Every so often, I like to treat myself to something special.  Whether it be a manicure, pedicure, new clothes, make up, etc. Today, I would like to share with you where I went to get my face pampered.

Your pampering treatment awaits you.

Jane’s Beauty Salon on 43 Emek Refaiim in Jerusalem’s Moshava Germanit i.e.: The German Colony.

Let me just say that for an entire hour I was in a state of bliss which included a wonderful back massage. I didn’t want it to end. The skin of my face looked great! I received so many compliments.

Jane Elisha has been in the beauty business for over 30 years. She is originally from Manchester, UK. Her clientele is mostly made up of Anglo Saxons, and locals from the surrounding areas of the German Colony.

She is very professional and attentive to her customers. There are no phone calls. No interruptions. Just 100 percent quality and service. Everything is sterile. All instruments are cleaned and sterilized after each use. The best part of her job is seeing her customers satisfied, rejuvenated, and looking good. I certainly feel that way when I leave her salon.

The salon’s services include all kinds of facial treatments, back massages, pedicures, manicures, all kinds of body waxing, and much more. The American skin care company, Dermologica, is used for all skin treatments.

Which cream would you like?

I asked Jane what are the most requested nail polish colors from her customers. She told me that sheer colors are asked for all year round. OPI Bubblebath is another popular varnish. Popular darker colors include Lincoln Park and After Dark by OPI.

Which color will you go for?

Her customers are always offered tea and coffee. A nice array of English and American magazines are available to read during treatment.

Jane’s Salon hours are Sunday to Thursday, 9AM-6PM. Fridays 8:30-14:00.

Contact numbers are 02-561-2124 and 054-5465802. By appointment only.

Tune into my next blog, where I will show you another great facial treatment that was done at Jane’s Beauty Salon!

beckysbeautytips.com

Hi there,

I have finally made a big jump and now have my own domain blog free of wordpress.com. So please go to beckysbeautytips.com for future blogs.

Thank you.

Rebecca

Fashionable Luxury Eyewear For You

I have been a contact lens wearer ever since, (you’re not going to believe this),  I was 8 years old. I know that it’s hard to believe. My glasses were only worn at the end of the day when my eyes grew tired from the contacts.

My eye doctor told me this summer that he thought I couldn’t wear lenses anymore. I shuddered. What? No more lenses? He said the Jerusalem air was making my eyes so dry that the contacts could only be worn minimally.  I had a hard time digesting that bit of news because my problem was that glasses never really did look good on me. I searched from store to store for a nice pair of glasses and, alas, I could not find any that I liked. You’ll be happy to know that there is a happy ending. My mother in NJ has a friend whose granddaughter and husband in Israel own a very chic, high end eyeglass store, located on Rechov Ben Yehuda in Jerusalem’s downtown. Erez Optic. 

I  was very impressed. There are rows and rows of beautiful and very stylish first class frames.  They even had a great sale!  50% off all frames. (They still have this sale). I chose well! 

Designer brands include Miu Miu, PRADA, Dior, Tiffany & co., Ralph Lauren, and many more. Erez Optics also carries exclusive brands such as Ron Arad, Mykita, and a few others.

The Ralph Lauren Glasses that I picked, I hardly take off! Just love them!  I also paid for special tinted lenses that darken into sunglasses so I don’t have to worry about finding my sunglasses!

Customer service at Erez Optic is very personable and professional. The owners wanted to bring a store to Jerusalem that combined the highest level of expertise with the most updated and fashionable frames from worldwide well known designers. They also carry many types of contact lenses.

Erez Optic is the only store in Jerusalem which has a specialized kids’ section for children needing eyeglasses. Ages start from babies who are one month old. 

The high quality frames are made from the material, miraflex, which ensures eye safety for children. You and your child have a choice of over two hundred different styles of fashionable eyeglasses and sunglasses. All staff are trained optometrists covering the area of pediatrics.

Even the sales staff are optometry students! Erez Optic work with reputable eye doctors and centers including the Kupat Holim Meuhedet. Eye exams for children are done by an experienced optometrist who is also a faculty member at the Hadassah School of Optometry.

Television shows and a small play center are provided to keep the kids busy while the parents look for suitable glasses.

The adult eye exam is included in the price when purchasing eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Clients come from all over Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Be’er Sheva, and other cities. The store’s loyal customers from Brazil, the United States, Canada, Venezuela and many more countries always return.

Erez Optic is located on 7 Ben Yehuda Street, Jerusalem. Phone number is 972-2-624-2777. Their email address is erezoptic@gmail.com. On Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/ErezOptic. For Kids, http://www.facebook.com/ErezOpticKids.

