Japanese beauty salon Carte Blanche in TST specialises in completing multiple services simultaneously
You know that we love trialling different beauty and wellness treatments for you, including IV treatments at REVIV Hong Kong, facial acupuncture at Eu Yan Sang and float therapy at Float On Hong Kong. We headed over to TST to try Carte Blanche, a Japanese beauty salon that helps you get more treatments done in less time, and we’re all about that. See what went down, below.
Luxe beauty in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui
Carte Blanche is one of Hong Kong’s leading Japanese beauty salons, and the company has recently opened in its new premises in Mira Place 2, a convenient location in TST. The design for the salon is contemporary and warm, with welcoming woods, live plants and flowers, and comfortable seating in the reception area.
Inside, there’s a popular hair salon, breakout rooms and a large studio at the back where lashes and nail services take place.
The treatments
I had a specific idea of what I wanted on my nails, so I messaged them the photos in advance. When I arrived, my nail artist Kaman chatted with me about the changes I wanted made to the design, while another technician removed my old soft gels.
Half an hour later, and the lash technician came to discuss what kind of look I wanted. Usually, I go for a very dramatic lash (why do things by halves?!), but this time, we decided to go for a more natural look but to keep the winged effect.
To achieve this, she suggested using single lashes (around 0.15mm each). At Carte Blanche, they actually have their own lash brand called Lily Lash. The products are made from a blend of silk and polyester, and I’ve got to say that they feel amazing when you’re wearing them.
Once it was clear what I wanted, I got to get comfortable in the chair as a team simultaneously worked on my lashes and my nails – now that’s pampering!
The final look
Around two hours later, I got to sit up and see a whole new me, well almost. The lashes looked great, more of an elevation of my natural lashes than a Betty Boop-type effect, and even after two weeks (and a trip to Phu Quoc where much swimming was involved) most of them are still intact.
I adore the nails! They were exactly as I wanted them, and Kaman straight nailed the design. At Carte Blanche, they use a special Japanese cuticle technique, and even today, my nail beds still look as fresh as when they got done – love.
Coming in at almost $2800, this is certainly not a budget salon, but the quality of the work speaks for itself. The most popular lash style is actually the Single 60/60 product, which costs $1200, while a Japanese manicure with cuticle care and polish will set you back just $350.
If you’re short on time or looking to get fully pampered, then Carte Blanche is somewhere that you should definitely visit.
Carte Blanche, Shop 277 & 277A, Level 2, Mira Place, 2 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2739 1960
