Brooklyn Beauty Bar

Located right on James Street, this pampering spot is easy to get to and to spot.

They offer a variety of services, from nails to waxing to IPL. Brooklyn is definitely not the cheapest place in town, but their facilities are simple and clean, and has the interiors of a Brooklyn loft. The place also wasn't overwhelmingly musty with the smell of incense or air freshener, which was a huge plus for this allergy-prone customer. The girls there are super friendly, quick at their job, and have the cutest outfits complete with a bow tie. Love it!

One of my post-holiday resolves was to take better care of my appearance. Not for anyone other than myself. Starting with a regular manicure. There are few things in life that can make a gal feel like a classier broad than red lipstick, a fresh manicure, heels and a blow dry.

On a whim, I stopped in to the newly-opened Brooklyn Beauty Bar and asked if they'd have time to squeeze me in for a shellac mani. (Note to self: plan these things in advance).

They could and within 45mins I was out the door with nails not tallons and sporting a glossy mushroom coloured shellac. There was no awkward small talk between my nail technician and I - my kind of experience.

The fit out of Brooklyn Beauty Bar makes you feel like you've possibly walked into a super cool lounge bar where a suitably Don Draper-esque waiter will serve you a dirty Manhattan. The girls have done a great job and I've already booked for a return visit!

I wanted to find a place to get my shellac done that was a little more fancy than usual and this seemed to be the right place for that. #treatyoself

The place is quite nice, unlike a usual nail salon you sit at a nice high wooden bench and the staff are very friendly. I chose the colour 'mermaid green', the colour selection available is limited compared to other places I have been, however there is still some variety. You do receive a bottle of water and they have recently started using their own brand of nail file and you get to take yours home.

If you are feeling fancy you can also have a drink while you have your nails done. I would recommended booking in advance. It was a little more expensive than I normally pay but I would be back. Take along a girlfriend and get your nails done over some champagne!

I chose Brooklyn (Petrie Terrace location) because it had a more masculine vibe and I thought my husband would appreciate that for his first pedicure ever. He loved it! The ambiance is very 40s/50s NYC and feels more like a lounge than a beauty parlor. Leather chairs, a specialty gin bar, staff in bow ties: such a cool and unique place. We will definitely be back!

Today I had a full set of acrylics done by Kim. Such a cool little salon, very clean and friendly staff. Probably the best set of nails I've ever had will definitely be come back in the near future for a refill and would recommend to friends and family