Westerville, OH Spa and Massage

In the late 1920s, the Great Depression was rendering most Americans professionally and financially paralyzed. But in a small California kitchen, Merle Norman was putting a plan in motion to formulate her own skincare products and share them with family and friends. She truly believed in her formulas, knowing that by getting them on as many faces as possible, she would develop a following of customers. She was right—within a few years she and her nephew were opening their first studio in Santa Monica, and they eventually unveiled a series of independently operated stores that enabled women to take ownership during a time of gender-based limitations such as men-only restrooms.

Today, in approximately 2,000 stores across three countries, the three basic principles of Merle's original vision still apply. Each studio is independently owned and fosters an in-depth knowledge of the company's own line of makeup and skincare products. Just as Merle shared her creations with close friends and sallow mannequins more than 80 years ago, today's aestheticians embody the business's "try before you buy" philosophy. A menu of complimentary studio services—from foundation checks to express facials—allows patrons to sample the lauded brand before committing to the purchase of products or full spa treatments.

Under the trained guidance of a board-certified surgeon and a registered nurse, the specialists at Discover Allure Skin Centre take a well-rounded approach to skincare that emphasizes both in-office and at-home attention. Every facial they perform incorporates sun protection to ward off UV damage, retinoids to keep skin firm, antioxidants to slow the signs of aging, and dermal growth factors to kindle cell renewal. As clients begin their appointments, medical aestheticians size up their skin types in order to devise comprehensive plans for keeping skin looking youthful, including daily care products from Obagi and SkinMedica and Saturday-morning cartoons. Periwinkle walls and chocolate wood floors lead visitors into private treatment rooms, where anxieties dissolve with the help of soothing music and suffused lighting.

J.Bentley’s beauticians and relaxation experts find their own nooks within the studio’s 7,500 square feet of space, working their beauty-boosting magic in treatment rooms dedicated solely to their respective specialties. Each treatment room also boasts its own amenities, including hairstyling stations with wireless computers that allow clients to search for the look they want. Before massages, manicures, and other services begin, visitors can unload their stresses with sips of complimentary espresso in the television lounge or admire the studio’s earthy motif, present in its wooden accents, pastel-green ceiling, and pillows stuffed with Mother Nature’s hair. J.Bentley’s knowledgeable staff, which was pivotal in the studio’s earning a spot on TheBestofColumbus.com's beauty list, also frequently recommends products for clients to use at home, such as skin salves from Dermalogica and shampoos from D'Organiques.

About Face is a makeup boutique stocked to the rafters with quality products and a staff of experienced makeup artists. Today's deal lets you into About Face's calming environment of subtle décor and brightly hued pigments. Whether prepping for a special occasion, such as a high-school reunion or a Civil War reenactment, or simply hoping to pick up some tips on how to look your best, a professional makeup application (a $40 value) will leave your skin smooth, your pucker pinked, your cheeks flushed, and your peepers all the better to see wolves with. Put a cherry atop your face sundae with a lash application (a $15 value) for a dramatic, darkened fringe ideal for winking across great distances and protecting your eye sockets from incoming sparrows. Between About Face’s skilled facial artisans and quality products from Bare Escentuals, Smashbox, Revitalash, and more, you'll leave with a spring in your step and a glimmer in your gullet.

About Face spa director Sherri Mullett brings more than 20 years of esthetics experience to all of her beauty treatments, which range from microdermabrasion and LED light facials to skin needling and permanent makeup. She’s such an expert that she shares her wealth of knowledge through advanced esthetic training courses. These classes cover topics such as skin disorders and conditions, trends in spa technology equipment, and the nutritional content of old lobby magazines.:m]]