July 21, 2008

Body Bar: an urban oasis on L.A.'s Eastside

It's what Angelenos on the Eastside of town have been craving for so long—a full-service pampering palace that won't involve you getting on a freeway.
Situated behind a pea-green Art Deco facade on Sunset Blvd. on the borders of Silverlake and Echo Park, The Body Bar offers a tempting range of restorative facials, microdermabrasion, massages, waxes, tub treatments and peels, for the lone ranger, for expectant moms and for couples.
Upon arrival you'll be offered a glass of wine and ushered through to the chill room, where lights are dimmed and you can snack on organic treats before your treatment starts.
I tried out the Body Bar Signature Facial, with a lactic peel. I'm peel-phobic, so this was a breakthrough for me. But I felt very safe in the hands of Body Bar aesthetician René Rutledge. She started by cleansing my skin using a Clairisonic brush, which is kind of like an electric toothbrush for the face. Then she applied a light papaya and pineapple exfoliating enzyme mask, followed by the very light lactic acid peel. Derived from sour milk, it is much milder on the skin than chemical peels and tingled only a little—but brought a whole lotta gunk to the surface.
She followed with the usual extractions and then used orange peel essential oils under a collagen-infused mask, to help heal my skin. Then she dusted off with a little mineral face powder, so I didn't have to step out in the world looking all greasy and post-facial. She used Body Bar's signature line of products for much of the facial, and I have to tell ya—my skin is smoother than a baby's behind.
You might also want to try their Volcanic Soak Bath, using pure volcanic ash to replace minerals, and their Seaweed-Infused Toning Treatment for the body, perfect for dry, undernourished skin that lacks tone. And we hear that their massage therapist Rubin has magic hands...
Body Bar Urban Spa, 3037 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90026. Tel: 323 684 7546.
www.bodybarspa.com

July 21, 2008 in LOS ANGELES | Permalink

Comments

I was treated to an exquisite, luxurious massage experience. Ruben, a truly talented Massuer, has a warm, healing, nurturing touch. When greeted by Ruben, his presence alone put me at ease. The weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders. I have been pampered most of my adult life, I must honestly say that the massage is the creme de la creme.

Posted by vallidiva | Jul 25 2008 8:49PM