The New You

I was always photogenic growing up. It’s no secret that as the years pass, things change. Let’s put it this way, I look much better in real life like most of you. 🙂 However, today, with the  iphone, facebook, dating sites, you name it, it’s all about pictures. No one would even think about meeting you if your picture wasn’t stunning. So about a few years ago, I decided that if I wanted a really nice picture of myself, I had to look for a professional to take it. I found her by chance in the same ulpan class that I was in at Ulpan Moresha in Jerusalem.

Melissa Berg. She made aliyah from Toronto and was taking photographs in between classes of some of my classmates. When I saw the final result, I thought WOW!! THIS GIRL IS GOOD!

Melissa’s talent runs in her family. Her mother won a photographic competition, and a picture of Melissa and a friend was published in a magazine.

She always had an interest in photography and would look at magazine photos growing up. In film school she learned how to capture the best look with different lighting and angles.

Her photographs most definitely show her creative side. The aim is to bring out her client’s best features and to give them the image of what they want to project to the world. She told me that many think that their own photos are good enough; the reality is that they don’t realize that with the eye of a professional photographer, they can be made to look even better!!

Melissa feels wonderful when her clients are thrilled with the end result. She wants them to feel proud. It gives her such inspiration.

In addition to her photography, she is an artist and has recently  finished a haggadah called “Pop Haggadah”,  www.pophaggadah.com, where all the commentary is in the graphics. Release date is January 2014.

 

Sit Back and Enjoy a Deeply Satisfying Experience

It’s no secret that winter is a disastrous time and season for your skin. The on going heaters in your home makes you feel warm and cozy but on the other side completely dries out your skin making it red and scaly. Finger nails become brittle and break at the wrong angle.  Let’s be honest, if you’re like me, sometimes you just need to pamper yourself as I did today. I treated my hands and nails to a wonderful very satisfying experience at Tamara Beauty Clinic on Rechov Hillel in Jerusalem. My nails hadn’t seen a manicurist in weeks and needed badly attention. After cuticles were cut, nails were filed and shaped. 

The color was chosen. Essie deep brown almost black varnish.

The best part was saved for last.

Jenny, the manicurist dipped one hand each time in a tub full of hot liquid paraffin wax.

You’ll love the large white mittens that follow.

The liquid wax will start to harden in minutes becoming like a glove on your skin. 

The smell is wonderful. Ten minutes later, the mittens are removed, and the wax is peeled off.

I couldn’t believe the difference! Gone was the dryness. My hands are baby soft now and ready to weather the next storm! Call the Salon at 0508803755 to make an appointment!!

Magnificent Manicures

I don’t know about you but I used to love getting my weekly manicures when I was living in NJ.

In my neck of the woods, there are nail salons popping up on every corner. Not in Jerusalem. You have to be pretty lucky to find a good address. When I immigrated to Israel five years ago, I searched everywhere for a clean friendly salon carrying the latest nail varnishes or at least fashionable colors besides red and orange.  After playing detective, I did find that most of the hair salons have their own manicurist/beautician. But you pay higher prices than the norm for the service.

I searched and searched and found a gem. Tamara Beauty Clinic is located on 18 Rechov Hillel in Jerusalem’s center of town. The owner is Jenny, a graduate of the Cosmetica Bet Sefer School, who has been a beautician since 2002.

Upon entering the small salon, I felt like I was in nail polish heaven. Rows of colors from notorious brands such as OPI, Essie, Chanel, Dior, and others cover the walls. Coffee or tea is offered. It’s a very friendly atmosphere. The salon is always busy so make sure you call and book ahead.   050-8803-755. Jenny gets locals, tourists mostly from Paris and the United States as well as students.

Which color do you like best?

Manicures, gel manicures, paraffin, pedicures, eyebrow waxing, leg waxing, massages, and other pampering services are offered at Tamara Beauty Clinic.  For men and women. Hotel guests receive a 10% discount.

If you’re having a small party, book the salon and Jenny for a mani celebration. Call today. 050-8803-755.

What’s the occasion?

Savor The Hairstyle You Desire

Want hair like this? Keep on reading…

So here I am on my third trip to a chic Jerusalem hair and beauty Salon. This time it is in the breathtaking neighborhood of Talbiya. Salon Tzvi Michaeli’s location is on a very tres riche street. The stately homes of the Prime Minister and President of Israel reside here as well as diplomats and high ranking officials. Very affluent Arab residents in Jerusalem lived in this elegant area until 1948. Their oriental houses still stand looking majestic. Other famous landmarks include, the Jerusalem Sherover Theater and Inbal hotel.

Relax into sophistication

I met with hair stylist Chanan who has been at the salon for 12 years and graduated from the Bet Elisheva Hairdressing School in Katamon.  Customers from all over the world and all over Israel make appointments here especially during the Jewish high holidays and summertime.

