I generally find facials a bit grueling, especially the ones that keep you on the table for longer than need be. I don't need ten different masques, facial waxing, and a set of highlights whilst receiving a facial. Just a really relaxing, cleansing treatment that leaves me wanting more. Is that too much to ask? Thankfully, Cornelia doesn't think so.
I went into their 5th Avenue spa this afternoon and experienced a facial unlike any I'd ever had before. It was, by all accounts, divine.
Upon entering my dimly-lit treatment room, I was offered a taste of honey to begin my service (a Cornelia signature). With that sweet, soothing taste in my mouth, I laid down and was asked to place my feet in a warm bath (built into the bed). Then, whilst the primary esthetician began my facial, a second esthetician paid special attention to my body. And by special attention, I mean a paraffin treatment for both my hands and feet as well as a glorious hot stone massage. I was in heaven. It was actually the first time I hadn't squirmed through my extractions (which, by the way, were impeccably done and not a mark was left).
The cost of a Cornelia Signature Facial is $195 to $315 for 60 minutes, depending on how many enhancements are added (if any). My facial included their Balancing Peel (amazing!), but of course your
esthetician will recommend what's best for your individual skincare
needs.
Cornelia Day Resort
663 Fifth Avenue
(B/w 52nd and 53rd St.)
212-871-3050
Are these people paying you? I seriously mean this? I too had a facial at this spa which , by the way is no longer owned or controlled by Cornelia. She's given over to the big bad corporate entities for bucks. Yes the salon is pretty and in a great location, but the staff stink. Rrom the facialist to the receptionist...all were unreliable , surley and lacked skill. Please let me know if I can test it for you sometime again and report back with a better result. For the monent , I'm sticking to Tracie Martyn.
Posted by: rosy | February 04, 2008 at 01:19 PM
No, I'm not being paid by Cornelia at all! I'm completely independent. I've been to their spa on my own dime for various treatments, but in this instance they did comp the facial. That, however, doesn't have anything to do with my review.
It was honestly the best facial I've ever received... From the two-person pampering session, to the way my skin's been glowing ever since- I can't find a flaw.
I'm so sorry you had such an awful experience there, who did your facial? I had Joanna and she was lovely.
PS- Do tell about Tracie Martyn, what's your favorite service there? I've heard her spa's wonderful as well.
Posted by: Lily | February 04, 2008 at 01:33 PM
If you are are a Manhattan gal finding Tracie Martyn products should be easy...Bergdorfs is my suggestion. Tracie, a lovely British woman does wonderful specialty facials in her salon. Her products are also a favorite of many celebs. The salon is quaint, quite and chic. The experience is very private.
By the way, do you work in the beauty biz and is this blog your creation? It is one of my personal favorites. I'm actually considering starting a blog focusing on natural /homeopathic beauty treatments. Can you offer any advice on how to begin? Would I have to dispatch bloggers to live events such as store openings or new product launches, and then get their feedback? If you have any idea of how it works, I'd love to know.
In the meantime check out Traciemartyn.com
Posted by: rosy | February 06, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Thank you! That's very kind :)
I'm a freelance writer and use Typepad as my blog host (they're wonderful). Starting a blog is easy if there's something you're passionate about. Just start with the first post, and the rest should come quite naturally.
Best of luck!
Lily x
Posted by: Lily | February 22, 2008 at 01:01 PM