Nail-a-Holics: A budget-friendly spa experience?

Hello ladies,

Today I share with you my foot spa experience at nail-a-holics nail salon & spa SM San Lazaro branch. Do know that this happened 2 weeks ago, hours before my sister's debut.

So, I was from 24 hour hospital duty that day and it had not occurred to me to take pictures of the whole thing and place as I was not expecting to post about it. I genuinely thought that the service would be ok and that it's not super extraordinary that I'd go blog about it. Anyway, I originally thought that their foot spa as well as the hand spa (if that was the term for it) already included a manicure/pedicure with it. Unfortunately, they did not so I took the 700 peso package which included the foot spa and mani-pedi.

Around this time I was really looking for some good massage for my feet as the past few rotations have been a torture to them and I've been suffering mild aches and pains on my soles. And since I've read a good deal of reviews from nail-a-holics, I was expecting a good service.

So now, let me share to you the experience.

I am not that picky about certain things and I guess I don't get easily grossed out but I just can't stand seeing their towels, the seats, and the throw pillows. I know that the branch had been there for quite sometime, but I think it's only appropriate that they do change the sheets on the seats or throw pillows once every 2 months or what. The seats look exactly like they've been sat on by a lot of people and all the sweat and dust have stuck on them. The towels were battered and a little dark so you know that they've been using those probably since the store started and they've only been washed and rewashed. I wouldn't have any problem with that if I had had this service with some mani-pedi lady from my province or some salon where it only costs around 50 to 100 for both hands and feet, but, to have your business named nail salon and spa, I think an occasional spring cleaning to keep with appearances is necessary. Maybe dispose of those unsightly towels and wash those seats. I don't know if this is only in SM San Lazaro branch, but even so, shouldn't they maintain quality of their equipment in all branches?

Next, I really would have let things go since probably this is the "norm" in other nail spa as I've only been to three. However, when your feet still feels similar to velcro when you're walking on your bed I cannot let that go. Let me make it clear that the lady who did my foot scrub was nice, but I guess she overdid the scrubbing a little? I have never had this experience with my two previous foot spa and I do not understand how it could even stay like that for more than 2 weeks. Here's a picture of my soles.

Lastly, I did say I wanted a good massage for my feet. On my previous experience of foot spas, they do thoroughly massage not just your soles but also includes your calves/your legs and they ask you how hard or how soft you'd want it. Here, however, there was no such questioning, she did not ask if I wanted it hard or soft. Ok... I don't really mind either way. But the massage was only good at first, then in less than 10 minutes she was done with both foot and leg. The only massage she did for my legs was two "karate chops" and it was done. What was that? It was the same for my hands.

I was in a hurry that day so I asked if they had a nail dryer or a quick dry solution, which they had... so she put liberal amount of the solution on my nails and it looked like I had eaten a really oily piece of meat with my bare hands. It did dry up quick but after a day, the nail color started looking like they had bubble underneath and it looked so ugly I peeled it off my hand. Yes, peeled.

So overall, I was not happy to have spent 700 pesos for that service because I know I'd be able to get better service with the same amount or even less. So I do hope they try to take some of the suggestions especially the first one. Anyway, I won't be going back there anytime soon.

Cheers,

LIZ

Blushing Brightly : Make Me Blush Nail Spa and Beauty Lounge

Hey loves!

I think I'm becoming more and more of a nail spa lover every time I went to one. Last Saturday, I was invited to try the services of Make Me Blush Nail Spa and Beauty Lounge. I was scheduled to try their manicure and full body massage.

It's a fairly new place located at Hemady Square, Doña Hemady St. Corner E. Rodriguez Ave., Q.C. It's right across the gym I used to go to so I already knew where it was the second I read the address. The place was easy to find, it has free parking, and other establishments were there like Starbucks, a hair salon, a bank, and a supermarket. I find it a great place to spend a weekend afternoon at. Plus, I heard that a pastry shop will open next to Make Me Blush. I can definitely see myself enjoying a cupcake while having a pedi session!

The Nail Spa is at the third floor of Hemady Square. The place is filled with bright colors so it really draws your attention when you pass by.

Once you enter the establishment, you are greeted by a cute and simple reception area. The owner, Alyssa, was there to welcome me. She was really accommodating and friendly and made sure that I felt comfortable the whole time I was inside the spa. I regret that I wasn't able to take pictures with her. :( 

Maybe next time. :)

Displayed on the counter are the services that the place offers. And there are lots of them! Besides nail pampering, they also do hair and makeup, eyelash perming and extensions, brow threading, massages, and waxing!

I'm definitely loving the bags at the top shelf. It gives that fun, bright look to the place.

You can also get a peek of the products they use in the spa. There's a display of assorted nail polishes and hair care products from L'Oreal and Schwarzkopf.

