This is a 4.5 star review I had a great deep cleansing facial here with Dorothy who was gentle, thorough, kind, and expertly handled extractions (which are never fun). The service was approximately $36+$15 tip with a Groupon, but they have a special where the next session is $55 and then $75 every time after. I generally think that's pretty reasonable. Although simple, the rooms are cozy and peaceful. I was surprised to find myself drifting off to sleep before the session even started. read more

Purchased 2 hyrdrafacial treatments from Groupon to try it. Clean and bright salon that was easy to find. Dorothy and staff were so friendly and welcoming. They were thorough about what to expect from the hydrafacial. Dorothy was informative throughout the treatment and kind, I was asking questions. I felt comfy with her, even through the extraction. She was thorough and I would comeback! Thank you! read more

My aesthetician Milo is amazing!!!She keeps my face looking clear, glowing and youthful. Their products are also really great and make such a difference... I'm ready for my holiday selfies:-). read more

Milo- I don't usually leave reviews unless I am moved by something- but that was one of the best facials I've ever had, as it was so thorough and hit every spot. Thank you very much, and I will be back! :) read more

Love mila!!!!!! Best facial in the city She never leaves you total massage of the face the neck, the shoulders. face looks brand new when she's done, removing all the blackheads. Love her! read more

Best facial ever. By no means a glamours spa but they are so friendly, professional and clean!

An excellent little spa with great price and service. A simple set up but clean and quiet. After my vacation, I was in a dire need for a deep cleansing facial as the sunscreen clogged up pores and my skin flared up badly. Milo, the esthetician, recognized the allergic symptoms I had for sunscreen, provided a precise diagnosis for my skin condition, explained the process for the facial in detail, took the extra time needed for a thorough extraction, and offered very helpful tips and advices to better take care of my skin. I am so glad to have finally stopped by for a facial here and will return again in a month. read more

I received a wonderful and thorough facial from Milo and have returned several times. Highly recommend.

LOCAL GUIDE REVIEW: I'm giving this place only 3 stars for a few reasons. I've been getting facials for almost 20 years, and as someone who loves trying out new spots and happens to be a local guide, here's what I experienced at this so-called spa. The lady at the front desk was friendly and welcoming. But the room's atmosphere wasn't relaxing at all, and they make you lie with your head facing the wall instead of the door - a bit odd, but I can live with that. Now, here's where it gets uncomfortable - the bed. It was like lying on a hard, thin mattress, and the blanket they gave me didn't even cover half of my body. Not exactly the cozy spa experience I was hoping for. The facial itself felt rushed and too aggressive! I've never had anything quite like it. To top it off, the lamp kept bumping into my head, and the disposable plastic sheet they used on the bed made me sweat like crazy. Combine all these factors, and it felt like I couldn't breathe and was extremely uncomfortable. My face felt sore and painful after the facial, which has never happened to me before. They didn't do anything special to help with the swelling and soreness. Overall, it was a pretty terrible experience. If they don't make some necessary changes, I doubt they'll succeed in the long run. P.S. They told me at the beginning that they would massage my shoulders, but that never happened. read more

I think I can categorize this spa as a hidden gem. It's only a few minutes from the train but the entrance is easy to miss. They're Groupon friendly and are more than happy to negotiate a price if you pre pay for your service. I've had some of my best facials in this spa. The esthetician is very personable, helpful and thorough. There isn't any aggressive upselling, just thoughtful suggestions for services you may want to add-on based on the condition of your skin. I should also mention they are steps away from Blank slate coffee, which is a pretty cool coffee shop I often stop by after my facials. read more

wonderful facial by milo everyone sweet and nice- very quiet and relaxing and face was clean clean! read more

A dermabrasion treatment left my face dry, black marks and scabbing. Very unsatisfied with this procedure.