What’s the most requested style? Everything. From crazy to the classic look; Everybody wants something different and the trained staff accommodates all interests. Natural hair colors and highlights is usually the choice. Busiest days? Thursdays and Fridays.  It is suggested to book in advance but even if you call at the last minute, they will try to fit you in.

While waiting  for my appointment, a choice of chococcino, cappuccino, espresso long or short, or tea was offered. I chose cappuccino and it was delicious. There is a relaxing waiting area outside with comfortable cushioned chairs and a matching table. The salon is small but very smart.

Products?  Loreal and their own line, Tzvi Michaeli whose ingredients are made up of natural oils. These bottles are sold and used only in the store.

Hours? Sunday-Thursday, 9am-7pm. Monday, 9am-2pm and Fridays, 8am-2:30pm. 02-566-1666. Check out the beauty dept. You can get your nails and toes done. Also skin treatments and make overs.

This is my blow dry and I love it.

At Last My Curls Have Returned!

My story goes like this: Since 10 years old, I’ve always had curly wavy hair and not one hairdresser until now has known how to cut it to bring out my curls. Despite my enduring desire for Sarah Jessica Parker curls, it was always the same story: “Sorry honey, stop wishing for what you can’t have. You have beautiful hair, why do you want to change it?” Frustration!!

Sammy’s great haircut returned my long lost curls to me.

But what I didn’t know is that the truth is I had curls —  it’s just not one hairdresser knew how to bring them out!  Why? Because my hair was so chopped, teased, and chemically treated, the curls never had a chance to develop – and I never waited long enough between haircuts to let them come out.

But after so many years, luck was finally on my side: My mother’s friend suggested I try her hairdresser at Salon Ilan in Jerusalem’s Leonardo Plaza Hotel on King George Street.  And suddenly there they were – my curls had returned!

First of all, I don’t know about you but I already feel like a celebrity when I walk into a smart elegant hotel. The presence and ambience is in the air. You can smell it! 

Once you’re in the Salon, you’re in for a real treat: a mix of personal care and highly skilled treatment tells you that you’ve come to the right place. This is not your run of the mill beauty salon – it’s the place where class meets perfection. The staff’s magic touch, unusual imagination, and careful, precise skill, bring out the beauty that you knew you had all along. And it’s all done in an easy, friendly atmosphere that makes your transformation an unforgettable and enjoyable experience.

Everybody seems to know each other. Customers hug and kiss the staff and thank them for doing such a beautiful job. The hair stylists listen to what look you want and the result is what you actually thought of.

Coffee and Israeli fashion magazines are offered.

Sipping and reading while hair is being styled. Who could ask for more?

Salon Ilan has been serving its customers for 35 years! The salon was started by Hairstylist Guru, Ilan Naveh.  I spoke with Sammy, the hair specialist who takes care of me. He has worked with this salon since he was a student from the Bet Elisheva Hairdressing School in Jerusalem over 30 years ago.  Since the salon is part of the hotel, the clientele is Israeli, Anglo, and foreign. Lots of tourists. I asked Sammy what styles and cuts the customers usually ask for. He said the trend is now haircuts with long layers. People like something they can manage to do when they are alone at home. Although, I overheard one customer say that her haircut was so beautiful, she will never be able to do it as nicely  He said the best part of his job is seeing his customers happy with their haircut, blow dry, or color and the beaming smiles on their faces.

The worst part? Blowdrying the hair if it’s difficult to stretch and straighten like mine. I know.  My arm aches just watching the process.

Kerastase Hair Styling Products

Products? The Salon uses mainly Kerastase. Popular days? Thursdays and Fridays. Hours? Sunday to Thursdays 9am-6pm. Fridays 9am-1pm. Contact Details: 02-625-1018

If you are looking to get your nails and toes done,  there is an in-house manicurist, but make sure you book her in advance! She also take care of bridal make up and other cosmetic/skin needs.

 

Trendy Hair Salon Amongst Nature’s Finest

Do you ever ask yourself where you can get your hair done in a cozy intimate setting without the buzzing traffic? Moris’s Hair Salon in the trendy Baka Area of Jerusalem just might be what you are looking for. The salon is nestled in a neighborhood full of beautiful flowers and trees that never seem to lose their vibrancy.  82 Rechov Derech Bet Lechem.  

An interesting fact: The hairdressing studio is situated next to the only apple tree in Jerusalem with one green apple hanging in the middle.

