Mani-pedis. That's my favorite way to pamper myself. What can be better than sitting back while someone turns your rough worn-out feet into smooth, soft polished tootsies fit for those bejeweled Jimmy Choos? While I frequent Rescue Beauty Lounge, Jin Soon Spa & Dashing Diva when I am in Manhattan, it's been tough to find worthy equivalents here in Toronto. Until recently, that is.

Buff Nail Lounge & Polish Beauty Bar are two fairly new additions to Toronto's nail scene. Both are swanky, ultra hygienic lounges who champion our natural nails (read: no artificial nail services here). Buff has its own selection of 'house-manufactered' polishes while Polish offers choices from Creative Nail Design & Essie. Polish is slightly pricier than Buff, but both offer equally good service. Trust me, I have tried them both. I may be slightly partial to Polish, however. Probably because I loved the super-friendly nail technicians there but the prices at Buff can't be beat.

Buff offers a multitude of other services besides mani-pedis, such as eyelash extensions, facials and waxing and is slightly more spacious than Polish. For comprehensive service information, price lists, locations and store hours, check out their websites- Buff and Polish.

Every Thursday, between 5:30pm-9pm, Polish hosts their "Music, Manicures & Martinis" event. The website has more information on that. Be sure to make an appointment in advance since they don't take walk-ins.

Meanwhile, Buff is celebrating its first birthday tomorrow, Friday, June 30, at its Front Street location with Mimosas and chocolate cake. If you are in for a mani or pedi, do drop by for the celebration tomorrow. Buff doesn't take appointments so walk-ins are always welcome.

So glad I no longer have to miss a manicure when I'm in Toronto.

photos courtesy of buff and blogto.com.