IN PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT PEDI {MEG SKIN AND BODY EXPERTS}

Over the years I have had many pedicures, some good, some bad and some that have left me physically injured!

To me a pedicure is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing of all the beauty treatments you can have. I have decided to do a series of posts on my experiences with pedicures and rate them accordingly.

5 ***** are up for grabs in the seven scoring areas.

I'm really not expecting to find a perfect pedi on my quest, as I believe its quite a tall ask, but I will bring you my personal findings on the day of each pedicure I experience.

Onwards in my quest:

This next pedi in my series of posts is from MEG Skin & Body Experts, which can be found on my doorstep in the Gateway area and has been operating now for around 10 years and in their own words: 

"MEG Skin & Body Experts is not a salon and we are definitely not a spa. We don’t believe in complicated treatment menus with hundreds of treatment options. We cater for the modern executive who has time constraints and requires a practical approach to their grooming needs".

MEG originally stood for Mens' Executive Grooming, when it originally opened, but today both men and women feel totally comfortable and at ease enjoying a wide variety of face and body treatments.
A point of difference at MEG is the strong emphasis on Sports Massage.

There are a couple of Pedicure options with additional "add ons" if required.
I opted for the Full House.

Express Pedi 30 mins R198
Full House Pedi 60 mins R275

1. Booking Process: ****

I walk past MEG several times a week, as I go for my daily Hot Choc fix from iwantmycoffee, just a couple of doors away and have never popped in to see what lies behind the tinted MEG windows, shocking I know, so the other day I ventured in to enquire if they had any available bookings for a pedicure later that day and I was in luck. 
Whilst I was a walk-in and not a phone in, my booking was still handled both in a professional and friendly manner by Sarah. They do however send an sms confirming all telephonic bookings.

Reception Area MEG Skin an Body Experts

2. Bonjour: ****

Often the way in which you are greeted upon arrival for your treatment can set the tone for your overall salon experience. I was greeted and welcomed warmly off the street with my Hot Choc in hand and I could immediately sense the professionalism from the front staff, therapists and from the all important "present" owner Shana and by present I mean "hands on". I was asked to take a seat in one of the comfortable large brown leather chairs and offered a glass of fruit infused water. After being asked the obligatory medical details I was introduced to Nana who would be my therapist for the next hour.

3. Ambiance:***

The ambiance at MEG is one of calm and you get the feeling that you are there for serious therapy treatments with no superfluous non essentials. The clean simple lines of the decor lends itself perfectly to appeal to both the male and female clientele.

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4. Product : ***

I was asked to select my nail colour from a small selection of Essie and Morgan Taylor polishes. I'm always happy to see Essie nail products and for me MEG had a good selection of Pink,Corals and reds, but I opted for an Essie colour, Madison Avenue - Hue.

MEG offer a choice of Dermalogica and Optiphi face and body treatments and also retail the products for home maintenance.They also use in their pedi's and retail the Spalicious range of fruity products.

Nail Polish Selection

5. Treatment: ****

Pedicures are offered in one of the private treatment rooms and I was able to lie back on the bed (which I prefer to sitting) whilst my 'tootsie" and feet were really pampered and treated. What I enjoyed about this particular pedi was the focus on cuticle work and massage, which unfortunately can sometimes be lacking in a pedi. Spalicious fragrant scrubs and massage creams were used and I am happy to report that the exfoliation and massage are performed up to the knee. On an unhappy note and my only complaint, was the lack of a relaxing foot soak. Your feet are cleaned and the exfoliator is removed with warm, wet cloths, but I'm afraid it doesn't really do it for me, call me old fashioned, but I really enjoy the effects of a warm, softening soak and with all my pedi's that I have had over my many years, I can only recall once where this step was omitted. 

My nails were beautifully painted and I thoroughly enjoyed being in the capable and firm hands of the knowledgeable and passionate Nana, so much so, that I will be returning soon for one of her magical back and shoulder massages.

6. Au Revoir: ****

My payment was handled efficiently and I was asked if I would like to re book.

They do offer a Loyalty program and I was explained that they have two types:

Treatment Rewards : All Service categories (Massage therapy, Skin Treatments and Waxing/ Mani/Pedicures) are rewarded for your loyal patronage. 

Retail Rewards : When you purchase any 12 Dermalogica or Optiphi Retail Products, you receive R400 off your next skin treatment.

