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Ultrasonic Facial
February 2013
COUP Boston Midwinter does as much damage to our faces as to our cars. In both cases, we are smart to crave high-tech fixes, like their sonic-wave driven treatment that rehabs dry skin and lips via antioxidant infusions and micro current magic. $125 at ardanspa.com
That's a Wrap
Fall 2012
Boston Common Greet fall with revitalized skin after the Change of Seasons wrap at Ardan. The treatment starts with Organic Elements' AHA Body Exfoliator with bilberry and passion flower before a liberal amount of body-modeling cream is applied to help with skin elasticity. 72 Central Street, Wellesley, www.ardanspa.com
20 Minutes With Helena Cohen
Spring 2012
COUP BOSTON She grew up next to Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand in Brooklyn, was a New York bridal model before moving to Newton, and opened her first salon when she was nine months pregnant-in the midst of the blizzard of '78. Meat hasn’t passed her lips since she was 15, she doesn’t drink, and after decades of marriage, still has one of the most ridiculously sweet working relationships with her husband, Elie, imaginable at Wellesley's best medspa and salon. (She does color, he cuts.) A skincare fanatic, she led the charge in New England’s very first wave of med spas—and is still out in front now, hunting down the most cutting-edge treatments and procedures. Oh, and did we mention she look less than half her age? Here’s how beauty pioneer Helena Cohen pulls it all off.
Raise Your Hands
Spring 2012
BOSTON COMMON Nothing says spring like Cocktail Bling, Essie's striking pale gray shade. Get two coats of it with a Signature Manicure at Ardan, where they use Organic Elements soft emulsion cream, exfoliant, and a blue mask to rehydrate winter hands. Hot towels and lavender oils complete this indulgent service.
Analyze This
Spring 2012
BOSTON COMMON Oe's nf 20 pm>am Skin Feeder makes a welcome addition to your nighttime routine. Like all Oe Cosmetics products, pm>am Skin Feeder uses natural ingredients such as honey, ginseng, green tea leaves, and fruit alphahydroxy acids to replenish, detoxify, and renew skin while you sleep. What could be easier than that?
Man Handling
October 2011
BOSTON COMMON Ardan Medspa & Salon Ideal for the busy man who doesn't always have the time to pamper his skin, the Ultra Sonic Facial is an antibacterial, anti viral treatment that uses an antioxidant infusion and micro current therapy to rejuvenate and cleanse.
Stopping Winter Hair Before It Starts
August 21, 2011
BOSTON GLOBE "Don't rub wet hair", says Helena Cohen, owner of Ardan Medspa & Salon. "Instead, wrap it in a towel to absorb the water, and wait until it's at least half dry before using heat. But first, comb a thermal protector evenly through the hair, preferably with a wooden comb, as it's gentler than plastic."
Best of Boston 2011 - Best Massage
August 2011
BOSTON MAGAZINE As you lie on a heated massage table in a candlelit room, the commotion melts away. Massage therapist/medical aesthetician Sarah Rattet incorporates aromatherpay into even a basic massage, leaving your head clear and your muscles tingling.72 Central Street, Wellesley, 781-235-7788, ardanspa.com
LEG UP
Summer 2011
BOSTON COMMON Get your legs summer ready with Ardan Medspa+ Salon's ubereffective laser hair removal treatment, Apogee Elite by Cynosure. Designed for all skin types, this sophisticated laser combines two wavelengths to give clients faster results, on average after only four to six treatments and sometimes as few as three. Unlike waxing, the procedure allows you to shave between treatments, though you won't have to do it as often. Your razor will miss you. ardanspa.com
MAN-TASTIC SPAS
Spring 2011
BOSTON COMMON Start laser treatments now at Ardan Medspa & Salon for a summer free of back or chest hair, or relax with their ultrasonic facial. 72 Central Street, Wellesley, 781-235-7788, www.ardanspa.com
BOSTON - BEST FACIAL
February 2011
Allure Magazine When our complexion acted up, a friend recommended Erin McGuigan to get it back in line. One whiff of her floral-scented creams and no-extractions policy, however, and we were worried her approach might be too mild. She used an ultrasonic wand that she said would brighten and placed minty-smelling cloths on our eyes. We were genuinely surprised that our ruddy spots disappeared. Ultrasonic Facial, $125. Ardan MedSpa + Salon, 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788.
