I have been dying to try the EL LEON SPA  for a Long time.  Sandi, my lash guru's  studio is in the courtyard behind it and every time I go there I take a peek in, as well a deep breath as it smells amazing from all the exotic oils, and I remind myself to book a massage.   They had a great little set up at a Golden Globes gifting suite at the SLS Hotel where I sampled the phenomenal hands of one of their massage therapists and viola- I booked an appointment that day.  

So happy I did!  First of all the place is really unique – design wise.  Not your typical antiseptic, cool modern day spa. It's an open loft-like space and the decor is Thai inspired and Moroccan flavored, all warm and dark woodsy and well…mystical.  You feel like you're stepping into another universe altogether.  It's so fully successful in being exotic at every turn, even the bathrooms are aligned with the aesthetic, I was immediately transported to another world, one that was filled with the wafting essential oils and a bunch of furniture I wish I had in my house.   The massage 'rooms' are very much like in a Thai massage house, large futons on the floor with giant flowing curtains to section off the different treatment areas.   My therapist Angela was phenomenal – just perfect.  Even though I'm pregnant and she knew exactly how to work on me, I told her not to be afraid to dig into my legs and glutes and neck, etc.  And she did so beautifully. And deeply!  I highly recommend El Leon when you need a true escape and you're looking for something less predictable than the average spa escape.  When you crave something more special – this is the place. Great for a pre-Valentines Day dinner. I'm thinking a gift certificate from here is a PERFECT gift. It's also a very romantic couples massage place.  And the spa menu is exotic too.  Yes, they have facials, even waxing and divine hot bath soak things going on (love, love the bathrooms) and the facial area is just as cool, warm, dark and relaxing.  I'm definitely going to go back and try one.  And next time I'm going to hang out for a while after my treatment and just chill with their offerings of tea, fruit and dried dates in my robe and pretend I'm somewhere far far away…

It's no wonder it's received rave reviews in ALLURE, IN STYLE, LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE, YOGI TIMES AND DAILY CANDY.

Check out their services and pictures and press here: 

EL LEON WEBSITE

8217 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048-4530
(323) 782-9582

   

Wow, RECESS  is AMAZING!  And it's been right under my nose, right here on Beverly Blvd and Orlando for two years. It was honestly the most delightful, attentive, thorough mani/pedi I've had in a salon in…well, I can't even remember.  It wasn't just the gorgeous atmosphere that seduced me.  

Here, take lookie here and see for yourself:

 

 

The super skilled and knowledgeable ladies who worked on me (ask for the amazing Naima and Ali) knew their stuff big time. This wasn't a quickie wham bam thank you mame slop job but mani/pedi as art form.  First I chose the scent I wanted them to infuse in the salts and non-toxic, organic creams they would be using (I think it was Cocoa Beach- yum!) The next hour and a half were pure bliss. Recess offers amazing treatments and for $25 a mani and $35 a pedi you are getting a REAL mani/pedi. I cannot recommend this place enough when you need to do a mani/pedi the right way or want to treat yourself to a little extra special experience. Everything in the salon is made from Green materials, down to the bamboo curtains and towels. The polishe selection is exquisite, of the moment colors you cant find at your local chop shop. And there's a great shopping selection too of amazing creams, polishes and treats.

The owner Nidhi is so sweet, accommodating and lovely. She is always adding interesting things to the menu.  OH! And they also do organic waxing, which I'm def going to try next time as I am always mad about a great wax. It would be a cool place to have a little girls party of some sort or pre-wedding thing with bridesmaids. 

8408-B BEVERLY BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 (EAST OF LA CIENEGA)

323.782.9919 RECESS-LA.COM

Recess is the first completely green nail spa in Los Angeles–from the products used in treatments down to th e construction and energy use. Thanks to years of research, the spa is committed to the utmost in sanitation, service, and relaxation at an affordable price. More than just a spa, it’s a lifestyle of environmental consciousness that also promotes luxury, healthy atmospheres, and social awareness.

