Directory.(trends in new services from salons and health clubs)(Directory)

Bare and Bronzed

Get ready for summer, in the best spas from SoHo to San Francisco.

humor and quicker-picker-upper technique. She even offered to treat the skin above our belts: When she noticed a blemish on our chest, she gave us a complimentary custom-blended potion to clear it up. Now that we've been privy to Crispo's flawless handiwork, we're certain that we'll never be banished to the back room again. $25.

True Body Wraps Sara Wang 3665 Sacramento St. 415-292-9727 The ladies-who-lunch crowd told us that the Fantasy airbrush tan offered at this popular, soothing spa would ease our "marshmallow-white anxiety." Wang ushered us to a feather-soft bed for a pear-scented, full-body exfoliation that slowly lulled us to sleep. She then gently awoke us, asking us to stand, and she expertly aimed her airbrush over every inch of our skin. One look in the mirror at the sweet honey color, and we knew we weren't dreaming. Scrub and Bronze, $110; without scrub, $30.

LOS ANGELES Portofino Sun Spa 9431 Little Santa Monica Blvd. 310-276-8855 For years, we clung to our spray-tan virginity for fear that it would look garish against our light eyes and hair. We finally gave in when we heard that naturally fair-skinned beauties like Mandy Moore were regulars here. But before we could bronze, we had to endure a battery of drill-sergeant instructions from the receptionist: Apply nail barrier cream; place cotton in ears; close eyes but don't scrunch up face. ("The first time is always the hardest," chimed in another client.) We were then led to a private shower where 40 spray heads misted us with MagicTan bronzing solution in under a minute. As we basked in the golden afterglow, our only regret was that we hadn't done it sooner. $39; second visit is free.

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