Best of the Suburbs, Wellesley
August 2010
Boston Magazine Ardan Medspa + Salon's deluxe foot facial pedicure is 75 minutes of toe-curling bliss. 72 Central Street, 781-235-7788, ardanspa.com.
Toe the Line
Summer 2010
Boston Common Before you step out in your best summer sandals, head into the serene Ardan MedSpa + Salon, where Kearwon Rolde is saving soles with the Signature Foot Facial ($65). Start with a warm-water whirlpool soak (ooh), followed by a moisturizing scrub, foot-and-calf massage and hydrating masque, just like those used in the spa's facials (aah). Finally, your legs and feet are treated with Oe Soft Emulsion, an organic moisturizer exclusive to Ardan. End with a long-lasting Style Berry pink pedicure. 72 Central Street, Wellesley, www.ardanspa.com
Vibrant Shades Rule the Season
May/June 2010
Boston Common High performance Colour mascara in green, Royal Effem ($22). Ardan MedSpa + Salon, 72 Central Street, Wellesley.
Power Up Your Retail Sales
April 2010
American Spa Ardan Medspa & Salon, 72 Central Street, Wellelsey
Frizz-Free Summer Hair Solution
April 30, 2010
Spa Week Blog You love steam rooms at the spa. You love summertime. But dare that steamy humidity creep outside on a summer's day after a blowout, and suddenly you wish you'd never admitted to loving either of those things. The 2010 solution? Forget hair irons, forget Japanese straightening and its evil frizzy-root aftermath-Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy is THE system revolutionizing the industry of smooth hair. We spoke to Helena Cohen, director of Ardan Medspa and Salon in Wellesley, Massachusetts to get the scoop on Keratin Hair Therapy. Who's doing it? "Editors. A lot of editors. Everyone. We get 3-4 people in a week. And 100% of our clients have been 100% thrilled every time." Keratin Complex is a smoothing system that infuses keratin - a powerfully rich protein - deep into the hair cuticle, eliminating up to 95% of frizz and curl and cutting blow-drying time by up to 70%. Its unique formulation incorporates high pH replenishers that automatically open cuticles and infuse Keratin Amino Proteins and emollients into hair - all while keeping environmental toxins like smoke and UV rays out. Keratin Complex has already been called the new wave of designer hair care; it's the natural Botox for hair because it not only stops time in its tracks, but reverses it as well. What you're left with is the softest, smoothest, shiniest and most luxurious head of hair that can last twelve full weeks. Unlike straightening treatments, Keratin Complex is completely safe to be used on all hair types, even on chemically and color-treated hair, and rather than that unnatural pin-straight look, Keratin leaves your hair with bounce and glamour. "When it comes to Keratin Therapy, I only use Peter Coppola," says Cohen, who has been in the industry, teaching and training for 35 years. She claims that none of the other brands compare, so she wouldn't ever think of offering them to her clients. AT-HOME BEAUTY TRIAL: The Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner without the treatment? I've never had the treatment done myself, but I've been using the Peter Coppola Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy shampoo and conditioner for the past month, and if it's any indication, the stuff is good. It's formulated to be used after getting the treatment to protect and preserve, but I like the way my hair has taken to the formula even without it. It definitely doesn't have Keratin salon therapy results, but it's been one of the best shampoo/conditioner sets I've tried in a while. To order, visit keratincomplex.com BIG DEAL: Ardan Medspa and Salon is offering Keratin Hair Therapy with a specialSpa Week® price during our May Spa Steals & Deals: $350, usually $500. You'll see it posted May 1. Just mention Spa Week when booking! ARDAN MEDSPA + SALON 72 Central Street Wellesley, MA 02481 Phone: 781.235.7788 read more
