I can't say enough about Maxine...she's truly the best. I just saw her yesterday, and as always, I left feeling like a brand new woman. Later on, a random guy on the street even stopped to compliment how amazing my skin looked (and trust me, he definitely didn't see me before my appointment ). That alone says a lot about how good she is at what she does. If you're ever in need of a great facial, don't hesitate to book with my girl. She'll have you glowing and feeling gorgeous. Thank me later! read more

About two years ago I booked a facial with Facial Studio Magdalena, and I thought my esthetician did a really great job! She politely explained what each step was meant to do to my skin and the studio itself felt very clean and modern. My problem came after the appointment. The owner came out to sell me her "Acne Boot Camp" program and skincare line, which I declined because it was out of my budget and I explained that I already had products prescribed to me by my dermatologist. Upon eyeing my face (which was covered in hormonal acne at the time) she judgmentally said, "Well, clearly it's not working." I never went back. And, since following my dermatologist's advice, my skin has cleared up a LOT. I use tretinoin which is a very common treatment for acne but one of its side effects is skin purging; which to her looked like "clearly not working." I know this review is quite late, but I just remember leaving the appointment so embarrassed and frustrated. Acne is a sensitive topic for a lot of people--which is why I treated myself to a facial! I know it's not easy to run a business, but there is no justification for such behavior. And you won't be able to find me in your database under this name. My appointment was on (1/31/2024). Best of luck with everything, you have talented staff and I hope my experience was just a one-off issue. read more

I love seeing Maxine for my acne facial. I was very self conscious because of my acne when I started seeing her in May and thanks to her advice and a new product routine my skin is doing so much better. Cannot recommend Maxine enough! read more

I had great experience with facial studio Magdalena! Jessica is the best esthetician I've ever been to! She's knowledgeable, caring, and pays attention to every detail. Highly recommend! read more

I've been coming here for a year now, and it's the best decision I ever made for my skin! My complexion is so good that my husband also visits every now and then. They helped me identify my skin goals and develop a skin care routine. My breakouts have stopped, except for the occasional hormonal spot. They are very thorough and use good products. I can't recommend this place enough! read more

Facial Studio Magdalena - After my facial - Skin Care Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Owner is very difficult to work with and is very high pressure sales. Estheticians are delightful read more

Really one of the best facials I have ever had. Very relaxing and my skin felt amazing after it was done. I am planning on trying out other members of the staff at the next visit as they frequently offer deals when you book with newer staff. read more

Marvelous Magdalena and her terrific team may have moved to a new location, which is cute and very inviting, by the way, but I still receive my great warm and welcoming greetings and my fantastic facials. My skin looks wonderful after all these years of following her recommendations and using the products. Magdalena is still a gem, she is such a sweet heart, love her. Happy early Birthday, dear. Enjoy your day and I wish you a blessed and wonderful day. See you in 4 months!! read more

See all

Maxine literally saved my skin. I recommend this place to everyone!!! Im 24 and I never had acne in high school. After a 3 month trip to Europe, my skin start developing seriously painful acne on my cheeks and I've never even had 1 pimple on my cheeks growing up! I messed up my skin even more by trying to fix it on my own. Maxine is amazing I'm so thankful for her. She honesty gave me my confidence back. My skin isn't even at the place I want it to be yet but people are STILL COMPLIMENTING my skin!! Which I thought was crazy because I've been so insecure for over a year now. read more

I had a facial with Maxine a couple of times I have had a blueberry facial, a European facial and a deep cleansing pore facial. It was fantastic. My skin felt nice and clean and the shoulder massage was amazing.. read more

I struggled with acne for years and tried everything - topical and oral medications, facials, so many acne focused products. Nothing worked until I came to Facial Studio Magdalena two years ago. After my first facial, I could immediately feel that I had found something special. About 6 months after my first visit, my skin was completely clear for the first time in years. The products are amazing, but what's even better is the care and consideration with which they treat their clients. Everything is personalized to your specific skin concerns. Whenever I have a question, I get a prompt response with helpful suggestions and advice. Facial Studio Magdalena cares about helping people heal and maintain their skin. I am so grateful to them for healing my skin in a way I wasn't sure was possible anymore. I am a customer for life. read more

