Savvy Shoppers’ Survey

Prescriptions Limited
1151 Madison Ave. (84th St.)/212-628-3210
Weekdays 9:30am–6pm, Sat 10am–2pm(closed Sat July–Aug).

The Edge: Good prices for vitamins and dietary supplements. § The name says it all.

Cosmetics, bath & beauty
Pharmacies
quality style service value: 40 40 40 40

Duane Reade
212-273-5700 for locations
Mon–Sat 7:30–8pm, Sun 9:30am–8pm.

The Edge: Good prices. § Took the city by storm—has it all in terms of product, but don’t expect any service. Some love the store for its prices and convenience; for others, it’s a necessity that one must deal with. Many locations open 24 hours daily. § “The drugstore for everything.” “Depends on the store—some are great.” “It’s convenient.” “Look for the super-stores. Great selections, great sales.” “These stores have become more and more unpleasant to shop in. Cleanliness is not a big priority here. Their sales people are poorly trained with bad attitude!” “The best! Prices are competitive. Well stocked. Poor service, but convenient locations. Good prices.” “Ick!” “For the basics, it’s generally the best price.” “Clerks especially trained for slowness!”

Cosmetics, bath & beauty
Pharmacies
quality style service value: 33 27 20 35

CVS
800-SHOP-CVS for locations
Mon–Sat 8am–9pm, Sun 9am–6pm..

The Edge: Convenience. § Has it all in terms of product, but don’t expect much service. Some love the store for its prices and convenience; for others, it’s a necessity that one must deal with. Many locations open 24 hours daily. § “With these chain stores, it always depends on which store—some are great, others not so good.” “It’s convenient.” “Can generally find what you need.” “Good prices.” “Ick!” “For the basics, it’s generally the best price.”

Cosmetics, bath & beauty
Pharmacies
quality style service value: 33 27 20 35

C.O. Bigelow Chemists
414 6th Ave. (8th & 9th Aves.)/212-473-7324
Weekdays 7:30am–9pm, Sat 8:30am–7am, Sun 8:30am–5:30am.

The Edge: Finally, palatable cures for those you love. § A lifesaver. A great full-service pharmacy now makes it easy to provide care for both children and pets. Now life’s easy—42 flavors for your children (peach, cherry, and bubble gum) and pets (beef, cheese, chicken, and fish flavors), which will make taking medicine easy. § “An old-fashioned chemist—delightful.” “Top quality, loads of things.” “Wonderful place.” “Not cheap, but old-style service and the best quality.”

Cosmetics, bath & beauty
Pharmacies
quality style service value: 46 43 42 29

Vanishing Point
4 W. 16th St. (5th Ave.)/212-255-3474
By appointment.

The Edge: The hottest spot in town. § Laser treatments to get rid of unslightly hair. 40% of its clients are men. Effective but expensive. § “The system works well, but you can’t get the same worker each time.” “They rush you! Different technician each time. Hard to get appointments.” “They kept me waiting, but then gave me a free 15 minute treatment!”

Cosmetics, bath & beauty
Personal care
quality style service value: 40 30 30 30

Susan Ciminelli Day Spa
Manhattan: 745 5th Ave. (Bergdorf’s) 872-2650 / Long Island: Easthampton 516-267-6300
By appointment.

The Edge: A range of facial and body treatments. § Facials, shiatsu massage, nutritional therapy, and Tibetan Reiki are specialties. The skin-care line is based on nutrient-rich seaweed.

Cosmetics, bath & beauty
Personal care
quality style service value: 45 45 45 45

Stressless Step
48 E. 61st St. (Park & Madison Aves.)/212-826-6222
Daily 10am–10:30pm.

The Edge: Great massages. § Soothing atmosphere. § “Very `New Age.’” “Best massage ever.”

Cosmetics, bath & beauty
Personal care
quality style service value: 37 30 40 40

Spa Thira Salon
Long Island: Manhasset 516-869-0100 / Connecticut: Greenwich 203-622-0300
Tues and Fri–Sat 9am–6pm, Wed–Thurs 9am–8pm.

The Edge: Finally, first-rate TLC in the suburbs. § Upscale salons in offer a full range of products and services. § “A real luxury.”

Cosmetics, bath & beauty
Personal care
quality style service value: 50 40 50 40

Soho Sanctuary
119 Mercer St. (Prince & Spring Sts.)/212-334-5550
Tues–Fri 9am–9pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun noon–6pm.

The Edge: For women only. § Best for its tranquil setting—body treatments and yoga classes. Great treatments include Love Moor- Spa mud wrap and facials with Dr. Hauschka skin care. Treatments from herbs and other natural products. One-on-one yoga sessions with director Leslie Nelson are first-rate. Favorite of Time Out for tranquillity, TLC, raspberry tea, and delicate smells. § “Ahhhh.”

Cosmetics, bath & beauty
Personal care
quality style service value: 40 40 40 40

Paulo Sizuera
4 Park Ave. So. (33rd St.)/212-779-9270
Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–6pm.

The Edge: Best eyebrows in town. § Does only eyebrows. Fans include Pia Getty, Liv Tyler, and Naomi Campbell. $30 for shaping.

Cosmetics, bath & beauty
Personal care
quality style service value: 40 40 32 29