Scaly may be a good look for your snakeskin stilettos, but it certainly doesn’t work on your face. Tirra Salon & Spa (375 W. Erie St., 312-951-8255) offers you a chance to relax and do a bit of spring cleaning for the skin to help diminish the signs of harsh winter winds, indoor heating and holiday partying. With spring looming, we’re all about flowers and going au naturel (no, not like that!), and this spa specializes in products with plant extracts and organic ingredients. Start at the top with a customized facial, and let the staff at Tirra cleanse, exfoliate, extract, massage and moisturize your mug.
Inside: This River North Aveda concept salon has the look of a loft but the vibe–and scents–of a pampering palace. Product displays, manicure tables and a full-service salon take up the front of the store. On the other side of the reception desk, you’ll find the hallway to heaven: spa pedicure chairs and individual treatment rooms.
Service: The spa staff greeted me warmly. Moments later, I was given disposable foam slippers with smiley faces before being led to the changing room to put on a comfy cotton robe. While I filled out my skin-type questionnaire in a soothing waiting area, the low lighting and trickling sounds of a mini-waterfall helped me unwind.
Treatment: My aesthetician, Lauren, brought out a warm foot soak of active oils, rosemary-mint wash and disinfectant and then offered me a drink. (For once, lemon water tasted so much better than a lemon-drop shot!) She asked about my skin-care regime, my skin type (easy to burn and sensitive) and last facial (um, a year ago, at least). Tucked under the covers on the treatment table, music played softly as Lauren explained that she customizes every facial depending on “what’s going on with your skin.” By the time the steam machine kicked in, I slipped into a heavenly haze.
But then I got a rude awakening thanks to a blinding light in my eyes, even though I had cotton pads on my lids. I should’ve known: Despite a friend’s warning–no extractions–I opted for the pinching process to rev up my skin. Lauren was as gentle as she could be, and by the time she smoothed on the serums, I relaxed again.
When wrapping up, she suggested I come in around four times a year to “clean house” since skin gets blocked up as the seasons change. Tirra also offers other ways to spring clean your skin: Massages range from $20 (in a chair) to $115 (on a table for 90 minutes); manicures begin at $24 and pedicures at $32; bikini waxes run $35 and up; and a facial like mine costs around $90.
Bottom line: The true test of whether I’ll return anywhere is the product push. When I arrived at the reception desk to pay, a hydrating mask was waiting for me. I politely declined and–surprise!–there was no hard sell. And, when I called the next day to say I forgot to bring in my $10 coupon for first-timers, they told me I could use it next time. If Lauren can make my skin glow and look that clean, clear and blotch-free again, I’ll definitely be back.