I have struggled with acne since I was a teen, now in my 30's. I had tried almost every acne product under the sun until I became so passionate about skincare and went to school to become an esthetician. Well trying different products in school sent my skin in a frenzy and I broke out like crazy. I wanted the experience of receiving a professional facial so I booked with Maxine since I saw all the rave reviews. SHE DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Maxine was honest and made it clear it would take time and consistency. I was more than willing to put my all into treating my acne and it was well worth it. She is so down to earth and welcoming I always feel relaxed in her hands. I am now overdue for a facial but she's set me up so good with my home care, I've maintained my clear skin!! The advice and treatments given by Maxine have honestly changed my life and confidence level so much and I am so grateful to her. Although I did learn a lot in school, Maxine has shown me how to actually treat and clear my acne through products and small lifestyle changes. I cannot say enough good things about my experience and I think the pictures speak for themselves! Thanks Maxine! read more

I never get facials as I feel like I always breakout after them. But due to the amazing reviews of this place, I gave it a try. I really wanted to like this place, but basically... my face is in the WORST condition it has been in the last 5 years after getting an acne facial here. I wanted an alternative to using antibiotic ointments for my face which I have used for the last 15 years. I am now 28 and still have acne breakouts here and there. I've weaned myself off the antibiotics for 1.5 months prior to coming to this place and had maybe 3-4 problematic pimples going in. So I was really hoping this was the solution to completely get rid of my adult acne. My first impression was great. Sheila was my esthetician and she was friendly. Place is clean and though I had a hard time finding it (it's in an office suite in a building), ambience of the actual treatment room was relaxing. She explained everything pretty clearly. However, when we got to the "extraction" part ---where she puts pressure on my pores to extract out clogging black/whiteheads, I feel like some of the pores didn't get unclogged and only got inflamed... hence why I have such an EPIC breakout 2 days after my facial. I broke out on my forehead, a place I rarely get breakouts from. Not only that, but on my EYEBROWS and LIP area... really strange places to breakout in. I understand your face usually reacts this way after facials, but for me to get it on areas I never had issues with is really ridiculous. So in the end, they suckered me into buying a 35$ serum and made me throw out all my pore clogging makeup as this is what they recommended as part of their treatment. For what? For an even more horrifically irritated, broken out face. Really mad and disappointed. The scars of the pimples I currently have will take a while to heal thanks to this place. The 2 stars are SOLELY for the cleanliness and informative esthetician. Results? 0. read more

Facial Studio Magdalena - Broke out on my EYEBROWS and forehead after my facial. I NEVER broke out on my eyebrows & rarely on my forehead so this is quite upsetting. - Skin Care Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Let me start by saying I VERY rarely post reviews unless I have an exceptional experience, and this is one of them. I have struggled with acne for years, and no dermatologist has been able to help me. I have hormonal acne around my mouth and under my cheekbones, as well as occasional acne on my hairline. I went in for an acne facial and consultation this week. It has only been a few days, and my skin is in the process of bringing impurities to the surface, but overall my skin is GLOWING and the texture of my skin is polished, smooth and hydrated. For the longest time, I didn't think clear skin and hydrated skin could coexist. Absolutely no products were pushed on me in any way, which was a breath of fresh air compared to prior experiences at the dermotologist. This showed me that 1) they are confident you will return and 2) this skin studio is not just another money grab. Rather than pushing products, Ashley gave me a lengthy list of clogging ingredients and advised me to look out for those in my current skincare products and makeup. She recommended a skin care routine involving a cleanser, toner, exfoliating serum, and a moisturizer, and I gladly bought everything. Given how concentrated everything is, I expect to not have to repurchase for at least another month. The moisturizer is bound to last me two, and this is with a twice daily routine. If my skin is completely clear in the next few months, then I honestly will believe in miracles and maybe even name my first child after Magdalena (kind of kidding, kind of not). Thank you for actually caring about your clients. I have already eagerly referred multiple people. You are a gift to all of us acne sufferers. read more

