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Top celebrity and editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi offers a welcome alternative to the city’s many in-and-out nail shops with her unique Hand and Foot Spas. The three locations are relatively tiny—just a waxing room and a few nail stations—but that’s part of the charm; somehow, clients never feel rushed or crowded. At the front of each spa, small custom-made tables serve as manicure stations. Behind these, an undulating curtain or series of screens hides the waxing room. In the pedicure area, large cushions and satin throw pillows form comfy chairs that sit above elegant, round foot basins. All pedicures include a foot soak with your choice of essential oil—lavender, rosemary, peppermint, tea tree, grapefruit—and an invigorating foot and calf massage. Upping the indulgence factor, the Breath of Milk and Honey pedicure submerges feet in hot milk and honey, and the Spirit of the Beehive manicure hydrates hands with a three-layer paraffin wrap. The staff is trained by the owner herself to use methods like applying nail polish from left to right (as opposed to starting in the center and working out to either side) for a smoother, more even finish. Featuring OPI, Essie, MAC, Givenchy, Nars, and Elizabeth Arden, the polish selection is enormous. — Amanda Theunissen

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Best of New York Awards

• Best Neighborhood Manicures: West Village (2007)
• Best of New York: Best Pedicure (2002)