The Best Facials, Massage, Hair Salons & More

My friend Jim thinks I rely too much on reviews and what he calls, "What Other People Think." He's right, I won't see a movie that doesn't get four or more stars. The restaurants I dine in must get a "critic's pick" check in New York Magazine, and if I'm going to spend $6,000 on laser hair removal on my legs, well by golly (sorry, but just back from a week in Texas), the place has got to be the very best Manhattan has to offer. (For those who care, read my Diary of a Hair Removal Guinea Pig to find out the best place in NY for hair removal).

And so it is with everything beauty-related. I simply prefer to spend my money on places other people have tried and liked. When anyone writes in and asks me where in the world can they find a good massage or a somewhat inexpensive facialist or a good haircut or color, I refer them to *Allure Magazine's Salon & Spa Directory. The beauty editors there go undercover to get pampered, primped and pounded at hot spots all across the U.S., then they share the juicy details with us. Since I cannot personally recommend a laser hair removal place in Detroit, for example, Allure certainly can. So there ya have it -- another good bookmark.

*Unless they are asking for a stylist in NY, then I always refer them to Antonio at Eva Scrivo, because he is FABULOUS.