I'm new to NJ so I have yet to find my go-to...everything.
I found a Groupon for a 60 min Swedish massage and 60 min Signature facial at Spring Beauty Spa and figured that's a good way to test these new places. They were very accommodating (albeit fully booked) considering I had a Groupon. I say this because many establishments are not once they learn you're using a Groupon. They also call to confirm which I appreciate.
Let's start with the massage. Coco (?) was PHENOMENAL. I think she is the only masseuse I've ever had (and I've had countless) that I didn't had to ask to go harder or softer during the massage. It's like she knew my body and what it needed. I'm sore, of course, but that's because I put off having a massage far too long. Needless to say, I'm definitely coming back to Coco especially since they're only a 14 min drive from my new apartment.
Now, the facial. My first big disappointment is that I went for the Signature facial because it said they would do "extractions." Well, she must have poked on my nose just 4-5x and that was it. I KNOW I have way more blackheads than that, so that's a huge disappointment for me. Then, halfway through, their manager Julia came in to speak to me about upgrading my facial because she was told I have dry skin. True, I do! They suggested the IPL facial which was an extra $50. I declined because I don't like being upsold when I'm vulnerable like that (lying on a massage bed with cotton covering my eyes) and unable to make wise decisions. She showed me the brochure (which I could hardly read without my eyeglasses) and offered a discount - only $40 for the upgrade. I agreed, and regret doing so. The added "light" (a machine) was something I could get at another spa that I already frequent, and a one-time use like that would not do significant improvement. In short, not worth the extra $40. Looking at the brochure now, I wish I had just spent the extra money on the upgrade on another type of facial they offer that could probably have benefited me more than the IPL. The manager also mentioned they would upgrade the serum to be used. Well, the day after the facial (yesterday), I had red spots all over my cheeks, and when I put my usual serums and creams on after my shower, there was a sting around my eyes that I never have after putting my eye cream. Two days after the facial (today), my face is itchy all over and I already KNOW that if I put anything on my skin today it will still sting. They make you sign a waiver that this might happen -redness, etc. Most spas do, but I have had countless facials in my lifetime and these side effects have never really happened to me. Needless to say, I won't be back there for a facial.
They offer different "memberships" which are discounted treatments (massage, facial, or both). I definitely plan on signing up for one so I can come back to Coco for a massage regularly. read more