A lonely apple hanging on Jerusalem’s only apple tree

Moris’s salon has clients traveling to them from all over Israel; Eilat, Aco, and Nahariya are a few cities that were mentioned. Moris himself has been in the hair cutting business for the last 17 years. How did he know he wanted to be a hair stylist? As a little boy, he used to go with his mother to hair salons and at age 13 he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. Well, according to his clients, he is doing a fantastic job!. I spoke with Yaron who’s specialty is making brides look beautiful on their wedding day. He said clients are asking for short asymetric styles. The former Victoria Spice look is back on the market. I had that haircut a few years back.  http://www.short-haircut.com/best-bob-hairstyles-2013.html

Usual orders for colors are medium brown with honey highlights. Blond and red is also back. Best part of his job? Seeing his clients thrilled with the end results and the great service the salon provides. Also on hand is their own private cosmetician for mani/pedi/bridal make up/facials, etc. Busiest day? Sunday and Friday. It’s a small shop so while you wait grab a seat on a few leather cozy chairs waiting for you outside the cafe while sipping a hot cup of your choice…  Cappuccino, expresso long and short, cafe hafuch(cafe au lait), decaf, and tea. There is a fashion catwalk video in the background showing the latest fashion styles. Products they use? Schwarzkopf. The salon’s hours are Sun-Thurs-9am-7pm. Friday and holidays, 9am-3pm. Contact number is 026722952.

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Indulgent Hand Creams Made in Israel

It’s almost the end of October in Israel and the weather is still relatively warm. Short sleeves, sandals, sun cream is still the norm. The leaves here don’t change colors, unfortunately.

As you know, the sun’s rays make your hands and nails dry. Women are always using hand cream to keep their hands moist and smelling great! . They rub the cream all over their skin, nails, and cuticles. Whether it’s on the bus, in the office, or right before eating at a restaurant. The smell is blissful. Some creams have the notorious smell of the Dead Sea water and salts while others have a smell of honey or fruits.  The trend used to be that when you thought of hand creams made in israel, you only thought of Ahava or other Dead Sea products. Things have changed. Other hand creams on the Israeli market made with different ingredients and are selling like wildcats. I went to a few different stores in Jerusalem to show you the latest on the market.

The first was Laline. They have branches all over the country.  Five in Jerusalem. I visited the one on 6 Rechov Ben Hillel Street. The salesgirl was very nice and let me browse and look at the creams without watching my every move. Thankfully, she left me alone. Don’t you hate when you enter a make up counter at a department store and they almost jump on you?

There were rows  and rows of hand creams: Some had better scents than others. The lavender hand cream was wonderful. It made me feel calm and cozy, while the strawberry milk one smelled good enough to eat! For 54.99 NIS, you can get fig, lavender or vanilla patchouli in a pretty plastic bottle with a gold or silver pump! You choose.

Next was Sabon,  http://www.sabon.co.il/index2.html, who unfortunately didn’t let me take any pictures except the banner which I took outside the store’s premises. The salesgirl was very friendly until I told her I was writing a blog and would like to promote their store for free publicity on the web. She said no pictures. I guess she didn’t understand even though I asked her and she said yes, she understood. They are an international chain with branches all over Israel. The store is very elegant and inviting.  There were two rows of hand creams. Some in boxes i.e.: musk, lavender rose, patchouli lavender vanilla, and lavender apple for 43 NIS. The creams also come in pretty plastic bottles with pumps for 59 NIS. If you want to give your hands a vigorous treatment, you can get a hand scrub for 56 NIS. Moisturizing gloves are 82 NIS and come in white. If you need to wash your hands without water when you’re on the go, you can buy a small bottle for 22 NIS that can fit right in your purse.  Gift baskets of different creams were on display in big and small wicker baskets tied with a silk white ribbon. If you don’t like their choice of items, you can choose and make your own.

Sabon has many unique deals. There is always a discount. This week it’s 30 percent off all lavender apple products. Don’t forget to sign up for their club card. You get points everytime you buy a product and they give you a free gift at birthday time. This year it’s choose a tube from four scented hand creams!

bowl of hand creams

If you are looking for a bargain hand cream, go to a Dead Sea Store. You can find these shops all over downtown Jerusalem.  When you see their inviting bowl of hand and foot creams, you know you are at the right place. These fit right into your purse. To my surprise, those tubes were the only hand creams in the shop.

The famous Ahava, ltd. store I stopped in at the Mamilla Mall. Their two bestseller hand creams are Mineral hand cream for daily use and Dermud Intensive Hand Cream for dry and cracked hands.  The smell is wonderful. You feel you are at floating in the Dead Sea already!

Last but not least, I went to Superpharm. This is just a very big pharmacy that sells everything:  from diapers to cosmetics  to medicine to hand creams. There were so many to choose from. Prices range from 9 NIS to 35 NIS. The Life company has three types: Brazilian, Japanese, and Indian. Alas, they didn’t smell at all like their description on the bottle; but still were pleasant scents.

All these creams make great gifts for you or your friend. Go on indulge. It’s worth it…