This week hundreds of Nashville music industry insiders, artists and fans alike are on their way to sunny Los Angeles to celebrate the year’s most revered music awards ceremony. The Recording Academy honors those that they feel are most deserving of prestigious awards in multiple categories and winning is the ultimate honor for performers and composers. There are also strong Nashville forces leading the board representing Nashville, including the lovely Trey Fanjoy, who was featured in our premier issue.
Because the Grammy’s are such a big night for the industry, going all-out in terms of appearances is tradition, where trendsetters make waves on the red-carpet while the whole country watches to take in the ensembles and personalities. So much preparation goes into these types of appearances, and luckily Los Angeles has no shortage of places to get glam – even on short notice. Even those not heading out for awards can find sources for frequent business or pleasure jaunts to the city of dreams, and we have rounded up a few of the best places to get anyone red-carpet ready for their own visit to L.A.
THE NOW
First, the exciting news—this incredible concept has just announced that a Nashville location is in the works. We. Can’t. Wait. For those who haven’t heard of this sanctuary for massage concept, trust us in that it isn’t the typical massage chain. This is more of a true spa experience but with ultimate convenience. All-natural surroundings, luxurious products, and massages that start at only $45 are all reasons it’s on our radar. No matter if you are looking to relax, recharge, or work out tired muscles, The Now is the place to visit for a serious massage in a serene environment. It’s like having a personal masseuse or top-tier resort appointment without the expense or wait-list appointment.
CAROSOIN
One of our top Los Angeles sources names this as her favorite beauty destination in LA and the only place she will go for any skin treatment. This hidden gem in the heart of West Hollywood offers a comprehensive range of face & body treatments in a sophisticated yet tranquil setting.
Check out their Instagram to see some of their clients who happen to include a few of the biggest names in Hollywood, fashion, and entertainment. Lena, the owner, and lead esthetician was trained in Europe and is a true expert when it comes to anything relating to skin. They offer the latest in skin technology (honestly, they have some machines that no one else in the US has) mixed with the cleanest, yet effective skincare. Lena has been a big believer in clean/non-toxic beauty since before the natural/clean beauty trend began and continues in her quest for beauty daily at this incredible spot for an instant glow, available to all.
VIOLET GREY
Makeup artist and entrepreneur extraordinaire Cassandra Grey is beloved by cosmetic and beauty product collectors across the country. Her wildly popular blog and website, The Violet Files is a go-to read for finding out the latest curated selection of celebrity and professional favorites in makeup, skincare, and personal hygiene items. It’s a bookmark to add to your online shopping list. For those lucky enough to be near the chic Melrose district in Los Angeles, you can get the in-person experience at the luxury boutique, Violet Grey where their team of miracle-working makeup artists can completely change (in a good way) your face in a short time. The director’s chair is set in a glamourous old-Hollywood type dressing room set and includes all of the products that the boutique and site are selling. If you purchase a few of your favorites to put into your carry-on, the makeup services are complimentary. That’s something you won’t find in many places of this caliber, especially in L.A., so it’s definitely worth a stop. Call ahead to reserve your appointment and be prepared to leave in movie-star style.
STRIIIKE
If you are a follower of fashion trends and reading national magazines, you’ve likely heard of this trio of beauty gurus. This beauty studio was founded by three stylish sisters: Jenn (Makeup Artist), Ashley (Hairstylist), and Kristie Streicher (Brow Expert Extraordinaire). Due to the unforgettable beauty experience tailored for their clients, these sisters are always in-demand. The three opened their LA beauty destination STRIIIKE in Beverly Hills where people can experience the magic of the Streicher Sisters under one roof. This is Kristie’s home base for her Feathered Brow team and where Jenn and Ashley see clients for makeup and hair when they are not doing editorial/red carpet work. On any given day — especially during award season, their eponymous Beverly Hills boutique is filled with women young and old, celebrity clients who not only come for a service but there to browse their amazing retail selection of beauty and wellness products. Drop in to see what the buzz is all about!
THE PRIVATE ROOM
Founded in 2011 by Tina Dizon—celebrated stylist of the Hollywood elite— The Private Room is the go-to salon in town for hair extensions. They offer custom clip-in extensions and more through their Signature Service, the Locks Lab. Custom clip-ins allow the team to color match and install only the clips needed. No more buying a whole set in only one color—they can provide a set of balayage hair extensions that blend into your current color or a range of brightly-colored locks that you can change day-to-day. The team’s attention to detail and experience ensures that every client will get the customized color matching, placement, and application that is just right for them.
FACILE
Facile dermatology + boutique is a combination of a dermatology office, spa, and retail making good skin easy and effortless to achieve in one all-inclusive stop. Located in a private enclave on Robertson Blvd. in West Hollywood, the luxe beauty haven is the brainchild of beauty champion Danielle Nadick and dermatologist Dr. Nancy Samolitis who developed a fresh take on cosmetic dermatology that caters to the individual needs of each client in a super elevated environment. The treatment menu is a well-edited selection of options divided simply by treating acne, signs of aging, and daily skincare maintenance. Inclusions range from custom regimens, fillers, and cryo facials to signature micro-needling cocktails, lasers, peels, and vitamin infusions. In addition to treatments, they also have a Product Bar with a curated mix of dermatologists and organic favorites including Malin+Goetz, One Love, Avéne, PCA Skin, Facile’s own signature line and more.
NAIL ENVY
If you chipped that manicure or just want to step up your hand game, there is no shortage of stellar places to get manicures and pedicures. In Beverly Hills, the top choice is Olive & June. It has a very Coachella/Desert Vibe and is a favorite of the fashion set for killer nail art and the social scene found inside. Another favorite where you might run into regulars like Reese Witherspoon or Jessica Alba is Bellacures, where we go for the soothing soaks and scrubs that are part of the manicure/pedicure menu. It feels like walking into an upscale home or hotel suite with twinkling chandeliers, cozy armchairs, and soft lighting. And, with multiple locations in the best neighborhoods from Brentwood to West Hollywood, it’s an easy stop no matter where you are staying.
FOR HIM
How you look is just as important to males as females in Los Angeles – everyone in Hollywood has to be camera-ready. Why not get your guy situated into a chair at West Hollywood’s Hammer & Nails, where signature shaves for face (and even the head!) are standard. The atmosphere is super-masculine with rich leather chairs, sports on flat screens and scotch on trays being served by their male-favored group of lovelies. Manicures, pedicures hair-cuts and color touch ups as well as several other grooming services are all top-tier. It feels more like a men’s club than a salon, so even macho-types love it. For a real man-sized experience, patrons swear by the treatments on the male menu at traditional barbershop Gornick & Drucker as well as the spa facials -both at Montage Beverly Hills. The bonus is that you can grab a fantastic meal onsite at Bouchon pre or post appointment to celebrate that superior shave.
