A beauty editor’s guide to the best of LA

Aussie beauty editor Mary Zavaglia lives and works in the City of Angels – yes LA. Not surprisingly, given her job and all, she knows the best salons in la la land. Lucky for us she’s willing to spill the beauty beans – as it were. Here, her handy LA beauty guide.

For Facials

Bianca Beverly Hills. This salon specialises in micro-dermabrasion and European facials meaning your skin is super hydrated and baby smooth after just one visit. Bianca is also known for her bespoke facials so expect a truly personalised treatment. Book well in advance though – she’s popular – and also, be prepared to bump into one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. They’re regulars here.

Bianca Beverly Hills  
Suite #252 
462 N Linden Drive, 
Beverly Hills 90212 
(1) 310 489 5121   

 

 

For Hair Styling

My all time favourite is Joseph Orozco at Meche. He provides the most precise, most chic haircuts ever. He takes his time though, so book out a morning or afternoon. You won’t regret it. His cuts are flawless and flattering, plus his blow outs are the bomb. Somehow he makes even the most fine of hair super full and sexy and it stays that way for days. He is definitely my mane man.

Meche 
8820 Burton Way  
Beverly Hills 90212 
(1) 310 278 8930  
 
For Hair Colour

The colourist who has my heart is Jonathan Gale at Sally Hershburger. He creates the most beautiful, personalised colours so that hair looks healthy and super shiny, yet always 100 per cent natural. He’s the man responsible for Charlize Therons’ glamorous highlights in the Dior J’adore campaigns and also Diane Keaton’s signature sun-kissed, bronde (yep – that’s brunette meets blonde for the uninitiated).

Sally Hershburger 

760 La Cienega Blvd 
Los Angeles 90069 
(1) 310 854 4922 

For Brows

I recommend a house call from Hinda Ruenzel. She whips brows into shape via threading.  Her technique is the best I have ever experienced and my brows look incredibly well-groomed, indeed perfect even, and for weeks. Plus, she has the ability to lift brows effectively taking several years off. I have her on speed dial. Actually, so does half of Beverly Hills!

(1) 310 7388602

For Lashes

My lash queen is Gloria Ting from Beverly Hills Lashes. She uses lash extensions that are made of a flexible synthetic material (no minks suffered here thank goodness) and also, a superior adhesive meaning those gorgeous lashes stay put for longer.

 

Beverly Hills Lashes 

642 ½ N Robertson Blvd 

West Hollywood, CA 90069 

(1) 310 500 0551  

For Manicures and Pedicures

My go to is Rosemary Pittman at Umberto Beverly Hills. Her nail polish application is an art in itself. Plus, her manicures last up to 10 days – yes, it’s true! Also her pedicures are to die for. They look gorgeous plus come with a serious exfoliation treatment and a deeply relaxing massage.

Umberto Beverly Hills 
416 N Canon Drive  
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 
(1) 3102746395  

For Spa Treats

If you’re up for some serious pampering, head straight to the Ole Henriksen Spa. I recommend the Taste of Indulgence package. It includes a hydrotherapy soak in water with a hint of French lavender. This is followed by an aromatic salt scrub followed by a sumptuous massage with your choice of rich body oil or a hydrating lotion. Then, there’s a tailored facial treatment to leave your complexion glowing followed by a manicure and pedicure. Heaven.

 

Ole Henriksen 
8622A West Sunset Boulevard 
Los Angeles, CA 90069 
(1) 310 854 7700 

For Hair Removal

My favourite type of hair removal is waxing and nobody does it better than Jannet Targosz at Wax. She uses a combination of hard and strip wax making sure not to irritate the skin giving you a less painful experience. Yay for that. Jannet also prepares the area with a numbing spray and finishes with a massage application of aloe vera and antiseptic spray.

WAX 
7922 Melrose Ave 
Los Angeles, CA 90046 
(1) 323 9519616 

For Faux Tans

Fiona Locke is one of the most sought-after skin finishing and custom tanning experts in the world. She is known for somehow being able to provide a truly natural-looking, golden glow. Fiona calls her technique ‘skin finishing’ because it involves bronzing, but also includes contouring to add definition to the body. Hello abs! Her celebrity clients include Kim Kardashian, Amy Poehler, Evangeline Lilly and Olivia Wilde.

 

Fiona Locke Studio 
1431 Ocean Avenue  
Santa Monica CA 90401 
(1) 561-371-4356 

For Makeup

The best make-up is via the folk at Violet Grey. Your fully qualified make-up artist (who may have just come from a private visit with a Hollywood A-Lister) will give you an in-depth consultation and create a stunning make-up look that will make you look more beautiful than ever. We’re talking make-up miracle workers!

Violet Grey 
8452 Melrose Place 
Los Angeles, CA 90069 
(1) 323 782 9700 

My Expert tips…  
I recommend regular facials and also micro-dermabrasion to keep skin looking younger for longer.

Your hair is your crowning glory and should be treated as such. I like applying a weekly conditioning treatment. For a mega-watt shine add a few drops of a tone-on-tone hair colour to the treatment (making sure it’s a colour match) and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse well and finish with a cool rinse.

Remember to slather on a daily body moisturiser  – a beauty step that is often forgotten. Focus on elbows, knees and feet. A smooth and sexy sheen all over is a definite head turner!

And lastly, smile and laugh a lot. It really will radiate your inner beauty!