The Chicago Traveler

Hangover Helpers

by Matt B on September 7th, 2007

Have you ever been out a little too late? Maybe partied a little too hard? That next morning can be awfully rough.

Spas all over the city are now offering some post-reveling recuperation like Luxe in Roscoe Village. The head-to-toe revamp at this full-service beauty spot is simply called the “hangover facial.” The relaxing session here starts with a foot soak next to a cozy fireplace. Then, the skin care specialist begins a manual, lymphatic drainage technique to help release toxins. Cold stone therapy is then applied to increase blood circulation. And to top it all off, reflexology is also offered for the feet. This hour-long respite will cost you $110. Additional treatments include lash tinting, waxing, skin brightening, hydrating peels, body buffing, and masques made with lavender rose, vitamin C, and papaya. Also, women will love their custom-blended cosmetics including shadows, powders, bronzers, and lipsticks.

A couple years ago, Dayna Delaurentes opened Urban Spa Chic, where all of the services are customized to whatever your individual needs are. However, even though you can create your very own “spa day,” one pre-planned package here can be perfect after a long night out: the “After Hours.” This treatment lasts about an hour and a half and costs $110, including a 30-minute body massage, a pedicure that focuses on the balls of the feet (and where your toes got squished by those dancing shoes), and then a “Bye Bye Bags” eye treatment that is geared toward dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. You’ll come out feeling rejuvenated, revived, and refreshed. (Reservations are recommended; guests must call ahead to bring children.) Want to share the love? Urban Spa Chic will rent out the entire spa for a few hours or all-day events.

Finally, Bliss has locations all across the country, but their Chicago outpost can be found in the W Hotel on Lake Shore Drive, where a beautician scrubs, hydrates, and massages your skin with strange but surprisingly beneficial ingredients like sesame or chocolate. This 9,600-square-feet space envelops 16 treatment rooms, where you can enjoy specialties like the Hot Cream Manicure, the Plum Plum Pedicure, or the Quadruple Thighpass. You can even enjoy brownies while you pass the time in the waiting room! As you can tell, Bliss is all about serious skin care with a fun attitude. The day-after remedy here is called “the Hangover Herbie.” It starts by being rubbed with rosemary oil and getting wrapped in a mylar blanket to help detoxify. A masque is then applied to hydrate and revitalize the complexion. While that dries and soft jazz plays in the background, the technician gives an intense 15-minute foot massage. After the masque is removed, the face is sprayed with oxygen to activate the vitamins in the skin, increase circulation, and kill surface bacteria. It retails for $215, and it’s a 105-minute treatment. Unfortunately, you will have to leave and face the non-pampering world at some point, but not without a green tea supplement, which will help replenish the nutrients back into your body so you’ll be back and ready to hit the town again.

Photo credit: Wikipedia, RK Catch (c/o Flickr)

Luxe A Salon & Spa: 2109 W Belmont Ave; 773-665-2049
Tues, Thurs: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Weds: 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Fri: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Street parking available
Public trans: Bus # 50, 77
http://www.luxeasalon.com/

Urban Spa Chic: 1401 W Hubbard St (2nd floor); 312-492-8050
Tues - Weds: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thurs: 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Street parking available (free after 4:00 p.m.)
Public trans: Bus # 9, X9, 65
http://www.urbanspachic.com/

Bliss @ W Hotel: 644 N Lake Shore Dr; 312-201-9545
Sun - Sat: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Parking pay lot, valet available
Public trans: Bus # 2, 3, 3X, 29, 65, 66, 124, 157
http://www.blissworld.com/

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POSTED IN: Spa and Beauty