Getting a Leg Up
December 2009
Boston Magazine The key to a summer of smooth legs? A winter of regular LASER HAIR REMOVAL visits. Apogee Elite treatments, $420 and up at Ardan Medspa & Salon, 72 Central St., Wellesley, 781-235-7788, ardanspa.com
The Best of the Best
October 2009
ALLURE Best Hair Color: Helena Cohen Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788 www.ardanspa.com
Best Day Spa
August 2009
BOSTON MAGAZINE The cutting edge comes well padded at this lovely little med-spa, which despite its high-tech laser hair removal and ultrasonic facials keeps the emphasis on "spa" and all the sensuous pampering that implies. Pedicures are made heavenly by cushy chairs with lumbar massage; body treatments baby the skin with organic products imported from Italy. Overseeing it all is a cadre of solicitous (not fawning) staffers, who keep the human touch at the fore. Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788 www.ardanspa.com read more
Such a Pretty Face
April 3, 2009
DAILY CANDY You Twittered ages ago and loved Jason Wu long before Michelle was in the picture. You've always been light years ahead. Take a step closer to the final frontier with Ardan's Ultimate Facial. After blasting off dead skin cells, aestheticians lather on products infused with the latest in stem cell technology (relax, it's made from apples). A buzzing ultrasonic rod infuses your skin with antiaging peptides and antioxidants, followed by a custom cocktail of vitamins A, C, and E. A hydrating mask supplies an extra gulp of moisture, then microcurrent therapy plumps up tired cells. The treatment (which left our skin seriously glowing) is all very scientific but not the least bit surgical. Making it just the thing for those who have no desire to boldly go where Mickey Rourke has gone before. Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788 read more
The Beauty Issue: 25 Beauty Favorites
April 2009
Fashion Boston Elie Cohen: Too many haircuts are more the result of trend copycatting than thoughtful design and knowledge. Elie Cohen embodies the latter two, with 30 years experience studying hair textures, movement, and finishes. The guy (co-owner of the quietly chic suburban spa/salon with wife Helena) delivers polished styles based on clients' lifestyle needs and beauty ambitions like he's carving a masterpiece out of marble. We don't schlep out to Wellesley lightly, but if it's for an appointment with Elie, we always know it will be worth it. A double cooling technique makes the process nigh painless (unlike razor slips and waxing, we might add). To top it off, the average number of treatments needed for sleek-as-glass skin is around six, which means less time inside and more time flaunting your results. Laser Hair Removal: Warm weather welcomes sunglasses and skin, but stubble? For shame. The laser hair removal program at Ardan is more than just fancy equipment; it's results. With the ability to target an entire area at one time, the procedure can get you in and out in around 15 minutes. read more
Best Color: Helena Cohen
August 2008
Boston Magazine Drawing on years of experience, including dealing with some gray of her own, Cohen restores the shade you were meant to still have or, if preferred, helps you embrace the silver fox within.
