Karla Iniguez, Spa Chakra

FACE VALUE Karla Iniguez at Spa Chakra gives facials that cure splotchy winter skin

There’s nothing fun about losing your job, but when Iniguez was laid off by United Airlines, she didn’t dwell on the disappointment—she enrolled in beauty school, acting on a long-dormant desire to make people glow inside and out as a spa aesthetician. (She’s pricey, but clients say she’s better than Botox and a lot more enjoyable.) United’s loss is Loop workers’ gain: My jaw drops when I look in the mirror and see the reflection of my smooth, firm, glowing face after my facial with Iniguez at this newly opened spa in the Palmer House Hotel. Forehead wrinkles? Vanished. Sun spots and freckles? Lighter. Pores? Miniscule. Redness? See ya. Iniguez credits her use of facial stimulation (“we touch each muscle 25 different times; it’s like a mini face-lift,” she says) and Guerlain, a European brand of products that’s all the rage across the pond. 90-minute spa facial $315.

Extend the bliss

Palmer House Hotel
17 E Monroe St, 312-917-4933
Replenish your body’s supply of toxins with a stiff drink off the creative cocktail menu at the dark, swanky Potter’s Lounge inside the hotel.

The Tasting Room
1415 W Randolph St, 312-942-1212You’ll keep that mellow feeling going when you cozy up to a flight of red vino.

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