Beauty Confidential

We need to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. A fabulous new eye cream, a quick mani/pedi, or a good hair day, and all of a sudden things are looking brighter (maybe even under your eyes).

To help with this endeavour, we’re sharing some great spots in the city where you can indulge and make it all about you (for once).

Did you graduate from drugstore brands to more expensive ones, then swear off anything touching your face if it wasn’t ‘all natural’? It might be time to break up with your current skin regime and head to Consonant, the new, buzzed-about beauty destination on Yonge Street, north of Eglinton. They know we’ve all been burned by promises made by other labels, but this Canadian company offers an uncompromising position: 100% natural products, the highest possible concentration of organic botanical ingredients, and skin that truly looks and feels improved. You also won’t have to spend the equivalent of a week’s worth of groceries for a small vial of youthful vitality.

Need a blow dry in Bloor West? Don’t toy with the idea of heading anywhere other than Cranberry Flirt. The pretty blow-dry bar also offers manicures, pedicures, and waxing services—and they know that we all love to get a great deal. Each Tuesday is a two-for-one day—bring in a friend and one of you gets the same service for free. (Isn’t a pedicure even more enjoyable if a friend pays for it?) And every Wednesday, there’s a new deal to be had (i.e.: free blow dry with a pedicure), so check their Facebook page for details each week.

Quick and dirty—that could describe half of the nail salons and small spas around the city. Alma, a new, natural spa located at Yonge and Eglinton, provides the quick, but is the complete opposite of dirty. The concept was created by a former New Yorker who realized Toronto was lacking a day spa that offered excellent services, using natural, non-toxic products, in minutes. Think 10-minute facials or a variety of massages for $12. Alma offers quick manicures, pedicures, waxing and more, but our favourite is the Beautiful Foolishness service which includes three treatments performed simultaneously: a lip or eye treatment, followed by a lavender luxury manicure and pedicure, in under an hour.

The Ten Spot bills itself as the anti-spa, but don’t be fooled—this Leslieville service is definitely a beauty spot, and gets rave reviews for quality, service, and speed (depending on the service). From quick in-and-out facials, manicures, and pedicures, to full waxing services, The Ten Spot is all about getting it done well. With a team of professionals dedicated to beautifying you in an hour, you won’t find that zen experience you could be craving, but you’ll get ‘er done. If watching a movie or grooving to tunes while you get perked up is your style, then this place will hit the spot for you.

Book some ‘you’ time this month—your world is only going to get busier. Tested by Alison R., Toronto