Beauty & Spas in California

Earthly Body's collection of natural, vegan, and paraben-free skincare and bodycare products has caught the eye of an array of media outlets, such as Allure and Lucky magazines, with its hydrating hemp-oil bases and cruelty-free lineup. Candles melt into a candle pot with wax that can also be used as a warm massage oil, postcleansing moisturizer, or elbow cream for dry pet elephants. Earthly Body’s haircare line, Marrakesh, infuses each tendril-smoothing solution with Moroccan argan oil and three signature scents (original, High Tide, and Dreamsicle) to bolster frizz-free manes. Mineral-based makeups dust across facescapes without the harsh chemicals or pore-clogging guilt found in animal-tested products.

Skin Alive and its aesthetician school, Mequon Thiensville School of Esthetics, are devoted to the study and practice of skincare. Clients can choose to visit the hands-on student-learning center for aesthetic services performed by students under instructor supervision, or head to the Skin Alive spa for services performed by a licensed professional. Both offer basic beauty services, such as facials, peels, and waxing, but the licensed aestheticians at Skin Alive can also slough off dead skin cells with diamond-tip microdermabrasion, rejuvenate skin with lasers, and vanquish unwelcome hair with laser hair-removal treatments that leave skin smoother than a cue ball smothered in olive oil.

Nordstrom Rack houses a dizzying array of high-fashion brands—some of it from the Nordstrom shelves and some of it straight from top-tier designers—that it sells for as much as 70% off retail prices. Every store stocks an average of 25,000 pairs of shoes, a foot-feast featuring hundreds of designer brands. Gals can suit up for slick, soggy streets with a duo of Report 'Louise' faux suede convertible boots ($46.90), while guys can stylishly saunter in a pair of suede-overlaid New Balance retro running shoes ($39.90). Nordstrom Rack's extensive collection of designer jeans keep wayward legs from impersonating arms, and with a bevy of items for women, men, juniors, and children, Nordstrom Rack's expansive stock is sure to please the palate of any hanger-hungry wardrobe.

The brand American Apparel, which recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, conjures up images of stylish and well-fitting fashion basics. It also likely brings to mind sassy advertisements featuring long-haired beauties in natural makeup posing in skin-bearing bodysuits and loungewear.

But what many don't know about the brand—despite its name and the slice of apple pie that comes with every purchase—is that all of its clothes are made in America. Everything from sewing and cutting to accounting and marketing happens in one building in downtown Los Angeles, and the rest occurs within a 30-mile radius. Not only that, every slim-fitting pair of pants, spandex bodysuit, and v-neck T-shirt is made in a sweatshop-free environment.

Plus, keeping everything in house means the company eliminates unnecessary and wasteful factors, such as shipping fuel and packing materials, as well as provides jobs to Angelenos, instead of outsourcing them.

Élan Salon encourages relaxation with its skin-rejuvenating treatments and upscale, tranquil atmosphere. Faces smattered with blemishes or remnants of pizza binges can enjoy a 50-minute deep-pore cleansing facial, during which licensed aesthetician Ludmilla refreshes visages by employing exfoliating natural fruit enzymes, antioxidants, and hydrating agents. Shed dead skin with a deep-cleansing scrub, unclog overflowing pores with a gentle, non-irritating extraction, and keep surfaces soft with a soothing coat of moisturizer. Throughout, soft music gently plays in the background, mitigating stress and quieting inner voices that won't stop quoting Brendan Fraser films.

The collection of high-quality consignment clothing at vintage ysj allows trendsetters to reach into fashion's back pocket for inspiration to create truly unique looks. Trendatarians can find inspiration on the ysj blog or by perusing the in-store stock, which is as ever-changing as the colors of Batman’s mood ring. Dresses ($24–$79) incorporate delicate details such as boho ruffled collars, Americana fringe, and ’50s secretary-inspired fitted frocks, and blazers, coats, and jackets ($20–$128) show off fur-lined collars, grunge-inspired plaid, and full-back depictions of former Vice President John Nance Garner.