And just by standing near the entrance, you will notice the beautiful details of the spa's interior. Alyssa said that they were aiming for the 1960's look. I think the interior decorator nailed it with all the colors and furnitures. Every piece complimented each other—everything was a pleasure to look at.

I'm loving this green glass basket... and the chocolates in it!

The pink doors are so pretty with the floral prints. And the floor tiles matched the ceiling and the furnitures. Alyssa mentioned that they had the tiles personalized. 

The chandelier at the reception area was cute but what's even cuter were...

...these lights inside bird cages! I'm really impressed by these! Plus the colored glass candle holders inside were lovely! 

And then there are these fabulous chairs. Each having a different color and pattern. I was told that these chairs are actually at least 40 years old. Amazing, right? Vintage indeed! Alyssa got them revamped and she also picked out the colors and patterns for each one.

Beside a chair is a side table where you can place your things and it is also equipped with magazines you can read while having your nails pampered.

The chairs are partnered with a leg rest with the same color.

And they also have cute little lamps next to the chairs for added lighting.

Anyway, more pictures of the fancy chairs below:

And look at that pretty tea cup! That was served to me... I just love that even the tea cups were colorful.

And we're not stopping there. There are more areas inside the spa...

Here's the area where the hair and makeup services are done. The owner is actually a makeup artist as well. She used to do weddings and other events. Now she has her own place where she can still practice her craft. The makeup products they use are well-known, trusted brands like Graftobian, MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Urban Decay to name a few.

For hair services, they do hair coloring, blowdry, and hair spa treatments. They also do haircuts and it's by someone from Vidal Sasson, US. I forgot to ask the name though... The fee is quite steep but they assure that your hair is handled by an expert and you will surely have no regrets. I'd love to see and even experience his/her work sometime. 

And then there's the massage room. The room was painted with orange and other citrus-y colors. Once the lights go dim, it looks warm and relaxing.

The beds are comfy and equipped with slippers, towels, and disposable shorts! Yes, DISPOSABLE! It's my first time to use one and I really like it. It's hygienic and it fits me! Haha!

So I first had my nails cut and cleaned. The person handling my nails is Joy. She has really light hands and she took care of my hands with ease. But we had to pause the manicure session. I was to get my massage first before I get my nails colored so that the nail polish would not get ruined during the session.

I was not a fan of massages. I've only had it thrice before this. I was just not comfortable with strangers touching me. But for this session, I was very comfy. Razeil, my masseuse, was very friendly and fun to talk to. We shared so much in common like our love of art. She used to represent her class and join art contests like I used to. She had amazing hands! The massage felt really good! Razeil has a certificate from Tesda and has been in the profession for the last three years so she really knows what she's doing. I was told that I had more than an hour massage session. I didn't even realize that it took that long. I was sooo relaxed and I really did enjoy the experience. 

And in case you are interested in trying Razeil's massage services, she's at Make Me Blush Spa everyday except Thursdays (her day off).

So after my massage, I got back to my fab chair to get my nails done.

I was given lots of colors to choose from...

and I picked this O.P.I. Nail Lacquer in Blue My Mind.

Beautiful, huh?

It's been a while since I had my nails in blue and this color looks so good on my warm skin.

I love, love, love my Make Me Blush Experience. I enjoyed every minute of it and it did made me blush with joy (if there's such a thing). I do recommend the place and I'll be visiting it soon because it's just 20 minutes away from our house. Yay!

If you're interested to learn more about Make Me Blush Spa, you can visit their:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makemeblush

Instagram: @MAKEMEBLUSHSPA

Hemady Square Unit 303 86 Dona Hemady Street Corner E. Rodriguez Ave.

Quezon City, Philippines

10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Phone: +63 2 234 9529

Email: makemeblushspa@gmail.com

And here are the services and their corresponding prices:

And before I end this post, they have an on-going promo...

Avail a Foot Spa + Pedicure for only Php 249.00! This will last 'til the last day of April! 

So enjoy the discount and have a pampered summer!!

Cheers,

DAWN

Nail Pamper Experience at My Pretty Nails Salon

 Hey Loves!

Are you a fan of getting hand spas or foot spas? How about getting manicure services or even nail arts? 

I actually barely get any of these since I felt like I could just do these at home. But I rarely ever do them anyway. I guess I'm just too tired to do all these myself. It was just this Saturday afternoon at My Pretty Nails Salon that I felt how rewarding such services felt.

I received an invitation from Rachelle to try out My Pretty Nails' services and I was happy to grab the opportunity. She let me pick the day I'm most convenient to visit and so last Saturday, an afternoon of pampering happened.