Hand Blended. Organic Ingredients. Natural Therapy. Our Organic products are FREE of Formaldehyde, Dyes and Parabens. You can choose from the following Lotions, Scrubs, Oils and Soaks.

Summer Guava refreshing Lemon Essence detoxifying

Tropical Pineapple hydrating Citrus Breeze rebalances skin

Blooming Rose mature skin Indian Spice aids dry skin

Coco Beach softens skin Key Lime circulation & immunity

Lavender Frost calming Sweet Pink Lemonade astringent

Berry Fusion uplifts mood Apricot Acai nourishing

Peppermint Acai brightens skin Sugar Cookie cell growth

Chamomile natural sedative

8408-B BEVERLY BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 (EAST OF LA CIENEGA)

323.782.9919 RECESS-LA.COM

RECESS BASICS

MANICURE 

$25 30 minutes

Just what the name says, the basics! Soak, Nail Shaping, Buffing, Cuticle Care, Lotion and Polish. Includes your choice of recess organic aromatherapy Soak, Nail Shaping & Buffing, and tender Cuticle Care. This is followed with a warm towel treatment with our extra plush anti-microbial bamboo towels and a hydrating recess organic Moisturizer in your choice of scent. Finish with a Non-Toxic nail polish. Buffer, Orangewood Stick and File are yours to take home!

PEDICURE 

$35 45 minutes

Includes your choice of recess organic aromatherapy Soak, Nail Shaping & Buffing, tender Cuticle Care, and Pumice to callused areas. This is followed with a warm towel treatment with our extra plush anti-microbial bamboo towels, and a hydrating recess organic Moisturizer in your favorite flavor. Finish with a Non-Toxic polish. Foot Files, Buffer, Orangewood Stick, and File are yours to take home!

RECESS SIGNATURE

MANICURE 

$35 45 minutes

Includes everything in the Recess Basic Manicure, plus a moisture-locking recess organic Essential Oil, a Lavender Paraffin Wrap, and a Moisturizer Massage in the flavors of your choice.

PEDICURE 

$50 55 minutes

Includes everything in the Recess Basic Pedicure, plus an Exfoliating recess organic Scrub, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap and a Massage in the lotion of your choice.

RECESS ENHANCEMENTS 

Add-ons for Manicures and Pedicures include these Luxurious Options

For your hands $6.00

For your feet $8.00

FOOT SCRUB – Exfoliating dead sea salt & sugar. A must for your pedicure.

CALLUS TREATMENT – combats even the most stubborn soles

PARAFFIN WRAP – Intense Hydration (pair with Essential Oil for best results)

ESSENTIAL OIL – a natural blend with therapeutic benefits

WAX BUFFER – yours to keep, provides a natural shine.

FRENCH TIP – the natural-looking polish choice

NAIL ART – add some culture to your life $3/nail

MASSAGE – an Extended 10 minute Massage $15

CALLUS PACKAGE – Foot Scrub, Callus Treatment, & Paraffin Wrap $35

Get Creative with Your Very Own Essential Oil Blend! 

Please Ask Our Manicurists for Assistance and Pricing.

RECESS HALF-TIME SERVICES

This quickie includes a flash soak, nail shape & buff, simple cuticle pushing, a recess lotion application, and non-toxic polish application

* Does not include warm towel treatment, foot file, tender cuticle care or add-ons.

For Your Hands $18 20 minutes

For Your Feet $27 30 minutes

JUST A POLISH CHANGE 

This includes a recess organic Lotion Application in the flavor of your choice, and your choice of Non-Toxic nail polish.

*soak, foot file & tender cuticle care not included 

For Your Hands $12 15 minutes

For Your Feet $15 15 minutes

RECESS FOR KIDS 

(ages 10 and under) 

We want everyone to enjoy their time at recess, so we’ve developed a couple guaranteed kid-friendly services with child-safe Essential Oil Blends

CHILDREN AT PLAY

Includes a calming Lavender Frost Soak and A Summer Guava Lotion application that will restore skin balance, heal ailments, and serves as a natural antiseptic. Recess time concludes with a Non-Toxic polish & simple nail art design.

