After a brutally hot summer, I think many of us are actually looking forward to September, even if it means returning to all-night study sessions, boring teachers and all things school related. But whether you’re attending mommy & me classes, moving into the college dorm or taking on the role of the oldest broad in graduate school, luxuriating in some school-friendly spa products will make you feel like an A+ student.

Hopscotch Kids Nail WaterColors

Be the hit of the back-to-school slumber party with Hopscotch’s non-toxic, kid-friendly alternative to solvent-based nail polishes. Perfect for children, tweens and teenagers, these vibrant, water-based nail (water) colors can be purchased online at http://www.hopscotchkids.com and soon to be in retailers across the country.

BareEase & Cream

It might be a little too soon to be gearing up for Spring Break but it’s never too early to take the pain out of a bikini wax. This Ouchless Waxing Prep Kit created by Anesthesiologist, Dr. Edna Ma, M.D. is truly revolutionary. BareEase & Cream is a preparatory kit for use by women undergoing bikini waxing and laser hair removal procedures in the bikini area. Featuring lidocaine (4%) as its active ingredient, (the most safe, widely used topical anesthetic and superior numbing agent), along with natural ingredients including aloe and jojoba, the kit’s specially doctor-formulated cream will not only eradicate the pain but will leave your skin feeling soft, silky and sexy as well. Simply wear the cute, pink, soft, latex disposable panty for a half hour before your appointment and bring on the Brazilian! Visit http://www.bareease.com.

These days, there are a handful of options on the menu at any given nail salon. If you break it down though, there are only two types of manicures we really want – “a Quickie” so-to-speak or “an Escape.”

More often than not, we just need to get in, get lacquered and get on our way.

Other times, we just need to get away. Let us sit back, ignore our iPhones and remain physically unable to be any place else – for at least an hour.

For these occasions, make an appointment at Feve’s Manicure Affair in the valley. Adorned with draping fabrics, dim lighting, candlelight and cabanas – it’s almost hard to remember you’re just steps away from the busy boulevard.

There’s a bar-style station complete with leather stools for those who like to socialize mid-manicure, as well as separate lounges and cabanas for those who need more solitary pampering (yes please). Feve’s boasts The Manly-Cure specifically for male customers, a mani-pedi for children 12 & under and a unique setting to host private gatherings.

Yeah, we have our traffic and “fire season” in LA… We’ve even had our share of earthquakes lately. But, nothing beats a west coast summer. Sundresses and flip flops take us day to evening. Barely-there to vibrant makeup passes as appropriate. Even the spas are boasting roses.

The spa is one of a few places where we actually indulge indoors during the summer. Three of our favorite BNLA-approved spots are offering special body treatments worth spending a few hours inside this month…

African Red Tea Body Cocktail at Ole Henriksen Face/Body

First off, we have to pay homage to the parking situation at Ole Henriksen – quite possibly the simplest in the city, which induces calm in itself.

As for the African Red Tea Body Cocktail, it feels as if you’re on some remote island being slathered by the local shaman. Whether it’s the healing properties of the African Red Tea, Rosa Damascena (rose flower extract), detox affects of the painted-on yogurt, or the tangy oranges squeezed onto your body, you’ll come out healed.

The exotic 1½ hour treatment includes an organic brown sugar body scrub and tropical rain rinse, fresh oranges, an anti-oxidant exfoliating/toning mask made from yogurt and African Red Tea and a warm wrap to release the active ingredients.

The only advice we’d offer is that if you’re at all shy, make sure to request your esthetician in accordance.

Ole Henriksen Face/Body
8622 A Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90069
http://www.olehenriksen.com

The Chocolate and Rose Body Treatment at Ona Spa

Ona, meaning all things good, stays true to its name with their Chocolate and Rose Body Treatment. It’s like Valentine’s Day found its way to the summer. And Ona Spa.

Decadent aromas and textures of chocolate and roses are swept over your entire body to nurture, calm, and soothe. A full body exfoliation from organic cocoa powder and Aloe is followed by a jasmine and rose essential oil wrap, mixed in with the occasional organic chocolate treat – appealing to all of your newly awakened senses.

7373 Beverly Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-931-4442
http://www.onaspa.com

With the economy in a state of disarray, it’s hard to feel good about treating yourself to a facial, massage or even a pedicure. But while being frugal might be good for the wallet, it’s definitely not good for relaxation or beautification. So, why not have your fruitcake and eat it, too?

Book any 50-minute massage and 50 minute facial package at this urban oasis and receive your choice of two Spa Luce signature products ($48 Value). Try the 50 minute Deep Detox Facial perfect for inflamed or congested skin or the MDT5 Vitamin Facial full of six highly engineered vitamins to deliver results – so coveted, it’s used by modeling agencies the world over. And pair any amazing facial with a Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone massage for a true luxe escape at Luce. (Product suggestion for your free pick, Chocolate Sun Sunless Tanning Cream.) Check http://www.spaluce.com for information on joining the Premier Club for even more VIP discounts, upgrades and regular news on new products.

Spa Luce

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel

1755 North Highland Ave.

Hollywood, CA 90028

323-491-1376

Santa Claus just wouldn’t be the same after a chemical peel and a cellulite reducing spa treatment, but he certainly deserves some major pampering after riding around on his sleigh delivering gifts all night in the freezing cold. Actually, we all deserve some spa-like indulgence this holiday season! And these holiday spa gifts sets will last a heck of a lot longer than an hour-long massage.

Gardener Gift Set from Thymes

For those on your list with a green thumb, these 5 essential Gardener products from Thymes – with the fragrance of freshly clipped grass, aromatic parsley, cool watercress, dewy moss and a pinch of pink peppercorn – are all wrapped up and ready to go in a handy gardener’s carrying kit. The set includes Purifying Hand Wash, Replenishing Hand Cream, a Herbaceous Candle, SPF 15 Lip Balm and a Convenient Nail Brush. Visit http://www.thymes.com to purchase.

African Red Tea Body Cocktail Kit by Ole Henriksen

For the more exotic giftee, check out the African Red Tea Body Cocktail Kit by Ole Henriksen. These anti-aging products work well on all skin types. With an antioxidant-rich body scrub, firming body mask and self-heating body soufflé, all enriched with African red tea, this kit includes all of your at-home spa essentials. Visit http://www.olehenriksen.com to purchase.