Beauty & Spas in Federal Way

Each of Seattle Sun Tan's 39 locations spans between 2,000 and 4,000 square feet of space dedicated solely to the art of un-sunbathing. Washington-state tanners strut down immaculate hallways dotted with framed original paintings and contemporary artwork before settling into private rooms where they may acquire their desired shade while enjoying the sounds of their own music or prerecorded subliminal messages piped in through the iPod dock perched near each bed. The Smart Tan–certified staff guides clients in selecting which of the five levels of UV bed best fits their tanning needs and whether they desire a short tan time, prefer to stand up or lie down, or wish to bask beneath high-pressure face lamps. Shop shelves offer home tanners quality products from Australian Gold and Swedish Beauty, whereas spray-tanning options from VersaSpa and SunFX both impart a natural-looking faux glow that takes mere minutes to apply and lasts for days.

Under the supervision of Marino Salon and Spa Laser Clinic's medical doctor, licensed laser technicians and aestheticians James and Veronika Marino use their 18 years plus of experience to bring clients a menu of services. Veronika, the lead licensed aesthetician, runs the spa side of the business, welcoming clients into her private spa room for anti-aging treatment facials, acne treatment facials, laser services, and makeup services featuring ID Bare Minerals products. James, a certified laser technician, permanently removes hair from the faces and bodies of both men and women. When not working one-on-one with clients, Veronika and James host educational events in the spa, where they teach the importance of avoiding toxins and maintaining a healthy skin regime.

For almost 10 years, the specialists at Healthy-Aging Skin, A Clinical Day Spa have harnessed advanced technology to combat skincare woes. The staff specializes in treating acne and waving away the signs of aging, and combines the latest in medical equipment with experience and skills gained over the last decade. This technology includes an intense pulse light laser, DiamondTome microdermabrasion system, and cryogenic therapy for those who want smaller pores and to know exactly what Han Solo felt like while frozen. While many of their offerings live in the realm of medspa treatments, clients in need of a bit of relaxation can enjoy one of their completely organic facials.

More than 20 years after opening as a two-room massage clinic, Massage For Health and Day Spa has blossomed into a full-service aesthetic center whose custom treatments still revolve around therapeutic modalities. Each member of the 10-person staff masters a specific soothing discipline, from licensed massage practitioners to professional manicurists to one aesthetician whose voice sounds like the beach. Massage therapists blend essential oils to please noses and achieve specific health goals during the signature aromatherapy massage. Treatments draw from Western and Eastern philosophies to bolster therapies with enhancements such as collagen masks or Thai herbal massage balls.

One of the largest cosmetology schools in the northwest, Gene Juarez Academy instructs students to skillfully style hair under the watchful eye of licensed and experienced instructors. While making their way through the program, students perfect their skills on the bustling salon floor by snipping, coloring, and styling tresses. Guests not only receive these services at a discounted rate, but also get a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the process via the instructor’s running commentary.

Island Breeze Tanning darkens skin with both UV and UV-free options. Their conventional, high-pressure, and standup booths can bronze skin in as little as 12 minutes, or certified airbrush technicians will quickly and evenly coat bodies using custom tanning solutions. If clients have trouble choosing the right service, they need only ask the staff, each of whom is Smart Tan certified and has completely forgotten the definition of the word pale.