Monica is a healer, not just an aesthetician. She healed my skin. I had various skin issues including severe acne only made worse by dermatologists. I spent hundreds of dollars on a year of naturopathy but one visit to Monica was all it took for my skin to start getting better. Her facials are so relaxing, she does an in depth assessment of the skin before the facial, even looks at diet and lifestyle. Her facials are long, she spends time on every client. She uses the best products and the custom serum she makes for her clients based on their skin type is pure magic. She teaches her clients to eat the right foods that heal their gut. She is the only one I trust when it comes to my skin and I don't buy skincare products until they are Monica approved. I cannot recommend Monica enough. She is truly the BEST! read more

Like all the others so far, I am hard pressed to describe just how wonderful Monica is. First, she's as beautiful inside as she is out. Going to her for a facial is muuuuuch more than some pore cleansing. She is able to soothe and center your psyche while at the same time nourishing and washing your skin. I am quite a skeptic about things like "energy work", but as Monica has practiced this on me it makes me more of a believer. And then there's the total transformation of my skin! I have blotchy, spotty skin and it hasn't cleared up since I left college. Ever since I started with Monica I would say my skin is 150X better than it was before. It's partly all the procedures that she does in the session and partly the serum she sends you home with that is mixed just for you. Dark spots, pimples and fine lines have vanished. I can't recommend her enough!! read more

From now on, Monica is the only person whom I trust with my skin. She's amazing! I have had various skin problems for decades, only exacerbated by dermatologists' steroids, antibiotics, etc. Monica was able to immediately identify the underlying issues and make my skin feel significantly better in only one session; she also gave me a plan to keep up with a healthy skin routine at home. She has an extensive knowledge of and passion for the connection of skin, nutrition, and lifestyle. If she ever moves or retires, I'm going to cry! read more

I haven't had a facial in 2 years because I'm really picky about who touches my skin. However, this year's summer weather has really taken a toll on my skin and it was feeling dehydrated, dull and dirty. After doing intensive research, I decided to try a facial with Monica and I can only say that I will DEFINITELY be returning way sooner than 2 years!! Monica is everything you could want in an esthetician and more --she is not only knowledgeable about skin treatments, but also about how nutrition and environment impacts skin physiology. The facial itself was thorough yet gentle. It started with a skin analysis and dietary consultation, before proceeding to a custom-blended Serum, deep-pore cleansing with Galvanic, herbal steam, mineral masque, lymphatic drainage massage, and a gentle hand and foot massage. My skin is really sensitive and flares up when products containing commercially prevalent chemicals/preservatives are used, but it felt AMAZING throughout the entire facial, as only custom blends of natural products were used. Although all the products used were available for purchase, Monica did not once try to promote them to me, and instead even provided me several free trials at the end of our visit. Kind of want to keep this NYC's best kept secret, kind of too excited about Monica to keep quiet. read more

I truly don't know where to start with Monica. Well first, I found her via Vashtie's blog post on her skincare regimen and decided to look her up. Prior to your first facial, she has her clients fill out a form describing their diet, exercise regimen, etc, to help build a background. Once the facial starts she begins to assess your skin, but simultaneously she'll also teach you about how your diet and daily habits effect your skin. Aside from the amazing three hour facial, this is what made me fall in love with Monica even more. She taught me so many things about how I can improve my skin and overall health. She did an in-depth assessment of my skin, recommended some great products to me (without being pushy), and made me feel healed, renewed, and refreshed. HIGHLY recommended. read more

I have been coming to Monica for the last couple of years. If you are looking for the best Facial in town look no further.Monica is also a Reiki master, a Reflexologist, an Ordained Minister and a Raw Food's Chef. According to Monica, you are what you eat, and you are what your skin eats.By combining the knowledge of science with the essential forces of plants,and minerals,Monica uses her holistic and cosmecutical training,superior skills, and extensive resource of vitamins,minerals, herbs, living foods,flower essences,elixirs and custom blended super anti- aging serums to provide skin, body care and dietary treatments that are always pure and of the highest quality. If you want to change the way you look, the way you feel, the way you see the world and the way world sees you call Monica for the best possible health and beauty experience for the body, mind and soul! read more

Monica is a GIFT to us all. She truly loves her clients and treats them with such care. Going in I knew it would be special - but I had no idea it would be life changing! She is incredible! My face feels spectacular, and my whole body and spirit feels rejuvenated. I am about to tell all of my friends about her so you better book her fast because she will be SOO busy after I get done bragging about her!!! Thanks Monica!! read more

