NYC is in full swing starting the season with the tail end of the US Open and the beginning of NYFW where everyone is dressed to impressed. The first thing I do before making any plans is take care of my beauty needs—it has become much of a ritual for me. I used to get my hair done and nails done before traveling back to NY but ended up having to redo it once I arrived because of some minor mishap like chipping a nail during traveling. Also, after living in Paris for 3 years, I have realized that Paris has nothing on NY in regards to beauty. Everywhere I have found here is subpar compared to the quality and service I can get in NY. Here are my absolute faves, one of which may be geographically undesirable to some, but in my opinion some of the best quality I have gotten in the world.

Eyes Wide Open

So for lashes, I go to, Amy Wu Beauty Spa in Brooklyn. I used to go to Lashes on Fifth when I lived in NY, but the quality was not consistent. I love Amy because the quality is solid, my lashes last for weeks and they look natural. I discovered them by researching best lash places when I was staying in Brooklyn. Again, this is a trek if you live in NY and even if you live in Brooklyn, but if you are ever out in Brooklyn, definitely worth a try. A warning to the meek, this is not one of those fancy lash places—it is a tiny salon that also does mani/pedis, but if you can get past that, you will be happy and won’t regret it.

Pro-Tip: If you go here, pay in cash to save on sales tax. A new set runs roughly $100 plus tip; and touch ups around $50 plus tip.

Alternative Tip: If you can’t get past the “hole in the wall” mentality and want a more luxe experience with other offerings such as microblading and ombre powder brows, I love Blink Beauty Bar.. They are always a solid choice and great if you are getting other stuff done.

Taming the Tresses

As you have read in my other article, Paris has ruined my hair and it is now in recovery. While in NY I try to do as many treatments as possible to bring back the vitality of what my hair used to be. For cuts, color or anything else I see my favorite hairdresser, Linda (she also goes by Mila). I have been seeing her for over 10 years and she is the only one allowed to cut my hair. I did try going somewhere else once because she doesn’t work on Sundays, and I deeply regretted it. I left the salon in tears and called her so she could fix it the next day. I may be a blowout whore, but never let anyone cut my hair again after that day! I’ve also introduced a few of my friends to her and now they are the only ones allowed to cut their hair. So, if you want to try her out, make an appointment at Deja Vous Salon or message her directly on instagram.

Pro-Tip: If you are also from Paris and your hair has suffered, I highly recommend the scalp rejuvenation treatment add on which deep cleans and detoxifies your scalp. The treatment plus scalp massage is pure heaven and you feel the results instantly.

Super Pro-Tip: Need a hairdresser that comes to you for styling? Check out my go-to gal pal for hair on the go, Wedlyne and send her a message. I always call her when I need styling for an event—she does great blowouts and amazing up-dos. And if you don’t want to go with my word, she also does Rebecca Minkoff and Olivia Culpo’s hair. How’s that for street cred?

That Healthy Glow

My other must is Higher Dose. If you don’t know what this is you have been missing out on life. Higher Dose offers infrared sauna sessions amongst other bespoke treatments that are beneficial for anti aging, combating stress, as well as beauty and fitness. I go to get detoxified, get my zen on and get to my happy place. Each session, you get to spend either half an hour or an hour in your own private sauna where you control EVERYTHING. You choose what music you want to listen to—you can Bluetooth to the sauna speakers from your phone; you choose what light therapy you need and you choose the temperature, so you can decide how hot you want to get. I like baking at a nice 160°F. I always leave rejuvenated and happier than I came in—yay endorphins!

Pro-Tip: Book at one of the Equinox locations for when you have some time. You can do a sauna + massage package which is the ultimate stress reliever.

Getting Glam

So living in Paris I have come to embrace my natural beauty and focus more on skincare vs caking on the make up. Don’t get me wrong, I till use blush and lipstick, but as far as foundation goes, I have given that up and go au naturel mostly every day. There are exceptions—any time I have a wedding or an important event to go to, I get my make up done. And on those moments I do, I go to see one of my makeup artists at NARS. Having my former life in Beauty, I can tell you NARS is the best makeup to wear if you have a special event—it stays on and photographs well.

Pro-Tip: Make an appointment at any of their boutiques if you have an event coming up. There is no charge for the actual service, but you will need to make a minimum purchase. I tend to buy everything because it looks so good!

Finishing Touches

One of the things I miss the most about NYC is that there is basically a nail salon on every corner. I’m sure you can find one no matter what neighborhood you are in so not going to give you a go to place as I think I may have about 20 total depending on which part of the city I am in. I do prefer the small Asian nail salons over the overly marketed pricier salons because the quality is about the same and you are not paying a fortune. I would do your research if you are a visitor as all nail salons are not created equal. I choose by cleanliness, choice of nail color, newness of colors and massage offerings.

Pro-Tip: ALWAYS get the chair massage. Do at least 20 minutes so you can dry and relax at the same time :)

So there you have it, you beauty tips in a hot NYC minute. Stayed tuned for my next segment on the spots you need to hit up based on your personality type!