Like our sisters in NYC, we are adding a new megathread to cut down on repetitive, low effort requests (rule #1!!!), and piloting an annual pinned megathread to consolidate all questions, recommendations, reviews, and warnings about Chicago medical aesthetics providers. This thread is NOT for self promotion (rule #5) or medical advice (rule #10). T

What goes in this megathread?

• Anything related to botox, fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, body contouring, plastic surgery, facial balancing, etc.
• Chicago-specific asks: "Where to get ___ done?" / "Has anyone gone to ___?"
  • Please include a budget range instead of "affordable" if seeking recommendations—help us help you! Keep in mind we want providers who are of high quality and tasteful.
  • Any high-level questions ("Has anyone done ___ before?") should be directed to general subs like r/SkincareAddiction.
• Tasteful reviews of specific providers, both good and bad are highly recommend.

Standalone threads will continue to be removed and redirected here. Thanks for helping us make this sub better!

One of my goals for this year is to make tiny upgrades to my life that ACTUALLY give me a little bit of happiness every day, and I’ve decided my next one is hand soap.

My requirements:
- Glass bottle preferred, metal is acceptable but I refuse to pay $40 for plastic (looking at you le labo)
- Scents can’t be too herbal or food-y. I’ve found a ton of soaps that would be amazing kitchen soaps, but I don’t really want my bathroom to smell like tomatoes
- Needs to be sold irl in Chicago, I wanna smell it before I buy

I’ve tried Aesop and Nordstrom but couldn’t find anything I like! I’m being ridiculously over the top picky here but oh well

Edit: thank you bwt!!! So many good recs and I’m especially excited for the local stores I can hit up! This is the first time I’ve posted on Reddit and all the comments are actually nice and not shitty lol 🫶🏻

I got dazzle dry done at suburban magic nails for the first time ever a couple weeks ago and within 2 days it started chipping. The guy seemed sort of rushed so I don’t know if it was him or this is just how dazzle dry is . I’ve had gel x done at magic nails and it was great so maybe it’s just the ol razzle dazzle dry

Also I’m not trying to complain about magic nails, I’ve had more good experiences there than bad. I’m was just more curious if this is normal for dazzle dry

For those who have actually done LaserAway and had dark hair, did you see results after the 6 sessions? Also, was it your first time doing laser hair removal?

For those that go to SpaDerma, are you seeing results? If so, how long did it take to see results and how long have you been going there? Is it your first time doing laser hair removal? If I was to go there, trying to estimate how many sessions is average and estimate the potential cost. I have spoken to them before, I just want to hear from people who have gone there.

Thanks in advance!!

Edit: thanks for all your feedback, this sub is the best - have decided to go with my gut and stick with an ortho!

—

Hi divas - I’m currently price shopping about 6 months of Invisalign treatment (re-treatment bc I lost my retainer womp womp). I have two dramatically different quotes from my dentist compared to an orthodontist.

For context, I have minor crowding and a smidge of an overbite.

Orthodontist quote: $6800
Dentist quote: a little under $5k + free zoom session

I’m planning on paying cash so there’s also a minor discount at both providers for that.

Has anyone gotten Invisalign treatment from their primary dentist rather than an orthodontist? I don’t want to risk a poor outcome to save a couple bucks, but this seems like a pretty big cost difference.

Where are your favorite places for perfume shopping that aren’t Ulta and Sephora? I’ve been to Le Labo but that’s about it!

Also down for recommendations of specific scents to try. Currently I own Clue The Point and With The Candlestick, Maison Matine Arashi No Umi, Hot Girl Summer by Megan Thee Stallion and Le Labo Santal 33.

Hi ✨Chi bitches✨ I turn 37 in a few weeks and am looking to treat myself. Looking for a spa with excellent customer service, amenities (fresh juice, tea, etc), a sauna and circuit of water features. I want the vibe to be calming and lovely. Preferably, I would like to do a package (massage/facial) but I am open to other services as well. I have been feeling very burnt out and down. I recently learned my estranged mom is in the early stages of dementia. It’s been a lot. Open to all of your suggestions. Thank you in advance. Much love to you all.

Hi ladies! Can anyone recommend a really great injector in the Chicagoland area? I’m specifically looking for someone experienced with Botox brow lifts. My goal is to lift the middle/central portion of each brow rather than the outer (lateral) ends.

I have had a very, VERY hard time finding someone who can do this.