To activate this rewards program, simply book your first treatment and you will automatically qualify. Its as simple as that!

*T & C’s this program is valid for a period of 12 months

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7. Was it a perfect pedi?

It was a "great" pedi and the whole experience was one of enjoyment, however I can't help thinking how much closer to a Perfect Pedi it could have been with a warm, relaxing bubbly foot soak.


Overall ****

                                                             

MEG Skin & Body Experts

4, Mayfair on the Lake, 

5 Park Ln, 

Durban, 

4319, 

South Africa

Telephone

031 821 0018
084 810 3540

Email

General: info@m-e-g.co.za

You can also follow on facebook

Trading Hours

  » 8am - 6pm Mon-Wed
  » 8am - 7pm Thursday
  » 8am - 5.30pm Friday
  » 8am - 4pm Saturday

IN PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT PEDI - LIFE DAY SPA - CAPE TOWN

Over the years I have had many pedicures, some good, some bad and some that have left me physically injured!

To me a pedicure is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing of all the beauty treatments you can have. I have decided to do a series of posts on my experiences with pedicures and rate them accordingly.

5 ***** are up for grabs in the seven scoring areas.

I'm really not expecting to find a perfect pedi on my quest, as I believe its quite a tall ask, but I will bring you my personal findings on the day of each pedicure I experience.

                                                                        Onwards in my quest:

For my 4th "In Pursuit of the Perfect Pedi" review I ventured further afield, in fact, to Cape Town and visited the Life Day Spa, which is situated in the Crystal Towers Hotel in Century City.

This Spa forms part of the Life Spa group and has won several awards over the past few years.

I have on several previous occasions visited this Spa for Pedicures, Hot Stone Therapy and Flotation Therapy treatments, all of which have been most enjoyable.

They have an extensive treatment and therapy menu and I suggest you visit their website for further info regarding prices, packages and treatment descriptions.

They have 3 Pedicures on offer and I chose the 

Luxury Stone Pedicure
60 mins
R280

A classic pedicure including a paraffin wrap, 

coupled with and a luxurious hot and cold stone massage

1. Booking Process: ****

I booked over the phone and it was all handled professionally and efficiently with a confirmation sms being sent to my phone within minutes. You can make an appointment for any treatment via their website, but any appointments needed within 48 hours must be booked telephonically. I have previously booked online and my appointment was confirmed via e.mail. I strongly advise that you book well in advance though, as I really battled to get my pedi appointment over the weekend.

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2. Bonjour: ****

The Spa is located on the first floor of the Crystal Towers Hotel and is beautifully equipped and laid out with the Spa guests being allowed to use the pool, sauna and steam rooms as part of any treatment booked, so go prepared with your costume...