The place wasn't hard to find. It's just across Shangri La Plaza (Shaw Blvd. side). The building (Soho Residences) isn't fully done yet so you might have to ask the security guard there where it is exactly to avoid walking around the buildings getting lost like I did. :P

I was late that I was getting so embarrassed but I got so excited again when I saw this really cute exterior of the salon!

And upon entering, this is what you'll see...

A cute, Victorian themed room...

...with lovely furnitures...

...and a feminine and lush ambiance.

I seriously want to have this pink chair in my room! I heard that this was customized.

Loving the centerpiece of the room, the crystal chandelier,

 and the wallpaper!

The place was actually designed by a fresh grad from UP and I think he/she did an amazing job!

The princess-wannabe in me wanted to have a room like this!

Also loving this gold painted product holder:

It looks so chic! Even the products it holds have such cute containers!

But before we proceed to my experience, let me share with you some info on what My Pretty Nails Salon is all about:
(description from their Facebook Page)

My Pretty Nails

"Placing Art At Your Fingertips"

Our Victorian-inspired nail salon provides a relaxing atmosphere to clients having their manicure, pedicure or spa. With our complimentary services, clients can enjoy their choice of organic treatments in cozy victorian chairs. 

My Pretty Nails specializes in glamorous nail art designs using the latest gel art technology. Embellishments like dried flowers and rhinestones are meticulously placed on each client’s nails to give them their desired nail art look, which remains aesthetically intact for up to a month.

We guarantee that all our clients receive exactly the same pretty treatment and the same beauty attention they truly deserve.

Tools are sterilized after each use.

Use of organic products for hand and foot spa.

Complimentary drink

Nail technicians are trained to observe proper sanitation.

Wide variety of nail polish to choose from.

So let's proceed to my lovely afternoon in My Pretty Nails...

They let me try their Pretty Spa Manicure and Pedicure which includes soak, exfoliation, cleaning, moisturizer, massage and premium polish ! They even let me choose which kind to get!

I took the Kapeng Barako and their bestseller, Pomegranate and Fig.

I loooove the scent of the Kapeng Barako! After 5 hours, I can still smell it!

They use locally made products and also imported products. I was impressed that they support local goods since I believe that we really do have great products. It's just the 'colonial mentality' kicking in most of our minds which is why we rarely take interest in Filipino-made items.
 And what's even better is that all of these products are organic!!

The session was really relaxing. The place was dimly lit and the scents of the products used were just heavenly! 

Bebs, who did my manicure, and Pia, who did my pedicure, have really light hands that I could just fall asleep as they prettify my nails!

They even served me some hot green tea. The teapot looks too cute!!! I believe they offer other drinks too like iced tea and such. :P

They let me choose what nail polish I would like to wear and I chose these two:

China Glaze in United for my hands and Orly in Rage for my toes.

And here's the output:

Loved this shade so much I even bought a bottle!

I know my feet aren't pleasant-looking but as you can see, it looks so clean and soft now! 

And btw, they have tons and tons of polishes to choose from!

Not only that, they also offer nail art and gel art services!

Below are their designs:

Lovely and colorful, aren't they?
Looking at these inspired me to experiment on nail arts too. If mine didn't turn out so well, I'll just come back here. Haha!

And oh! Besides massages, spas and nail art services, they also offer waxing services!

They have a separate room for this.

They use different scents like honey and rose.

Below are the prices for the waxing services:

And here are the lists of services that My Pretty Nails Salon offers with their corresponding prices:

Isn't it fantastic that they also have services for little girls too? It's perfect for a mommy and daughter bonding session!

They also give loyalty cards that give you a free body massage or nail art for your 10th visit! These cards are valid for a year.

And of course, I had to have a picture with the lovely ladies, Pia and Bebs, who pampered me during that afternoon! They were so friendly and pleasant to talk to.

And of course, a picture with Rachelle!

She was so nice and answered all of my questions.
She told me that she was a huge fan of nail spas and that she incorporated everything she prefers in a spa salon in My Pretty Nails - the Victorian motif and the relaxing ambiance to name a few. The salon is fairly new. They just opened last April! She also shared that they do plan on opening other branches. I do hope they open one near our place! I would have loved to frequent the salon it's just that Mandaluyong is a bit far from our house.

It was truly a relaxing afternoon for me. I'm so happy with the experience that I strongly recommend you try My Pretty Nails Salon's services!

If you're interested to know more about My Pretty Nails, visit their 
Facebook Page

or you can contact them via phone or email:
+63 2 571 6649
myprettynailssalon@yahoo.com.ph

My Pretty Nails Salon is open everyday from 10am to 8pm.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation benefit and I was only invited to review their services.



Have been to My Pretty Nails Salon yet?
Do you like going to spas/salons that focuses on nail care?


Cheers!

DAWN