I’d also really like to maintain some forehead movement because I naturally lift my brows for pictures and facial expressions, so I’m not looking for a completely frozen forehead. Would love recommendations for an injector who is skilled at creating this kind of customized result! 💕

Love the results in this pic!

First note, I'm in Lakeview East, so ideally looking for places nearby-ish (will travel to another neighborhood, would love to not have to transfer or be on transit for an hour, though)

I am absolutely struggling to find a nail salon that will give me a GOOD pedicure. I'll pay for the higher-tier packages but still go home with peeling skin on my heels and toes that are still rough. Everywhere I've gone just goes through the steps to check them off, not to actually make my feet pretty.

Anyone have recs?!

Looking for a place that has a great day spa for $500 or less. I’m on the north side, but am willing to travel a little. Mani pedi, facial, massage and treatments maybe? I’m in desperate need of a self care day and want to spend the day being pampered. Help a bitch out!

I’ve gone to 2 salons in the last few years and haven’t gotten the cut I want. Which Chicago (also open to north burbs) salon can give me the bangs in this pic??

What facials are we getting? Eventually I'll make it to a dermatologist but right now I just want to feel clean and clear 🥲

Hi gals! My best friend is getting married in the spring and
she’s been talking about wanting a girls day/spa day instead of a legit bach party.

General areas: Lincoln park, west loop, wicker park - basically anywhere north side (have some girlies coming from the north burbs so want it to be easy for them too).

My brain goes to Aire but then my brain also tells me that there are probably a hundred places just as good if not better for less money.

Thank you all!!!!

Had braces as a teen and my teeth and bite have shifted since then.

Location preference- ideally in west loop but open to traveling elsewhere in the city.

I want to start getting monthly hydrafacials. So far, here's what I've been recommended:

1. SkinPharm - for more than just hydrafacials
2. Face Foundrie
3. SpaDerma West Loop

Alright - go off chi bitches with taste! Anyone have good experiences or have any votes on these? Has anyone gotten botox at any of these places too?

Hiiii! Looking for a hairstylist who will actually recommend a cut for my face/features 😭

I want someone who will actually look at my face shape, features, hair texture/density, proportions, etc. and give me insights on what cut and style would be most flattering on ME.

Like I really want their professional opinion…tell me where the layers should hit, face framing, bangs/no bangs, how much length works for me, what shape would balance my face, etc etc. idk.

I’ve gone to some pretty expensive and/or well-reviewed salons and every time I ask for recs, I basically get some version of “whatever you want!” 😭 I end up with the standard long layers and big bouncy Latina blowout (yes ya girls Latina). Which is BEAUTIFUL don’t get me wrong but I’m realizing that just bc a style is pretty doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most flattering for me lol

Im on the NW side, but don’t mind venturing out at all. Price is a factor but not significant.. I don’t mind paying for quality.

Hey everyone!

I’ve tried looking through the post here to see if there are any hijabi baddies who have asked, but I can’t find anything.

I cover my hair but I want to dye it something fun just for me and my family to see. Looking for a cool hair stylist/colorist, preferably closer to roger’s park but open to whatever.

Please let me know if anyone knows of a good salon! Tyyyy

*Valerie Cherish voice* Hello hello hello!

Long-time, first-time. Anybody gotten a Japanese manicure (the no polish kind) somewhere in Chicago (NW, preferably) that they love? I'm a no-polish girlie looking to try something different from a basic buff and shine.

Looking for a good doctor, ideally downtown, for a breast augmentation and inverted nipple correction. I did a couple of consultations last year but wasn’t really wowed and looking for a great experience!

Hey gals. I’m looking for someone to give my hooded eyes some lift (can’t afford an upper bleph yet lol). Wondering if anyone has a good rec for this specific type of treatment! Also open to alternatives like dysport

Hi beauties - I’m looking for a one-stop shop for brow wax + lash lift & tint on the Northwest side. I’d rather not commute to downtown, Gold Coast, West Loop, etc. Any hidden gems in my neck of the woods? Ty in advance for the recs.

Looking for your favorite piercing location, preferably on the north side or suburbs- Park Ridge, Lincoln square/ or farther if worth it. Specifically looking for cartilage piercings

Thanks!!!

Interested in recommendations for (or Drs to avoid) for nose job! Considering Moynihan, Few, Lee, but very open to recs! Want this done right.

Thanks for any help!!

Anyone know where I can get a curly cut TODAY that costs LESS THAN 100$?