My greeting at the reception was, as I expected it to be, both professional and slick.(This Spa is exceptionally busy and runs to time, so do not arrive late otherwise it's your treatment time that is eaten into)

~~~~~

3. Ambiance:***

The ambiance of the Spa is luxurious and exudes calm and tranquillity . On arrival you are shown to a quiet waiting area, where you can partake in water, teas and some healthy nibbles, before filling in the necessary customer details/indemnity form. Your therapist then leads you to your treatment area. The Spa has a purpose built mani/pedi room, but a couple of years ago your pedi was done in the calm of a quiet treatment room, which I preferred, as it was far more relaxing and peaceful. Unfortunately the mani/pedi room is located alongside the gym and for 30 minutes of my hour long treatment I had to endure the irritating whirring noise of an energetic runner on a treadmill.

Waiting area complete with fruit,teas and healthy nibbles

Luxurious customised pedicure area

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4. Product : ***

Following my check in at the reception I was shown to the polish bar to make my colour choice,but I have to say that whilst the selection of brands on offer were good,( Morgan Taylor, CND Vinylux and OPI) I found the colour choice to be rather poor for this award winning Spa. I decided on a CND Vinylux polish, which I have used before and have always been impressed with the lasting qualities of this professional nail brand.

The Spa also uses and retails one of my favourite skin and body care brands - La Prairie.Other ranges used in treatments and available for purchase are Optiphi and Nimue.

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5. Treatment: ***

The pedicure itself followed the normal procedure of soak,exfoliation,cuticle work, massage and painting. I opted to pay an extra R60 to have a Medi-Heel exfoliation treatment, but  I will review this under a "Smooth Those Feet" post in the near future. Due to me having this treatment the foot scraper was hardly used and even though I expressed that my big toe nails needed cutting, as they were rather long I was told that they were short enough! Since no cutting took place, only filing, I actually ended cutting my big toe nails that evening. (My hubby even passed a comment as to why I was cutting my own toenails when I had just paid R340 for a pedicure)

I have had Hot Stone Therapy before during both a body massage and a pedicure, but I can't say I would opt for the stone therapy again during a pedi.My pedi also included a Paraffin wrap and my feet were placed in warm booties, but again I wasn't impressed with the so called "benefits" of either the hot stones or the wax treatment. Two coats of the quick drying polish were applied with no base coat as the CND Vinylux range negates the application base coat.

Hot and Cold Stone Therapy

Paraffin Wrap treatment with heated booties

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6. Au Revoir: ***

My therapist escorted me to the reception where my account payment was handled promptly, but there was no mention of me re booking another treatment. The Life Day Spa do offer a loyalty program and they do text you on a regular basis informing its members of special offers on treatments and product promotions.

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7. Was it a perfect pedi?

On my previous visits over the years, I have always come away feeling very satisfied with my overall experience, but alas this visit was marred by several things, the lack of polish colours on offer, the noise from the gym making it far from relaxing and the non cutting of my big toe nails even though I requested, all making this a very average pedi all for an above average price. R340 including the Medi-heel  treatment (R280 without)

Overall ***

The finished result. (Colour - Married to the Mauve)

Tel : 021 5253883 

Address : 1st Floor, Crystal Hotel & Spa,

Cnr Century Boulevard and Rialto Road , Century City. 7441

Operating Hours : 

Monday - Saturday : 8am - 7pm

Sunday & Public Holidays : 9am - 5pm

To read other posts in this series:

The Spa

Teremok Spa

Sorbet

My Nightmare Pedi

IN PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT PEDI {SORBET UMHLANGA ROCKS}

Over the years I have had many pedicures, some good, some bad and some that have left me physically injured!

To me a pedicure is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing of all the beauty treatments you can have. I have decided to do a series of posts on my experiences with pedicures and rate them accordingly.

5 ***** are up for grabs in the seven scoring areas.

I'm really not expecting to find a perfect pedi on my quest, as I believe its quite a tall ask, but I will bring you my personal findings on the day of each pedicure I experience.

                                                                    Onwards in my quest: 

1. Booking Process: ****

I  booked over the phone and my booking was handled professionally, but no sms confirmation was sent.Sorbet salons have popped up all over the country in the last few years and most are run as a franchise, so the chances are there is one in a major shopping centre near you.

2. Bonjour: ***

Upon my arrival I was greeted and introduced to my pedicurist and asked to choose my polish.However I wasn't offered any drink at this point, but I was asked during the course of my pedi.

3. Ambiance:***

In my pursuit of the perfect pedi I realize that I am not comparing apples with apples when it comes to visiting a Spa for a pedicure as opposed to a nail bar or salon. I feel that the ambiance is an important factor in my overall pleasure of the pedi and in most cases the Spas win hands down. The ambiance in this Sorbet salon whilst being very pleasant was in no way a match for my two previous spa reviews.

4. Product : ****

Where the Sorbet salon loses a star for ambiance it reclaims it in the product section. Sorbet salons have a great collection of nail products to choose from OPI, Morgan Taylor and Essie and most are available to purchase. Sorbet have recently launched their own nail colour range and ancillary mani and pedi products. (I love their range of nail polish removers with the salon pump)

All Sorbet salons stock Dermalogica, which is a great salon brand along with Environ and their own Sorbet range of face and body products.

5. Treatment: ***

The treatment that lasted an hour included the obligatory and necessary soak and exfoliation (using Sorbet products) in yet another plastic bowl. The order of the pedicure was different to the norm and the way I was taught, as the soak was literally a quick dip in warm water and out again and then a longer soak later on in the pedicure, by which time the water was barely luke warm. I was alarmed that the exfoliating treatment was only to my feet and toes and not to the lower leg, yet the massage was performed on my lower leg up to the knee.I have to be honest and say I didn't like this order, especially as I felt a little cheated. Never having had a Sorbet pedi before I am not sure if this is a Sorbet procedure or the pedicurist's own method.

My pedicurist was friendly and attentive, but was a little lacking when it came to the filing and massaging, however she did paint well.

6. Au Revoir: ***

My "checkout" was handled efficiently and I was asked if I would like to enrol in their Loyalty program which I did, as it is linked with the clicks loyalty. Unfortunately I wasn't asked if I would like to re book another pedi.

7. Was it a perfect pedi ?

Unfortunately not, but having said this I will try another Sorbet salon, just to compare and find out about that unusual order of the pedicure.

For more info on Sorbet Salons visit

www.sorbet.co.za

Shop 06 Granada Square 

16 Chartwell Drive 

Umhlanga Rocks

Tel: 031 561 2538

Or

 073 042 6496

IN PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT PEDI {TEREMOK SPA}

Over the years I have had many pedicures, some good, some bad and some that have left me physically injured!

To me a pedicure is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing of all the beauty treatments you can have. I have decided to do a series of posts on my experiences with pedicures and rate them accordingly.

5 ***** are up for grabs in the seven scoring areas.

I'm really not expecting to find a perfect pedi on my quest, as I believe its quite a tall ask, but I will bring you my personal findings on the day of each pedicure I experience.

                                                                             Onwards in my quest:

My second "pedi" in my series of posts is from the Teremok Spa in Marine Drive Umhlanga Rocks. The spa forms part of the award winning 5* Teremok Lodge and is true to the meaning of the Russian name, being a “little hideaway” for lodge guests and a discerning outside clientele. The Spa offers all the usual treatments you would expect including two options of pedicures, R260 for a 1hr. Pedicure and R300 for a Paraffin Wax Pedicure. 
I was rather excited to see that they also offer a foot peel for R100, which can be a treatment on its own or an add on to the pedicure, but extra time is required.
 Knowing my views on exfoliation this has to be my next treatment, as I have been assured its excellent, so I am there as soon as time allows and you can be sure a review will be posted.

Koi Pond

1. Booking Process: ****

I phoned at 8.40am to make a booking, but an answering machine came on, so I left my details and someone phoned me soon after to take my phone booking, which was handled professionally and enthusiastically with an sms confirmation being sent soon after.

