MANILA, Philippines - Though its French name directly translates to “a beautiful view,” it is an understatement to describe Salon Beauvoir, the metro’s newest luxury salon, as just beautiful. Tucked in the tranquil quarters of Somerset Olympia at the core of Makati’s bustling CBD, this relaxing sanctuary tops the growing list of high-end pampering centers today.
Upon entering, guests won’t help but wonder if they’ve just been transported to an elegant dressing room of an aristocratic French boudoir. From its interiors alone, Salon Beauvoir is truly a feast for the senses. Deviating from the usual modern minimalist style, the salon’s take on its French inspiration commences with the delicate wall treatments and is carried onto the ceilings adorned with elegant chandeliers. The lobby makes a grand statement with an impressive reception table, a larger-than-life velvet couch paired with an equally huge vintage mirror. The main styling area has eight individual dressers lining the wall and is complemented by 10 individual floating stations in acrylic and steel, fusing vintage with modern touches.
To ensure utmost privacy, the salon has three VIP rooms equipped with delightful amenities such as iPads for use by the VIP guests. Each room is perfect for individuals who want to unwind after a day’s work or for a group of friends who want to bond over beauty pampering sessions. A separate private room is designated as the waxing and facial service area.
The whole salon has free Wi-Fi connection for customers. The convenience is further enhanced by the available parking at the basement of Somerset Olympia and the proximity of food and beverage establishments such as the enduring classic Old Swiss Inn.
A cut above the rest
Apart from its classy interiors, Salon Beauvoir boasts an impressive pool of seasoned beauty experts and professional stylists.
A visit to the salon starts with a consultation with the creative team to discuss the customers’ personal beauty needs. Leading the team is the husband-and-wife tandem of Jojo and Monette Rivera. Having honed her hairdressing technique with Vidal Sassoon in Kuala Lumpur and her color expertise through various courses with L’Oreal Academie, Monette takes on the role of creative director. She comes with more than 20 years of experience in various high-end salons in Metro Manila. Just recently, she bagged the highest award for the L’Oreal Master Colorist course and will be sharing her know-how as the featured Local Guest Artist of L’Oreal for 2012.
On the other hand, senior stylist Jojo Rivera is considered one of the “best kept secrets” in men’s hair styling because of his exceptional expertise in men’s grooming. In his more than two decades of experience in the industry, Jojo has won the prestigious Schwarzkopf Hair Styling Competition and represented the country in the international competition. He is a favorite stylist of many male personalities in the country today.
Another member of the Salon Beauvoir creative team is international stylist Sam Santos who has traveled to no less than 70 countries. His rigorous but exciting training in London as part of the Steiner Group (the official hairdresser to the queen and her guests), have greatly helped him hone his craft. With 26 years in the beauty industry, he is an authority in hair styling, makeup, treatments and facials. He was even given the moniker the “Repair Man” by his clients because of his remarkable skill in hair styling and rejuvenating extremely damaged hair.
Adding to the list is the young and stylish Pam Ferrater who has more than 10 years of salon experience. She studied hairdressing at the Center for Aesthetic Studies (CAS) and later became the personal hair stylist and makeup artist for the royal family in Brunei. While multi-skilled, she specializes in hair and makeup, including airbrush makeup.
Another key member of the Salon Beauvoir team is Susy Cervantes, known in some beauty circles as the “Waxing Queen.” She has trained in top local and international salons in more than 15 years in the beauty industry. Susy supervises the nail and body care group of Salon Beauvoir and continues to be the preferred “waxing lady” of her exclusive and upscale clientele.
Salon Beauvoir uses only the best and most trusted brands for their clients. These brands include Kerastase, Pureology, L’Oreal, Inoa, Davines and Schwarzkopf for hair color, treatments, re-texturizing and styling. The salon also uses Sothys Paris for its facial treatments and OPI, Essie and Orly for nail care services. In addition, the salon also offers makeup services including airbrush makeup, full facial and men’s express facial, body/back/hand massage, foot spa, paraffin treatments and threading services.
Best Comes First
Salon Beauvoir more than lives up to its name as a purveyor of beautiful imagery. It is an experience that must be felt to be fully appreciated.
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Salon Beauvoir is at the Upper G/F, Somerset Olympia, 7912 Makati Ave. corner Sto. Tomas St., Makati City. Open from Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. To book an appointment, call 904-5154, 478-7670 or 0916-681-3722.