There are definite perks to writing about beauty products. Yes, the free tubes of sunscreen come in handy for my family of five and I adore the array of glass bottles I have collected over the years yielding the season’s latest nail lacquers. However, one of my favorite aspects of this job is that I get to check out the latest services from some of our local salons and spas. Recently bluemercury in Clarendon invited me over to get ready for summer with their own version of a brightening facial. There was no hesitation on my part. What time should I be there?
The bluemercury store and spa is a quiet little oasis on a busy Clarendon street. Upon check-in I was immediately ushered into the back of the store that serves as the spa area. It was quiet, with soft lighting and relaxing. I was set for the spa’s 50-minute brightening facial that consists of a modern facial plus a glycolic peel with a vitamin C treatment at the end. They sometimes refer to it as the “Glow Girl” because it is a great way to lighten, tighten and brighten your skin with maximum exfoliation benefits.
I will admit the idea of having my first glycolic peel freaked me out. I had visions of ‘Sex and the City’s’ Samantha with her carpaccio raw face super-infused onto my own as I laid down on the table. However, the facialist was soothing and we got real chatty and yet I felt totally relaxed even as she extracted junk from my face for what felt like an hour. Lately, my skin has been a mess and I was eager to clean it up as much as possible while removing some layers of dead skin. We talked about my skin’s age, texture and my routine and she made some recommendations (STOP USING YOUR CLARISONIC SO MUCH!) that have made a difference since I had the facial. When it was all over I was barely pink, had not felt much of a sting during the peel or Vitamin C treatment and yet my skin was smooth, soft and definitely glowing. More than it usually is with a regular European facial. It looked fresh, younger and felt and looked that way for days. Almost a full week to be exact. That was much more than I expected. I left feeling good and with a nice bag full of deluxe samples to try out when I got home. I just finished using all the night creams she gave me and that was almost a month ago. A bonus was that at the end of my service I stopped to ask for foundation advice. I ended up testing many brands and colors and walked out with a better fit and a few other needed beauty items I need consultation on but had put off for a long time. At $165 a session the brightening facial it is a treat that works this time of year when you want to rid yourself of all of winters past transgressions and be fresh for the warm summer months.
While I had not given the bluemercury store and spa much thought prior to my facial I will certainly be stopping in again in the future. I like the staff, the quiet spa and the treatments they offer which range from facials to waxing, massage and make-up tips and advice. In the DMV there are seven bluemercury stores and spas to satisfy your hair and make-up needs. Special events are held often and make for a fun night out with friends.
Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post. The services received at the bluemercury spa were for review purposes only. Opinions are my own.
Vicky blogs about beauty, fashion and fitness daily at The Mummy Chronicles and Mummy’s Product Reviews.
