BOSTON’S TOP TALENT
Look, feel your best thanks to our Beauty Award winners
Boston is at its loveliest in the spring and summer, thanks to our lush green spaces and abundant blooms. Hubsters look great year-round, thanks to the talented beauty professionals wielding the tools of the trade. The Boston Beauty Awards highlight those at the top of their game:
Best hair cut for mom & child: Deb Welch, Studio 9
Just because your little one is well, little, doesn't mean you have to take your tyke to a cheesy chain for tots. Welch at Studio 9 does kids' cuts (and funky color if mom and dad approve) and is a whiz with adults as well. (Kid's haircuts start at $30, women's start at $100.) Studio 9, 9 Newbury St., 617-267-9990
Best Balayage for brunettes: Ashley Nicole Mason, SalonCapri
This French free-form hair “painting” technique has soared in popularity recently and Mason is an artist when it comes to giving dark hair a sun-kissed glow with multi-dimensional tones. (Partial Balayage starts at $130.) SalonCapri 11 Newbury St. 617-236-0020
Best blowout for curly hair: Manuela Rodrigues, The Loft Salon
Curls can be hard to tame, especially in the humid summer months. Rodrigues is known for her beautiful blowouts that transform even the wildest curls into sleek, frizz-free locks. (Blowouts are $50.) The Loft Salon 253 Newbury St. 617-536-5638
Best pedicure on the cheap: Jolie Dang, Gaelic Day Spa & Salon
While the staff here is great, Dang is especially a hit. She skillfully and safely removes excess skin, ingrown and hang nails and her magic hands will have you ordering an extra 10 minute foot and leg massage. (Pedicures are $25.) Gaelic Day Spa & Salon 389 W. Broadway, South Boston 617-268-8860
Best makeup on the fly: Mikaela Hodge, Bluemercury
Hodge will create a natural-meets-dramatic look for a meeting, date or formal event in no time. She also has access to all the best brands right at her fingertips and will walk you through the tricks of the trade. (Makeup application is $45.) Bluemercury 160 Newbury St. 617-424-0004
The Rainbow Brite Color Award: Kelsey Rae Caouette, Shag Salon.
While Caouette's a master at traditional colors, she's among a handful of people who can do out-of-the-box colors well. Think gray, purple, pink, blue and others. After a lengthy consultation — Caouette pays attention to what you want and if you're ready to take the leap to a new color — she'll book a date. (Colors range from $200 to $800.) Shag Salon, 840 Summer St., South Boston, 617268-2500
Best gray coverage: Josie Faria, Salon Marc Harris
Using Goldwell color, Faria strategically paints the grays away, keeping them at bay for as long as possible. (Root touch ups start at $100.) Salon Marc Harris 115 Newbury St. 617-262-2222
Best brow team: Tie, Prettyology and Sarra
Boston has no shortage of amazing brow-shaping professionals but these two are the best in the biz. You can book your brow-shaping with anyone on the staff of either salon, and leave with a smile on your face and beautiful brows to boot. (Prettyology tweeze and wax is $40; Sarra's brow tweezing is $40-$75.) Sarra 840 Summer St., second floor, South Boston 617-269-8999 Prettyology 18 Newbury St. 617-262-1607
Best skin care hidden gem: Anne Cécile Curot, Le Visage Spa
Curot, an esthetician for over two decades in Europe and the United States, uses cosmeceutical skin care line Rhonda Allison to work her magic. Curot takes on all skin types, from acne-prone to aging, and is even trained to work with clients going through cancer treatment. (Facials start at $125 for 50 minutes.)
Best edgy short cut: Jenna Garey, Will Charles Salon
This talented young stylist can cut all lengths with precision but we especially love her ability to create a chic look that would make Tilda Swinton swoon. (Cuts range from $55 to $105.) Will Charles Salon 11 Newbury St. 617-375-0002 Le Visage Spa 125 Broad St. 857-284-7680
Best tension relief massage: Krystle Pascouchi, G2O Spa & Salon
Pascouchi specializes in Neuro Muscular Therapy to address chronic back pain and tension headaches. You can even book a quick 30-minute massage to target your specific area of misery. Bye bye knots, hello happy. (30 min. $85, 60 min. $125, 90 min. $175.) G2O Spa & Salon 278 Newbury St. 617-262-2220
Best new facial: The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Remodeling Face Biologique combines electrical and high frequency currents with science-meets-nature Biologique Recherche products, a collaboration that revives your tired skin. (1 hour and 20 minutes is $290 on weekdays and $320 on weekends.) Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston 776 Boylston St. 617-535-8820
Best men’s haircut: Rodin Cole, Kent Newton Salon
Cole has been called a cutting master for his ability to find the right cut that works with the shape of a client's face and personal style. While he works with all genders, our sources say he has a special following with the gents. (Men's haircuts start at $90.) Kent Newton Salon 1315 Washington St. 617-426-2640
Best manicure: Dazzle Dry Manicure, at Bella Sante Day Spa
The Dazzle Dry Manicure dries in only 5 minutes, is non-toxic, wears like a gel but removes like a polish and lasts for up to four weeks. The magical polish Bella Sante uses also has pro-Vitamin B5 and calcium in it to strengthen nails. (20 minutes, $35.) Bella Sante Day Spa 38 Newbury St. 617-424-9930
Best Quick Massage: Chuan Body + Soul, the Langham, Boston
Chuan recently added two new treatments to its express menu, including an Express Revival Retreat. It integrates Chinese acupressure to release tension, stress and energy blocks with a deep oil neck, back, shoulder and foot massage. (The Express Revival Retreat takes 45 minutes and costs $109.) Chuan Body + Soul, the Langham, Boston 250 Franklin St., 617-451-1900
Best blonde at any age: Agostino Lombardi, Agostino Salon.
Lombardi has been creating blond bombshells for over two decades. His main look is classic, soft, natural and ageless, but this blonde master can work wonders in any shade. (Price TBC) Agostino Salon, 70 Charles St., 617-262-2029