HAPPY HUMP DAY! No, I am not getting pampered today, unfortunately, I am at work. However, I am going to share with you my favorite places to be pampered.
I have never been a “maintenance” person. I am not saying that I am necessarily “low-maintenance”, but, for example, I have never colored my hair and I had never waxed my eyebrows, or gotten regular manicures until recently. I just always felt like it was just another thing to keep up with, especially with a busy schedule. I had a basket full of nail polish and a pair tweezers, and that was all I needed to do a half-ass job.
Let me tell you that with age…or maturity…or with 2 young children…things have changed. I will now jump at the chance of “pampering” myself with ANY service. Here are some of my favorite ways:
Gel Manicure with Emilie Leopard at Studio Luxe
I, for one, am not much of a “nail art” person, but once I started following this sweet girl on Instagram, I knew I had to try her out. Her work is phenomenal and she does everything from simple french manicures and ombre to intricate details of a nativity scene, flowers, or marble designs. She is incredibly talented, creative, and oh so sweet! Check out her work on her Instagram account @emsnails_ ! Not that this girl needs any advertising as she is so booked that she is no longer accepting new clients at this time, but follow her to watch when she does! These manicures are beautiful and stay on for weeks!
Here are some of my personal manicures from Emilie! But definitely check out her page for some really fun and beautiful nail art!
Matte Ombré
Modern and classy tips
Cheetah, ombré, and some glitter! Had a little fun for birthday/valentine’s nails! And, yes, she painted that cheetah on with a tiny little brush!
Current nails: Ombré French Manicure. I am obsessed!
As a plus, this studio, offers a variety of services, such as lash extensions, brow waxing/shaping, and just recently added a hairstylist, as well as spray tanning and body waxing! Pretty much a one stop shop, and all the girls here are so sweet!
Brow Wax/Arch Shaping
Again, another service I’ve never really thought twice about, because I was so nervous to be left with a pencil-thin brow. Shea Dickerson from Studio Luxe came highly recommended, so one week, while I was there for nails, I thought “Heck, why not? I’ll give it a shot”. I just get a simple brow tint and shape up, but it truly makes a big difference and I have become addicted. It’s a relatively inexpensive service too, that really just needs touching up once a month or so. I can handle that.
I don’t have a before/after picture of my personal brows, but here is some of Shea’s beautiful work! Check out her Instagram page, @browsbyshea!
Lash Extensions
Yes, I went there, and yes, I’ll admit it sounds kind of crazy, and I was weary for MONTHS about this service. However, I did my research and talked to many friends with lash extensions before making the move. I seriously cannot describe how much I loved having lashes. It is a TRUE ADDICTION. I think my husband is tired of hearing about how much prettier I feel with bold beautiful, natural-looking extensions! Just think…summertime, make-up free beach and pool days! Not to mention how awesome it is to roll out of bed and stroll into a 6am workout class without looking like death! The initial process can be long, but it is actually really relaxing, and I have dozed off a few times during lash application. They simply attach single lash extensions to the root of your natural lashes with a special glue, and they fall out as you shed your natural lashes over the next few weeks. I went for a fill-in every 3 weeks and it was perfect. Below are some of my “lash pics” taken right after application. I HIGHLY recommend Panchee at Studio Luxe and Ashley at Verb Beauty Studio. Both are super talented and incredibly sweet girls, at beautiful studios! Definitely check them out! Many of the studios also run specials, which is a great time to try it out if you are hesitant like I was. Venice Lash Lounge downtown Greenville is running a special this month. I have not personally been to this studio, but have also heard great things.
Lashes by Ashley at Verb Studio
Spa Gel Pedicure
Who doesn’t love a good pedicure? Ok, maybe people that don’t like to have their feet touched, but I, for one, LOVE IT! I get gel pedicures at A Perfect 10 Nails & Spa. When gel is done on my toes, it lasts 6 weeks, so TOTALLY worth it!
And I may do “feet” but I don’t do pictures of my feet, so these are not mine!
THAT’s it for now. This is all my time and wallet can handle as far as maintenance and pampering goes on a regular basis.
Not to mention an occasional massage or facial…but we will leave that for another post, as I have many recommendations!
Any great ways you love to pamper yourselves that I am missing out on!?! Please share! I’m sure my husband would greatly appreciate it. HAHA
XOXO
