Cheap Thrills

19Mar10

Austin, TX is a bastion of fine livin’ on the cheap: a city of $1 Lonestar beers, donation-based yoga, and a crafty DIY culture that makes custom, handmade goods household staples. Austinites, fastidious and savvy, are artists, entrepeneurs, students, and freelancers. What follows is my list of the top beauty steals in town, and how to find deals in any city.

1. $40 Manicure & Pedicure at Wynn Nails
6317 Bee Cave Rd Austin, TX 78746
(512) 329-8288
This fairly new, nicely decorated, walk-in nail salon in Westlake has great massaging pedicure chairs and a large selection of OPI and Orly nail lacquer. They also have an abundant supply of current trashy tabloids and fashion magazines. I have been going there for about three years now, and every technician I have seen has done a great job on my nails. Splurge on a “deluxe” pedicure, which includes a salt scrub and hot towel wrap in addition to the usual mint scrub and massage, for $5 more.
*Out-of-Austin tip: visit www.yelp.com to search for the best mani/pedi in your area. Look for reviews about cleanliness, product selection, service and price.

2. $10 Eyebrow Wax by Heidi at Wynn Nails
6317 Bee Cave Rd Austin, TX 78746
(512) 329-8288
I’d like to point out that I wax a fierce eyebrow myself, and am a former client of the famed Anastasia in Beverly Hills. That said, I hate doing my own brows, and I first came to Heidi in 2007 with regrettably low expectations and actual heart palpitations. Boy, was I surprised! She’s amazing. I can’t believe her expertise costs only $10. Tack it on to your mani/pedi and you’ll be hot stuff for a full three weeks. Make sure to stop your Retin-A for one week prior to any facial waxing.
*Out-of-Austin tip: Ask your girlfriends and colleagues with great brows for referrals to their brow stylists. Once you find a gem, make sure to write a www.yelp.com review to pass on your good fortune!

3. $30 Dermalogica Ultimate Facial at Avenue Five Institute
8620 Burnet Road, Suite 300 Austin, Texas 78757
(512)968-2835
www.avenuefive.com
It’s hard to believe this gorgeous space, designed by famed architect Joel Mozersky, is actually a beauty school. The high quality of products, the dark and comfortable treatment room, and the talented esthetics students would definitely suggest you’re in a high-end spa. This is a thorough and indulgent facial that will leave you glowing with the satisfaction of having saved about $100 over comparable facials in town.
*Out-of-Austin tip: visit www.avedainstitutes.com to find a quality cosmetology school in your area.

4. $12 Shampoo/Haircut/Style at Avenue Five Institute
8620 Burnet Road, Suite 300 Austin, Texas 78757
(512)968-2835
www.avenuefive.com
Yes. I said $12. Have a cosmetology student at Avenue Five give you a heavenly Kevin Murphy shampoo ritual, followed by a Vidal Sassoon precision haircut and a blowout, all under the close supervision of teachers certified by the acclaimed Sassoon Academy. In fact, make your appointment in the evening or on a Saturday with yours truly!
*Out-of-Austin tip: Once you’ve found a great school for facials, ask your esthetician to recommend a cosmetology student for your hair services.

5. Donation-Based Yoga at Black Swan
1114 W 5th St Ste 202 Austin, TX 78703
(512) 826-1887
www.blackswanyoga.com
This hot new studio is located downtown, within walking distance of Whole Foods. They have tons of classes to meet all schedules and yoga practice preferences. While the requested donation is $10-$15 per class, you are free to contribute what you can. You can also rent a mat for $2, and they have showers and beverages for patrons. Try “Sweaty Yoga,” to detoxify, heal your mind, and skinny-up for the summer.
*Out-of-Austin tip: Google “donation-based yoga” or visit www.yelp.com to find studios in your area. Also, look at your local periodicals for classes in area parks or at community centers.

6. $34 60 minute Massage by Brooke at Massage Harmony
3300 Bee Caves Road Ste 100 Westlake Hills, TX 78746
(512)306-0900
www.massageharmony.com
This recommendation is specific to Brooke at the Westlake location of Massage Harmony, which is very close to Mopac/Zilker Park. While there may be other great therapists at Massage Harmony, I struck gold with Brooke and have no desire to cheat on her. She is amazing, strong, personable and she will massage the life into you for a full 60 minutes (none of that “ten minutes to get dressed” baloney you find in some spas). Plus, after my first visit, Brooke mailed me a postcard for $5 off of my next massage!
*Out-of-Austin tip: Massage schools are another great option for supervised bodywork at very reasonable prices. Once you find a student you like, request them until they graduate, and then ask them to recommend a newer student or follow your therapist to their new job!

7. $3.95 Palladio Herbal Lipgloss (among other treasures) at Nordstrom Rack
9607 Research Boulevard Austin, TX 78759
(512) 651-6180
This place has become my mecca for Current/Elliot jeans, Marc Jacobs sunglasses, Alexis Bittar jewelry, and the aforementioned Palladio Herbal Lipgloss. Merchandise changes regularly, and this new outlet store is always well-stocked and well-organized. Nordstrom has a generous rewards program ($20 for every $100 spent) that includes a debit card so you don’t have to add another credit account to your shopaholic’s arsenal.
*Out-of-Austin tip: for great fashion bargains online, visit www.bluefly.com or search for Nordstrom Rack, Off Fifth (Sak’s Fifth Avenue), or Last Call (Neiman Marcus).

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Filed under: Beauty Products, beauty tips, fashion, grooming, nails, skin care   |  1 Comment
Tags: Alexis Bittar, Austin, Avenue Five Institute, bargains, beauty, Black Swan Yoga, bluefly.com, Current/Elliot, Dermalogica, Facial, fashion, Haircut, Kevin Murphy, manicure, Marc Jacobs, Massage, Massage Harmony, Nordstrom Rack, Palladio, pedicure, Tx, Vidal Sassoon, Wynn Nails, yelp.com, Yoga