5 stars all the way. I don't tell whomever is working on my skin that I have my esthetics license. I booked a facial with Maxine. As a first-timer, you book a $99 facial and then she recommends what your skin needs. I went with a lemon enzyme and LED light therapy. Aside from being a perfect approach for my skin, she has an extremely relaxing touch. And she is very knowledgeable. Whenever I come back into town, this will be the first place I go from now on. Cute little studio, simply decorated. These ladies know their stuff so rest assured you are in good hands no matter if you have acneic skin or dry skin in need of a little polishing like mine. read more

This review is past due. I am so incredibly grateful for Magdalena!! I've been suffering from adult acne for the past 8 years. Within that time frame, I've had a significant breakout every 2-3 years. I suffer from cystic acne. Halfway through 2018 I experienced a major breakout. I went to dermatologists, started Retin A, and additional items suggested by the dermatologist. It wasn't helping AND it was expensive. Something told me to do some more research. I came across Magdalena's studio on Instagram. I quickly went to her website and read reviews on yelp. So many patients talked about their success stories and how much they loved this studio. I was sold. I made an appointment immediately. On my first visit, I went in with 8 cystic pimples on my face (4 on each cheek). Not only did I come out without the cystic pimples (due to the extractions), but I also came out having had the best experience of my life!! I gained so much knowledge regarding my skin and felt hopeful. I've been going every 4 weeks now since late October. My skin has never been this clear or felt this smooth! I am so satisfied! We've now moved into chemical peels to address the acne scarring. Going to Magdalena has been the best decision I've EVER made!! read more

I've been here twice for facials to even out my skin tone. I saw 2 different aestheticians and they were both knowledgeable. After my first session, the aesthetician gave me recommendations on what products I could use to see results and I still follow her advise to this day. Both times, the sessions were so relaxing. And afterwards, my skin felt and looked great. The new studio is cute and inviting. I LOVE this place. If you're thinking about making an appointment, do it! You won't regret it. read more

Great service and products. Really great price. Able to really relax during the facial.

Loved my experience sorry it took so long to review I received my service on NewYears. I enjoyed my time I was relaxed she explained everything well and was comfortable. Even was kind enough to take my calls afterwards when I had a question. I would definitely return! I had my first acne facial and my face had dryness I hadn't seen before and Sheila explained it was common for my type of face and what to do and if I needed a guide to call her back if I needed her to walk me through anything literally that above and beyond. Two days later guess what my face was clear and more even and healthier then before. Thanks Sheila. read more

Facial Studio Magdalena - Facial Time!! Get yours Sheila is awesome. - Skin Care Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been going to see Maxine for facials and waxing for months now! From the service to her knowledge about the products I have never trusted someone so much with my skin. I came to her with breakouts, and they were gone after a few treatments with her facial services and using the products. I have been recommending her to all my friends because she is the best their is. I will absolutely be back to see her!!! Thank you Maxine for making me feel so beautiful! I have gotten so many compliments on how clear my face looks! read more

This was the year I decided I was going to do whatever it took to get rid of my acne. At 30, I had had one or two puffy red zits a month, more or less consistently, since high school. I'd been getting random facials from various studios, using salicylic acid products, and other various acne products, and nothing seemed to consistently work. What I've LOVED about this studio (and the list is long) is they have a method for you to follow after you get your initial facial, a list of known "pore-clogging" ingredients to completely avoid. They don't push you to buy any products, they simply give you the knowledge you need to follow their advice. I changed my shampoo and conditioner based on their ingredient list and finally put an end to the stubborn scalp acne I'd had for years. I decided to buy the face products (the brand they stock is called Hashtag Skin) and follow their advice of a facial every 4-6 weeks. In less than 2 months, I had had my very last zit. It's been 9 month since then, and I can't stop raving about my aesthetician to all the compliments I receive from friends and family. Maxine is wonderful (kind and talented), the whole team is great (Ashley just gave me a wonderful facial his week), they love what they do, and they are good at it! It's the best money I spent on myself every month and I will be coming back for years to come! read more

