Beauty & Spas in Milwaukee

At the beginning of each 90-minute treatment, a skin assessment is performed to determine each individual's facial needs. After the customized mélange of skincare products sets to work, the energy-relaxation regimen begins. Using the techniques of Reiki—a practice said to relax the body and mind and release the stresses of daily life—level II practitioner Sarah Gordon acts as a guide for the Chakra's healing energies. With the energy flowing, customers are gently massaged, soothing the neck, shoulders, décolleté, scalp, arms, hands, and feet. The foot massage combines energy-stimulation and reflexology techniques to invigorate the whole body.

In her more than six years in the industry, aesthetician Lena Golden has earned a loyal customer following as well as an esteemed nickname: the Skin Guru. Since solidifying her reputation as one of Milwaukee's distinguished beauty experts, Lena has repurposed herself under the new name of Golden Vanity. Here, she and best friend and resident hair stylist, Janelle Bonus, form a creative and aesthetic partnership that beautifies their clients from the inside out. A seven-year shearing veteran, Janelle uses her deft scissors to shape hair into stylish new looks while transforming strands with all-over color and strategic foil placement. With Lena’s art adorning the walls, the seasoned aesthetician specializes in skincare treatments including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and a trio of specialty facials that she named after their intended spiritual target—heart, crown, and third eye. Lena can also customize each treatment with add-ons that enhance specific features such as anti-aging galvanic eye treatments, lip exfoliation, and clown noses.

Inside an arty Bayview studio space, nine-year styling veteran Janelle Bonus partners with distinguished beauty expert Lena Golden (aka The Skin Guru) to beautify clients from the inside out. Janelle's deft scissors shape hair into stylish new looks, and she's skilled at transforming strands with all-over color and strategic foil placement. She also offers body-waxing services that include Brazilian waxes and full-body services that transform surfaces into dolphin-like smoothness. With more than six years of industry experience, Lena specializes in skincare treatments including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and a trio of specialty facials that she named after their intended spiritual target—heart, crown, and third eye. Together, the duo showers clients with in head-to-toe vanity.

The staff at Glamorosa! Salon & Spa pamper their clients from head to toe with haircuts and color treatments and mani-pedis using all-natural Aveda products. The spa side of the salon features body-polish treatments infused with mango, aloe vera, and Caribbean essential oils and facials infused with natural skin-brightening exfoliants.

As teenagers, Danielle Szymanski and her friends would take turns curling, cutting, and straightening each other's hair. Danielle's early interest in styling and fashion carried her through nail and beauty school, even giving her the qualifications to work backstage at a variety of hair shows. Since opening Splash Hair Design & Spa in 2005, Danielle has worked with many people, including a loyal client who's been going to Danielle since she was an apprentice 17 years ago.

Partially renovated in 2011, the salon-spa's numerous treatment rooms and styling areas bustle as skilled staffers pamper clients with hair, nail, skincare, and waxing services. The technicians all have at least five years of experience and regularly participate in continuing education through classes and shows. An eclectic selection of music, a modern living room–like waiting area, and friendly staffers who don't mind if you can call them "mommy" add to Splash Hair Design & Spa's comfortable atmosphere, where guests "will feel at home," says Danielle.

Long nails, besides being essential for removing clear tape and making a convincing transition to werewolf, are also a vital aspect of feminine beauty. Today’s Groupon gets you a mani-pedi at 20 Lounge Nail Bar & Boutique in Scottsdale for $30 (a $60 value).