Best Indy Spas: Pure Polish

Dual Exfoliation Facial, $105*, at Hillside Avenue Spa & Salon

The Premise: Scarf, coat, boots, gloves—you can protect most of your body from winter’s brunt. But just a few weeks into windy, subfreezing temps, my face felt chafed. At this Aveda spa and salon near Glendale, the signature dual exfoliation treatment skips the chemicals and painful extractions of a typical medspa facial and instead relies on the holistic company’s earthy products to buff your kisser smooth.

The Process: Lying under a warm blanket, my bare shoulders exposed, I received a hand massage from co-director and 18-year spa vet Adrienne Boyd, who then applied a series of superfine scrubs—natural alternatives to microdermabrasion—masques, lotions, and sprays, including a Perfecting Plant Peel thermal masque that gently smoldered while it exfoliated. Boyd periodically tapped her fingertips like pattering raindrops across my face—a delightfully soothing sensation.

The Vibe: There are more-posh Aveda destinations, but I doubt you’ll find a friendlier one. Boyd’s motherly ministrations and the cozy environs of the little green house extend to the treatment rooms, where recessed lights and a classic bamboo-flute score lulled me into a meditative state.

The Result: My face looked tighter after the hour-long facial, and strangely enough, felt lighter, so much so that the 18-degree wind whipping outside merely registered as cool tingles against my silky-soft cheeks.

Before You Go: Skip the mascara, or risk raccoon eyes.

Wish We’d Known: Not to plan an outing afterward. The complimentary (blissful) scalp massage led to a Bride of Frankenstein moment.

Bonus Tip: Schedule a one-hour treatment during “flexible pricing” hours (open–2 p.m.) Monday through Thursday, and they’ll knock off $10.

Try This If: You have sensitive skin that might not withstand a glycolic peel.

* $95 if you’re an Aveda Pure Privileges member.

6150 Hillside Ave., 317-769-9000, hillsideavenuespa.com

 

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A native of Inman, South Carolina, Amanda Heckert graduated from the Honors College at the University of South Carolina and began her career in journalism as an intern at Atlanta magazine. She then edited Newcomer magazine, a monthly covering Atlanta real estate, entertainment, arts, dining, and education, and helped launch a sister publication, Atlanta School Guide.In 2006, Heckert returned to Atlanta magazine and worked her way up from associate editor covering fashion and lifestyle to senior editor. In that position, she edited and wrote features on topics such as Dasani bottled water and The Real Housewives of Atlanta; contributed to and edited the front-of-book; and edited service and non-service packages, including the September 2011 Hollywood Issue, nominated for a City and Regional Magazine Association Award.Heckert joined Indianapolis Monthly in February 2012 and enjoys getting to know the Circle City with her husband, writer Justin Heckert, and their dog, Cooper.