Beauty & Spas in Virginia

You wouldn't want to compete against Dr. Sergio Vendetti in an anatomy-themed trivia night. That's because the Italian native has earned both medical and dental degrees, is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons. In his spare moments, he also finds time to lecture on surgical topics at academic and medical conferences, and mentor the next generation of healers as an assistant professor at the Medical College of Virginia.

Instead of shaming uppity quizmasters, Dr. Vendetti uses his vast knowledge of the human form at Virginia Surgical Arts, a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgical center, where he performs procedures ranging from wisdom-tooth extractions to face and brow lifts. His attention to detail and patient-centered philosophy earned him the gold award for Best Oral Surgeon in the Virginian-Pilot’s 2012 Best of Hampton Roads competition.

His office earned the same contest's silver award for Best Skin Care Facility in Virginia Beach, due in no small part to its highly trained team and welcoming ambiance. A certified surgical technologist and anesthesiologist assist with surgeries, and a licensed master aesthetician performs medical-grade treatments such as laser skin resurfacing and photofacials. Guests sense the spa-like vibe as soon as they enter the lobby, where they’re greeted by hardwood floors, antique-style armchairs, and a plush sofa. Before treatments, they can watch favorite shows on the flat-screen television or analyze the framed map of Italy's boot to decide whether the blue lines are rivers or large spider veins.

Though eyelashes are quite small, learning to apply them can be quite a big undertaking. Each aesthetician at SOHO Lashes has endured numerous hours of training through Xtreme Lashes, learning how to darken and lengthen eye fringe in a manner that is comfortable, natural looking, and safe for the eyelashes. Available in various lengths and colors, the synthetic strands are applied one by one using a lightweight, waterproof adhesive that doesn't touch the skin. And since the false lashes are bonded to the real ones, they fall out in accordance with the natural growth cycle. Depending on the desired fullness, application can take anywhere from one to two and a half hours to complete; though afterward, clients can look forward to saving time each morning since they won't need to apply mascara or perk up limp lashes with a daily pep talk.

In addition to applying lash extensions, the aestheticians enhance features with more traditional cosmetics and remove unwanted hairs with waxing services. Groups of gals can come in for bridal makeovers or to get ready for other big events, such as school dances where everyone just stands around awkwardly.

Though eyelashes are quite small, learning to apply them can be quite a big undertaking. Each aesthetician at SOHO Lashes has endured numerous hours of training through Xtreme Lashes, learning how to darken and lengthen eye fringe in a manner that is comfortable, natural looking, and safe for the eyelashes. Available in various lengths and colors, the synthetic strands are applied one by one using a lightweight, waterproof adhesive that doesn't touch the skin. And since the false lashes are bonded to the real ones, they fall out in accordance with the natural growth cycle. Depending on the desired fullness, application can take anywhere from one to two and a half hours to complete; though afterward, clients can look forward to saving time each morning since they won't need to apply mascara or perk up limp lashes with a daily pep talk.

In addition to applying lash extensions, the aestheticians enhance features with more traditional cosmetics and remove unwanted hairs with waxing services. Groups of gals can come in for bridal makeovers or to get ready for other big events, such as school dances where everyone just stands around awkwardly.

To call The Body Shop a mere skin and body care store is to miss half of what makes it special. Late founder Dame Anita Roddick was a pioneer for ethical business practices; upon opening her first store in Brighton, England, in 1976, she developed company values such as "Defend Human Rights" and "Protect The Planet." She somehow balanced principles and profit, partnering in global campaigns with UNICEF, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and the United Nations, all while ultimately expanding her brand into 2,500 locations in over 60 international markets. After her death in 2007, then-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said, “She campaigned for green issues for many years before it became fashionable to do so and inspired millions to the cause by bringing sustainable products to a mass market. . . . She was an inspiration.”

Indeed, the Body Shop exhibits an eco-friendliness and social consciousness that's hard to come by in a company of its size. Its products have been fair-trade since 1987, and its Against Animal Testing movement led to an EU-wide ban of animal testing of cosmetics. The products are made from ingredients harvested from around the world: shea butter from Ghana goes into body scrubs and butters, and Indian artisans craft wooden massagers and tote bags that are screenprinted by hand. But all that isn't to say the company's production practices overshadow its final products. Skincare treatments such as the brand’s iconic body butters, facial products, and gift collections often appear in Allure, Marie Claire, Lucky, Seventeen and other national publications.

To call The Body Shop a mere skin and body care store is to miss half of what makes it special. Late founder Dame Anita Roddick was a pioneer for ethical business practices; upon opening her first store in Brighton, England, in 1976, she developed company values such as "Defend Human Rights" and "Protect The Planet." She somehow balanced principles and profit, partnering in global campaigns with UNICEF, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and the United Nations, all while ultimately expanding her brand into 2,500 locations in over 60 international markets. After her death in 2007, then-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said, “She campaigned for green issues for many years before it became fashionable to do so and inspired millions to the cause by bringing sustainable products to a mass market. . . . She was an inspiration.”

Indeed, the Body Shop exhibits an eco-friendliness and social consciousness that's hard to come by in a company of its size. Its products have been fair-trade since 1987, and its Against Animal Testing movement led to an EU-wide ban of animal testing of cosmetics. The products are made from ingredients harvested from around the world: shea butter from Ghana goes into body scrubs and butters, and Indian artisans craft wooden massagers and tote bags that are screenprinted by hand. But all that isn't to say the company's production practices overshadow its final products. Skincare treatments such as the brand’s iconic body butters, facial products, and gift collections often appear in Allure, Marie Claire, Lucky, Seventeen and other national publications.

Realizing that every minute spent primping takes away from their clients' free time, the staff of Body & Sol Tanning Boutique streamlines their services so clients can get in, get bronzed, and get out. Clients can simply walk in to the chain location closest to home, after which they consult with the Smart Tan-certified staff over which tanning method is most suitable for their skin. After deciding on intensity and length of sessions, clients hop into one of the five tiers of UV bed. The salon also offers UV-free options such as the automated Mystic HD booth, which is loaded with four different shades of tanning pigment, all of which seep into skin through the use of heated rays. Clients can choose to deepen tans with a range of Devoted Creations tanning accelerators, or simply heighten a tan's contrast with surgically implanted angel wings or the salon's BleachBright teeth-whitening kits.