From 2006
Each facial included the same basic steps—cleansing, steaming, extractions, exfoliating, and moisturizing—so we’ve skipped straight to the highlights: the techniques or ingredients that make each of these services unique.
MOST TINGLY FEELINGS
Aqua Medical Spa
2222 McKinney Ave., Ste. 120
214-443-0100 • www.aquarx.com
Antioxidant Hydra Gel Facial
$140 for 50 minutes
The Highlights: During a one-on-one consultation my aesthetician not only asked about my skincare concerns and goals, but also explained how more frequent exfoliation can reduce breakouts: Oil trapped under dead surface skin can lead to acne. (Since entering my 30s, I’ve been frustrated by acne on my cheeks and chin. I thought the problem was oiliness and used drying products, which, I learned at Aqua, has only exacerbated the problem.) After cleansing, exfoliating, and the gentlest extractions I’ve ever experienced, a chilled (but not icy) collagen gel by Javani was painted onto my face. Two small electrified rollers were then massaged back and forth over the surface of my skin until the gel dried. The electric current, which causes a tingling sensation, encourages deep penetration of the collagen gel and stimulates production of elastin. After this facial, you’ll notice improved tone and elasticity.
The Atmosphere: The lobby of Aqua’s new location is light and bright with two water walls and sleek displays of skin- and body-care products. The treatment rooms, tucked behind a sand-blasted glass door, are calm spaces with clean lines and no clutter. As befits a medi-spa, the air here is more clinical than plush, but it’s never sterile or impersonal.
Skincare Lines: SkinMedica, Kinerase, Sonya Dakar, and Javani. Javani products use micronized bovine collagen as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils for deep hydration.
A Bit of Advice: If you have fillings in your teeth, you’ll taste metal when the rollers move over your jaw. It can be an odd sensation. Also, let your aesthetician know if the tingling gets to be too much for you.
The End Result: The skin on my face was not only smooth and even but also plump and resilient for days. The developing smile lines running from my nose to chin were gone.
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| Bella Vita |
MOST INTRIGUING USE OF WATER
Bella Vita Rejuvenation Center
6170 Sherry Ln., Ste. 100
214-373-4233 • www.bellavitadallas.com
Anti-aging Facial
$150 for 50 minutes
The Highlights: This anti-aging treatment begins with an enzyme mask that dissolves the build up of dead skin cells, and then moves to a water peel, a gentle way of ensuring that all dead skin cells have been removed. The sensation of a water peel is unique—it feels like a gentle scraping—but enjoyable. The core of this treatment is the facial massage using electrical currents to stimulate collagen production, plumping and firming the skin.
The Atmosphere: Bella Vita is a medical spa, employing the most advanced aesthetic equipment available. Services here are corrective and, generally, long-term. Any session begins with a Polaroid, so changes to your skin can be documented over time. Each treatment is personalized and explained in depth so that you are involved in the care of your skin.
Skincare Lines: Dr. Perricone, Actifirm, CosMedix, Dr. Hauschka, Repechage, and Jan Marini. The facialist uses products from each skincare line to customize this treatment.
A Bit of Advice: Let your technician know if you feel any discomfort from the electrical current; she’ll adjust it to your level of comfort.
The End Result: At the end of just one facial, my skin was plump and perfect.
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| Benu |
MOST COMFORTABLE CHAIR
Benu Spa & Salon
5555 E. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 300
214-827-4200 • www.benuspa.com
Tada Facial
$95 for 60 minutes
The Highlights: One of the best parts of this treatment is the ergonomically correct chair where you’ll be reclining; it’s much more comfortable than the standard massage table. The Tada breaks out of the facial mold when a thin layer of aloe vera gel is followed by an enzyme exfoliant. A slight tingle tells you that the enzyme is working. Then a second mask is applied directly over the exfoliant with a fan brush. The mask tightens as it dries, which can be an unusual sensation, but it should not be uncomfortable. When the masks are removed, your face feels fresh, dewy even. A brief facial massage with colostrum cream is followed by a massage of neck, shoulders, and décolleté with an aromatic lotion. The facial ends only after you’re slathered in sunscreen and lip balm. You will leave feeling relaxed and completely beautiful.
The Atmosphere: From the moment you walk into Benu Spa, you feel more relaxed. The colors are soothing, and the staff is friendly.
Skincare Lines: Osea, Jamu Anakiri, and Epicuren. Epicuren incorporates enzyme nutrition into its products.
A Bit of Advice: First, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early to take advantage of the whirlpool, steam cave, and rain shower in the water house. Second, as the masks dry and tighten, some people feel a bit claustrophobic. If that’s you, speak up!
The End Result: Later that evening, a friend exclaimed, “Your skin looks beautiful; you’re glowing!”