Best Gray Color
July 2008
Lucky Magazine Helena Cohen, owner of Ardan Medspa & Salon (72 Central Street, Wellesley, 781-235-7788, ardanspa.com), will gladly tell you her age, because she looks half that. You can credit her superior coloring expertise, which helps Cohen seamlessly cover silver strands (hers and yours) to last weeks longer than most. Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788
BOSTON - BEST HAIR SALON
June 2008
Allure Magazine We polled, you told: Readers name their favorite salons, day spas, and beauty boutiques in 12 cities. BOSTON - BEST HAIR SALON Signature Service: Soft, swingy layers for long hair. Best Bonus: 15-minute scalp massages with treatments. Top Pros: Elie Cohen (stylist) and Helena Cohen (colorist). Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788
Dive Right In
June 20, 2008
DAILY CANDY The pool party invites are piling up. You've waxed front and back. But your feet have yet to hit the water. Truth: You don't do public displays of wet head. With your hush-hush weekly blowouts, you've let friends think your mane is naturally silky smooth. Or that you just can't swim. Book yourself a Keratin Complex Therapy treatment at Ardan MedSpa + Salon. The three-hour straightening process entails multiple shampoos, saturation with a coconut-scented keratin protein tonic, a blow-dry, and a thorough flat-ironing. Unlike other relaxers, keratin is natural and actually nourishes your tresses. You can even apply it atop color. Once complete, there's nary a frizzy strand. Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788 read more
A Primp in Time
Spring/Summer 2008
Boston Weddings Magazine Staying hydrated is key, but water alone won't clear up blemishes. Brides-to-be should consult an aesthetician six months out and plan to have at least three lead-up facials. Get your final facial two weeks before the big day. Signature ultrasonic facial, $125, Ardan Medspa+Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788
That Special Glow
Late Spring 2008
Boston Common Smooth out deep facial lines and wrinkles with the 4-Layer Vitamin C Facelift Facial ($125) to resurface, tighten, and lighten skin with the help of vitamin C and glycolic acid. It will leave your skin feeling supersoft and your complexion glowing. Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788
Beauty Boosts, Lunchtime Medi-Spa Treatments and Procedures That Really Work.
April 2008
Fashion Boston The Treatments: Laser Tightening Facial (for collagen production) and Laser Hair Removal. Time: 15 minutes for bikini hair removal; 20 minutes for the facial. The procedures: Two lightning-fast treatments, one machine. We took a cushy seat next to the Apogee Elite Laser while our technician put light-shielding googles on us. A few buttons were pressed, and she took a painless full pass over the face with a handheld laser. Ten minutes of beeps later, we were finished. Since we'd opted for laser hair removal too, she meticulously applied a cool gel and used the same device on different settings to zap the bikini line (this time with a light sting) Fifteen minutes later, we were back at the front desk making our next appointment. (A series of both treatments is recommended) The results: A slightly pink face came directly afterward, which faded within two hours. The next week we noticed a slight tightening and plumping as the collagen reaction kicked in. As for the hair removal, there was a noticeable difference four days after the first treatment. After three visits we were nearly clean as a whistle, with months to spare before bathing suit season. Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788 read more
Breaking the Code 02481/02482
March 2008
BOSTON COMMON When you need a little R&R, indulge in a treatment or two at Ardan! Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788
Green with envy by Leigh Harrington
March 2008
WHERE OE Organic Elements destressing bio-toner with linden and mallow, $34. Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788
Take It All Off
February 29, 2008
DAILY CANDY Minutes into your morning routine, you see it. There. In the mirror. It's a line. It's a circle. No! It's flaking skin! You've been itching to shed a few layers for months, and apparently so has your skin. Give it a super-powered boost with the four-layer face-lift facial at Ardan MedSpa + Salon. Clocking in at just under an hour, this high-speed treatment douses your skin with four (count 'em, four) layers of goodness. Glycolic acid, vitamin C, a brightening scrub, and an enzyme treatment are massaged one on top of the other before you're finished off with a mask that tackles whatever catastrophe your skin has cooked up. The treatment also protects against evil-doing aches and pains with a solid session of head, neck, and shoulder massage. In other words, you've finally found your hero. Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788 read more
Winter tune-up by Linda Laban
January 24th, 2008
BOSTON GLOBE Winter winner: The Four Layer Face Lift is shock therapy for tired skin. It involves malic acid exfoliants (from apples) and a vitamin C infusion to make skin glow with vitality. Time: 60 mins. Cost: $125. Cold-weather tip: "Moisturize at all times," says owner Helena Cohen. She recommends having OE's Office Booster ($41) in your purse. "It doesn't smear make-up and your skin is instantly refreshed." Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788
The Best of the Best
October 2007
ALLURE Best Blowout: Elie Cohen. Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788
Elegance Shapes Up For Fall On the Glam by Lauren Beckham Falcone
September 5th, 2007
BOSTON HERALD Helena Cohen, owner of the award-winning Ardan Medspa and Salon in Wellesley said an elegant face has to go with the clothes. "Eyeliner, red lipstick and matte foundation," she said. "No sparkles. It's all about understated glamour."