~~~~~~

2. Bonjour: ****

On my arrival I headed up towards the lodge reception, as I was unsure as to where the spa entrance was, other than a gym sign on a door there was no direction boards that I could see. Once I was directed to the door by the Koi pond I was pleasantly greeted and led through to a relaxation lounge area where I filled in the mandatory details and contra indications questionnaire, which many salons do not do! I had a little chuckle to myself as I noticed a lovely floral box that contained reading glasses for those that had forgotten and needing readers myself...I thought this was a really thoughtful touch and one that I can't say I have seen before.

I was offered a selection if drinks including cappuccino, tea and water which is what I opted for. It was a hot day and the infused water came with welcoming ice! I was shown by my pedicurist Kelly to one of the two treatment rooms and once comfortably settled on the treatment bed my pedi began.

Reading Glasses Box

3. Ambiance:***

The usual "salon" type relaxing music was playing in the background and the room, which did have a beautiful feature wall, was darkened and relaxing, but it seemed a pity that they couldn't somehow create a pedi n mani area to overlook the pool or an outside courtyard area.

Treatment Room

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4. Product : ***

When I was asked to chose my nail colour, I was excited to see a great selection of Essie polishes, if for some reason you are not a fan of Essie, which fortunately I am, then you have no other choice. Teremok Spa offers a wide range of face and body treatments available using products from Dermalogica, Mama Mio and Lillian Terry International, and state-of-the-art BT anti-ageing technology.

~~~~~~

5. Treatment: ***

The treatment that lasted an hour included the obligatory and necessary soak and exfoliation in a plastic washing up bowl...yes a plastic washing up bowl!!  A nice touch at the start if the pedi was a heated bean bag around my neck and shoulders. My pedicurist Kelly was friendly, attentive and experienced. She was thorough and had good firm hands when doing the lower leg massage.The usual foot scraping, cuticle pushing and painting all made for a very pleasant pedi at Teremok Spa.

