Buzzworthy facials that are geared toward relaxation and results
As facials continue to evolve and become more innovative, there seem to be some that fall squarely in the hi-tech camp, while others focus on the human touch. Here, a few of our favorite facials, which blend a bit of both.
Gua Sha Contouring Stone Facial (at Great Jones Spa)
Inspired by TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the Gua Sha Contouring Stone Facial, with the use of jade and rose quartz stone roller massage, is designed to stimulate “chi” (energy), eliminate toxins and clear the lymph by stimulating targeted points on the face.
It is extremely relaxing, and, in addition to the benefits it bestows on the skin, it leaves you feeling grounded and peaceful, perhaps because the rose quartz and jade, as they glide along your face, are said to open up the heart chakra. The facial includes cleansing, exfoliation, and extractions—if you like—and organic skincare from Vered Organic Botanicals (which smell divine!). Then, the face is massaged with the gua sha roller, said to take down puffiness, relieve fluid stagnation, stimulate the blood flow and help “erase” fine lines and wrinkles. Pick up a roller for yourself, and keep the gua sha going at home. gjspa.com —Rona Berg
Rawceuticals Force of Nature Facial (at the Mandarin Oriental)
You don’t need harsh products to fight the signs of aging, and this 50-minute facial is proof. It kicks off with a relaxation ritual that will get you in the right state of mind. A deep cleanse lets you start with a clean slate, followed by steps with hemp extract, bark from the Boreal Forest, natural clays, ice cap water packed with minerals, carrot seed oil, cocoa butter, black cumin seed oil, kakadu plum extract and then finally a mask with a blend of raspberry seed, avocado, kaolin and pumice. The facial deeply hydrates, soothes, boosts tone and texture, and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. By the time it’s over, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a deep forest, with naturally beautiful skin to prove it. mandarinoriental.com/new-york —Celia Shatzman
RedSculpt Radiotightening Treatment (at Tracie Martyn Skincare Salon)
Long before ingredients like fruit enzymes and algae became ubiquitous and chic (especially in New York City), Tracie Martyn championed organic skincare. Along with cofounder Marius Morariu, the holistic aesthetician has been bringing nontoxic facials to the glitterati—from Kate Winslet to Rihanna—since her eponymous clinic opened in 2000. Her latest, the RedSculpt Radiotightening Treatment, embodies her “forward with nature” philosophy, combining her pure, high-performance products with hi-tech, gentle modalities.
During this service—ideally experienced as a synergistic 20-minute add-on to its signature Red Carpet Facial, but also available as a stand-alone facial—guests experience what is akin to a light hot stone massage for the face, as a warm wand is run across the skin's surface. Radio frequency heat waves realign the collagen, while red LED light helps boost repair and collagen formation. Along with other beloved products, the facial includes Martyn's latest plumping and hydrating Complexion Savior mask with a soothing aloe vera base and green malachite crystal extract to bolster antioxidant glutathione, which helps protect against UV rays and pollutants. traciemartyn.com —Nora Zelevansky
Eminence Organics Skin Care Facial
No matter your skin type or concerns, Eminence will tailor your facial exactly to what you need. The treatment begins with a double cleanse, starting with its new Wildflower Cleansing Balm, which smells as delightful as it sounds and gently removes even waterproof makeup, followed by the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser. Next is an exfoliant, followed by a peel, toner, mask, and then a targeted treatment—think serums and concentrates. Finally, there’s lip balm, eye cream and a dusting of its Sun Defense Minerals to protect you from the sun.
But what makes the facial a true standout is the facial massage. Using traditional Hungarian techniques, the vigorous yet relaxing massage does everything from preventing fine lines to releasing tension to getting you that glow. The rubdown is so thorough that you’ll leave feeling even more relaxed than you look. eminenceorganics.com —Celia Shatzman