Sure, every colorist knows the difference between a fabulous foil and a horrendous highlight, but Joanna Howell Giraud’s mastery of the color spectrum is peerless. Recognized nationally by Allure twice for a spot in the Top Ten and by Town and  Country in its “Who’s Who in American Colorists,” Giraud Studio leads a talented team of colorists to paint the town in shades of perfection.
» 169 Bay Rd., South Hamilton, 978-468-3202, giraudsalon.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Runway Salon (Jamie Pratt), 1 Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-463-0006, runwaysalon.com

You got the big strappy Jimmy Choo sandals and the little strapless number from Dolce & Gabbana. So it makes sense to find your way to the makeup department at Nordstrom for that luscious lipstick to complete the look. You’ll find all the best brands and a few exclusive lines, plus the most helpful salespeople who all really want you to look your best. Here, it feels less like a large department store and more like a trip to individual beauty boutiques. » 210 Andover St., Northshore Mall, Peabody, 978-278-7400, shop.nordstrom.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Rouge Cosmetics,
322 Derby St., Salem, 978-740-1044, rouge.com

A Signature Facial at M. Lekkakos Salon, Spa & Boutique has the fingerprints of someone who understands beauty at an elevated level. That someone would be Miss Massachusetts 2004 Maria Lekkakos, who adds extra goodies like a complimentary foot, hand, scalp, and décolleté massage to her Signature Facial.
» 154 Main St., Wenham, 978-468-9540, mlekkakos.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Classic Faces Day Spa, 215 Newbury St., Peabody, 978-535-6460, classicfaces.com

There’s nothing like a mani/pedi to make you feel polished. The new Vero Salon and Spa is a great place to enjoy a hand or foot treatment or try one of the fabulous Caribbean therapy sessions that includes exfoliation and a seaweed masque. Whether you enjoy a hot stone pedicure or a French manicure, you will leave feeling perfectly polished and pampered.
» One Central St., Middleton, 978-750-4004, verosalonspa.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Spa Ni’joli, 116 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen,
978-682-9772, nijoli.com

Whether you need a brow shaping or a bikini wax, Interlocks Salon & Day Spa is the place to go to take it all off. With over 50 employees, Interlocks offers a wide array of waxing treatments for every part of your body, including your fingers and toes (and for your man, too)! You’ll love the city vibe, immaculate space, and friendly staff. » 58 Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-465-3010, interlockssalon.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Blush Skincare and Sunless Tanning, 149 South Main St., Bradford, 978-478-8880, blushskincare.com

This place is hot, and not just in temperature. Bikram Yoga Merrimack Valley attracts students in big numbers—especially people who never thought they’d try yoga. The studio is less focused on the spiritual aspect of yoga and more on getting you flexing, bending, and stretching as much as possible (and that includes your internal organs). You’ll find yourself in a perfect pose in no time.
» 43 High St., Suite 310, North Andover, 978-689-9642, bikramyogamv.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Bikram Yoga Merrimack Valley, 43 High St., North Andover, 978-689-9642, bikramyogamv.com

When you’re speeding along the superhighway of life, do you really have time to cuff a pair of pants or hem that favorite skirt? Shaban and his team of tailors at Shaban’s Collection not only have time to stitch the perfect hem, but they can also create a custom Egyptian cotton shirt or stunning single-breasted suit.
» 28 Chestnut St., Andover, 978-475-5996, shabanscollection.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Shaban’s Collection, 28 Chesnut St., Andover, 978-475-5996, shabanscollection.com

DogSpa is the ultimate place to pamper your pooch; think Canyon Ranch for canines. We’ve even thought of donning a leash and growing a tail to sample an aromatherapy treatment. The place is immaculate and the cut impeccable. The humans are pretty doggone nice, too, and there’s even a bakery and sampling of hot canine couture and accessories. » 45 Enon St., North Beverly, 978-922-9227, beverlydogspa.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Bark Plaza Doggie Day Spa, 14 Forest Ridge Dr., Rowley, 978-903-0323, barkplazaspa.com

Spots go quickly on Janda Ricci-Munn’s roster to train professional elite and elite amateur athletes. The triathlete, sports trainer, and 2007 IronMan World Championship amateur winner has coached many athletes to victory, while encouraging many others to attain new levels of success. Make no mistake about it, his training regimens are not for the weak of heart, but if you’re up to the challenge, Ricci-Munn will take you to the finish line.
» Gloucester, 978-283-1034, jandariccimunn.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Jeremee Norman, B&S Sport Science LLC, 45 Congress St., Dock 19/20, Salem, 978-828-4166, bnssportscience.com

