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Since opening her spa in 1980, Lia Schorr, who calls herself old-fashioned because she eschews trendy spa “gimmicks,” has attained a rock-solid reputation for skincare expertise. The Israeli author of three books on the subject, Schorr also oversees an eponymous skincare training institute, located one flight up from the spa’s unassuming, slightly cramped East Side quarters. Competent, experienced estheticians—some of whom have been with Schorr for two decades—will tell you that their facials (of which ten varieties are offered) are intended to be effective, not merely relaxing. But thanks to deft finger work, a session in one of the spa’s cushioned recliners—from the invigorating pre-treatment neck, face, and shoulder massage to the soothing mask that’s painted on at the end to prevent red, blotchy marks—is near bliss (punctuated with a few well-executed extractions). A pioneer in the metrosexual service market, the spa now counts men as more than a third of its clientele; many opt for the Oxygen Acne Treatment or microdermabrasion, followed by the blackhead-combating Deep Cleansing Back Treatment. Hot stone massages and paraffin pedicures are popular complements to facials. All services use the spa’s fragrance-free product line, Biobotonics, which is sold exclusively on the premises. — Rose Reis

Lia Schorr has been treating men’s skin since 1980; she even wrote a book on the subject. Grooming for the Groom, which Schorr recommends a week before the wedding, includes a facial, paraffin hand treatment, manicure, and pedicure. Or bring two friends along and get facials, manicures, and pedicures.

Bridal Package
This bright, clean midtown spa offers great wedding packages, such as Beauty for the Bride, which includes a facial, hand treatment, manicure, and pedicure.

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Best of New York Awards

• Best Day of Beauty (2002)