Hoboken: Best of Beauty & Wellness

The edit is out!

When I first moved from the city to Hoboken a little over four years ago, I was convinced that I was going to hate it.  A typical New York attitude.  Today, I can't express how much I absolutely love this little city and am so proud to call it home.  Of course, I did my fair share of exploring and testing out all of the beauty and wellness offerings the town has to offer.  While I still go to NYC for many of my services (see my round up of the best salons and spas in NYC here), I found some real talent in Hoboken.  Here's my edit of the best of beauty and wellness in Hoboken.


Facial

EC Beauty Studio

When it comes to facials I'm extremely picky and was hesitant to try someone new, but luckily for me, I quickly found EC Beauty Studio and have been pretty loyal ever since.  Of course I test out new salons and spas all of the time (hey, it's my job), but this is the place I go on the regular.  Owner, Erica Cerpa, is beyond knowledgable about skincare and her and her team customize facials for all skin types and needs.  Their offerings extend beyond the basic facial (extractions and masks) and include everything from dermaplaning to the use of microcurrent machines that help tone your skin.  They're up to date on all of the latest technology in skincare, which I find very important and swear by PCA Skin products – a JM approved line.


Nails

Nail Atelier

I'm super Type A about my nails.  I've had some awful manicures in Hoboken, absolutely awful, but finally found Nail Atelier.   When I tell you every manicurist there is good, they really are.  They understand shape, take their time (but not too much time, no one has time for that!), and are very precise when it comes to cuticle care.  I get regular manicures and my polish, with the Essie Gel Couture top coat, lasts about a week.  Walk ins are welcome.


Blowout

Up & Out

With their third Hoboken-based salon opening soon, Up & Out is taking over the town.  They opened their first location, which focuses on blowouts and updos only, conveniently up the street for me about the same time I moved in.  The Universe had my back.  The whole staff at this location listens to what you're looking for and executes flawlessly.  I frequent the salon before TV segments, appearances and weddings.  Personally, it's a big deal for me that a blow out bar understands what "loose bends with straight ends" means.  Blowouts are $40.


Hair Cut, Color, Styling

Two 01

I have to admit, I've never actually been here before, but that's mostly due to the fact that I get my hair cut, colored and styled at Broome & Beauty in NYC and am pretty loyal.  However, it's making the list, because every single time I compliment a Hoboken friend or acquaintance from my barre and yoga community on their hair, they always respond with "Two 01."  The owner, formerly worked at a popular downtown Hoboken salon and it seems the stylists and colorists just get it.  From shade to texture, I am super impressed. 


Makeup

Up & Out

Whenever I get my makeup done for shoots, I always go to Jackie at Up & Out.  Also owning the "Best Blowout" category, talent at this salon makes for a perfect wedding day glam squad.  They have more than one makeup artist, and from what I've seen on their Instagram, they all get it.  My face never feels cake-y and Jackie makes me look like the best version of myself understanding that pink should never touch my cheeks.  The salon also specializes in weddings, so I often recommend them to brides-to-be.


Massage

Health in Hands Spa

From Bliss to Massage Envy I've tried a range of massage therapists and finally (just recently) found Health in Hands Spa.  They specialize in trigger point therapy and you can't go wrong booking any of their masseuses.  After your massage, whether it be Swedish, Deep Tissue or even Prenatal, they explain exactly where you needed the trigger point therapy most (for me it's always my shoulders) and offer suggestions on how to keep knots away.


Spray Tan

Glow and Co.

I'm a huge fan of having a spray tan especially for weddings and special events and while I've hopped around Hoboken trying different formulas and artists, I finally found exactly what I was looking for.  Offering mobile airbrush tans with a natural solution, Glow and Co. comes to your home and they're in and out within 20 minutes including set up, application and clean up.  Not only is it super convenient, but the tan is very natural looking and lasts nicely for a week.  Their prices are comparable to studio prices with individual sessions for $65.


Acupuncture

Dr. Loh of Dao Sheng

I cannot sing Dr. Loh's praises enough.  When first seeking out acupuncture about three years ago in hopes it would with my migraines, I was skeptical but optimistic.  After doing some research, I found Dr. Loh, a former oncologist who turned to Eastern medicine. He's passionate about helping to solve their health problems through acupuncture.  He did help me with my migraines (see post here on how I cured migraines holistically) and continues to help balance my hormones and ease my stress.  For me, he's a bi-weekly visit.


Yoga Studio

Hudson Yoga Project

There seems to be a yoga studio on every corner in Hoboken these days and "Where do you practice?" is one of the most common questions I'm asked.  As a certified yoga teacher myself, I truly appreciate the intelligent teachings and sequencing of the Vinyasa studio, Hudson Yoga Project.  Just over a year old, studio has an upbeat, down-to-Earth vibe and teachers all follow the same teaching methodology.  They also offer many workshops focusing on all aspects of yoga from meditation to handstands. 


Barre Studio

The Bar Method

There aren't many barre studios in Hoboken like there are in the city, but as soon as The Bar Method opened, I made the switch from my former barre studio. I love that the technique was founded and perfected by physical therapists and that they offer a variety of challenging classes.  Plus, the Hoboken owners and teachers created a fun community that I'm proud to be a part of.  Check out my fitness series with The Bar Method here to learn more.


Personal Training Studio

M.O.V.E NJ

If you're looking for a personal trainer, look no further that M.O.V.E NJ.  There are so many personal trainers in Hoboken that it may seem difficult to cut through the clutter.  After all, not only do you need to make sure they have the credentials and experience you're looking for, but you also need to click and feel comfortable with them.  I personally trained with Owner, Jarrett Hahn, for about a year and found the experience to be extremely rewarding, because not only is he knowledgable, but he also held me accountable and let's face it – the results spoke for themselves.  The studio offers privates as well as small group training (great for different budgets) and Jarrett and his team customize individual plans to help you reach your goals.  Get ready to swing some kettle bells.


Spin Studio

SoulCycle

SoulCycle finally opened in Hoboken and as someone who was never really into spin, I joined the cult and am now addicted to the high.  I've taken other spin classes in Hoboken and found them to be incredibly boring if I'm being honest.  The high intensity workout is paired with choreography and playlists that keep you motivated.  So far, I like all of the teachers and think they recruited their best of talent to open Hoboken.  If it wasn't so expensive, I'd go more than once per week.  Check out this post on The Top 5 Life Lessons I Learned from SoulCycle Instructors.