The entire experience was amazing! Ashley was not only professional, but she is passionate about what she does. She educated about the facial process, issues with certain ingredients in makeup and skin care products, and learned what certain triggers are for breakouts. I would recommend Ashley and the salon to anyone and I will be back! read more

I have been to Facial Studio Magdalena for over 5 years and their methods truly transform my skin. I went first to treat my acnes (probably due to a very stressful job) and their treatments really solved my problems. I have continued to go every 3 to 6 months for self care :). The products they recommended are effective and the price is reasonable. They never force you to purchase anything. The place is clean and I love the fact that they are not overly decorated and feel very approachable. The facial process was really relaxing and I enjoyed the face/shoulder massage. read more

I have adult acne and pcos, and came here based on the before and after pics and raving reviews....and the results exceeded my expectations. The aesthetician (I had Maxine), the products, regiment, diet changes, and the "what to avoid" list were game changers! I would recommend them to everyone with acne and those without because their service is very professional and still personal. I also have gotten a spray tan with them, and Maxine took her time to make sure I was even, blended, and the shade I was going for! I keep coming back! And my skin looks better than ever! (Pics to come) read more

I have been coming to get facials with Magdalena for several months, and she is my favorite. She's always so friendly and does a great job. The bed is super comfy, way comfier than they usually are at facial salons. I've tried one of her products and feel that it was reasonably priced and also works. Looking forward to being back soon. read more

If you have issues with acne, I cannot recommend going to Facial Studio Magdalena enough. Their aestheticians educate you on what ingredients to avoid in your skincare routine and their products are amazing and don't break the bank--nor do they push their products on you. It wasn't until my second visit that I even knew they had any, which was one of my favorite parts. I hate getting a facial and essentially getting told I need to spend $$$ on their special serums or else the whole facial was a bust. I've seen a couple of their aestheticians, but Ashley Jackson is my go-to! One, her work is impeccable, two, she gives a KILLER neck and shoulder massage, and three, I always have fun when I see her. She's the best! Lastly, Facial Studio Magdalena is taking the needed precautions to keep you safe during the COVID outbreak. Their measures are akin to what I experienced at my dentist, which is absolutely what they should be considering the procedures necessitate taking off your mask. 10/10, definitely recommend! read more

This review is LONGGGG over due! I don't usually write reviews, but the service/results that I received from this place is too good to be true. So if you are reading this, book now!!! Here it goes: I have been receiving facials from Facial Studio Magdalena since the end of December. Suffering with chronic cystic acne breakouts since I was 16, I decided to finally take control of my skin since I am graduating from University. Over the past 5 months, I have been receiving regular facials whenever I am in Chicago. I also follow a skin regimen using the Face Reality products that they offer in the salon. AND BOY DO I SEE A DIFFERENCE!!!! My face has completely cleared up and for once I super confident in my skin! Of course I still feel that I have a long way to with acne scars/discoloration, but I never would have gotten this far without Facial Studio Magdalena! If you are someone that breaks out all the time, you know that it is something that's ALWAYS on your mind whenever you look in the mirror/meet new people. But listen to this..... Facial Studio Magdalena has really broken it down to a science. I have never felt this confident in my skin EVER!!! Having gone through this process, you should know that if you are someone who suffers from chronic cystic acne breakouts, it's definitely going to take a few months to clear. Just be reassured that you are NOT wasting your money and are actually taking steps to finally achieving beautiful skin! :)))) Thanks so much Maxine, Sheila & Ashley!!! You've seriously changed my life! Would love to rate you guys 5 million stars if I could!!!! read more