Frank Corcoran has made the world a better place by training his massage therapists to give the most knot-releasing, pain-freeing, relaxation-inducing massages, far superior to a dose of Percocet. He also has assembled a cadre of caring people who genuinely want you to live your life well. You leave LivingWell somewhere between cloud nine and over the moon.
» 207 Washington St., Salem, 978-740-9355, livingwellsalem.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Spa Ni’joli, 116 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen,
978-682-9772, nijoli.com

Toying with the idea of hiring a house cleaner to tidy up but concerned with the chemicals they use? Put the mop down and call Green Clean. The team uses planet-friendly products and practices eco-friendly house cleaning, plus they are car-free and walk or bike to your home. Add “good for the planet” to the list of reasons you need help around the house. » Salem, 978-744-8698, greencleansalem.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Green Clean, Salem, 978-744-8698, greencleansalem.com

Salem’s historic Hawthorne Hotel brims with an old-fashioned New England charm that is both regal and relaxing. People-watching in the gracious lobby, enjoying a drink nestled near the fireplace at the Tavern, or delighting in a sumptuous brunch at Nathaniel’s are all part of the charm. Just walk out the door to Pickering Wharf or Front Street and sample many of Salem’s bewitching attractions.
» 18 Washington Sq., Salem, 978-744-4080, hawthornehotel.com.

Readers’ Choice:
blue The Inn on the Beach,
20 Fordham Way, Newbury, 978-465-7171, blueinn.com

Think of Latitude Sports Clubs as your personal muse to get in shape. Here, you’ll find endless inspiration to get in the zone. Racquetball, wally ball and basketball courts, indoor tracks, executive pools, cardio and free weights, group exercise classes; the list of ways to get fit at this premier sports club goes on like an Olympic marathon.
» 191 Elm St., Salisbury, 978-462-5662, latitudesportsclubs.com, plus locations in Andover, Bradford, Methuen, and Peabody.

Readers’ Choice:
Bodyco, 108 S. Main St., Middleton, 978-777-7741, bodycofit.com

One could never call Petros Markopoulos a simple petal pusher. Rumor has it that his love for flowers bloomed at an early age when he fell in love with a multi-colored rose bush in Greece. Petros, who also owns Ithaki, is a man whose passion for posies is as perennial as the sky is blue. Whether he is designing centerpieces, creating topiaries, or selecting stems for a bouquet of roses, his work at Flowers By Petros is a floral fashion statement.
» 36 Central St., Ipswich, 978-356-0003, flowersbypetros.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Art Bouquet by Josipa, 40 Atlantic Ave.,
Marblehead, 781-631-1572, artbouquet.net

Located in a charming Victorian house in Andover, Marissa Michaels is a great place to go for grooming. Michaels is a modern salon with a funky vibe and lots of great music.  Whether you want a classic cut or a stylish new look, you will emerge as a dapper dude with great-looking hair.
» 38 Florence St., Andover, 978-474-1825, marissamichaels.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Indra Salon, 7 Elm St., Andover, 978-470-8800, indrasalon.com

Indra Salon remains a cut above the competition. Top stylists in a hip salon create a great vibe where clients can unwind, sip wine, and enjoy a complimentary hand-and-neck massage. Whether you get a cut, color, or foil, you’ll feel like you’re ready for the runway when you step out of Indra.
» 7 Elm St., Andover, 978-470-8800, indrasalon.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Indra Salon, 7 Elm St., Andover, 978-470-8800, indrasalon.com

The Beauty Cafe owner and makeup artist Karen DeVincent not only brings 20 years of experience at high-end cosmetics counters, but she also has another special talent: eyebrow design. If you are particular about your brow arch, the first thing on the menu at The Beauty Café you need to check out is a brow design by guru DeVincent.
» 24 Wayside Rd., Burlington, 781-273-1700, thebeautycafe.nu.

Readers’ Choice:
Spa Ni’joli, 116 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen,
978-682-9772, nijoli.com

On the North Shore, Spa Ni’joli has quickly become the day spa of choice to escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy an oasis of pampering. Delicious body wraps, relaxing massages, and expert facials await you in a soothing atmosphere. A caring staff and simple scheduling system allows you to get relaxed and refreshed easily.
» 116 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen, 978-682-9772, nijoli.com.

Readers’ Choice:
Vintage Salon & Day Spa, 26 Newburyport Tpke., Rowley, 978-948-7090, vintagesalonanddayspa.com