I went here for Spa Week to get my very first facial (for only $50!) after reading all the glowing reviews on Yelp. As usual, my fellow Yelpers were spot on...Jennifer Haley Rasa is AMAZING. I'll try to give a very detailed review so others who may be going for the first time know what it's like.
Before booking, I called to get a sense of what to expect and Jennifer patiently explained all the steps involved to me. I immediately knew I could trust her with my face and proceeded to make an appointment. Note: You do have to put down a credit card and you are charged the full amount of the service if you don't give a 24 hour cancellation notice.
I was 15 minutes late for my appointment but I called to let Jennifer know beforehand and she was incredibly accommodating! First, I filled out a 2 page questionnaire that asked things like what kind of skin I had (dry, oily, sensitive, etc.), what my skincare regimen was, and if I had any allergies. I was quite impressed with this because she used the information I provided to customize my facial for me.
Now on to the facial itself...
I was first asked to remove my top and cardigan so that I could be more comfortable in a wraparound terry towel [you can keep your bra (with the straps tucked under your arms) and pants on]. There's a privacy screen so you can change. This is simply done so that none of the facial products get on your clothes and also so that Jennifer can massage your upper chest, back, arms, and shoulders.
Then you climb into something that looks like a very comfy bed complete with a comforter you can pull up over you and the back of the "bed" is lowered so you are comfortably reclined.
At that point the facial begins. As a new client, I was given a complimentary detox peel which I loved! I was warned beforehand that it would feel "spicy" on my face as the ingredients included paprika and jalapenos. It sounds strange, but I really felt it working to remove all the toxins! This was then removed by a nice hot towel.
I was a bit worried about the next part - the extractions - as everything I had read about facials before said that this was the most painful part. However, Jennifer was extremely gentle and it did not hurt at all!! I also appreciated that she patiently explained that there were some blackheads that weren't "ready" to come out and she wasn't going to force it as it can cause bacteria to spread and cause even more blackheads - this showed that she was truly knowledgeable!
Just a couple of minor issues:
1. The steamer Jennifer uses has a slightly irritating timer that you can hear for about 5 minutes of the facial, but when I pointed it out to her, she assured me as soon as the steamer went on, I wouldn't be able to hear it (she was right) and that she was also looking to get a new steamer soon that wouldn't have that issue.
2. This is a very small spot. As such, Jennifer is the only aesthetician and there is no receptionist or waiting area. Consequently, when the next client arrived for her appointment, she entered during my treatment. However, this was my fault as I arrived 15 minutes late and Jennifer was very professional about this and immediately rushed to politely ask her to wait outside. She also apologized and I didn't feel rushed at all after that incident.
All in all, Jennifer was very patient, friendly, and professional. And all the products she uses (from a Hungarian brand called Eminence) are organic! I also liked that I didn't feel pressure to buy any of the products.
I highly, highly recommend getting a facial here! read more