I've been seeing Ashley and she has totally transformed my skin. She helped clear up some painful breakouts along my jawline and forehead, and FINALLY rid myself of those annoying blackheads on my nose. I highly recommend getting some facials and talking to her about your routine. She recommended some awesome products that I was hesitant about at first... but I will definitely be coming back to stock up on. She knew my skin better than I did! I am always skeptical when it comes to recommended products and services, but my skin seriously is now better than it has been in 10 years. Even my fiancé noticed! Thank you, Ashley! read more

Magdalena is unquestionably an expert in the beauty industry. She has been taking care of my face for the past year and it could not look better. Her ability to pick the right products for you is also a five star service. read more

Overall I enjoyed my experience. There are a few things I like: 1. Sheila was friendly, not too chatty and asked me a lot of questions about my skincare routine to identify the causes of my acne 2. The extraction process was way less painful than the extraction I had in other spas (I did my facial a lot in Asia and I cried every time I had my extraction) 3. At the end Sheila gave me a piece of paper that contain useful information, like what food I should avoid and what ingredients in skincare would clog my pores. However I wish the space was slightly bigger and the room was warmer. I also wish that Sheila apply more mosturizer at the end of the process as I didnt bring my own skincare to the appointment and needed to head out right after. She just applied some oil/serum on my face at the end. read more

I have been seeing Ashley for a month and my skin is finally back on track. She is very knowledgeable about the comedogenic effect popular skincare products have and will not recommend products or devices just because they're popular. Now that I'm seeing less acne I really trust her to help remove my discoloration and texture issues. If you book an appointment here ask for her! You won't regret it. read more

I have never been so impressed by a business, I have been seeing Ellen and she is not only warm and inviting but also very knowledgeable about products and ingredients that she recommends using. The products that Ellen suggested have worked wonders on my skin. I now have a pimple or two that pop up every other month. I look forward to my monthly appointments for some relaxation. Their new office is easy to get to by public transportation as well. read more

I came here because they specialize in acne and the woman who gave my my facial did a great job at telling me how I should proceed forth with my skin. She gave me a great face wash and an awesome face cream. She was very helpful and guiding in what to do and reassuring in all of my concerns that we will fix everything. It felt really great to have someone know what you mean when you spoke of something that really bears a burden on a person like having acne for years. My face has healed very well after my first treatment and I look foward to going again. You can give a person a facial or any service but its the genuine understanding and guidance that makes me want to go back. Great salon and thank you for your services. read more

I am in town for just the weekend, visiting my little sister. I made my appointment about two weeks in advance (they were able to squeeze me in to an afternoon slot). The day before, they called and offered me the 9:00 appointment slot! SCORE!!! Magdalena arrived at 10 till 9 and started on me right on time. Her facial table is comfortable. She started by cleansing my face, then applying an enzyme masque. Her extractions were plentiful and painless. She applied the high-frequency wand and finished off with a calming masque. Oh, and there was a nice neck and shoulder massage in there, too. She put together an entire regimen for my skin care and pointed out a couple of products that would be good to combat a bit of acne on my chin. I would go back to her in a heartbeat. The location is a bit of an "office" setting, but my facials are for maintenance and not luxury. Magdalena knows her stuff!! You can tell by the way she approaches the service and do's and don't's. Highly recommend!! read more

"Whoohoo! As good as it gets!" is not kidding! My skin is acne prone (and I'm an adult!) and I will tell you, this is the BEST facial I have EVER gotten for my skin type (and I have had a lot of wonderful facials). Magdalena is fabulous and a true professional at perfecting her art! I swear, she should have a doctorate degree! I went about a month ago for the first time (found on Groupon! my fave!) and I am so happy I snagged the Groupon up! Let me tell you, I am a "groupon girl" but I will happily pay full price to go back to Magdalena's (that in itself says A LOT!). My skin was noticably smoother, less congested, and "cleaner"; in fact when I got home my boyfriend even commented about my "new face" (like it was a new hairstyle or something lol). Oh, and Magdelena works miracles with the extractions, too! If you're reading this wondering whether or not to get the Groupon deal (or any other deal) GET IT you will be SOOOOO HAPPPY! Plus, it's in a REALLY convenient, beautiful location right off of Michigan Ave on Wacker. (I took the train) TIP-- When you find the address, YES! you are in the right spot--- it is inside a residential building. If you ask the doorman he will direct you downstairs to where the shops are. read more