Manicure $18.00 20 minutes

Pedicure $27.00 20 minutes

LAVENDER LULLABY

This package will work to safely and naturally calm your child. Includes Calming Lavender Frost Soak, Child-Safe Essential Oil Blend, Chamomile Lotion, Polish & Simple Nail Art Design 

Manicure $23 30 minutes

Pedicure $32 30 minutes 

RECESS SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

When you’re feeling playful, choose from the following services.We’ve paired a few scents together that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and polished.

TROPI CALI

Tropical Pineapple Soak, Exfoliating Tropical Pineapple Scrub, Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Coco Beach Moisturizer Massage

hands $35.00 40 minutes 

feet $50.00 55 minutes

CHILL OUTKey Lime Aromatherapy Soak, Lemon Essence Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Lavender Frost Moisturizer Massage

hands $35.00 40 minutes 

feet $50.00 55 minutes 

SWEET TREAT

Summer Guava Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Sugar Cookie Scrub, Lavender Frost Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Berry Fusion Moisturizer Massage

hands $40.00 45 minutes 

feet $55.00 60 minutes 

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Lemon Essence Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Citrus Breeze Scrub, Sweet Pink Lemonade Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Key Lime Moisturizer Massage

hands $40.00 45 minutes 

feet $55.00 60 minutes 

BLOOMINESQUE

Blooming Rose Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Berry Fusion Scrub, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Blooming Rose Moisturizer Massage

hands $35.00 40 minutes 

feet $50.00 55 minutes

SOUTHERN SECRET

Sweet Pink Lemonade Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Key Lime Scrub, Lemon Essence Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Berry Fusion Moisturizer Massage

hands $40.00 45 minutes 

feet $55.00 60 minutes

THE MUSK TRY

Lavender Frost Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Berry Fusion Scrub, Berry Fusion Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Indian Spice Moisturizer Massage

hands $40.00 45 minutes feet $55.00 60 minutes

•All ingredients used are the finest sourced from all natural to organic. We here at recess only carry the highest standard in nail care and sanitation•

RECESS’ PREMIERE SPA TREATMENTS

Some times not just your hands and feet need attention. Our full-body treatments are constructed to maximize essential oil therapy, relaxation, and overall enjoyment.

POWER LUNCH $75 

Manicure/Pedicure 30 minutes

A no frills approach to a complete service that will nourish your skin with a healthy dose of antioxidants and leave you perfectly polished, even during crunch time. Appointments are Strongly Suggested.

Includes: Key Lime Soak, Acai Essential Oil, and Citrus Breeze Lotion.

THIRSTY FEET $75 

Pedicure Only 75 minutes 

Meant for feet in need of a little extra TLC. The treatment will work wonders on your feet by softening and restoring skin balance, providing intense hydration, increasing circulation, healing sun damage and shedding unwanted dry skin. Your feet will love it!

Includes: Lemon Essence Soak, Eucalyptus Thyme Foot Scrub, Warm Towel Treatment, Triple Layer Essential Oil Treatment, Paraffin Wrap, and Citrus Breeze Lotion.

STRESS MANAGEMENT $165

Manicure 85 minutes Pedicure 110 minutes

Relax in the hydrotherapy of a warm water soak and erase tension with an exfoliating foot scrub. Reduce anxiety and improve immunity– weakened by high stress. Service promotes relaxation and feelings of euphoria with a highlighted extended massage. 

Includes: Lavender Frost Soak, Lavender Frost Foot Scrub, Warm Towel Treatment, Triple Layer Essential Oil Blend, Paraffin Wrap, Extended Massage, Lavender Frost Lotion

ACAI OF RELIEF $110

Manicure 60 minutes Pedicure 75 minutes 

Designed to neutralize toxins, improve immunity, and visibly brighten your skin. Begin with an immunity boosting soak, a special antioxidant infused foot scrub, and a lotion that will help purify and cleanse. Further detoxify to feel refreshed and renewed.

