Austin is always buzzing. The weather is wonderful for a large part of the year, so picnics in the park and outdoor activities are a great way to spend your time. There are plenty of fun bars and venues where all kinds of live music are played on balmy evenings. There’s dancing to be done and cocktails to be sipped in the city’s neon-lit clubs after hours. Music festivals, theater, food events – you name it, Austin has it!
If you need to put a little pep in your step before embarking on any of the adventures above (or just indulge in a little self-care and beautification because you can, you’ll want to check out Austin’s best beauty spots: the hair salons, makeup stores, and mani-pedi places that’ll have you looking even better than your best before you know it.
Austin’s Best Makeup and Beauty Stores
LUSH Cosmetics Austin
Location: 1012 W 6th Street. Suite A
LUSH is well known for its natural products that smell, feel, and work deliciously well. They have a lot to offer, particularly in terms of bath and body products: think glittering bath bombs, specialized hair products, scents, and makeup too. Their products are good for you, the planet, and animals alike.
Ulta Beauty
Multiple Locations
This online beauty giant has multiple stores in Austin where you can stop by to browse products or make use of their hair, makeup, brow, and ear-piercing services. If you’re ordering online in Austin, Ulta stores also offer curbside pickup for orders to make things convenient for their customers.
Sephora
Multiple Locations
Stopping by Sephora can be dangerous in a VERY fun way. This world-renowned beauty brand stocks everything you could ever want or need: huge beauty brands like Elemis, Too aced, Fresh, Sol de Janeiro and many more. Products to moisturize your face and body, every kind of makeup known to humankind, bath products…the works! You can also have your makeup done here by the wonderful staff if you’d like a little extra glam for a special event.
Round Rock Beauty Supply Store #1
Location: 1200 E Palm Valley Boulevard, #1204
If you’re up north check out this beauty supply store in Round Rock. Local customers say they absolutely love the store’s attention to detail and the staff and owners’ approach to taking care of their customers. The pricing is reasonable and the recommendations and advice are free (and plentiful).
Austin’s Best Hair Salons
Finley’s Barber Shop
Location: 237 W 3rd Street
This one is for the guys! Finley’s won the Best Austin Barber award in 2022 and they’ve only gotten better since then. Have a beer, a glass of wine, a cup of tea, or a mug of coffee while you have an expert barber chop, shave, and fade your look to perfection.
Deep Roots Salon
Location: 6203 N Capital of Texas Highway
This salon has had their work featured in publications like Vogue, Sports Illustrated, Allure, and more, so you know you’ll get exceptional service and results when you visit. Deep Roots specializes in color, trending cuts, and the best, most natural-looking extensions you’ve ever seen. Make an appointment for a refined style and a look that will transform the way you see yourself.
Mirror Mirror
Location: The Grove, 2721 Perseverance Drive
Clean beauty is at the heart of everything that the Mirror Mirror team does. Not only does the salon stock environmentally safe products for sale, but they also use those products in store, so you know your wash, cut, and blow is not coming at the cost of the planet’s welfare. The vibe here will make you want to stay long after your appointment is over!
Red Stella
Location: 5117 N. Lamar Boulevard
Red Stella is the ultimate destination for an artistic overhaul of your current look. From the sign over the entrance to the branding and style throughout the salon, Red Stella is as funky as can be. Expertise meets creativity here, and there are a lot of services to choose from: hair cuts, color and styling, makeup services, skincare, and bridal consultations too.
Austin’s Best Nail Salons
Lacquer
Locations: Downtown 210 Guadalupe Street and North 11005 Burnet Road
This nail salon has two locations, so it’s convenient to visit from wherever you are in the city. Austin Monthly calls the mani-pedi here the best in the city. They are the only “certified Safe Salon” in Austin – no soaking in water here, just fresh hot towels. The salon also offers a no-chip guarantee – seven days for gel and ultra polish and three days for regular polish.
Relax Nail Spa
Location: 3016 Guadalupe Street, b300
Relax is a place to do just that: take a load off and let the professionals do their thing. If you love a full set of detailed nail art (we especially love their seasonal looks), then you’ve found your new favorite place! You can book online or via phone.
Milk and Honey
Multiple Locations
Walking into these salons will stun you – the design and color palette are so beautiful and calm that you’ll never want to leave. Milk and Honey has four different locations in Austin so be sure to check which services are available at the salon of your choice. Across the different locations, you can book appointments for nail, salon, spa, and med-spa services that will recharge and refresh you.
Gorgeous in Austin
Pep up your look, get a full makeover, try some new products, or treat yourself to a little refresh and relaxation at these Austin beauty hotspots. Remember to book your appointment as not all places listed can accept walk-in clients.
Featured photo by kitzcorner on iStock.
