Power Style Wellness Connections
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Go for Pre-Derby Pampering
By Sara Peak Wallace Photos by Ellie Simpson
It’s not just about the hat. Getting ready for Louisville’s biggest day of the year
requires head to toe preparation. And pampering!
Selflessly, I embarked on the task to guide you through your pre-Derby pampering
agenda (tough job, I know.) From glowing skin to hairless legs, these spa
treatments are sure to get you ready for Millionaire’s Row. Now, Go, Baby, Go…to
the spa!
Start with the Face
One of the best ways to look great for your social event is to have a facial. “Our
hydro facials are great before Derby because they require little down time and
instant gratification,” explains Karen Bertrand, a senior esthetician with Calospa.
“The result is healthy and youthful looking skin.” “We pamper our patients here,”
she tells me. Her statement couldn’t be truer. As I sit in the waiting area for my
treatment ($150), I munch on chocolate-covered raspberry candy, almonds, and a
pomegranate smoothie. Everything from the locker room to the treatment room is
first-class quality. From the relaxing spa-like music, to the calming and beautiful
waterfall located in the center of the building, to the thick and warm robe wrapped
around me, Karen’s promise of “going the extra mile” for their customers is
apparent.
Fingers and Toes
Walking in to Serenity, the Spa in Anchorage — located in
the heart of Anchorage — was like walking in to an old
friend’s house. Owner Denise Willinger greeted me at the
door, took my jacket, and handed me a warm cup of tea.
Then it was off to the massage chair for a spa pedicure
and manicure ($95 for both) using the newest
advancements in paraffin. The friendly staff, who said
they “have no life around Derby time” because of the high
demand for spa and salon treatments, pulled out old
scrapbooks to share with me.
“We’ve come a long way since then,” Denise laughs as she looks back at photos of
the salon before their recent renovation. “Though the one thing that hasn’t
changed is the service,” she says.
Get Rid of the Hair
Every woman spends hours looking for the perfect Derby Day dress. But just as
important is making sure what is underneath the dress is just as beautiful. So I went
to LeBliss Salon and Spa in St. Matthews for leg waxing.
“I’ve seen a lot of women try to wax their legs themselves,” says Kelli Cook,
esthetician at LeBliss Salon. “I’ve seen women come in with bruises from trying it
themselves. But when it’s done appropriately, hair should stay gone for four to six
weeks.” Some women experience redness from waxing; therefore, the treatment
should be done a few days before Derby.
“It’s important to let your hair grow out for about seven to 10 days before your
appointment,” Kelli reminds me. And these days, no body part is discriminated
against in the waxing process. From legs to bikini-areas to eyebrows, waxing can
be an effective way to keep unwanted hair away ($30 per leg).
Skin Uplift
“It’s kind of like a gym for your skin,” says Anne Gueta, marketing director with
Facelogic. “Skin care is our focus. It’s affordable luxury.”
Not only can Facelogic get your face feeling fresh during your treatment, but they
also encourage NuFace, an at-home cosmetic device to be used between visits.
NuFace uses micro-current technology to lift and tone muscle and skin tissues
(read: look younger!) It can be used up to two times a day to help maintain the spa
treatment and will produce immediate results.
“This is something you can use even the day of Derby,” Anne says.
At $39, Facelogic offers one of the most economical facial treatments in Louisville.
And with nine different upgrade masks available, a treatment can be customized for
any individual. “We want you to love your face,” Anne says.
Smoothing the Skin
The true beauty of a spa treatment is the self-confidence it gives the customer.
The cellulite treatment available at Blades is an example of how spa work can
transform a self-conscious individual to a proud and even more beautiful woman.
“I didn’t wear a dress until I was 24 because I didn’t feel good about myself,” says
Crystal Menear, an Endermologie specialist at Blades. “Now, after I’ve been
through the treatment process for my cellulite, my clothes lay smoother, and I feel a
lot more comfortable and confident.”
As Crystal explains, getting rid of cellulite is not an overnight process. In fact, it
takes most people many treatments before they begin to notice results. However,
once the treatment is completed, it is very easy to maintain.
“It’s definitely not a weight-loss problem,” she says. “It is detoxifying the body,
getting rid of built-up water to let your skin lay better.”
Blades suggests starting treatment as early as possible to see results for Derby
time ($1,650 for 18 treatments).
Relaxing Before the Big Day
For those women turning to clinical types of treatment such as liposuction or a
tummy tuck, A Therapeutic Touch offers a post-op lymphatic massage treatment to
reduce hardness and swelling and accelerate the healing process. “We usually
have doctors recommend a patient come see us after surgery to help promote
healing,” says Catherine Williams.
And the best part of the treatment is the homework. “We have women bring along
their husbands or a partner so they can watch the treatment and learn what to do
at home,” says Debbie Madison. A massage ($70/hour) that keeps on giving, even
at home? That’s my kind of post-op treatment!
Wrapped in a Scent
Ah, a smell that’s worth a thousand words! During my treatment with Andrea at
Joseph’s Salon and Spa, I turned to Ellie, our photographer, numerous times. “Do
you smell that?” I asked her. “Take a picture of the smell,” I’d say laughing.
The aroma of the peppermint and rosemary mint body wrap can only be described
as heaven. In fact, the whole two hour experience satisfied every part of my body
from the nose to the toes ($70/wrap).
Andrea scrubbed, lotioned and oiled my skin before wrapping me tightly in layers of
warm blankets until all that was exposed were my head and feet. While my burrito-
styled body lay warm in the blankets, Andrea worked with my feet and hair (yes, it
even includes a hair massage!) I’d recommend this treatment as a must have to
get your skin glowing and beautiful for Derby.
Ladies, it’s time to treat yourself and pamper your way to the finish line this spring.
Derby comes but once a year, and these treatments are sure to have you looking
your best.
A manicure at Serenity,
the Spa in Anchorage.A hair wax at LeBliss Salon & Spa gives smooth legs.Lifting
and toning of facial muscles at Facelogic.Smoothing out the skin at Blades.A
Therapeutic Touch works out the
kinks.We could all relax if we could smell the photo of Sara wrapped at Joseph’s
Salon and Spa.




