Emmy's red carpet hotspots

A-listers frequent spas, salons before big awards show

By MONICA CORCORAN

Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts

An Emmy winner might thank her agent, but it's her hair stylist and facialist who figure higher on speed dial. Herewith, the spas, salons and secret spots that A-listers -- both ladies and men -- can't live without.

St. Tropez Spray Tan at Kinara

In this town, you're only as good as your self-tanner. The smart set -- like Miley Cyrus -- get the St. Tropez Spray Tan ($75). Offered at Kinara, this 15-20 minute bronzing process typically lasts a week and leaves you looking like you've just been frolicking in Mykonos.

656 North Robertson Blvd., L.A.; 310-657-9188

Frederic Fekkai

Never underestimate the complexity of a chignon. Leave the updos and other seemingly effortless red carpet hairstyles to the professionals here, who charge $125 to perfect a coif that won't wilt within hours. Ask for star stylists Maurice, Lito, Kelly or Angie.

440 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills; 310-777-8700.

Dr. Jessica Wu

Known for her light touch when it comes to Botox and fillers, this Harvard-trained A-list dermatologist caters to the red carpet crowd, and her handiwork is never obvious. Around award season, the office is glutted with guys and gals who are almost ready for their closeups. Try her Eastern-influenced botanical product line too.

11600 Wilshire Blvd Suite, 322, L.A.; 310-473-5878

Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts

With its chandeliers and chic girlish furnishings, this favorite skin salon of actresses like Kate Walsh and Felicity Huffman feels like a tearoom. Specialties include the red carpet staple Dermal Quench Oxygen Treatment ($260) for hydration and the MuscleLift ($185), which uses electric currents to elevate the visage.

8428 Melrose Place, L.A.; 323-655-7546

Ole Henriksen's Body Wrap

Stories of pre-Emmy liquid diets abound, but the truly ambitious head to storied spa Ole Henriksen for the Universal Contour Wrap ($200). Over 30 bandages soaked in a detoxifying clay are tightly wound on the body to shave away six inches. (FYI: One inch could be from an ankle or wrist.) Sound too claustrophobic? Try a jar of Ole's African Red Tea Firming Mask for the body, ($85).

8622 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A.; 310-854-7700

Jessica Nail Clinic

This nail salon to the stars -- like Kyra Sedgwick and Mariska Hargitay -- on the Sunset Strip has been customizing treatments and base coats for 40 years. They actually analyze your nail bed like MDs. During award season, clients line up for the signature mani ($30) and the ZenSpa pedi ($32) with green papaya treatments.

8627 W. Sunset Blvd, L.A.; 310-659-9292

Byron & Tracey Salon

This haunt of Rachel Zoe and Jordana Brewster is ground zero for blowouts and makeup by owner Byron Williams ($200 and up) and natural buttery blonde highlights by master Dawn Tracey (starting at $200). For perfectly arched brows, see Gina Veltri ($55 and up), who tends to Jennifer Garner.

9294 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills; 310-276-4470

The Shave

Last year, the actors of "Mad Men" got their pre-Emmy shorn and nail buff at this nostalgic barber shop with a clubhouse-feel. The house shave ($75) involves myriad hot towels and a scrape with a straight razor, after a complimentary tipple of Scotch. A back wax is slyly referred to as "Sweater Removal."

230 S. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills; 310-888-2898

SPX Fitness

When Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. needed to add some major muscle tone to play action heroes, they turned to French taskmaster Sebastien Lagree and his proven Pilates sculpting methods. Classes start at $39 per session, but a monthlong membership with unlimited classes costs $199.

8500 Melrose Blvd, West Hollywood; 310-358-9491

Gendarmerie

This macho spa -- there's a fireplace and leather club chairs -- was originally a boys club, but now allows females. Still, the dudes abide here and opt for the "Massage-a-trois," aka the four-handed massage ($150 for 60 minutes), or the signature facial that includes exfoliation and extraction ($85).

9069 Nemo St., West Hollywood; 310-858-9009.