Best Day Spa
August 2007
BOSTON MAGAZINE Restful ambiance and flattering lighting aren't enough to put a day spa out in front of the competion anymore, though Ardan has both. What counts is the results, and here that means a beauty boost that's built to last. Our manicure kept a high salon sheen for two solid weeks; a rubdown from the massage therapist left us blissed out for hours.
It takes some effort to shape up for summer by Jill Radsken
May 2, 2007
BOSTON HERALD You need more than regular gym visits to get your body in summer-fabulous shape by Memorial Day. Your body needs to be beautified, and today's salons and spas say that calls for multiple treatments. Upkeep on a pedicure is expected, but plan to book your face and figure for maintenance appointments as well. Hair protective treatment at Ardan Medspa and Salon, 72 Central St., Wellesley. Flyaways should fear Ardan owner Helena Cohen. Known as the "hair doctor," she has the antidote for dried-out winter hair using products from Kerastase. After a summer-ready coloring -- she favors the sun-kissed look -- Cohen treats the tresses with Chroma Perfect ($50) to protect the color. At home, she recommends two products available at her salon -- the new UV Defensive Active Masque shampoo ($32) and conditioner ($49). read more
Brush Up
May 2007
FASHION BOSTON Some makeup is all about the packing, some is about image, and some is just about being pretty. Royal Effem is all of the above - thanks to everyone from the likes of Philippe Starck (who designed the company's headquarters) to the European makeup artists who use it at shows like Chanel, Armani, and Versace. Imported from Parma, Italy (and sold across the pond at shops like Harvey Nichols in London and Colette in Paris), it's peddled exclusively in the States in Ardan MedSpa + Salon's stunning studio. Step in and witness the gorgeous bronzers that are half-matte, half-luminescent (contour with the former and add glow on cheekbones, and iridescent lip glosses in intoxicating tints like Bellini (peach), Cuba Libre (violet), and Sangrija (claret). And it's all packed with ingredients like Vitamins A, C, and E. That's not just pretty; it's pretty great. read more
The Look 'Sophia Loren'
January 2007
IMPROPER BOSTONIAN Radiate retro movie-star glamour with false lashes, a satiny complexion and voluminous hair. Royal Effem's Time Defense Foundation.
The T&C Traveler
Winter 2006
TOWN & COUNTRY TRAVEL In Wellesley, at Ardan Medspa & Salon (72 Central St.;781-235-7788), therapy rooms brim with the latest hair-removal and ultrasonic-facial machines. The menu features-all organic treatments.
The Best of the Best
October 2006
ALLURE Best Haircuts: Elie and Helena Cohen. Styles are as sharp as their shears. Price: $65 and up Address: 72 Central St. Phone: 781-235-7788 DAY SPAS Wellesley, MA ARDAN MEDSPA + SALON Spacious and sunny, with a vast array of treatments. Price: Massage, $80 and up. Address: 72 Central St. Phone: 781-235-7788
The Best Spa Sessions
June 2006
ALLURE Several weeks of business travel left us desperate for some downtime. From the moment we climbed upon the toasty treatment bed, reality slipped away, replaced by the rhythmic motions of our therapist's kneading hands, the slippery sensation of an algae mask, and the soft flicker of candlelight. After a warm shower and a final massage with a thick, buttery balm, all that frequent flying seemed miles away. Marine Algae Wrap $130
Inner Calm
Summer 2006
BOSTON MAGAZINE'S HOME & GARDEN WHAT WE LOVE: The flowing, cool-water look of ARDAN SALON & SPA 72 Central Street, Wellesley MA 781-235-7788 WHY IT WORKS: "We carried it through everything," says Stephanie Allen Pavlides, partner of Allen Pavlides Architects in Providence, Rhode Island, "the spiral ceiling in the entry, the rivers of glass tiles in the floors and the color scheme of white and off-white punctuated by blue and green glass."
