Some say that Surmé is the oldest eyeliner makeup known to mankind, originating in Iran about 2,500 years ago and used by the ruling royal family to beautify their eyes.

In Pinecrest, Surmé is the name of a new beauty and wellness center, located at 8519 SW 136 St. It is owned by Janilla and Farid Khavari, with Janilla overseeing the daily operation of the new enterprise.

"If you look at middle eastern women and even the men, you will see they have very impressive, beautiful eyes," said Mr. Khavari. "That is how they get that beauty. They use Surmé on their eyes."

Surmé is a high-tech salon featuring the latest equipment and a complete program of beauty aids. There are fully qualified technicians on staff to shampoo, condition, color or streak your hair, as well as perform manicures, pedicures and scalp massages. Surmé beauty experts also offer waxing and threading for removal of body hair. You may also purchase a broad supply of high-end hair care, nail care and other beauty-aid products at the shop.

Mr. Khavari originally is from Iran, though he has lived in the United States since 1977, and in Germany for 14 years prior to his move here.

Mr. Khavari is a writer, author and inventor, and is a devotee of physical fitness. He has several patents on exercise and wellness equipment, and said he holds a PhD from the University of Hamburg in Germany. Mrs. Khavari has a master’s degree in stage design from Ohio State University.

Khavari said the beauty aspect of Surmé is only the first stage of what he envisions will be chain of full-scale health, beauty and wellness centers. Within four months, Surmé will offer its clients massages, vitamins and spas, he said. And he hopes to expand the operation and open additional Surmé sites throughout Miami-Dade County in the coming months.

"You cannot get all of the beauty just by coloring the hair and putting makeup on the face," Khavari said. "You must also take the stress and pain out of the body. Our salon is very relaxing and has a very friendly atmosphere and we train our staff to maintain that attitude."

Khavari said he custom-manufactures all of the furniture in Surmé and it is designed to ease the tension in a person’s body. Even the sofa and chair in the waiting lounge are plush and carefully designed for maximum comfort.