You must admit: We’re all in dire need of a little pampering. Over a year has passed since the lockdown and our roots are showing, our brows are a little bushy, and our manicures are barely holding up. While we’re all trying to learn how to DIY our entire beauty routine, there’s really nothing like getting a professional on board so that we could just sit back, relax, and trust that we’re in good hands. It’s a good thing some of our favorite pre-pandemic go-to’s have re-opened, and establishments in malls such as SM have put protocols in place to make sure we can get pampered while staying safe.
If you’re craving for some much-needed beauty time, drop that pair of scissors (or that strip of hot wax!) and head on over to these hair, nail, and body salons that are as big on safety as they are on beauty.
Toni and Guy
Take our word for it: It is never a good time to cut your own bangs! Leave it up to the professionals at Toni and Guy—they’re known to give celebrities the cut and color of their dreams. All salon staff are equipped with head to toe PPEs, and each client receives a single-use personal protection pack, which includes a bag for your belongings and a disposable customer gown. Plus, you can get a free hair care product worth P1,000+ if you book any two services at their SM Mall of Asia branch so that you can keep that celeb-worthy hair for longer. Their offer is only until supplies last, so book that appointment now!
Branches: SM Aura Premier, SM Mall of Asia
Strip
Getting waxed can be daunting, but knowing you’re getting the treatment from the best of the best definitely helps. The Strip has always been the most hygienic place to get your bushes pruned, and they’ve upped their game since the pandemic started. As has been their practice since they first opened 2008, they will never in a million years double-dip, and all their materials, including gloves and chair covers, are never re-used. All treatment areas get sanitized after every use and the whole salon is disinfected with UV at least twice a day. Plus, they’ve installed foot baths, dividers, and sanitation stations—just a testament to their commitment to client safety.
Branches: S Maison, SM Megamall
Browhaus
If you don’t want to end up with sparse, uneven brows, we highly suggest you leave your arches up to the professionals at Browhaus. They use a special brow-mapping technique to leave you with brows that frame your face perfectly. As far as safety goes, their therapists maintain strict hygiene practices by donning masks, latex gloves and sanitizing all tools, equipment, and workstations with hospital-grade disinfectants. They make sure to care for all their staff, too, making sure they take their vitamins and are always fit and well to work.
Branches: S Maison, SM Megamall
Simply Skin
If you have been dreaming of lying down for a relaxing facial, you’re in luck! All first-timers at Simply Skin can now get The Essential Facial at a discounted rate of P1,500. Your journey to better skin (and relaxing treatments) is now safer than ever, too, thanks to their safety protocols: All rooms and surfaces are carefully sanitized after each treatment; masks, gloves, and sheets are replaced after every use; all their aesthetic nurses will be equipped with complete personal protective equipment (PPE suit, protective eye goggles, surgical face mask, and gloves); and their clinics are equipped with UV air purifiers, protective panels, and social distancing floor stickers.
Branches: SM North EDSA, SM Megamall
Beauty & Butter
Let’s make these dreary days bright and cheery with a colorful mani-pedi. Get your nails done in the safest way possible at Beauty & Butter—they’ve made sure you’ve got nothing to worry about. All their nail technicians come in full safety gear and each client gets a 100% Sterilized Tools Pouch containing the essential sanitized tools that are used by their “Buttercups” (a.k.a. nail specialists) during the session. Need another reason to smile? Select services at their SM branches are now at 20% off!
Branches: SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Taytay, SM City Cebu, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Bacolod
Wink Laser Studio
Wink started offering medical grade laser treatments at a fair and accessible price in 2012. Using U.S. FDA-approved machines operated by trained staff with the utmost hygiene—they’ve become our go-to for effective facials that banish pores and blemishes. They’ve finally re-opened with safety equipment as advanced as their lasers: UV Air Purifiers and Smoke Evacuators (which capture plume from laser procedures). Book their 10-session packages to get their treatments at more than 50% off the per session price.
Branches: The Podium, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Fairview
Numi Wellness Spa
The ultimate me-time: book a spa day at Numi Wellness Spa. Try their special hot rolling stone massage or their detox lymphatic massage that promises a firmer, more toned body. You’ll feel extra safe because all of their staff are fully vaccinated! On top of that, they use disposable bed sheets and disinfect all of their furniture and equipment frequently for everyone’s safety.
Branches: SM Southmall, SM City Bacoor, SM Mall of Asia
David’s Salon
As part of the hair chain’s campaign for a safer salon experience for everyone, David’s Salon is offering free hair treatments for clients who avail of any hair service and are able to show their COVID-19 vaccination card this whole month of June (see more deals from over a thousand stores here!) Not yet vaccinated? Don’t fret. The salon ensures customer safety by only accepting clients with prior bookings, implementing social distancing protocols, and facilitating cashless transactions via credit and debit card, Paymaya, GCash and WeChat Pay. You can also check available vaccination sites in SM malls here.
Branches: SM City San Mateo, SM City East Ortigas, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM Center Ormoc, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Consolacion, SM City Molino, SM Center Imus, SMDC Grace Mall, SM City Cabanatuan (For more branches, check out the SM Mall Directory.)
There you have it—eight beauty and grooming destinations you can visit for the safe, pampering day you very much deserve. For more safe ways to treat yourself, visit the nearest SM Mall or check out the complete SM Mall Directory here.
