If you haven’t been following me on Instagram (or Snapchat), you may not know that I’m moving to New Jersey (right outside Philadelphia) this weekend! HUGE MOVE! Originally a Jersey Girl, I moved to Houston three years ago because it’s where my husband is from. After some time here – and three brutal summers of humidity and sweltering heat – there’s just nothing like being close to all of your friends and family. Plus, my husband and I really miss having seasons and enjoying nature/the beach with our dogs.
I figured this is the perfect time to spill all of my Houston beauty favorites in case anyone new to the area stumbles upon this post, so this is my ‘unofficial’ best-of Houston Beauty Guide as of 2017.
When I first moved here, I tried quite a few different brow salons, hair salons, and nail salons, etc. It didn’t always end well, so this is a highly curated list. I’m actually very sad to be leaving a few of these recommendations because they are some of my FAVORITE beauty practitioners ANYWHERE in the country. Without further adieu, here we go:
When I first moved to Houston, my super-blonde highlighted hair instantly went dark because stylists seemed to struggle with lightening my hair. I had such a hard time finding stylists who knew how to maintain my ash blonde [naturally light brunette, yet stubborn Latina] hair. These ladies are EXPERTS in making brunettes the perfect bright, ashy blonde and know how to handle thick, wiry hair. I am very, very sad to be leaving both of them. I would seriously consider flying back to Houston to get my hair done for either of them.
I’ve lived in the Heights area and in the Memorial area of Houston. In a nail salon, I’m looking for cleanliness, fair prices, and spa-like environment without spending a fortune. These two salons were my go-tos for my monthly pedis and occasional gel manis.
As someone who struggles with oily and acne-prone skin, facials are important in the humid Houston climate. This spa left me looking like I had perfect skin – glowing and radiant. My specific aesthetician did not perform extractions, so if that’s important to you, you may be disappointed. But it is the MOST relaxing facial you’ll ever have.
What I love about this location is the affordability. No need to spend hundreds on a great massage!
(chemical peels, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, microneedling, Botox, fillers, etc)
The ladies at this location are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Heather is an injectable/Botox GENIUS (aka, she actually trains doctors on how to do it properly) and I would trust her with my face if I were to go that route.
I do not use tanning beds, but I’m a huge fan of the at-home self-tanning treatment! If you have a special event or vacation coming up and need a little extra glow, try this. She comes to your house, sets everything up in a spare room and you’re DARK AS HECK about 15 minutes later. Enjoy your new tan for 10-14 days. Great for groups, too (like a bridesmaids event or something…)
This. is. heartbreaking. I wrote basically an entire ode to Liz at Benefit Brow Bar. What will I do without her!? I’m not sure, but I hope my loss is your gain. TOTALLY – MUST – RECOMMEND!
I only got lash extensions once and they weren’t really for me because I love applying makeup, but the look of them is gorgeous. When I first moved to Houston, I learned that the high humidity made nearly any mascara I tried (even waterproof) smudge. If you’re new to the south, you’ll be surprised to see tanning salons replaced by lash studios here. I’m recommending this place based on my good friend and trusted beauty confidante, Nicole from Lipstick and Brunch. Read all about her lash extension experience here.
I hope this helps you find a new beauty oasis in Houston if you’re new to the area OR if you’re just not happy with where you’re going. Best of luck! <3
-Steffanie
