Here are T.O.’s best green beauty services
The Kit editors happily test-drive three pampering treatments that are not only good for you — they are good for the planet
The service: A waterless pedicure ($55), at Barefoot Beauty, 643 Queen St. E. The editor: Katherine Lalancette, beauty director
The green factor: “A small salon like ours can save over 500 litres of water a day by eliminating soaks,” says Emily Stock, owner of Barefoot Beauty. “And then you’re not pumping loads of chemicals into our sewage system.” The charming natural nail salon brims with plants and vintage furniture while a rainbow of five-free polishes lines its shelves. Stock even whips up her own scrubs and lotions, using organic butters and essential oils. But for the registered chiropodist, going waterless wasn’t just about the environment. It was essential to prevent pathogens from proliferating and thus ensure high-risk clients like
diabetics or chemotherapy patients could indulge in a pedi without worrying about infections. “It’s nice to have people with chronic conditions like that, who are under a lot of stress, come and be able to enjoy a simple luxury,” she says.
The experience: I began my service with the very difficult task of choosing a colour. If you ever thought natural nail polishes didn’t rate as high as their traditional counterparts in the variety or trendiness categories, think again. I finally zeroed in on a spicy burnt orange and made my way to the cosy pedicure area at the back. Surrounded by exposed brick and palm-leaf wallpaper, I sunk into the chair as my toes were wrapped in a toasty towel and all hints of tension were massaged away. I’m talking a nice,
long foot massage where you have time
to close your eyes and take it all in. Calluses were buffed smooth and cuticles tidied up before my polish of choice was applied. When it was all done, I leaped onto Queen Street feeling pretty great about my snazzy new feet and their positive ecological footprint. And