Eden’s new spa has tranquil space for facials, body treatments, waxing and other services. (Photo: Hailey Evans)
By Hailey Evans
Walking into Eden is a sensory experience. Deluxe cosmetics and skincare products line the shelves of the East Village shop and spread across the neutral-toned space, their opulent (but not oppressive) scents coalescing into a rich welcome. It’s like coming home and catching a whiff of a delicious dinner cooking in the kitchen — except the promise here is not a meal but an experience of self-care and relaxation.
Owner Hannah Krause knows that for many of its clientele, Eden represents a state of mind as much as a retail store. “It made sense to build on that by offering services,” she said. That’s why she decided to open a spa in the shop’s former storage space in the basement and second story.
It’s a tiny corner of zen, thoughtfully carved out with minimalist design to make the most of its small square footage. Krause wanted the space to offer a “visual break,” with natural colors and textures. Alpaca wool blankets, soft suede chairs, warm tea and a fridge full of snacks and other drinks makes the “waiting room” feel more like an upscale lounge where you’d be happy to linger.
Services range from simple brow waxes and lash tints, to foot reflexology, microcurrent and LED therapy, lymphatic drainage massages and gua sha facials that involve a gentle skin-scraping technique that originated in China. The spa menu features an extensive list of add-ons and enhancements, so each service can be personalized. “I want people to feel inspired to be generous to themselves,” Krause said. “So often we give too much of ourselves to others so there is nothing left for us.”
“Self-care gets categorized as frivolous. I love the idea of reframing that narrative to ‘investing in yourself,’” she added. So far, her own favorite service at the new spa is the 90-minute gua sha facial using Monastery products with added microdermabrasion.
During my recent visit, I was treated to the full gua sha treatment, with LED red light therapy, and by the end, I understood why it made Krause’s shortlist. It was an extension of all the best parts of Eden: the calming aesthetic experience, knowledgeable staff and products worth their reputation.
Eden esthetician Britnee Irlbeck walked me through the science behind the luxury and explained why such a treatment can be beneficial to a healthy skin routine. When I told her that my skin sometimes reacts to harsh chemicals and perfumes, she pointed out products to suit my needs. The Monastery products she used in the treatment are handmade with natural ingredients and derive their subtle scents from botanicals rather than chemicals. They added an aromatic layer to the experience without irritating my skin or my nose. About 90% of the products used in the Eden spa are available in the shop, so guests who find that miracle product can take it home with them.
Irlbeck also recommended a few tips for managing dry winter skin:
• Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin and build-up, especially if it feels like your moisturizer isn’t cutting it. Skipping this step can actually prevent moisturizer from absorbing into skin effectively, leaving your skin drier.
• Use gua sha at home to promote blood flow and circulation, but be careful to avoid damaging your skin. Keep the pressure light and make sure your gua sha tool is nearly flat to your skin, not directly perpendicular.
• Drink plenty of water!
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