Includes: Key Lime Aromatherapy Soak, Coffee Acai Foot Scrub, 2-Part Essential Oil Treamtent, Paraffin Wrap, Apricot Acai Lotion

RECESS’ PREMIERE SPA TREATMENTS – CONT’D

THE ULTIMATE ORGANIC DETOX $140

Manicure 75 minutes Pedicure 100 minutes

We’ve customized an aggressive treatment that will purify, detoxify, relax and recharge. Neutralize toxins and raise immunity. Feed your skin antioxidants that will leave you softer and brighter. You’ll be ready and refreshed.

Includes: Lemon Essence & Key Lime Aromatherapy Soak, Acai Hand Scrub, Acai Foot Scrub, 4-Part Essential Oil Treatment, Paraffin Wrap, Citrus Breeze Lotion Massage

AROMATHERAPY COUPLES PACKAGE $250

Manicure 60 minutes Pedicure 90 minutes 

Get pampered side by side with a more private, intimate experience with a pull of the curtains. Calm your nerves, increase your circulation, purify and stimulate the senses with intoxicating layers of essential oils, leaving you feeling and smelling irresistible.

Includes: Lavender Frost Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Key Lime Foot Scrub, 3-Part Essential Oil Treatment, Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Indian Spice Lotion Massage

I've been meaning to write about INTRACEUTICALS for a long time as I've been hearing more and more exciting things about them.  

This is a line of some seriously high-tech skin products: anti-aging, botanicals, clarifier's, etc… Intraceuticals is featured in many high profile spas, by leading plastic surgeons, dermatologists and cutting edge aestheticians around the world and also, many right here in town like the amazing Terri Lawton.

I went straight for the ATOXELENE LINE WAND as anything that has to do with lines, wrinkles, etc, in my friend. Here's a bit about it:

Atoxelene Line Wand contains a concentrated skin smoothing complex that targets expression lines and wrinkles without loss of facial expression. Smooths and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles without pain or injections in a portable, take anywhere applicator. Apply to affected areas around forehead, eyes and smile lines. Use twice daily. Optimum results achieved in 30 days.

With just one Atoxelene Infusion® your expression lines will visibly soften. For maximum benefits repeat infusions are recommended weekly for the first six weeks. Expression lines become smoother, firmer and visibly reduced, eye contour more defined and lips plumped. Maintain this positive change with an Atoxelene Infusion® every four to six weeks.

HOW THE INFUSION WORKS 
An Intraceuticals Atoxelene Infusion® harnesses three elements to achieve instant and dramatic results:

A. Oxygen under light pressure aids delivery of age defying actives to the deeper layers of the skin at the same time as cooling and calming the skin.

B. Unique Atoxelene Serum contains lightweight Hyaluronic Acid and a
powerful combination of Vitamins and antioxidants in addition to Argireline.
The Hyaluronic Acid helps to instantly hydrate the skin resulting in increased
firmness, reduced fine lines, and improved facial contours. Argireline provides the magic to specifically target expression lines and provide increased firmness, smoother fine lines and wrinkles.

C. Treatment Support Products provide essential layers to seal in and supplement skin nutrients for maximum synergistic effect and longer lasting results.

HYALURONIC LAYERING
The lightweight Hyaluronic Acid in the Atoxelene Serum is absorbed quickly by the skin for maximum dispersion of nutrients. Atoxelene Line Wand with multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid offers a concentrated formula that moisturizes the skin’s surface and can be repeated throughout the day to achieve the ultimate hydration for specific expression line areas. The Atoxelene range may also be used in conjunction with Rejuvenate and Opulence products.

I'm really loving my wand and think it's a perfect way to try out the line.

Purchase it right here!