So I needed a facial after a bad experience at Dermalogica. They basically washed my face and I didn't see any results at all (at Dermalogica). Normally I go to Bliss, I get a facial there at least every couple months, and Dermaologica was a one time thing I wanted to try. So in my quest for a facial that had a decent price point as well as reputation I checked out the Allure website for some help. I tried the half hour Elemis facial, that was another bust. So I came across Maksim and decided that Allure liked it, so it must be pretty legit.
First off, I called in the morning for an afternoon appointment and they were completely helpful, trying to fit me in with such short notice and all. So I arrive, and I definitely was not used to the smaller, more personal atmosphere compared to Bliss. And I found out that Olya was running late but I was not angry since I had been offered a lovely glass of wine while I waited, and the waiting area was filled with some really great RECENT magazines too!
So finally Olya comes to get me and although the room seemed small it smelled fantastic. Right away she got to work and saw how clogged my skin was, but she wasn't rude or mean about it which has happened to me before, giving me anxiety about getting facials. She also told me *this will not be a pampering facial but a deep cleaning facial. Omg I was scared. And naturally it hurt like crazy, and she spent about 45 minutes doing painful extractions. I had been using a clarisonic for awhile and that did nothing to really help my skin, and Olya told me I had a serious amount of oil trapped in my skin. Then she offered me the option of a $25 extra seaweed mask which totally stopped any burning or pain I felt and calmed my sensi skin a lot. Oh and the arm/neck massage was amazing.
When I was finished I felt my skin, afraid of what was there, and to my surprise, after all that pain and prodding and picking, my skin felt smoother than it has in a very long time. So I met Olya at the counter and she recommended but did NOT push products. I purchased the cleanser and plan on going back for the rest when I get paid. ***What I always hated about Bliss is they pushed their own products too much despite the array of brands they carry and the Bliss products suck.
Anyway I did pay a decent amount of money after tip, the face wash and the extra mask, but wow it was so worth it. The receptionist was lovely, she even helped me find the nearest Apple store and called them to confirm their address. That is unlikely kindness from a New Yorker. Olya also explained my skin problems to me using scientific explanations, not a big machine like at Elemis. I cannot wait to try the face wash I got because she recommended it based on the fact I like organic products. I have been recommened products at Bliss that were totally not right for me, so I have faith in Olya.
Overall, I would most definitely return, maybe I would skip the seaweed mask to save money, but I really needed that deep cleaning. It was such a nice, comfortable experience that I feel like I have found my facial heaven.
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