BE AWARE!!! I visited and loved the facial I received, however, the place isn't the most luxurious AND they upsold me a lot. At the end of my visit when I was paying my taxes for my groupon, they offered a discount price that I could pre purchase some facials and redeem within a few months. I have been calling them and they don't answer. Phone line is cut off. It was all a scam to steal almost $300!! DONT GO! And if you do still go, don't let them UPSELL you anything AFTER THE SERVICE. read more

Essential Day Spa & Cosmetics Inc. - The form they had me fill out to pre purchase 3 facials in advance at the discounted rate. What a scam. - Day Spas Near Me - New York, New York

I had the best facial I've ever experienced here buying a Pulsd voucher. Practically like a spa facial (thank you milo!!!), I was given a lovely consultation and was convinced to add on microdermabrasion (which is only $30 if you're a new client) and it was the best decision ever. I was always skeptical about it but it really cleared out my face since I had a lot of tiny bumps and dirt build up from make up that I never really saw until then. It was so relaxing and insightful that I went and bought the same experience again with the same price! Definitely recommend and I can't wait to come back! read more

I enjoyed my experience for the second time with facial and back treatment from my favorite skincare expert MILO. The spa is very clean and has covid safety protocol also staff are friendly professional. I highly recommend trying them read more

The only reason I come here is for MILO and she gives the best microdermabrasion I have ever had in my entire life! And I'm a spa junkie so that says a lot. If you want to go to a spa that actually cares and informs you on everything being done, come here! read more

Had a good experience at this spa. As it was my first Mother's Day, I treated myself to a facial via a groupon. It's a little hidden, small and a an awkward shape, composed of a narrow hallway and steps at the end to get to the counter. I treated myself to the facial, which included a peel, extractions, massage and a mask. My esthetician was Milo, and she was very sweet. My skin felt moisturized and refreshed afterwards, and Milo gave me some pointers on how to care for my skin. She didn't push any products on me or try to update me in any way-and her massages were GREAT. I'd come back here for sure. read more

Essential Day Spa & Cosmetics Inc. - Day Spas Near Me - New York, New York

Got a Luxury Facial & Peel on the pulsd app. WOW this place is amazing. My skin was glowing and they were so gentle with my skin which usually tends to be sensitive. Hyperpigmentation and fine lines are always an issue, and I feel like they addressed it perfectly, giving me an even skin tone that I am obsessed with. Can't wait for my next session! read more

I was introduced to this place by a close friend who raved about this place; and, I ended up buying a package since I travel to NYC quite often. However, it was a huge mistake... and a total rip-off as I realized later that Dorothy charged me more than others who didn't do the upfront package payment for the microdermabrasion with glycolic peel (which you should never do!!!). I feel like I was tortured each time and then my face was just be utterly destroyed with redness, scarring, and dryness to the point of flaking. The last time I visited was the last time ever! In addition to being late, Dorothy took two phone calls during my session. After microdermabrasion, she wiped wet paper towel brushed on the face, very irritating... I was used to her walking out, but this time, in the room and while I'm just laying on the bed. My face had already been without steam and cooled off by the time she was ready to do extractions, so I asked her if she needed to steam again. She said she didn't, but I can tell you I was in tears the entire time as she poked and prodded the metal tool all over my face. I'm not sure whether the following sessions were followed by real masks and treatments as the first time (when I went with my friend). Each time, my face would be stinging from whatever she put on it, and so she'd have to try different ways to moisturize and sunblock my face... Perhaps too much dermabrasion and too much paper-towel irritation, or maybe doing something with gylcolic after....but whatever it was, I'd have to go home and Neosporin and Aquaphor my face for days. My face is STILL spotted months later with the scars from the scabs she gave me. My friend doesn't have adult breakouts, so perhaps that's why she doesn't have the torturous extractions... All in all, I'd avoid this place and go to a dermatologists office for facials. Many of them take flex spending, and they won't break your skin... I also tipped too generously despite the torture and dry, irritated, scarring results... lessons learned. *If you do end up going, I would recommend Annie, as the one time I had her, she was gentle on my face. She did light microdermabrasion without any glycolics, masks, or treatments. *Annie, I wish I had my facials with you. Unfortunately, it's difficult to be honest when you've purchase a series and you don't want to offend "friends." Dorothy really was terrible my last experience. Late, answering phone calls, in and out, super dry air in the room, and then scarring me when extracting because my face had already closed pores (after the steam) after she returned to the room. read more