I have struggled with acne on and off (mostly on) for my whole life basically. I have tried everything-dermatologist multiple times with antibiotics and gels, Proactiv, Differin, Giving up dairy, quite a few different things. So after getting a Groupon for this studio I went in last weekend. Sheila was really informative and friendly, and I had a nice facial. She walked through everything with me and I purchased the skin care line recommended, and have been going through the routine for a week now. I am already seeing positive changes and I really hope they continue! I am going in a few weeks for my next facial, so here's hoping :) Update: guys...if you are looking here, look no further! My skin has cleared up. I use the products and go for regular facials, and even with not always the best diet, it's still stayed clear! Sheila is the best!! read more

I still love this place. The products they have you use are not expensive and they do actually work for my skin. Much better than throwing away hundreds of dollars at Sephora. read more

First -- my skin looked and felt like a baby's behind -- no joke. Which totally surprised me and guaranteed I'd visit again and talk about it. I purchased a special (groupon, livingsocial, etc) for a facial and my expectations weren't very high given some of my previous experiences. I couldn't have been more delightfully surprised by the experience I had -- I walked away transformed. Magdalena is utterly delightful, professional, gentle, precise, communicative, informative, and takes great pride and joy in her work -- which you feel from the moment she greets you at the door. She explains every step she takes with ease and transparency, and her studio is immaculate and inviting. Her focus is 100% on her present client and she maintains a consistent flow and gentle rhythm to her work throughout the treatment. Given what we now know about mirror neurons, it's a joy to walk out of her appointments reflecting the same kind of ease and flow. Now when I make appointments, I lie back and allow her to apply her expertise to the present condition of my skin because I can trust her to do an excellent job. I also know she won't do something that will add cost without first consulting me about it. Magdalena is -- without a doubt -- an exceptional example of a business woman. You will be better off for having visited her. read more

Knowledge is power! I had my appointment with Magdalena yesterday and I am so happy I finally pulled the trigger and came in for an appointment. She explained the problem, a process of how to correct it, and then the solution. She did so concisely and very succinctly. What more could a person want or need? She was very knowledgable about PROPER skin care and that's what I was most concerned with during my visit. My skin has been very problematic and I have temporary success all the time with getting it clear, but it always reverts back to dull and clogged pores. Its like when you go to a hair STYLIST they slay your hair, but at the end of the day your hair is not healthy or growing properly... Because you went to a stylist and not a hair care specialist who knows about how to care for your hair. I am going to do the 3 facials every 3 weeks, as well as the home care regimen using the products she sold me (which were very affordable for spa grade skin care products) and come back and let you know about my progress. I'm excited to see the results! read more

I went in for my first time last week feeling pretty discouraged from a recent breakout from a dermatologist. I made my appointment online and bought the Yelp deal. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by Sheila. She was so nice and attentive right from the beginning. The space was small but very clean! I didn't have to wait at all. We went into the room and she explained everything thoroughly and asked if I had questions. I got ready for the facial and here's where it gets really good! Sheila and I spoke the entire time, no awkward small talk.. She was really nice! Throughout the facial she explained every step. She talked to me about what she thinks is going on with my skin and asked all the right questions to find a solution. I was relaxed and feeling really excited that she might be my saving grace to finally get my skin back to normal! After the amazing facial we sat down and she went through this large packet with me that highlighted ingredients I should be avoiding, my skin type, and other interesting info. Soooooo informative. She ended up recommending a skin regime using face reality, they sell it there, and I bought it all. Once I left I felt kind of silly for buying it all but it's only been a week and my skin already looks a million times better! I made my second appointment right away. If you're struggling to find a solution for your skin and feel like a dermatologist is just not helping... Go see Sheila!! You will not regret it. It's a bit expensive, but worth it. read more