When your skin is craving a basic facial, Dermalogica is one of the hippest places to have it done. As you walk into the light and bright (even on a day as rainy as it was when I visited) store filled to the ceilings with skin care, you know you're in the right hands. The estheticians warmly greet you, have you fill out a form detailing your skin, then take you back to their Skin Pod, a soundproof pod in the middle of the store where you'll have your service done. The colorful glowing lights give off the vibes of a high-end spa when you're actually in the middle of a retail location. My esthetician introduced me to the Bioactive Peel that left my skin bright, glowing and as healthy as ever.
Photos do not do this luxury Manhattan spa destination justice. As you head up to the eighth floor of the ever-so-luxurious building right off Fifth Avenue, you'll instantly feel like a celebrity. Relaxation hits you as you walk in and see their modern yet incredibly calming decor and staff. Whether you've come for a service or just to grab a day pass to the facilities, you'll be impressed. During my visit, I tried the Detoxifying Mud Wrap and it left my body looking and feeling brand new.
Established in 2013, the Bite Beauty Lip Lab has been a hit ever since. Sure, you could grab yourself a cool New York City mug or T-shirt, but bringing home something created specifically for you is an experience like no other. The Lip Lab artists will guide you through customizing and creating your own lipstick — including colors, finishes and scents — that you get to take home and obsess over.
Everyone's favorite millennial beauty brand, Glossier, created the most Instagram-worthy shoppable showroom, shall we say, ever. Conveniently located a couple blocks away from Soho, one of the hottest shopping areas of NYC, you can swatch, test and purchase any (or all) of your favorite Glossier products. Pro tip: Stop by during weekday work hours since a line can form on the weekends or after work.
The Birchbox store is always one of the most magical beauty destinations for me in New York City. I love walking into the aesthetically pleasing Soho location and being able to play around with products that are usually only available online. The store is packed with fun as you can BYOB (you know, build your own Birchbox), try on what may become your new favorite product at the Try Bar, and shop by category instead of brand (something that us Type A people seriously appreciate). The fun doesn't stop there. Head downstairs and book your next hair, makeup or nail service with one of their experienced professionals.
