salons Archives - shell chic'd

MiniLuxe’s #MiniFacial Review

March 3, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

Not gonna lie, it’s been a stressful month… or two. It has been quite a stressful winter in general actually, and I’ve been in a bit of a tense funk. So when MiniLuxe offered me the opportunity to try out their new MiniFacials, I jumped on the opportunity.

At just 30 minutes in length, they’re not so long that you need to reserve a good chunk of your day [heck, you can squeeze one in during your lunch break!], but are just long enough that you totally kick back for that half hour and unwind in total bliss. Not to mention, have all of that dry, chapped winter skin tended to!

Like I experienced at Drybar, I thought it was so fun to be able to “pick your poison,” if you will: If you’re primping for a big night, go with the “Pre Party Prep” to energize, hydrate, and brighten your face, or if you’re an exhausted pulling-all-nighters student or wild party animal, opt for the “All Nighter” to cool your skin and de-puff. Tons of additional options are available for whatever your skin needs– I myself went with the traditional “Detox Diva” and felt uh-mazing walking out of there.

All MiniFacials include a hand/neck/shoulder massage [hi, my favorite part], as well as vitamin- and nutrient-packet serums and moisturizers. Since they are mini facials, there’s no extracting blackheads or any of that, but isn’t that the least enjoyable part anyway?! For $40, they are the perfect little indulgence. Easily 30 of the best minutes of my month 🙂

MiniFacials are currently available at all MiniLuxe locations except for Brookline. It’s a wonder I haven’t already booked my next one! (or few…)

Full disclosure: I was provided a MiniFacial free of charge. All opinions expressed are genuine and my own.

A Drybar Date

February 18, 2014 by Emily 16 Comments

A couple weeks ago, I joined some of my favorite Boston Bloggers for a wild night at my favorite kind of bar– Drybar. I’ve tried other local blow dry salons and always walk away happy, but I have to say, Drybar is really something special.

[ pictured:: Alex + her adorbs stylist; a wall of products that are simply irresistible (I NEVER say yes to buying products from salons, but their dry shampoo is sodanggood); and, the cutest branding ever, in shades of bumblebee. ]

For $40, you get to pick two poisons: your cocktail + your blowout [I opted for a Prosecco to drink and a Cosmo-Tai to wear]. It’s the ultimate in pampering from then on out. The Chestnut Hill staff is SO sweet, and I was beyond impressed with the space and the service.

While personally I can’t stop thinking about how fun of a pre-bachelorette party could be thrown here, Drybar is also the perfect solution to looking your best before a special date night, big meeting or presentation at work, interview, wedding [I admit that I am the WORST at doing my hair when I am just a wedding guest… and I definitely regret I when I see photos later], or even just when you require a little pampering and don’t need a full-on haircut or want to pay salon prices.

Alli Web: you are doing something right that I sure wish I had thought of first!

Have you been to a Drybar or other blowout salon? Click for locations to see if there’s one [or a few!] near you.

Full disclosure: I received a complimentary blowout as a part of this particular event. All opinions expressed are genuine and my own.

Boston’s New Blow Bar

August 26, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

I had the ultimate day in pampering when I started my Sunday off at the new BeStyled blow-dry salon in Chestnut Hill yesterday morning. Picture this: iced coffee in hand (or mimosa, should you choose), big comfy styling chairs, and the classic Clueless on the big screen TV as you sit back and enjoy a blowout that costs less than most dinners in Boston.

First, you have to know that I am not a blow-dryer. I do it only when absolutely necessary, like on those 20-degree winter mornings when combing my hair and letting it air dry means risking pneumonia. So when I get a haircut, I savor that sweet blow dry that leaves my hair so sleek and silky but means no work for me.

BeStyled lets you enjoy that feeling without sitting through an entire a haircut, or paying a high salon price. At only $35, this is the perfect service to try before an interview or big meeting, wedding or party, special date, or girls’-night-out even. Whatever events leave you needing to look your best!

Choose from Sleek, Soft, Swirly, or Swanky— your stylist will be able to offer advice on which style will work best on your hair as well. Or be trendy, and try the style of the month! I wanted a soft curl, but needing it to last the full day (my hair doesn’t hold very well), I went with swirly, knowing the curls would drop and loosen.

Currently, find locations in Chestnut Hill and Wellesley, with Lynnfield’s opening this fall. I’ll say, it’s a good thing I don’t live or work just a bit closer to any of those storefronts, or I would be dishing money out to BeStyled all too often!

Do you frequent blow-dry bars? Which ones have you tried?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary blow-out at BeStyled; all opinions expressed are my own.

Pin Up Bar at Salon Mario Russo

May 13, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

[ Courtney of Those Graces ]

I was so lucky to start last weekend off at Salon Mario Russo on Newbury Street, enjoying some sweet treats, chatting with fellow Boston bloggers, and playing with some 60s-style hairdos as a part of the salon’s beauty pop up bar!

I’ve gotten the chance to work with this salon before, and I can’t sing their praises enough. Last summer, stylist Sal gave me a textured side bun [that I resisted taking out for as long as possible] as a part of their Summer of Style series. Last week, their darling Leah gave me a fun little Brigitte Bardot poof, with loose curls and swept bangs [that I promptly messed up, but you see the idea].

They have a fantastic staff, and I really don’t think you could leave this beautiful corner of Newbury feeling any hint of disappointment.

[ Jodi of Jodi Bean’s Blog ]

[ Georgina of Notes on Lifestyle ]

[ Elissa of Style-Wire ]

[ The salon’s super chic set-up + the beautiful lady who set this up for us! ]

[ Bloggers photographing bloggers photographing bloggers, obviously ]

[With the fabulous Andrae of Mario Russo ]

[ These ladies. Such sweethearts I tell ya. ]

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary hairstyle for this event from Mario Russo. All opinions are my own.