I am a generous tipper,but expect that tips will be optional - an add on to the cost for services. Not at Essential Day Spa. I have been told by the woman who answered the phone that tips are mandatory and are expected to be 15% to 20% of the full price. Not optional, MANDATORY. So the price of the service is 115% - 120% of the stated price. In NYC we have choices - lots of choices. You may want to consider a more reputable facility. read more

I bought a Groupon for a full facial with microdermabrasion for 60 dollars if I remember correctly and what I would say is not the let that price fool you. It is located on a quiet side street in the city and super easy to find. You need to climb up one flight of stairs to get there but once you do you will be immersed in a tranquility you've never experienced before. They are super professional and kind asking if you need water or to use the bathroom prior to your session. While my aesthetician worked on my face I could listen to the soothing music they had on. She working quietly and carefully and was super gentle on my skin. I have done extractions on my face at other places and this was the first time it was pain free. When I left my skin was glowing and I felt so much happier. Definitely a place to go if you need some pampering and wellness in your life. read more

I went to this spa after a mutual friend recommended them. I had a lot of acne and dark spots caused from acne scars. The spa is very clean and very peaceful. They recommended a glycolic peel and microdermabrasion for my skin, which was something I did every month or so, in order to get the best results. Every time I went, they did a wonderful job, making it such a relaxing experience. They also gave me some products to use at home, which included a cleanser, scrub, moisturizer, and drying lotion for acne spots. The staff were extremely friendly and did a wonderful job every single time I went! It's been a few years since I've gone but, the difference in my face before I went and now is insane! I have no acne scars and rarely get acne. They were so patient and professional and made this experience nothing but amazing! I will definitely be going back again. read more

Just left this location and my skin feels amazing! I found a Groupon deal for a facial and thought, "Why not treat myself?" You first enter on the second floor after climbing a few steps up and check in by signing your name and answering a few questions about current medications or skin allergies you may have. After this, you are whisked away to one of the rooms in the back where you are greeted with soft and relaxing music to get you in the mood. My appointment consisted of a mini shoulder massage, facial, and thorough removal of a lot of whiteheads from my nose. My only quip? Even with the Groupon, there is a mandatory $20 minimum on a credit/debit card and I was not made aware of this prior to the session. Either way, I would definitely return! read more

I can't say anything about thier service because the lady books appointments is completely unreliable and lies. I booked 2x with the same day of the week and time of day, they confirmed a different time altogether. I got a refund from Groupon and glad I don't have to deal with them anymore! read more

I've been with Essential for over 10 years and they are the best. Today I ene in for a alpha peel with microdermabrasion and dark spot lightening and my esthetician was Sandy. It was the first time she treated my face an although she accidentally poked me in the eye and got some of the mask mix up my nostril she was super sweet and excellent. She cleaned my nose and was very apologetic. My next appointment is scheduled with Sandy. You must book your appointment today. Dorothy and Ann are also super wonderful and really know how to treat problem skin. I'm super happy. read more

Did Gycolic peel, facial, and microdermabrasion midweek around 5pm. No wait and the specialists seemed to be extremely attentive. They rlly do try to push their product on you to the point where its ridiculous. They also tried a little too hard to get me to sign up to a $900 facial plan without even seeing the results of this one. I explained that I'm honestly a student, and I simply don't have that kind of money to spend on my skin. Still, they persisted and it was just kind of absurd. I do think the pushing of products/services is extremely obnoxious. I am a very passive person, and I find it very hard to say no to people, so its very stressful to me. I also hate when its just so obvious that i'm nothing but a dollar sign. I do think, however, that their products are very good. I was in the market for a facial scrub, so i bought their for around $40 for a huge bottle that has lasted me months and is not even 1/10 done. And they did do a rlly good job with the facial and glycolic peel. Of all things I absolutely fell in LOVE with the microdermabrasion. If it weren't for the pushiness, I'd give it a 5. However, I think a spa should be relaxing, and if they want to up-sell, they should be a little more discrete and understanding. read more

Full Disclosure: If I were to be just rating the quality of the facials I've received, I would have given 4.5-5 stars but given the consistent and aggressive push for purchasing products, the overall experience suffers quite a bit. I have gone to both locations (they have one on 14th street) on several occasions hoping I would have a specialist who doesn't push their products so hard but alas this hasn't been the case. I give up. To be clear..I have tried on every visit to be firm in telling the skin care specialist that I wasn't interested in purchasing products but had no luck. Who wants to pay over $100 for a facial and not be able to relax for one second of it? read more

