Radiance Skin Care - Facial

Today I used yet another deal I got from groupon.com. I got a facial at Radiance Skin Care in Nora. Dana is the owner and sole facialist at Radiance. I scheduled my appointment about a month in advance (her voice mail suggests scheduling at least a week or more in advance). When I was trying to schedule the appointment, I had a hard time getting a hold of Dana, as we played phone tag for about a week (this is why I appreciate online schedulers, but Radiance did not have one). When we finally talked on the phone, there was plenty of availability for when I wanted.

Radiance Skin Care is similar to the Alabaster Box Studio that I reviewed in June because it occupied a suite in a building where different small businesses can rent space. Radiance, however, had more than one room; there was a waiting area, and two other rooms within the suite. When I got to the slightly old looking building, I had a hard time finding the correct suite because the suite number was not on my groupon, and the actual suite was labeled with a different spa's name (I'm assuming the previous spa business that had rented the suite). I ended up having to call to make sure I was in the right place.

The waiting area was comfortable, with a few chairs, candles, and magazines. I had to wait for an extra half hour while Dana finished up with another client. Dana came out after the client left and led me to the facial room. The room was a good size, and had a massage table and also a desk in a little alcove. There was calming music playing, and a few candles, but not a lot of other decorations. Also, there were several policies and discounts posted around the room, which was distracting to the desired atmosphere. The postings would have been better in the waiting area.

After I got ready and laid down on the table, Dana came back in and asked me if I was allergic to anything or if I was on any medications. Her  service was quick and to the point. She massaged the different treatments in quite vigorously. She did extractions, which is a semi-painful process of clearing the pores by pressing out the gunk with a tool. She also massaged my neck and shoulders at the end and did a good job. The whole facial lasted only 35 minutes or so, which was much shorter than I expected. At the end, she gave me a bar of special soap that she recommended for me for free, and wrote out a recommended skin care regimen using drug store products, which I appreciated.

Extractions. Ouch!

Overall, my facial was fine, but not as relaxing as what I wanted in a spa treatment. The actual effect of a facial on my skin is not really going to be noticeable unless I were to get facials regularly, so that I don't really know. I felt like I had to jump through a few hoops to get the job done, like playing phone tag, having trouble finding the suite, and waiting a half hour. I have had facials at other places for the same price (non-discounted price) that were more relaxing, longer, and provided the same skin care service, so I would likely not go back. Price-wise, I paid $30 for my groupon, and the facial was a $75 value.


Service Quality Rating: 3 stars out of 5
"Spa Experience" Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
Price: $$$$$ ($-price I actually paid)

Price Guide
$ = less than $1 per minute (very budget friendly!)
$$ = about $1 per minute (reasonable)
$$$ = more than $1 per minute (an occasional treat)
$$$$ = about $1.50 per minute (only if I get a gift certificate or great coupon)
$$$$$ = more than $1.50 per minute (I'll be surprised if I ever get to go to one of these)