MOST BALANCED APPROACH
Georgette Klinger
5560 W. Lovers Ln.
214-654-9800 • www.klinger.com
Nine Step Facial
$95 for 60 minutes
The Highlights: This facial was well-rounded; the treatment was soothing yet clinical enough that I felt good things were being accomplished. The technicians are knowledgeable and flexible, personalizing every facial. Disconcerting but necessary: your face is thoroughly examined under a bright light. (I fought a very strong urge to apologize for all of my sins against my skin.) The aesthetician’s light touch and the dim, cozy lighting allowed me to drift off during the warm-mitten treatment that left my hands soft and supple. Individual masks are applied to different areas of the face to treat skin’s varied needs. In the end, your skin has received the attention it needs, but body and soul have also been soothed.
The Atmosphere: The spa is quiet and soothing, with cool grey and blue tones. The best part is that private dressing rooms allow you to sit and relax before and after your treatment.
Skincare Line: The formulations of the eponymous Georgette Klinger line make use of European skincare techniques and the latest technology.
A Bit of Advice: Don’t snore. But if you do, don’t worry; your facialist will only take it as a compliment.
The End Result: My skin glowed. The extractions left me with a somewhat sore nose, but it stayed blemish-free for weeks.
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| Phillip K. Thomas |
DEEPEST CLEAN
Phillip K. Thomas Salon
4411 Lemmon Ave.
214-521-9900 • www.phillipkthomas.com
Signature Facial
$95 for 80 minutes
The Highlights: This service is a completely customized creation based on your individual skincare concerns. It’s also more clinical and deep cleansing than warm and fuzzy. After cleansing, steaming, and a gentle exfoliation, the aesthetician takes a closer look at the skin’s condition and asks if you have specific concerns. I asked if the redness on my cheeks is caused by a skin condition or something more and was told that it’s a vascular problem that should respond to a specialized laser treatment performed by a doctor. After extractions, your face is covered with sterile gauze and a high-frequency tool is used to kill bacteria in the pores, promote circulation, and minimize pore size. You might hear some popping noises—not to worry; this is completely normal. After a short facial and shoulder massage, individual, targeted masks are applied to different areas of the face and décolleté. In my case that was a minimizing mask to my T-zone, a calming mask on my cheeks, and a moisturizing mask on my décolleté. Finishing touches include a light toner, moisturizer, and eye cream. Your skin look will be clear and radiant.
The Atmosphere: There’s no better way to say it: this spa is hip. The majority of the space is devoted to the salon; the treatment rooms are off to the side in a quiet, comfortable area.
Skincare Lines: MD Skincare and Sothys. Sothys is a great French line of products with a medium price point.
A Bit of Advice: This facial is all about treating your skin problems and making you look your best; if you want something soft and fluffy, look elsewhere.
The End Result: My skin was clear and beautiful, and my aesthetician even calmed a blemish I had when I came in.
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| Reneé Rouleau |
MOST APPETIZING SCRUB
Reneé Rouleau Skin Care Salon
4025 Preston Rd., Ste. 606, Plano
972-378-6655 • www.reneerouleau.com
Cranberry-brasion Facial
$195 for 75 minutes
The Highlights: Renee Rouleau has mastered facials. The aim here was never to be a one-stop shop; it was to pick one thing (skincare) and do it exceptionally well. The Cranberry-brasion Facial uses cranberry enzymes, which have an invigorating scent, to dissolve and remove dead surface skin cells. Then, after a light microdermabrasion session, your aesthetician will massage your face, neck, and shoulders. The aesthetician will then perform extractions for deep pore cleansing. Finally, a cold seaweed mask is applied to calm and hydrate the skin.
The Atmosphere: The staff is friendly, the shabby-chic décor is charming, and the rooms are warm and well-lit, so there’s no feeling of being examined here. This place is about pampering.
Skincare Line: The Renee Rouleau line includes products that are tailored to nine skin types.
A Bit of Advice: Check out the customized facial cleansers, moisturizers, and toners for sale out front.
The End Result: I didn’t know my skin could be this smooth.
MOST LONG-LASTING CHANGE
The Spa at the Cooper Aerobics Center
12100 Preston Rd.
972-392-7729 • www.cooperspa.com
The Ultimate Facial
$115 for 75 minutes
The Highlights: After examining your skin, your aesthetician may alter the facial to suit your needs by mixing plant extracts and essential oils based on your skin type. The first step of the service involves cleansing with Peau Vive, an Italian plant-based line, to purify the skin and remove makeup. Then a papaya enzyme exfoliant is applied and you’re placed under the steamer where the aesthetician massages the neck and shoulders using an aromatic Italian cream. The same personalized mixture of plant extracts is mixed for a gel mask. While the mask dries, you’ll enjoy a hand and foot massage. Then your aesthetician will leave you to a few minutes of peace and quiet. When the masks are removed, the final touch is a facial moisturizer that leaves skin hydrated and smooth.
The Atmosphere: The spa isn’t ornate or extravagant; it’s a clean, straightforward space where you can expect individual attention from highly trained professionals and visible results.
Skincare Lines: SkinCeuticals, MD Formulations, and Peau Vive. Peau Vive, a plant-based Italian line, is favored for its compatibility with nearly every type of skin.
A Bit of Advice: The spa is located in an area that was previously racquetball courts; don’t be surprised if you occasionally hear other spagoers walking down the hall during your services.