Perfec-toe: Show your feet some love in time for sandal weather
May 11, 2006
BOSTON HERALD Think of the 75-minute Foot Facial as a pedicure on steroids - bigger and better than your simple soak, clip and polish. Also included in the $65 service are a vitamin E treatment, moisturizing massage and foot mask. Sit back in a massaging pedicure chair and let Kearwon, a lovely eight-year veteran of the spa, work her magic.
Don't Be So Touchy
May 16, 2006
DAILY CANDY Count the number of people you let touch your face: you, your man, your dear Great Aunt Betty. So when you go for a facial, things begin to surface: claustrophobia, germophobia, and ijustmetyouphobia. If only you could be territorial about your skin and still enjoy a personalized, highly effective facial. Well, you can, with Ardan Spa's signature ultrasonic hands-free facial. Sonic waves pull impurities out of your skin; the frequency of the waves changes according to your skin type. The treatment is further tailored to your needs - you can add infusions of antioxidants, vitamin C, topical Botox cream, lip plumping, and more. Go wild - the aesthetician's hands will never touch your face. A bonus: Without those antiquated, painful, messy extractions, you can go straight from spa to dinner party looking spectacular. And when admirers comment on your new glow, just say, "Look, but don't touch." read more
SKIN SAVERS: Treat yourself to a spring cleaning at a sumptuous spa
Spring 2006
BOSTON MAGAZINE'S CONCIERGE Change of Seasons Body Treatment Using organically farmed products from Parma, Italy, this hour-long treatment at Ardan is extremely effective in reviving neglected skin, as well as reshaping, firming and detoxifying your entire body. Take home the spa's signature Organic Elements cellulite patch, an overnight treatment that promises to melt away fat while you sleep.
2005 Choice Awards
December 2005
Aesthetic Trends & Technologies 2005 Laser & Light Choice Awards Recipient Aesthetic Trend & Technologies recently awarded Cynosure's Apogee Elite Laser Most Diverse Hair Removal Laser for All Skin Types. Come discover this one of a kind laser experience at Ardan. The advanced technology laser removal system is ideal for all skin types, including tanned skin. The Apogee Elite's LaserFacial erases skins minor imperfections uncovering a confident more radiant you.
Winter Beauty
November 2005
BOSTON MAGAZINE Exfoliation is the key to keeping your skin healthy, experts agree. "There's no point to putting moisturizing creams on dead skin," Cohen says. "That's why Ardan Salon's signature treatment is a healing and antibacterial facial. It removes up to 30 percent of the top layers of skin using ultrasonic waves as it infuses antioxidants, and uses micro-current therapy to restore tired or problem skin. The result? Your skin feels better, and you look more youthful."
Open Up and Say Spa
November 30, 2005
DAILY CANDY The world of beauty and skin care may seem simple. But, in fact, it's pretty vast and labyrinthine. For starts, there are the glossy mags - each reporting the exact same thing about a completely different product every month. (How many "greatest" lipglosses, "foolproof" mascaras, and "only-one-you-need" face serums can there be?) And things get even more complicated in the medi-spa world. Bio-colo-marine-pepto-oxy what? You practically need Latin fluency or an advanced biochem degree to navigate a treatment menu. No longer. Husband and wife Elie and Helena Cohen, owners of the brand new Ardan Spa in Wellesley, are taking the sci-fi out of skin care. They bring decades of experience (the equivalent of a doctorate in all things beauty) to their revamped and relaunched state-of-the-art day spa just outside of Boston. They'll address any of your beauty quandaries with easy-to-comprehend services - from all-organic body treatments and facials by some of the country's best to normal but expert hair styling. You may never feel lost again. Unless, of course, you mean lost in bliss. Ardan MedSpa + Salon 72 Central Street, Wellesley 781-235-7788 read more