The Ten Spot's look is a little bit NYC and definitely urban. All surfaces are sleek, reflective, immaculate, loft-like and/or industrial. The Ten Spot is brightly lit, and the lighting is all flattering. Every detail has been thought through in this space.

Women who come to The Ten Spot come to The Ten Spot a lot. This isnʼt the ʻonce a year birthday pamperingʼ place (though they do that too), itʼs the wing of your house/apartment that you donʼt have, for "regular maintenance". The grooming wing. Sleek and stocked with meticulously tidy and prettily packaged products.

MY TREATMENT: FACIAL

The Ten Spot boasts the cityʼs only "facial bar". The concept being that facials are a bit frumpy and fussy, and why couldnʼt they be more like just-pop-in-and-get-it-done pedicures. The facial bar is on The Ten Spot's 2nd floor, which is painted all black, and is decorated like your cool big sisterʼs attic apartment.

Kate Nash sings about "The Nicest Thing" while the the aesthetician slash diagnostician discusses your skin with you -- making the experience a bit more clinical than average (though not in a bad way).

My aesthetician, quite rightly, let me know that I have sensitive skin -- and, as she has the same, commiserated that means we canʼt use any of the more satisfyingly aggressive scrubs and peels. Itʼs all about "gentle" and "calming" and "soothing". (Skin doesnʼt seem to care if it ʻgoes withʼ your personality).

The Ten Spotʼs facial bar is exclusively stocked by Dermalogica. On The Ten Spotʼs website they say they "proudly use Dermalogica". And itʼs true -- they really, really are proud of this. As each product is used during the treatment, its full Dermalogica name is provided.

Now, spa products have to come from somewhere, fair enough. But the presence of the Dermalogica brand in the facial feels a little too close to the foreground. Sealed by the Dermalogica facial analysis sheet provided at the facialʼs end (complete with tick boxes beside recommended Dermalogica products). This will be kept on file for your future reference (if you lose your copy).

The facial is well executed (no creams up the nose) and efficient (45mins), and always includes a massage. We leave feeling relaxed, and our faces feeling extremely soft and hydrated.

There is the usual walkthrough of the ʻproducts we used todayʼ on your way out, though the pressure to buy is not too bad. The experience closes with a stamp on our Buy 10 Get 1 free cards, and a complimentary The Ten Spot lip butter balm.

Tip: the "Pomegranate Punch" flavour is just like cherry chapstick. Mmmmm tastes like Grade 5....

THE OWNER

Kristen Gale (check out her blog " Dating Myself ")

PRICE POINT/ PRICING SUMMARY

• Waxing (Brazilian): $55
• Waxing (Bikini Brief): $25
• Waxing (Full Leg): $55
• Manicure: $30 | 35min
• Pedicure: $50 | 50min
• Facial: $65 | 45min

SIGNATURE TREATMENT

Brazilian Wax

SPECIAL SERVICES

"Our 3 person Facial Bar is the first and only one in the city. You can come with a friend or saddle up next to a stranger and get the best, no nonsense, expert care full facial -- for just $65 bucks."

FEATURED SKIN CARE/ MAKEUP/ NAIL POLISH LINES

Dermalogica and Exuberance, a vegan line of face care products.

PACKAGES/DISCOUNTS

"The Ten Spot, Ten Club Card': Get 9 of the same service, and receive the 10th one totally free. Card is valid for: manicures, pedicures, Brazilians and facials.

EXTRAS

Free WiFi, and pleasantly distracting television in all spa service rooms and the mani+pedi area.