Now that award season is behind us and all of the stars (both those unanimously loved and debatably disliked) have walked the red carpet, everyone wants to know their insider beauty and fashion secrets. Most award shows garner undeniable favorites who seem to effortlessly nail an aura of glamour. A few of this year’s most loved included Hollywood darling and Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence, who was rosy in Dior and Naomi Watts whose fiercely elegant silhouette was owed to Armani. But aside from a good stylist, most celebrities go through a host of procedures and treatments to make sure they are red carpet ready. Take a look below to discover some of the best beauty destinations in Los Angeles.
Located in West Hollywood, Mars the Salon helped EXTRA host Maria Menounos flaunt a perfect set of ten. The nail trend at the Oscars this year seemed to be minimalistic, with most stars such as Jessica Chastain, Amanda Seyfried and Anne Hathaway sporting well-shaped, naturally colored nails. Menounos stopped by the West Hollywood location last week (the brand has only one other, which is located in Tokyo) to keep in line with this year’s trend, opting for a non-flashy baby pink polish. Specializing in Japanese hospitality, the beauty experts at MARS provide elite services in a spa-like setting. MARS features private rooms so guests can relax in the comfort of an individualized space during treatments. Aside from their spa and gel manicures, MARS also offers massages, waxing and specialized services for men. Organic treatments are available upon request.
2141 Rosecrans Avenue
First Floor Courtyard
El Segundo, California
Situated in the greater Los Angeles area, the Murad Inclusive Health Spa is renowned for both its treatments and its products. Actress Nadine Velazquez from the Critic’s Choice nominated film Flights has been known to regularly visit Murad before big events to make sure her skin is in prime condition. Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt is also a regular client. In addition to Blunt's Golden Globe award (won for her part in the BBC drama Gideon’s Daughter), she was also a 2013 Golden Globe and Critic’s Choice nominee for her work in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. She stunned on the red carpet at this year’s Golden Globes in an appropriately hued metallic dress; however, it was her flawless skin that was perhaps her most valuable asset. Blunt is known to religiously use Murad’s Perfecting Day Cream ($47) to maintain her complexion while Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Jessica Lange visits Murad before events for the Rejuvenating Neck and Décolleté Lift ($55).
Celebrity makeup artists such as Ande Yung (artist for the cast of Boardwalk Empire) and Ellen Viera (who keeps Zoe Deschanel and friends looking fresh on the set of New Girl) report using Murad products to help prep stars’ faces. “One of my favorite products is Murad’s Active Radiance Serum,” Vieira said, “it really improves skin’s radiance and clarity.” Reality star and celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and E! reporter Catt Sadler are also among Murad’s clients.
After nails are polished, skin is scrubbed and the perfect outfit has been selected, all that’s left is makeup and hair. Aside from attire, hair is probably the next most scrutinized detail of a star’s ensemble. Stylist Adam Campbell on Beverly Boulevard in West Hollywood is responsible for giving stars like Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson and Jennifer Garner glossy, red carpet-approved locks. Aside from Hollywood actresses, the salon also lends its creative talents to the runway, providing a range of incredibly artistic stylings for fashion designers. Hair services cost anywhere from $65 to over $300. The salon also provides makeup and nail services.
Owned by beauty expert Afsi Naim, LA Slim Wrap on Westwood Boulevard has been a favorite destination of Hollywood stars, athletes and brides alike. Naim and her team have helped stars such as Academy nominated actresses Minnie Driver and Angela Bassett as well as Tyra Banks, among others. Using a combination of minerals, warmth and detoxification techniques Naim’s signature body wraps are responsible for drawing out impurities and removing inches from clients’ physiques. After a treatment, most users report that skin is smoother and tighter and that cellulite and/or blemishes are less noticeable; clients may see anywhere from a 6 to a 20-inch loss from the body.
Treatment options include the Spot Treatment Wrap ($85) which helps to tame stubborn areas on the body; The Deluxe SlimWrap ($165), utilizing infrared light technology; and The Signature Contour Mineral Body Wrap ($135), which requires light physical activity (but is promised to produce the best results), among several other options. Ellen DeGeneres featured LA Slim on an episode of her show, which followed the host on her quest to get Oscar-ready. “It’s a weird process,” DeGeneres said, “but it really does work.”
Having just opened his 20th salon, Italian native Rossano Ferretti is among the most expensive hairdressers in the world, charging $1000 per haircut. Just a few of Ferretti’s dedicated clients include Salma Hayek, Lady Gaga and Sharon Stone. His salons can be found across the United States and throughout Europe; however, LA-based stars don’t have to travel far to enjoy Ferretti’s celebrity-approved method. Ferretti has a Beverly Hills location on N. Canon Drive. There, both stars and the hair-obsessed can experience firsthand The Method, designed especially by Rossano Ferretti. Ferretti's innovative styling concept was created in order to showcase the natural fall of the hair. The process is detailed, including an in-depth consultation before a cut, color or other treatments begin. Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence was recently spotted leaving Rossano Ferretti’s LA salon the day after the Oscars, sporting a drastically darker color for the next installment of the Hunger Games films.
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Eric Rosen
Eric Rosen lives in Los Angeles and writes about food, wine, travel and adventure... usually in some combination of the four. He regularly contributes to Los Angeles...