Awesome! Truly a healer. Monica is so calming and wise. She cares deeply about her craft and clients. Never pushes products. She will give great advice on optimal lifestyle and diet without making you feel guilty for your little vices like alcohol/coffee/sugar. Her facials are legendary, individually tailored and will generally involve additional reiki/reflexogy/tarot reading -whatever your body needs.I have been a client of Monica since 2000 and, despite moving to Ireland in the interim, make it a priority to visit her every few months. The clarity and glow of your skin, the joy to your spirit and body, is unbeatable. Looking forward to my next visit in September. read more

I felt compelled to write a review for Monica because not only did I leave feeling and looking amazing, but because she really cared about me as a new client and personalized/individualized her services to tailor to my needs and budget. I wanted to also let everyone know that her new address is in the Flatiron in the St. James building: The St. James Building 1133 Broadway, Suite 716 New York, NY 10010 I came from San Francisco for a writer's conference and had very little time to co-ordinate a facial. Monica was kind to get in touch with me immediately and squeeze me in hours that were open for her - even working on the Friday before Independence Day weekend. A little bit about my skin: I've been on Retin-A for 4 months, have dry skin, and acne. After I finished the questionnaire, she gave me advice on how to treat my skin better on a holistic level, recommending what foods to eat and what to avoid (and why - because they are chock-filled with chemicals) and advice on skincare products and lifestyles. Very few estheticians will do this - most will rely on the hot new product or trends whereas Monica took the time to ask me about my lifestyle and tried to encourage that I gave up bad habits (HELLO ALCOHOL) to let my skin and digestive system heal. The facial itself was luxurious. The extractions were done by hand gently but thoroughly (with a little help from tools but not just picking at my face willy-nilly) and there was a feet and shoulder massage. She has a background in energy medicine and asked me to envision my skin as clear and soft - which made me think of how I should look at myself instead of bullying myself in the mirror each morning because my skin doesn't look perfect. I had TWO facials with her during my month in New York. The first one to purify my pores, the second (about a week after) to moisturize my face and I've received a ton of compliments since. More importantly, no scarring, no pain, no swollen cheeks - just rejuvenated skin with no new pimples! She also used high-quality Luzern and Dr. Alkaitis products on me that didn't irritate me. If you are in need of some TLC for your face and soul, but sick and tired of being prescribed medications or ultra-expensive petroleum creams from Bergdorf's, go see Monica. read more

Sigh. I'm loathe to write this review since it's already a bit of a challenge to get an appointment with Monica. BUT, she deserves everything that comes her way since she truly is second to none with skin. Having had MANY facials and MANY different places over the years (I am old!) I can truly say there is no one like Monica. Yes, I think she is very knowledgeable because she keeps up with everything going on in the world of skincare but I also think she is innately gifted when it comes to taking care of skin and doing just the right thing during the treatment -- as well as knowing what treatments are actually useful and which ones are just smoke and mirrors. I was used to giving myself several days of recovery after facials and this has never been the case with Monica. I started seeing her over a year ago (though there was a long break until recently because life just got too complicated) but having gone last week, I can say that she truly is the best at what she does. Entirely devoted and focused. I honestly can't say enough good things about her save if you're looking to improve your skin, she is the woman to see. Without a doubt. read more

Monica is great! I told her about a skin problem I had and she gave me tons of information and gave me some wonderful skin care products. Monica is very responsive and one of the best professionals I've ever dealt with! read more

I had a three hour facial (my first facial ever!) with Monica a few weeks ago, and it was simply fantastic. I was looking forward to the experience because a friend of mine had recommended her highly, so I knew it would be good. But I had no idea how good. Over the course of the treatment, Monica gave me "the works" including an enzyme mask, steaming, pore cleansing, and microcurrent treatment. Wow!! I felt so amazing, and my skin looked incredible. Monica has a very soothing, healing presence, and she clearly walks her talk bc her skin is amazing. I can't say enough good things about her. I'm not from NY, so sadly cannot see her on a regular basis, but will definitely be back when I am next in NYC. read more

Starting around Halloween, I had a cold that turned into another, and the result left me with a post-nasal drip that has been present since late November. After trying everything to get rid of the symptoms, I was exhausted. My face which is normally defined was puffy, and yes... I am a tad vain like everyone else. I went to Monica since I read she did lymphatic drainage for the face, and like everyone here says, she is five stars. About an hour later after treatment (the space has a scent of a soothing medicinal mint-like odor), my face was de-puffed. The next morning (today), my face is back to normal and I do not have any phlegm. Trust me, I did not believe that this could happen, but Monica is truly a miracle worker. She also gave me a few ideas of things to use at home. And of course, she was very sweet and tranquil. I will definitely be back when I feel that I need a pick-me-up... or perhaps just to treat myself. read more