York for over 13 years you could say I’ve done my due diligence on finding the best spots to get primped + pampered. I’ve had the pleasure of also frequenting certain spots for various press events but today I’m sharing my personal favorites spots of where I can always rely on to be left looking and feeling my best.
Whether you’re looking for skin care, makeup application, massages – I’ve got you covered with this guide. Want even more of my NYC favorites? Download My Full New York City Guide.
The Best Places To Get Pampered In New York
There’s no shortage of places in New York City to get pampered – but not all are created equal. Here I am sharing the best of the best that you can rely on when it comes to getting pampered while in NYC. I’ve personally been to each and every one of these.
Without further delay, here are my favorites…
Makeup & Brows:
Blushington
Blushington brought the easy appointment aspect of beauty to makeup with their boutiques that offer a variety of makeup applications (they have a beautiful lookbook on-hand that’ll help you pick out exactly what you’re looking for), eyelash extensions and even waxing and brow services. They also do blowouts now at their NYC Flagship.
Joshua Beeler
I’ve trusted my brows to Josh for over five years after constantly hearing from fellow Brooklyn girls that he was the best. My brows are relatively low maintenance thanks to his expertise.
He’s beloved by editors for his waxing, tinting, microblading and other aesthetic treatments. I see him for a brow wax and tint and lash tint every quarter. I adore him. You can book him through his Instagram.
Atelier Beaute Chanel
This beauty store in Soho is a Chanel playground where you can try + test out any of their skincare and makeup products. It is such fun and such a great way to experience the brand in a unique setting that’s not intimidating like department store counters.
Glamsquad
When I need makeup done in-home before an event I always book through Glamsquad. Their app is easy to use and I’ve loved the pros that have done my makeup in the past.
Facials:
Mario Badescu
The extractions here are by far the most valuable part of this experience but I really love how clinical the approach is to skincare. The facials aren’t fancy or relaxing rather they get down to business. The prices are reasonable and it has been a mainstay in my regimen nearly my entire time I’ve lived in New York.
Naturopathica
Get ready for a facial (or a variety of other spa services) in a very zen space with Naturopathica’s award-winning plant based skincare and body care. Their spa in Chelsea is a relaxing hidden gem and their Chill Facial is a thorough and bespoke experience that’ll have your skin glowing afterwards.
Joanna Vargas
On the facial flip side, when I want my skin to get really glow-y and look radiant, I head to Joanna Vargas. Her power peel was possibly one of my favorite treatments I’ve ever had (this photo was taken immediately following it) and you can bet I’ll book another one of those before my next big event.
Her famed Triple Crown Facial also leaves skin feeling plump, hydrated and super, super soft.
Caudalie
Caudalie is one of my favorite French brands and their Meatpacking boutique brings their products to life in a way that is highly customized to what your skin needs at the time of the facial.
I love how knowledgeable their estheticians are and how gentle yet effective the line is.
Katya Young Studios
A relaxing haven tucked away in a Midtown office building offering Biologique Recherche facials and some of the best facial massage you’ll find in the city. I saw Lana and loved her.
Skin Laundry
I go to to Skin Laundry every couple of weeks for their laser facials. They deep clean, exfoliate and help my skin looking its best. They have majorly helped me combat breakouts and fine lines and dark spots.
Hair:
Glamsquad
When I need hair done in-home before an event I always book through Glamsquad. Their app is easy to use and I’ve loved the pros that have done my hair in the past.
Eva Scrivo
I get my hair cut and colored at this Flatiron salon where I followed my colorist and stylist over from Warren Tricomi when their nearby location closed. I see Francesca for my color and Nick for my cut – they are my dream team and I’ve been a client of theirs for nearly ten years.
Massage:
Element Natural Healing
This is my go-to for weekend unwinding. I love their affordable massages and calming space. It’s a lovely 20 minute walk from my home to this spot and is a welcomed respite to get care for sore muscles.
Shibui Spa
This is luxury on another level so it is definitely for special occasions. This is one of New York’s most luxurious spas and the space is utterly divine. In the basement of The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, they boast gorgeous treatment rooms along with an indoor pool and steam rooms. You can spend up to 4 hours there in addition to your treatment.
And trust me when I say unplugging here will bring you to another level of bliss. Choose from a wide selection of treatment options – everything from hot stone massages to couples massages and traditional Swedish massages to custom/bespoke massages – this is my favorite spa experience in New York City. A stay at the hotel and a visit to the spa would be the perfect weekend getaway or staycation.
Great Jones
If you want to treat yourself to a spa day, head to Great Jones. In addition to the full service treatments you can also enjoy their plunge pools – there’s a hot tub like pool and a cooler pool. They offer a full array of spa treatments from body wraps to body scrubs to facials and deep tissues massages.
There’s also plenty of seating so bring a good book for before or after your treatment. I would recommend avoiding weekends as the place gets far too crowded for my liking. It’s a very beloved day spa in the heart of the city. And you can easily head to shop in Soho once you’ve been fully blissed out.
The Well
A beautiful haven nestled into the Flatiron district – The Well has and does it all pretty much. I like the variety of treatments they offer as well as the on-site amenities including a sauna and a steam room. And even a cafe and full retail assortment, too. I do think the quality has gone down here since they opened but I’m hoping they will get it back to its former glory.
I recommend the Lymphatic Drainage and Dry Brushing treatment here.
Also, I know some people really like Aire Ancient Baths but after some scary headlines when I first moved to New York I have steered clear. Should I give it a chance?
Nails:
Reedchy
My go-to in Brooklyn for a super high quality manicure. I love their clean gel in particular.
Hortus Nailworks
Before I moved to Brooklyn I was loyal to Hortus for years and years. They do one of the best manicures in the city. Pricey but worth it.
Ten Over Ten
A good spot for a reliable manicure with a variety of locations.
Jin Soon
When I want a more luxurious nail experience or nails for a special occasion, I’ll head to the meticulous techs at this Tribeca salon.
Wellness:
Common Point Acupuncture
I see Liz at this small Tribeca studio and she’s had wonderful affects on my anxiety and chronic headaches for which I’ve been seeing her. The prices are affordable, the space clean and welcoming. And I love the little extras that Liz offers like light bodywork and the application of soothing arnica.
. . .
New Yorkers, any good spots I missed and should try out soon? Do let me know in the comments!
Have you tried Heyday for facials?! 30 minutes and you’re in and out!
Nooo! But have heard great things! Will definitely add to my list.
Have you tried the facials at HeyDay yet? I absolutely adore Chrissy and their facials!
Second person to recommend it so definitely need to look into it! Thank you for the reco, Ash!
Bookmarking this!! Great recommendations 🙂
Woot! Let me know if you head to any of the places!!
I just planned an upcoming trip to New York so I will definitely be jotting down these recommendations so I can try them all while I am there!
xx, Merritt
The Style Scribe
I had no idea Benefit did brows!
THE BEST!
Meghan–any chance you’ve tried any of the treatments at the LUSH Spa? Are they worth it? curious to hear your feedback, if you’ve been!
I haven’t! I actually didn’t know they did spa treatments – if you go let me know how they are!