Organic BOUTIQUE

spiredem

I know, I know. It seems like 5th ave is becoming oversaturated with spas and beauty stores but I think that they are all lacking focus on the use of "green" or non-toxic, natural products in their services and on their shelves. Do you think women would welcome an organic nail spa and boutique despite the fact that there are other spas and beauty stores on every corner? And tell me what else you think the existing locations (Polish, Element, D'mai, Luilei, Flawless, Body Essentials) are missing and what you would like to see more of such as longer foot massages with a pedicure or higher end nail polish selection or lower prices and specials or amenities like free cocktails or better music..any particular brands you cant find? I want to hear from you all!

doctorj

Can you be a little more specific about what consitutes organic or green or non-toxic mail varnish and remover?

anonymous

Subject: non toxic manicures

yes, that would be great. non toxic, extra massage. fabulous! just what is needed!

ana.log

Subject: Re: Organic Nail Salon and BOUTIQUE!

I am sure I am in the minority in this, but I actually want less massage with my mani/pedis, not more. I bruise very easily so not only is the massage often painful, I am always walking out of the salon with thumbprints on my hands and legs. The free 1-minute massage often given when your nails are drying is inconsistent but usually awful. I enjoy a massage from a license, experienced massage therapist, but manicurists are not usually trained in massage. I've been getting in the habit of asking the technician to skip it altogether, but I would prefer it worked the other way around and I was asked first if I wanted it.

MOD

I really don't think we need another nail salon.

rose

I've never heard of organic nail polish -- and have a hard time believing there really is such a thing. I don't get manicures because my nails are usually horribly bitten, and mostly do my own pedicures at home after an unfortunate fungus incident from one of the places on 7th Ave. I would be interested in a pedicure place that emphasized being really CLEAN, sanitary, and fungus-free. I agree that the massage part is usually awkward and adds nothing.

spiredem

There is no organic nail polish but there certainly are healthier alternatives Sparitual and Zoya are both brands to look out for. Their laquers do not contain the commonly used toxins that others do. Suncoat also makes a very effective natural polish remover... I would like if my manipedis were done using essential oils, organic lotions and treatments because that is what I use at home.


"SpaRitual is committed to creating natural, ecologically favorable products perfectly crafted for the enlightened consumer. We use vegan ingredients from around the world, including many specially sourced and selected plant essences that are wildcrafted and organic. Our dedication to an ecological and economical approach is reflected in every aspect of our product and packaging, from our water-soluble inks and recyclable materials to our professional eco-sizes."

" Beauty doesn't have to be a risk to you or your baby! Millions of women across North America, Europe and Australia know that ZOYA nail lacquers are the longest wearing natural nail lacquers and come in over 60 luscious, fashion forward colors- what they may not know is that they are also FREE of POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CHEMICALS. Chemicals that may cancer and birth defects. Unlike other nail lacquers, ZOYA does NOT contain formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). So Don't Risk your or your babies wellbeing, Make the SAFE choice, the SMART choice, the STYLISH choiceCHOOSE ZOYA"

" Suncoat Natural Nail Polish Remover (100% Soya & Corn Based) is an earth friendly product. It is naturally derived from farm crops and does not contain any petroleum ingredients. It is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic. It is also readily biodegradable. "

Good point about the sanitary and hygene issues! As a cocktail waitress, I personally love a hand or foot rub, the longer the better, but I like the idea of a nail salon offering say, a $30 mani-pedi "express" style without the rub, and charging say $40 for one with the traditional 5-10 minute rub.

There is no shortage of nail salons I just wish there were better ones. I am often shocked when I observe the cross contamination risks of implements not being disinfected or disposable impliments being reused. I also wish they offered less tacky ambiance.

anonymous

yes, cleanliness is the most important. using foot bowls that canbe sanitized.

anonymous

Subject: mani's and pedi's

I am thrilled to see this thread.
I own/operate a salon in Billyburg that is expanding
into a salon with a lovely "beauty spot", adjacent.
This second, I am watching Sparituals lacquer and topcoat dry, as I type.
I am considering it as a vegan nailcare line.
It is not organic, but, might be as "healthy" as one can get in a
complete nail care line of products for a day spa.
Some of the ingredients....well, let's say, I want to look up.
So far, it's fantastic.
Color...She's A River.
So glad to have found this thread. I'ld love to see alot more feedback.

spiredem

Subject: Flawless et al

There's a new beauty store - Flawless but I don't think they carry organic lines. I like Luilei because they carry stuff you can't find everywhere but I have to admit, as many times I've been in both, I haven't spent much money at either. Body Essentials on 5th is cute but not luxury - just the usual Hauschka, Burt's Bees etc. I prefer the organic luxury stuff. I'd like to see a high end organic boutique in the slope and would LOVE to see an organic-ish nail spa.

pitu

Did LuiLei move or go out of business? They aren't on Union anymore. It seemed like a bad location for a biz like that..

I've been wondering why drugstores all over America have vast Burt's Bees displays now -- just read they were bought a few months ago by the people that bring us Clorox. Guess they did well....(sigh)

spiredem

Ya I don't know where Luilei went - it was a difficult location I feel bad for not supporting it! I'm sure Burt's Bees must have been bought they have exploded! I'd like an easy to shop gift/beauty store where everything was actually organic/ paraben free, etc. Kinda like Whole Body only more glam, less crunchy!

amyargh

Subject: Re: mani's and pedi's

mere wrote:
This second, I am watching Sparituals lacquer and topcoat dry, as I type.
I am considering it as a vegan nailcare line.
It is not organic, but, might be as "healthy" as one can get in a
complete nail care line of products for a day spa.

I'm vegan, and I'd really be interested in a (vegan&)green-friendly spa and nail care salon. The cocktails idea as mentioned above would be wonderful!! Having V-Spot right here on 5th too, also draws lots of vegans to our part of the Slope, it would be great to have something else to do besides eat and shop!

longtimesloper

Luilei is closed