Green-eyed Girl: Getaways for the Green Spa Girl
By Tess Kurzeja

It only takes one at-home wax or manicure gone wrong to realize that some things are better left up to the professionals. And, while keeping up a beauty routine at home isn’t totally impossible, there’s some inherent beauty danger in going sans salon for too long. But what’s a green gal to do when it comes to finding a spa free of parabens and artificial ingredients? Relax, that’s what. And do it at these salons and spas that are committed to giving eco friendly divas just what they want.

Green in the Midwest
It takes more than just a space and few professionals to make a spa. In the case of endulge day spa and boutique in Gurnee, Illinois, owner Angela Robinson has created a spa that’s thoughtfully green, entirely decadent and equipped with a proprietor and staff with a vision. It’s that vision, and how Robinson has set it into to motion that sets this spot apart.
Not only does endulge day spa and boutique offer green spa treatments (including the divine Babassu Sugar Rub Body Therapy that should not be missed), the whole building was constructed with the environment in mind. The spa used recycled materials for both its construction and décor, but you wouldn’t know it, looking at the elegantly appointed spa and boutique. (Hint: That gorgeous bead curtain you see in the boutique is actually made of thousands of recycled aluminum pull tabs.) And, the green movement that underlies all endulge’s services doesn’t mean that any luxury is spared; it’s just the icing on the cake in this sweet pampering spot.

Robinson says that her oasis, which is her way of “paying it forward,” is one of a kind, and it turned out exactly the way she envisioned it. She says, “I wanted to bring good, old fashioned values back to business.” And while she loves to open others’ eyes to a new way to indulge, first and foremost she makes sure her guests see excellent results from endulge’s treatments.

The spa carries the exclusive Astara, Epicuren and Inara product lines and many of their treatments are infused with fresh fruits and herbs. Apart from the spa’s iconic massages, facials and body treatments, endulge offers a wide range of services for ladies who are expecting, using the Mamma Mio™ product line.

During the month of October, take advantage of some endulge’s sweetest green services for only $31. Click here to see endulge’s offers for Pretty in Pink.

Endulge day spa and boutique is located at 5572 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031. Phone: (847) 599-5100.

West Coast Worldly
San Francisco’s Nova Nail Spa is not your typical drop-in nail parlor. The familiar fumes of acrylic nails are absent and replaced by sweet botanical scents of all natural products.  Not only was Nova built green, but its owners Don Kim and Kim Pham, noticing the dangers of the harsh chemicals used in nail products for both workers and patrons, decided to change the way their spa approached nails. They did away with harmful chemicals, using only natural and organic products, and gel instead of acrylic nails. The spa is dedicated to keeping a healthy environment for their clients and, among other things, promises a completely sterile atmosphere while maintaining a relaxed, spa vibe.

Nova Nail Spa is located at 811 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. Phone: (415) 896-6682.

East Coast Earthy
In a city known for its less-than-stellar cleanliness and a pollution problem to boot, Priti Organic Spa in New York City is more than just a breath of fresh air. Offering a full range of spa services including nails, waxing, facials and massage, Priti uses 100% natural and organic products in all its treatments. And when it comes to being committed to giving green goodies, Priti has thought of it all (even their slippers are biodegradable).

Priti Organic Spa is located at 35 East 1st Street, New York City, NY 10003. Phone: (212) 254-3628.

Drop in for a quick service or spend a whole day going green, but no matter what you choose you won’t regret living it up in these green destinations.

“Green-eyed Girl” is PrettyCity®’s monthly guide to the latest beauty products and treatment trends reflecting a consciousness for the environment and personal health. If it’s organic, we know about it; if it’s helping our environment while keeping us looking and feeling our best, we love it. And, you can rest assured we’ll tell you all about it. Please contact us with story ideas or product suggestions.