Love the place! I've been going for the past 10 years. Before finding this place, I went to numerous facial places to find the "perfect one." I tried this place based on an advertisement deal I saw in the papers and have been a loyal customer since then. I generally have a go-to facialist but also have been attended by others as well. All are thorough and consistent. Each visit produces the same great results. The reviews regarding pushing products is not false...back then, but it does not occur nowadays. Staff may recommend products but do not push it. It's your choice if you want to purchase; I've purchased a few and they were good products. read more

Dorothy did a fantastic facial for me, she is very friendly and professional. Definitely come back and request her again.

This is a great spa for basic services in a convenient location. If you are staying at a hotel in midtown east, stop by to give this spa a try. This spa offers a no-frills environment at a very attractive price-point. I was very pleased with the services I received! read more

Consistently Solid 5 STAR experience. I treat myself every birthday to restore here. Today I did a combination of the slimming wrap, diamond microdermabrasion facial, and the eye contour treatment. My skin has never looked and felt so clean, smooth and beautiful! Small NYC business charm! Excellent packages... wonderfully transformative read more

I dropped by Essential yesterday and this is something I almost never do - visiting a facial center. The staff was very nice, friendly and professional. Annie, who may be the manager there, was very charming and friendly. The location was convenient as well. Will introduce my wife to the place next time. read more

I have been going to Essential for many years. The estheticians are skilled and pleasant. The prices are reasonable and even more affordable when a package is purchased and paid for over a few visits. My skin is very sensitive yet very oily so I have benefitted greatly from the glycolic and microdermabrasion treatments. Overall great place and great staff! read more

I came in for an eye treatment and thought it was a good deal for the price. The atmosphere is clean and quiet. I bought a package and will update my review by 12/31/18. My updated review: wish the place were cleaner. The service is excellent! read more

Not as expected. Very disappointed my face was exactly the same as when I entered, and they force to give tip !!!!!!!!! DONT GO HERE, save your money. read more

I'm a very satisfied client who has been coming to the spa for ten years. I love the personalized , tailor-made skin care that I have been receiving. People often comment on the youthfulness of my skin. I can, in large part, thank Essential Skin for helping me maintain good skin over the years. Every month I look forward to a wonderful, relaxing and skin revitalizing treatment To all the skilled skin specialists, I say 'thank you' and keep up the good work! Rose Treiber read more

I wrote my first review in 2013 and I still go to this spa. They are really very good. I have moved from NYC but when I visit and need to do for a facial, I go here! It's very clean and the ladies are very nice. read more

I completely agree with many of the recent reviewers. The service was great - the place is no-frills but there is no waiting time or any of the other nonsense that accompanies fancy spas. Madeline was sweet & gave a terrific facial massage. However from start to finish, there was definitely a very obvious hawking of products. Beware - you come in wanting a basic facial but they will convince you that you need an extra $30 in services. There was also some interrogation about the types of products I used and how I should think about switching. I don't plan to return. read more

Still 5 star in my book.. went last night for a facial. Shelly hooked me up! She is great. My skin cleared up lovely. Just say no to the products if you don't want them... I guess they have to try and sell as part pitch... it doesn't bother me anymore... to me the girls are still nice about it if I don't buy... I spend enough on the facials anyway. I have a glycolic peel package. They definitely specialize in problem skin. I'm totally happy with Essential! read more

Y. B. I have been a customer with Essential Day Spa for many years. When I first became a customer my skin was a wreck. I had dark spots and blemishes everywhere, especially along my jaw line. I would not ever go outside without makeup. I purchased the microdermabrasion and facial package. From the beginning I was happy with their service. The extractions were thorough, they spent lot of time on me. They are thorough with explaining why other over the counter products often don't work and why dermatologist don't always clear up your skin. Now my skin looks great! I don't need to wear make up. People tell me that I have beautiful skin. I look younger. My skin has a glow. I would recommend a package and to purchase their products because they do work. If you are tired of having problem skin please give them a try. read more