The End Result: The aesthetician introduced me to a moisturizer that performs miracles on my oily skin.
MOST OLD-WORLD ELEGANCE
The Spa at The Crescent
400 Crescent Court
214-871-3232 • www.cresecentcourt.com
Fitness Facial with
Custom Acid Peel
$175 for 80 minutes
The Highlights: The fitness facial with peel is also called “boot camp for skin,” so expect some aggressive extractions and double exfoliation. The peel might tingle a bit, but your facialist will have spent some time selecting the best formula for your skin. (I have fair skin with some redness on the cheeks and chin—broken capillaries—so my aesthetician chose the cherry enzyme, which is on the less-aggressive end of the peel spectrum.) The point of this service is to clear acne, smooth skin texture, and even out any discolorations, but time and attention are also paid to relaxing your body and mind; a warm-mitten treatment for hands and neck and shoulder massage do the trick nicely.
The Atmosphere: The Spa at the Crescent is the grand dame of the Dallas spa scene. The colors are muted; they are the tones you’d find in a time-worn Italian fresco. Service is impeccable, and the staff is simultaneously omnipresent and unobtrusive. You’ll want for nothing here—except maybe more time on the table.
Skincare Lines: Actifirm, SkinCeuticals, Yonka, and Sonya Dakar. The Sonya Dakar line easily customizes to all skin types and offers benefits from moisturizing to anti-aging.
A Bit of Advice: Arrive early or linger after your service to take advantage of the steam sauna and whirlpool. I developed tiny bumps (but no discomfort or itching) on my neck and chest the next day; the aesthetician agrees that I had a mild reaction to the moisturizing oil rubbed into my neck, shoulders, and chest during the massage. Let your aesthetician know if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
The End Result: My skin was radiant and hydrated the day of the facial and remained smooth and clear for days.
MOST PEACEFUL ESCAPE
The Spa & Salon at Four Seasons Resort
4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving
972-717-2499 • www.fourseasons.com/dallas
Custom Facial
$120 for 50 minutes
The Highlights: As the name implies, everything about this service is customized to individual skincare needs. My facialist and I decided to concentrate on exfoliation and hydration, so she chose a pumpkin scrub and collagen moisturizer for me. If the other scrubs smell as good as mine (the scent was light, not cloying), you just can’t go wrong. Rather than lying on a table, you’ll be reclining in a very comfortable chair; it reminded me of the adjustable beds you see advertised on TV, actually, but it’s extremely comfortable. I’m convinced that chair had something to do with the fact that this was the most relaxing of all the facials I experienced. Of course there was hand/arm and neck/shoulder massaging, as well, and that never hurts.
The Atmosphere: Of course the spa is gorgeous and soothing, the facilities (lockers, changing rooms, showers, etc.) are immaculate and convenient, and the staff is warm and accommodates your every desire, but what I’ll never forget is the sitting area beside the double-sided water wall. There are multiple inviting areas to sit and relax with a friend, a magazine, or a cup of tea while waiting for treatments, but this serene little nook is my favorite.
Skincare Lines: MD Formulations, Phytomer, Naturophathica, and Babor.
A Bit of Advice: Whether before or after your service (or both), do not pass up the chance to spend time in the sauna or whirlpool.
The End Result: My skin was nourished, toned, and silky smooth. The exfoliating effects of this facial lasted longer than any other.
MOST EXOTIC EXPERIENCE
Spa Nordstrom
8687 North Central Expy.
214-231-3910 • www.nordstrombeauty.com
Plaisir des Sens
$90 for 60 minutes
The Highlights: Your facial actually begins when you fill out a questionnaire based on an ancient Indian medicinal evaluation. You’ll answer questions about your skin texture, breakout tendencies, sleeping patterns, and memory. Your technician evaluates the responses, using them to choose a combination of products that create a customized treatment tailored to your needs at that moment; this is not a cookie-cutter treatment. The facial itself feels very proactive; there’s a lot of extraction, exfoliation, steam, and moisturizing, but it’s nicely balanced by a blissful hand, foot, and scalp massage—the perfect combination of results and relaxation.
The Atmosphere: Nordstrom’s private spa is very Zen: Candlelit rooms, aromatic spices, and plush robes await clients behind thick glass doors that separate second-floor shopping from peaceful tranquility. You’ll be surprised how completely those doors separate the retail space from the spa.
Skincare Lines: Thalgo, Somme, Valmont for Mature Skin, MD Skincare, Spa Nordstrom, and Sundari. Sundari, “beautiful woman” in Sanskrit, is a skincare line based on ayurvedic principals that can be customized to your skin.
A Bit of Advice: After treatment, you’ll be offered an all-natural elixir to enjoy before changing back into your clothes. Try the delicious Mind Over Muddle for an all-natural pick-me-up before leaving the luxury of the spa.
The End Result: I had a smattering of blemishes the next morning, but by evening my super-sensitive skin had calmed down. My face has never looked or felt fresher than it did for the following week.
