Above image courtesy of Georgia Louise
Much like finding a great colorist or stylist, finding a great facialist is an intimidating task. After all, it is our face that we’re talking about and after experiencing some traumatizing facials in my day, I don’t trust my face to just anyone. For me, a facial is less about the relaxation process (although it usually is!) and more about the skin maintenance process. I want the facialist to do what I can’t do at home-extractions, micro, and all the bells and whistles. Give me all of it! Whenever I’m lucky enough to get one, my skin literally glows for weeks. I need less makeup (if any at all), fewer skincare products and I just look so much better.
These places are not cheap and I do apologize for that, but I can promise you, I recommend each of these places with full blown confidence. These are not frilly facials, but the real deal. Truth be told, I’d rather skip buying a pair of shoes or a handbag and invest in great skincare maintenance. With that being said, I am currently working on a part two to this series that will feature places that won’t break the bank.
Just keep in mind, if you’re planning to get a facial before an event, make sure you get it a couple of days prior. It’s likely that you’ll be red for a few days, but your skin will look its best by day 2-4.
Aida Bicaj
Where: Upper East Side (30 East 67th Street, fifth floor; 212-861-1007).
How Much? A facial with Aida is $640; with another associate it’s $300-$450, depending on what facial you choose.
Aida Bicaj was my first foray into “fancy facials” and it was the start of something dangerous (in the best possible way). I discovered Aida shortly after I discovered Biologique Recherche P50, after reading that she primarily uses the Biologique line throughout the entire treatment. After that bit, I also found out that it was Jenna Lyons favorite place and I was further sold. It was after leaving my first appointment, that I began to understand why some women become obsessed with skincare maintenance that goes beyond their at-home routine. An appointment with Aida herself is a small fortune (these days, it’s over $600!!), but since that visit, I’ve seen her other associates and have been equally as impressed.
Star Product: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970
Joanna Vargas
Where: Midtown East (501 Fifth Avenue @42nd street; 212-949-2350
How Much: A facial with Joanna is $500; with one of her associates, it’s $250-$300, depending on what you choose.
After years of hearing the hype, I finally treated myself to their signature Triple Crown Facial after hearing Keiko rave about it. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than having a friend you trust, especially in the skincare department, be the guinea pig. After I left, I understood what the hype was about. The Triple Crown is a micro-current facial that enhance the contours of your face, drain puffiness and enhance elasticity. It’s basically a non-invasive mini facelift.
Star Product: Joanna Vargas Euphoria Face Mask
Georgia Louise
Images courtesy: Georgia Louise
Where: Upper East Side (114 East 71st Street; 212-472-1400).
How Much: $600+ dollars (and a heck of a long wait list) for Louise herself, or $300+, for one of her associates.
It’s the combination of state of the art technology and holistic methods that make Georgia Louise an industry and celebrity favorite (hellooo Emma Stone). All of her treatments, tailored to each clients specific skin needs, will naturally lift cheekbones and brows, de-puff and soften fine lines through multiple high tech devices from microneedling to micro-current.
Star Product(s): Georgia Louise Signature Line
Rescue Spa
Image source: Rescue Spa
Where: Flatiron (29 East 19th Street; 866-772-2766)
How Much: Signature Facials are $150-$300, with Add-Ons & Quick Fixes priced at $100 for each; Advanced Skin Treatments start at $300. See complete facial list here.
Rescue Spa offers a highly personalized, integrative and comprehensive approach to skin care and beauty, providing people with indulgent experiences at their brick and mortar locations in NYC (and Philadelphia), as well as online where you can purchase the products used during your facial experience.
Founder Danuta Mieloch’s technique and passion is what truly sets Rescue apart. She takes a full spectrum approach, combining the most natural of ingredients while also welcoming advanced technologies for a truly trendsetting environment. The products used at Rescue Spa are pure, concentrated, innovative, and as natural as possible, and are paired with the latest technological advancements including Microcurrents, Microdermabrasion, IPL, LED, Refirme, and eMatrix.
Star Product(s): Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum & Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970
25 comments
sasa
It looks amazing:P
Shall We Sasa
March 8, 2017La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Beautiful! Merci for sharing these wonderl places for beauty facials. 🙂
❤LA BIJOUX BELLA❤ | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
March 8, 2017Laurel
Hi would you please include prices of all these services? Do they have websites I can peruse? I understand that you love their facials, how about their products? Do you feel they pushed their products just to sell? Do you actually use their products? What did they recommend for a skincare routine? (Same as yours?). Sorry for the 10000 questions, I feel the same I invest in my skin more than a good handbag or shoes. So I’m heavily interested in this post. Once I cut dairy out of my diet, my skin has never glowed as much. A mixture of healthy eating and diet are big!!!! Thank you so much for being so forthcoming and sharing. xoxo
March 8, 2017Helena
Hey Laurel! I just updated all with prices. Hope that helps! Also, each place is linked above (if you click on the name above each photo).
