I've lived in the neighborhood 15 years. This is the best addition to Andersonville since I've…read morelived here.
I'd driven by a few times and wasn't sure if it was coming soon or if it was a shop I somehow hadn't known was there. Thank god it wasn't something I'd missed. We stopped in on Renegade weekend and my friend and I both made appointments with Cyntisha for later in the week. It was her warmth, friendliness, and personality that got me--my relationship with my esthetician is one of the longest I've ever had; I've been seeing her for over 15 years, so seeing another is just not something I've really thought about.
I'm a girl who LOVES a good facial and is a sucker for skincare. Facials are easily my favorite act of self care and probably the most reliably perfect gifts one could get me. I've gotten them on vacation to try new technology and experience others' technique. So maybe you see why I was looking forward to it! This facial was incredibly soothing and relaxing. Cyntisha asked me some questions about my skin routine and products, then left to prepare a few things whilst I prepared myself. She talked me through some of the steps she was taking and explained what she was seeing when analyzing my skin. I tried microdermabrasion for the first time and it wasn't anything like I was expecting because I expected it to hurt or otherwise be unpleasant but extractions can hurt more (and I actually enjoy extractions when necessary). The products felt great; there was one that was peppermint and was really energizing, which was nice to have at the beginning before the more soothing moments. Everything just glided over my skin like silk. She did some lymph massage, which I'm not sure I've ever had. This may have made the most dramatic difference. I was truly astonished when I saw after we finished up--wow, do I actually have that defined a jawline and cheekbones?
Cyntisha has a firm, confident style that really made the facial great; she's skilled at using just the right amount of pressure and repetition that made the tension in my face and body melt away. It was luxurious, quiet, and serene. And honestly, as a mother of a 10 month old who's all about her mommy, quiet moments are few and far between for me at the moment (mama loves ya baby!). My face was literally glowing when I was done. I wish I took better photos so I could have gotten a picture worthy of it; I felt fantastic and beautiful. I feel bad about it but I'll probably be cheating on my main esthy from time to time. Because of the kiddo it's really hard to visit her when it takes 30 minutes minimum each way, especially when there's a nonpareil spa a mile from my home.
There seems to be two entrances, one for the spa and one the main store--but I don't see how they'd know you were there if you used the spa entrance, so I went into the shop and the owner showed me to the spa waiting area. The store is super clean and sophisticated. It's easy to shop. Not just easy, but pleasant, because everything is so beautifully displayed. They carry "clean" beauty brands, and though that's what I generally use these were all new to me. Prices on the skincare aren't bad though, at least not what I bought; no need to pay Tata Harper prices because they carry some opulent but reasonably priced, high-quality products. A little will go a long way, and I'm willing to pay for a good moisturizer, and as I described to Cyntisha, I only want to wear one that feels weightless and not sticky, like water. So hopefully the Osea Seabiotoc water cream will fit that profile.
I haven't even yet explored the floral aspect of the shop. But from what was available the first time I stopped, in its top tier. The store is pretty accessible; no steps to get in or out. Parking is...well, Andersonville. It depends on what time you're going and how far you're willing to park, if you need to drive. Go you must, but just don't book the place so full that I can't get in every few months, okay?