~~~~~~

6. Au Revoir: ***

My "checkout" was handled efficiently and I was asked if I wanted to make a booking for the foot peel that Kelly sold me on. One of the owners was on hand and asked how I enjoyed my pedi, which is always a nice to see.

~~~~~~

7. Was it a perfect pedi?

Whilst it was a good proffessional pedi, I would recommend the Teremok Spa to ditch the plastic washing up bowl for something a little more "in keeping" with the Spa's upmarket image. I can't wait though to return for another pedi and a foot peel.

Overall ****

Finished Result

Teremok Lodge

To find out more about treatments offered at Teremok Spa

www.teremokspa.co.za

Previous posts In Pursuit of the Perfect Pedi

1. The Spa On Fairway

IN PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT PEDI {THE SPA}

Over the years I have had many pedicures, some good, some bad and some that have left me physically injured!

To me a pedicure is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing of all the beauty treatments you can have. I have decided to do a series of posts on my experiences with pedicures and rate them accordingly.

5 ***** are up for grabs in the seven scoring areas.

I'm really not expecting to find a perfect pedi on my quest, as I believe its quite a tall ask, but I will bring you my personal findings on the day of each pedicure I experience.

Onwards in my quest:

Koi Pond entrance to the Spa

First "pedi" up is from The Spa on Fairway in Durban North. This Spa has been around for many years and operates from a converted house overlooking the Beachwood golf course and the Indian Ocean. The Spa offers all the usual treatments you would expect including two options of pedicures R250 for a Pedicure and R330 for a Paraffin Pedicure.

~~~~~~

1. Booking Process: ***

My phone booking was handled professionally and enthusiastically, but no confirmation was sent. 

~~~~~~

2. Bonjour: ***

On my arrival I was pleasantly greeted and asked if I would like a drink, not sure what the options were I asked for water. I was shown by my pedicurist to a large lazy boy type "pedi"chair that was squishy and comfortable. Immediately I was feeling relaxed, in fact I could have closed my eyes and had 40 winks. My glass of plain chilled water arrived, but it would have been a nice touch to just have some lemon or other fruits to flavor the water, but plain it was to be!  

~~~~~~

3. Ambiance:****

The usual "salon" type relaxing music was playing and even though it was a large open plan reception cum "pedi" and "mani" area other guests were respecting the peacefulness of the Spa.

The Spa overlooks a lovely pool and gardens, but the jewel in this salon are the magnificent views over the Beachwood Golf course and out to sea.

I went on a beautiful hot January summers day, so the sky and sea were blue and it really was a stunning view to gaze at whilst have my "tootsies" pampered.Not all of the pedi chairs face out to sea, so request when booking otherwise you loose out on the best part of the "Spa pedi" experience.

~~~~~~

4. Product : **

I was asked to choose my nail colour before the pedi from a rather poor selection of colours. I chose the above colour, as it was about the best on offer. The brands on offer were Zoya and CND Vinylux. They do have Shellac for those opting for a Shellac mani or pedi and the colour choices were much better. The salon stocks Dermalogica skin and body range.

My polish choice

Dermalogica Retail bar

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5. Treatment: ***

The treatment that lasted an hour included the obligatory and necessary soak in a large metal bowl, but what was slightly different with this pedi was the inclusion of a Rose and Caviar solution that with time turned into a gel. I was assured that me feet would feel beautifully soft and once a powder was added the gel returned to its original liquid state and yes my feet did feel soft, more so than with a usual soak session.Another nice touch while you feet are soaking is a quick complimentary neck and shoulder massage, which I needed.My pedicurist, whose name I cannot remember, was friendly and just got on with the job at "hand" or should I say "foot", which I prefer, despite me being a chatterbox. She was thorough and had good firm hands when doing the lower leg massage.The usual foot scraping, cuticle pushing and painting all made for a very pleasant pedi at the Spa.

Rose & Caviar Soak

6. Au Revoir: **

My invoice was ready and farewells were said, but no suggestion of re booking or even an enquiry as to whether I enjoyed my treatment, but it was lunch time and I got a sense that food was calling from the kitchen.

~~~~~~

7. Was it a perfect pedi?

Whilst it was a lovely, relaxing pedi with a great view and my feet felt great, it was let down by the poor polish selection and the somewhat indifference by the staff.

Overall ***

Finished Result

Contact Details

130 Fairway

Durban North

Kzn

031 573 1700

031 573 2528