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Yana Yusupidi and her daughter Helena promote the beauty traditions begun by Yana’s mother in Soviet Georgia at their small but elegant spa. Champagne-colored walls framing antique-style furniture and the soft sounds of classical music create a sophisticated atmosphere. Facials here are based on Eastern European techniques such as cold waxing, a specialty using an amber-colored wax handmade from three simple ingredients (honey, lemon, and sugar), then rolled onto the skin by hand and pulled away with gentle tugs. It’s not a pain-free experience, but anyone with sensitivities to heat or issues such as broken capillaries will appreciate the alternate approach. Mani/pedicures, electrolysis, and Swedish, shiatsu, and aromatherapy massages are also available. The spa’s line of Yana Herbal Beauty Products are made from 100 percent all-natural ingredients and are 90 percent based on Yana’s mother’s original recipes. — Amanda Theunissen

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Best of New York Awards

• Best No-Nonsense Facial (2008)