Right before my vacation I spent a few hours at a local MiniLuxe salon. Lucky me! The timing was perfect. I was headed to warmer weather for a week off and was thrilled to have a little pampering before the official start to my vacation.
Years ago I was a regular at a local mani-pedi salon. Those days are long gone. After many years of mani-pedis, I stopped wearing polish altogether. I couldn’t ignore the smell of the polish-a smell that reeks of toxic chemicals. Also, with three young boys that’s just not at the top of priority list.
If you’ve been following along here for a bit you know that I will only use non-toxic nail polish or no polish at all. The same goes for nail polish remover. I now pay closer attention to what goes on my fingers and toes. I’ve discovered that not all nail polish and removers are created equal.
Thanks to the kind folks at MiniLuxe I was able to test out their lovely salon and treat myself to a hot oil manicure and pedicure. My first question before heading into the shop: “Do you have non-toxic products?” I was assured that they did.
MiniLuxe currently has 7 Massachusetts locations offering a wide array of services including mani-pedis and waxing. When I walked in I first noticed that the salon was modern, clean and colorful. It didn’t have that overwhelming smell of polish that knocks your socks off at many salons.
The color selection was massive. They carry many different brands of polish. I went for a brand that I know is non-toxic, Zoya. Zoya Nail Polish is a nail polish free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor.
I was happy to see there weren’t plastic bags floating around the shop.
While I did have the opportunity to select my own polish color the base coat and top coat that were used were taken straight from the manicurist’s station. I’m not sure if this was non-toxic. Next time I will probably bring my own.
I was very impressed that every instrument came straight our of a sterilization bag. It was clear that the instruments used were clean and only used on me. I don’t know if this is standard in the industry, but it was a relief to see.
The manicure and pedicure were quick. I had the warm oil treatment which was divine. I have to admit that I would have liked the massage portion to last a wee bit longer. I could have added an extended hand/arm massage for $6 and an extended foot massage for $8.
Overall the pricing is middle of the road with a Signature Manicure coming in at $19 and a Signature Pedicure at $37. You can add French finish for $6 and warm oil for $10 along with a few additional add-on options.
The mani-pedi polish lasted my entire vacation. My toes still look perfect 2 weeks later, my nails not so much.
Will I go back?
I would. Next time I’ll probably bring a few of my own products to be sure that I’m truly getting the non-toxic treatment. The service was good, the place was clean and I carved out some time to be pampered.
Update: I was assured by MiniLuxe that all their polish, including top and base coats, are non-toxic and 3, 4, and even 5 free. “3 Free” are nail polishes without Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, and Formaldehyde. “5 Free” are nail polishes without Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde,Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor.
Disclosure: Thanks to the kind folks at MiniLuxe for the complimentary warm oil manicure and pedicure. All opinions are my very own. Promise!