Tag Archives: Austin

Local Love: Hubalou Hair Wrap

Hubalou hair wrap in slate, in tubeHow many of you get out of the shower and immediately wrap your hair up in a regular, old towel? I’ve found something better for you — Hubalou wraps.

Hubalou was founded by Sarah Masciana and is based in Austin, TX. Per her stylist’s recommendation, Sarah began to wrap her wet hair in cotton t-shirts. Terry cloth towels, or even microfiber towels, can act like velcro to textured hair and separate curls and make your hair frizzy. Looking for something more sophisticated than an old t-shirt, Sarah created Hubalou wraps made of bamboo fiber. To me, the fabric feels like modal. It’s lightweight, ultra flexible, and soft. Except, of course, bamboo is a natural fiber.

Sarah was kind enough to send me a wrap to try out for myself. It comes in an attractively packaged plastic tube with an instruction card. There are several color  and print options, and they start at $24 each. My wrap is the slate color. Continue reading

Local Love: Viva Day Spa on 35th Street

Viva Day Spa on 35th Street in Austin, street sign

Viva Day Spa is celebrating it’s eighth anniversary. If you read my interview last year with the owners, it’s easy to see how they’ve stayed in business in Austin for so long. Not to mention the consecutive years that Viva has won “Best Spa” in the Austin Chronicle, among other local awards.

Viva Day Spa has two locations, the original on 35th Street and another on South Lamar. Eight years young, Viva continues its dedication to fine service for the mind, body and spirit in a warm and relaxing environment. I was tickled pick that they invited me to indulge in a complimentary treatment. Continue reading

Local Love: Susan Ciminelli Facial at Austin AWAY Spa

Now that I’ve moved to San Antonio (Oh, did I mention that yet? By the way, I’ve moved to San Antonio!), all I can think about are all the many beauty service providers in Austin I haven’t written about. However, I have many friends and commitments that keep me closely tied to the Capital City, so now Beautypendence will have bi-regional – Central and South Texas – coverage. HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW?!?

Austin AWAY Spa at the W Hotel, reception area

Okay, getting back to the order of the day. Visiting AWAY Spa at the W Austin had long been on my agenda. Fortuitously, I had a bachelorette weekend to attend, with accommodations booked at the W. Thanks to my friends at the hotel, I was able to book a Susan Ciminelli Signature Facial at AWAY while I was in town.  Continue reading

Local Love: SALON by milk + honey

Entrance to milk + honey on Guadalupe at corner of Cesar Chavez

milk + honey has been a spa staple in downtown Austin for nearly seven years. On more than one occasion, I’ve been the lucky recipient of gift certificates to the spa where I’ve indulged in a massage, facial and mani-pedi, all exceptional. Formerly, the spa and salon were housed in separate locations in the 2nd Street District, but no longer! Just last week, milk + honey opened their beautiful, new, spacious location at the corner of Cesar Chavez and Guadalupe. I was kindly invited to partake in a service at the SALON by milk + honey to write about and share with all you Beautypendents. Continue reading

GUEST POST: The Beauty of Love

Julia McCurley portraitEditor’s Note: This guest post is from Austin-based professional matchmaker and relationship expert Julia McCurley of Something More. Julia and I recently met at an event, and I was instantly drawn to her firecracker personality. I’ve invited her to write this guest post on Beautypendence. All opinions shared below are her own.

I know about love… and beauty. Often they are intertwined. Here, I’ll let you look into my makeup drawer to see my favorite products that I use – as well as recommend to my clients. Continue reading

Local Love: Zimmet Vein & Dermatology

Zimmet Vein & Dermatology - logoA few weeks ago, I was invited to visit Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, the home of Steven E. Zimmet, M.D., a dermatologist who has practiced in Austin for more than 30 years. His practice focuses on non-invasive body contouring, vein treatments, and the two areas I went to learn more about, skin treatments and their med spa.

Dr. Zimmet’s office is conveniently located in central Austin, making it possible for me to have an efficient afternoon visit. Upon my arrival, I was promptly taken to an examination room by Anastacia, one of their two aestheticians. I briefly went over my skin concerns, and then she called in the doctor. He would evaluate my skin and then recommend some treatments. Continue reading

Thanks to CultureMap, Beautypendence is Famous!

I am beyond thrilled to share that our little blog was featured in CultureMap‘s recent article about Austin’s top fashion and style bloggers. Little old me?? Really?? Well, we’re honored! And you may notice that we’re the only beauty blog on the list. So thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who have read and commented on our posts, shared products and services, and told your friends about how cool we are. I promise to keep sharing all my best beauty tips with you.

screenshot of CultureMap Austin article about fashion and style bloggers

Local Love INTERVIEW: Viva Day Spa

Ladies and (maybe a handful of) gentlemen, I’m proud to share Beautypendence’s first ever interview! I had the pleasure of meeting and sitting down with the three owners of Viva Day Spa: Shannon Mouser, Laurie Aroch, and Maya Aroch. What a fun trio of ladies who have a sincere passion for their business.

Viva Day Spa, South Lamar, exterior sign

Continue reading

Local Love: Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Hiatus Spa + Retreat Check-In Area and Retail

Hiatus Spa + Retreat‘s first location is in chic Inwood Village of Dallas and has won many awards in the Metroplex. Dallas women know their beauty indulgences, so it bodes well for us that Austin is their second location. On December 18, Hiatus Spa + Retreat had its soft opening in the 5th Street Commons complex. I stopped by after work the following day to introduce myself and for a quick look around. Continue reading