Cat eye lashes, gems and rhinestones on nails and polished manicure are some of the biggest beauty trends in 2023.
Alpina Lounge and Wellness, a one-stop destination for beauty, well-being and refreshments at Uptown Parade in Taguig City, is taking the metropolis by storm with its premium services of eyelash extensions, nail art and nail extensions, relaxing and therapeutic massages and lasers for hair removal and whitening.
Likewise, it is getting to be known for intimate spa parties with a house DJ. Alpina can hold parties till 2 a.m. While it has a license to offer alcohol and spirits, its unique proposition is the range of gourmet coffees prepared by the in-house barista.
Alpina’s concept was developed by the owner, Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, who not only has background in hospitality but is also a spa aficionado. She enlisted the expertise of her sister and managing partner Stephanie Yu-Chua and Maria Zhukova, both of whom ran a popular salon for nails and eyebrows. The in-house physician, Dr. Sharae Chua, guides patients on proper nutrition based on blood tests and also performs aesthetic procedures.
“We shared a common interest in opening a luxury spa,” says Stephanie, who is also a brow artist and the trainer to the lash technicians.
She takes pride in that Alpina’s lash technicians are not only adept in applying mink lash extensions to the natural lashes. As artists, they are trained to create flawlessly-contoured lashes that complement the client’s facial features, eye shape and the strength of their natural lashes. Stephanie explains that the lash technicians execute lash mapping, a visual guide to determining where to place the longest, thickest or curliest eyelash extensions on the eyes to produce a natural but dramatic effect. Mapping prevents disasters such as miscalculating the placement of extensions and creates the exact style which enhances the client’s eyes. The eyelash extensions last for three weeks.
Today’s trend calls for the cat lashes wherein the lashes are shorter on the inside corner of the eye and longer on the outer corner. They visually enlarge the eyes and are suitable for almond eyes.
For droopy or hooded eyes, doll eyelash extensions create a wide-eyed look with longer lashes at the center of the eye and shorter extensions at the outer corner. Still, clients can have their pick of the most natural looking extensions or voluminous eyelashes.
Women have been queuing up for their nail art, be they graphic designs or rhinestones and Swarovski crystals for bling. For the less adventurous, the nail extensions are popular with clients with short or chipped nails who want long and sturdy tips. Alpina uses Polygel, a brand of nail extensions, and soft gel nail tips that don’t have to odor of their acrylic counterpart.
Come May, Maria Zhukova, the Russian expert on eyebrow magic will be rendering her services for semi-permanent makeup and making brows fuller and shapelier.
Men can likewise avail of the services. The traditional hilot, Ventosa cup, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage have been popular.
