Looking good and feeling great in Seattle's spas

Having a hard time keeping up with the booming beauty industry, new treatments and spas? Well, you just sit back, relax and read. I've done all the footwork for you (for which I'll be justly rewarded with a foot massage), have spent time worrying that I've covered everything (now I need Botox), and have stayed up late writing this piece (so I'll de-stress with a relaxing facial and massage). Enjoy!

Salon Dewi

The home of the Waxing Diva has moved. Owner Travis Powell (aka the Waxing Diva), his staff, and his devoted followers outgrew their space and have expanded. The Balinese-influenced spa still offers a lush, exotic environment with Buddha statues, flora and pillowed seating fit for a rajah, but has more than doubled the treatment rooms and now boasts seven. They've also expanded their offerings beyond top notch waxing services and facials for men and women to include hot stone massages, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, and lunchtime express services (though you really wouldn't want to hurry in and out of this beauty spot). There's also a UV Light Box -- a dry, bright sauna of sorts. It's the perfect refuge for dreary days and sweating out toxins.

The hot stone massage is divine-Nadov Nahari masterfully combines a hands-on massage with the deliciously warm stones and manages to find every tight and sore spot on a body in 90 minutes ($120). The result: You'll leave feeling like buttah. Try the Dewi facial with the simultaneous pedicure. It's so relaxing and efficient ($80 for the facial and $40 for the pedicure).

Another plus-parking is available and free.

Calidora Skin Clinic

CALIDORI SKIN CLINIC

If you haven't yet visited this spa, it's worth a trip. They offer an impressive computerized skin analysis and recommend a treatment plan for you from the results. Be prepared: You'll be able to see every broken capillary, sun spot, and square inch of dehydrated skin. But take heart-the personalized treatment plan will smooth everything out, whether it's a facial, laser therapy or Restylane injections. The one-hour skin analysis is complimentary (an $85 value), and you receive 20 percent off your first skin care treatment.

Calidora also wants to help make your gams gorgeous and your body hairless. Both locations offer laser therapy, but the Bellevue clinic now has a powerful new laser that allows them to treat all skin types, including dark skin tones and tanned skin. Broken capillaries, surfacing veins and unwanted hair all become just an unpleasant memory. The new laser vein treatment is $125 per area on the leg, or you can get a leg series of three treatments for $299. Removal of facial capillaries is $1,150 for a series of three treatments. Treatment times vary by area being "de-veined." Treatment times vary for laser hair removal as well. A series of five treatments in the bikini area is $599.

Here's a tip: It may take more than one treatment before veins are gone. I do not recommend the leg treatment in the summer. It can leave angry red marks that turn to bruises for up to four weeks and cannot be exposed to the sun.

Olivine Beauty Lounge (Ballard)

KATHY SCHULTZ

Just when you thought this fabulous girlie boutique couldn't get any better, it has. Owner Julie Merriman added the Olivine Beauty Lounge in the back of her boutique, staffed by Rebecca Wendfeldt, esthetician extraordinaire. Wendfeldt provides facials, waxing and lash extensions ($75-$150). The skin care menu includes a variety of facials including customized, vitamin C, deep cleanse, peels, and dark circle treatments. Try the Ultimate Olivine Facial ($110 for 90 minutes). It includes a combination of hands-on care as well as Ultrasound, a somewhat high-pitched machine that increases the effectiveness of skin treatments. Without going into technical jargon, it means you leave with beautifully hydrated skin.

The best part—you can shop for cute clothes, shoes, handbags, lingerie, jewelry, candles, and makeup before or after. Call 206-510-9387 to make an appointment.

The Spa at Salish

Skin needs special care in the summer so the Spa at Salish is accommodating you with the Citrus Body Cooler, 150 refreshing minutes of four hydrating lemon-lime flavored treatments. These include a Revitalizing Lemon Zest Foot Treatment, a Lemongrass Body Wrap, an organic Lemon & Lime Facial, and Citrus Hair Pack and Scalp Massage. If nothing else, you'll get your vitamin C while relaxing. The special is available Tuesday-Thursday through August 31 for $248 (a $308 value).

Spa Scotta

SPA SCOTTA

This friendly spa has new programs and products to offer. The customized Head to Toe Bridal Glow program includes a consultation and skin assessment with a bridal consultant to determine your wedding day beauty goals, as well as relaxation therapy before the big day. Whether you need a series of facials, microdermabrasion, or stress reducing massages, brides will receive a 10 percent discount on all services.

The spa's new Referral Program helps reduce the price of your personal pampering. Every time you refer a client to the spa, you'll receive a $5 gift certificate. Pass out the client referral cards to friends, family (strangers?) and reap the rewards.

As for products, they now carry the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush ($195). The electric gadget has oscillating bristles designed to exfoliate dead cells and stimulate circulation-it's a great alternative to more expensive treatments and products.

Spa Noir

This late-night spa has two new products. The first is the perfect summer beauty tool: the microplane for feet ($18). It was created by the same folks who brought you the original microplane citrus zester. We'll agree it doesn't present a very appetizing picture, but as owner Jessica Norton puts it, "You use it on dry skin and it just falls off-very satisfying!" It does indeed make your feet smooth and pretty.

For beauty buffs there's the Beauty Buffet makeup line. Buy the colors in individual pans and insert them into shiny patent leather cases. It's a great way to mix and match concealers, cream blushes, lip glosses and eye shadows ($10-$14 for makeup and $6 and $12 for the cases). The lip gloss has a delicate vanilla mint fragrance and the smooth eye shadows range from sheer matte colors to dark and sparkly.

Frenchy's

This go-to girl spot for perfect manis, pedis and conversation has added microcurrent therapy and microdermabrasion to its spa menu. Microdermabrasion is touted as the answer to smoothing the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Take advantage of the summer special--$50 per initial treatment through August (regularly $100 each). For visible results, Frenchy's recommends 12 treatments.

Habitude at the Locks

This Ballard spa known for its Northwest vibe and aromatic treatments offers special services each season. Right now, you can indulge in A Passage to India, services that focus on Ayurvedic philosophy. You might have to learn a new vocabulary (vata, kapha, pitta, marma, dosha, ojas) but the staff will help determine your elemental nature (dosha) to ensure you get the right treatments. Among them is the Dosha Rejuvenation Massage ($85) which uses balancing aromatherapy oil and is applied to specific pressure points for each individual. That also includes a 15-minute sauna or cool shower, whichever best serves your elemental nature. All this plus you're treated to chai tea, curry coconut chocolate, fruits, and nuts.

Herban Therapies Spa

This Eastside spa recently pulled up stakes and moved to Bellevue. They have the same extensive menu, monthly specials and great deals (get on their mailing list). Treatments include a variety of massages, facials and body wraps. I love the Head-To-Toe Facial which includes one hour and 45 minutes of aromatherapy, self-heating mud on the spine, and a hand, arm and foot massage ($125). The Hot Rock Pedicure ($60) and Dead Sea Salt Glow ($55) are winning treatments too. Join the Herban Massage Club and get a monthly massage for $54.99. Additional massages are only $49.99.