I never find them to be pushy with their products. I use a wide range of products, some from the above companies and some others.
xo,
March 10, 2017Helena
Megan
Alright between this post and a recent post by Caroline Hirons I am convinced. I have never had a professional facial (didn’t want to drop the cash and become an addict), but here is a facialist here in Dallas I have been dying to try. I have made the appointment.
Wish me luck!
March 8, 2017Lauren
I agree, it’s so hard finding a great facialist. Love all the sound of these tho! x
http://www.wonkylauren.com
March 8, 2017Kathy Mannino
I have had the SAME issue with jawline breakouts, but (unluckily for me) mine started when I was just two months pregnant and has YET to clear up for a long period of time! The things we do for our children…
March 8, 2017Kimberley
Any readers have a suggestion for a facialist in Boston?
March 8, 2017Mireia
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
March 8, 2017https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Kaitlin
Thanks for sharing!
http://www.vanitycapital.com/beauty-1/2017/3/5/review-anastasia-beverly-hills-liquid-lipstick
March 9, 2017Wholl
These look so cute! I love the color x , thanks for sharing xxx You will like to see more fun from here.
March 10, 2017Aria Di Bari
All of those places look amazing, I have to check about these!
http://ariadibari.com
March 10, 2017Alexa williams
I love a good facial! Thanks for all the recommendations. I’ll be sure to check them out the next time I’m in NYC! ❤️
March 10, 2017Alexa williams
I love a good facial! Thanks for all the recommendations. I’ll be sure to check them out the next time I’m in NYC! ❤️
http://www.muselifestylestudio.com
March 10, 2017CER
Maybe I need to try Joanna Vargas again, but I found it to be completely over-hyped! I really love Ling Skincare. There are two locations, but I’ve only been to the Union Square one. They are on the more affordable end of the spectrum – I’ve spent anywhere from $300-$500, depending on what I was having done. I’ve seen multiple aestheticians and they are all EXTREMELY thorough. Really worth checking out! They keep later hours, so it’s great for an after work visit.
March 10, 2017Helena
Hi Cer,
Oh! Never tried Ling but will definitely put them on my radar.
And sorry to hear your experience at JV wasn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. If you give them another shot, ask for Liz!
March 10, 2017cheryl
Anyone have facial recommendations in SF or Santa rosa/ napa area?????
March 12, 2017Stick War
So chic and effortless! It’s so you! Love the trench!
March 14, 2017xx
Kim phAm
Love your rêsrch
March 21, 2017Briana
The Erno Laszlo membership is such a great deal! But, Aida Bicaj’s space is probably the most beautiful place I can imagine getting a facial.
Briana
March 24, 2017http://www.youngsophisticate.com
MICHAEL
Looks so Beautiful!!! Definitely Worth it!
KANTILAKI JEWELERS
April 29, 2017http://KANTILAKI.COM
Deelisa sacco
Loved the article- so inspiring to read about wonderful aestheticians offering treatments clients benefit from & adore. Thank you. Warm Regards, DeeLisa ps Federico Lupo is my friend & stylist??
May 26, 2017FASHION TRENDY
hi,i like very much your dress and your blog..i follow you,i hope you folow my blog YOUR FASHION CHIChttp://trendybitch.blogspot.com/
November 4, 2017see you soonwrite me!
Allison
Joanna Vargas became my SANCTUARY. I got hooked on a Gilt City deal and then caved to paying full price because they do such a great job. Might have to cheat and check out some of your other recommendations.
Allison | http://www.otisunfiltered.com/
December 27, 2017Lizzie
Helena! Love your blog and obsessed with you little family. Thank you so much for sharing this post. I come to your blog often for skin care tips and products that you use and love (currently in the market for a great moisturizer). I would love to know more about which facial treatment you specifically prefer best (micro current, hydro facial, etc). As I increase in age (hello 30s!), my skincare routine has changed and definitely see the value of investing more $$$ into it. I have been reading up on micro current facials and am dying to try but unfortunately that trend hasn’t become wide spread in Minneapolis yet. If you are willing to share, have you or do you currently get Botox and what are your thoughts on that anti-aging process?
Thanks again!
April 6, 2018Xoxo
Lizzie