Essential Day Spa & Cosmetics — Local services in New York

I don't really like to write reviews but the bad reviews are really weighing the place down unfairly v__v so I will try to write one...

I got a deep cleaning facial with Milo and she is a blackhead killer. I've never had someone go in on my face the way she did and literally squeeze out every single blackhead. If you've ever looked in the mirror and wished you could empty all your pores, Milo is the person for you! Of course, you can ask her to stop or tell her you want her to go easy on you, but she's very serious about her work and goes above and beyond if you let her. She was also super attentive and was always working on something -- if the mask was sitting on my face then she would massage my shoulders, for example.

The disclaimer to all of this is that the place is not #vibe-y, like it's very much no-frills and just me and blackhead-slaying queen Milo. Room was small, there was no music, no candles, I didn't have to change into a bathrobe, etc. Personally, I prefer to just get the job done and done well and actually don't like any of those things. I've been to spas before that cost well into triple digits where everything is decked out super nicely and fancy to set the mood and then the facialist just does a glorified skincare routine on me with some face massage. If I wanted to have someone rub oil into my face for 20 min next to a candle with some shalalala music, I'd do it myself for free?? But I understand the vibes are very important to some people and they come to do facials to relax and unwind instead of fighting the Unending Great Blackhead War, and I can't say that this is the best for the former purpose.

If you are looking for a place that will Get The Job Done, this is it! Go and bask in the godly...

LOCAL GUIDE REVIEW: I'm giving this place only 2 stars for a few reasons. I've been getting facials for almost 20 years, and as someone who loves trying out new spots and happens to be a local guide, here's what I experienced at this so-called spa.

The lady at the front desk was friendly and welcoming. But the room's atmosphere wasn't relaxing at all, and they make you lie with your head facing the wall instead of the door - a bit odd, but I can live with that.

Now, here's where it gets uncomfortable – the bed. It was like lying on a hard, thin mattress, and the blanket they gave me didn’t even cover half of my body. Not exactly the cozy spa experience I was hoping for.

The facial itself felt rushed and too aggressive! I've never had anything quite like it. To top it off, the lamp kept bumping into my head, and the disposable plastic sheet they used on the bed made me sweat like crazy. Combine all these factors, and it felt like I couldn't breathe and was extremely uncomfortable.

My face felt sore and painful after the facial, which has never happened to me before. They didn't do anything special to help with the swelling and soreness.

Overall, it was a pretty terrible experience. If they don't make some necessary changes, I doubt they'll succeed in the long run.

P.S. They told me at the beginning that they would massage my shoulders, but that...

I got a Groupon, and am very impressed. One of the best facials I've ever had. I agree with others, you don't get the full pampering with mood lighting, candles, and music, but I'm fine with that if that's what it takes to make the price so affordable. In my town, facials are $150+, so I'm happy to forego some fancy but unnecessary extras. I also agree with others that they are really experts at extractions: my aesthetician was both quick & efficient (she's clearly a pro at this), and took her time, meaning she worked on a much larger portion of my face than they usually do, and was really thorough as well as kind--she knows it's uncomfortable, but I'm delighted with the result!

I also really liked the massage (shoulder, neck, upper arms). Again, they know what they are doing--sometimes elsewhere you get a pleasant but superficial massage, but here, you can feel that she engages with your muscles and senses where you are tense. I also appreciate (as others said) that they don't hard-sell you on other services. All in all, it's not a convenient location for me, but I will definitely...