Growing up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia, it would not be crazy to say my experience with beauty and treatments was limited to a single waxing lady. And while less is more is very clearly the Sydney aesthetic; the Big Apple changed my perception of what is accessible in beauty faster than I could get an express manicure. So whether you’ve just landed and are merely trying to feel human again, or are here for the long haul, here are the salons, shops and treatments we are obsessed with.
FACIAL?
COBALT SALON
Google may classify Cobalt as a hair salon (which they are, and do very well) but with a signature P50 Visage Facial Treatment as the first on the service menu, it has cemented itself as a destination for far more than just hair. Boasting everything from microcurrent to dermaplaning, and utilising cult French brand Biologique Rechere as the basis for their treatments, Cobalt will have you leaving Williamsburg, brighter, smoother and *much* happier – and they say you can’t buy happiness. To book in head here.
FRAGRANCE?
LE LABO
Nothing can remind you of specific place or time quite like fragrance can, and nothing says New York quite like Le Labo. If you’re looking to refresh your signature scent, the brand’s iconic unisex creations well and truly have you covered. And if you’d like a hit of caffeine with that, you’ve come to the right place. Boasting exposed brick, floor to ceiling windows for a gorgeous hit of natural light, this Brooklyn location has all your fragrance, caffeine and aesthetic essentials covered, you may just stay all day. For more details head here.
MANICURE?
PAINTBUCKET
With the website tagline; ‘we’re cuter in real life’, Paintbucket is practically teasing you to head in and check out their pink-washed store IRL. With options ranging from a ‘Unicorn Pedi’ to the ‘Frozen in Summer: Anna and Elsa’ inspired nail art, we think these guys have got the gram well and truly sorted (yours and theirs). Plus, with four monthly package options to suit your lifestyle and budget, this place is making sure you’re the chicest and most polished version of yourself 24/7. To book, head here.
BLOW OUT?
DRYBAR
You can find a Dry Bar almost anywhere in the US now, and for good reason. Specialising only in blowouts (no cuts or colour here), these guys are the best of the best. Whether your go-to is sleek and smooth or messy and effortless, a trip to Drybar is a surefire way to make sure you’re feeling your most fabulous confident self, whether that’s for an important meeting or after 20 hours of travelling. To book, head here.
EYELASHES AND BROWS?
THE LASH LOFT
Picked apart your lashes or brows out of control? There are few things more frustrating when you’re on the go (we know, we know, we’re not saving the world here). With a full service menu of lash and brow options, a thorough consultation process, as well as hundreds of happy customer reviews, The Lash Loft will have you in and out the door with the dreamiest, most fluttery lashes and full, fluffy brows in no time. Tip: check out the new client specials before you head in. To book, head here.
What city would you most like to see a beauty guide for? DM us @centennialbeauty or email hello@centennialbeauty.com