I've been using Janet Sartin for years, and people often think I'm younger than I am. It's easy to get help by phone, and Becky is knowledgeable and a gem! read more

So, here is the deal with Janet Sartin. It is not a pampered princess, fluffy robe, tea sandwich sort of spa where you go home after an hour of getting lotion pushed around your face feeling relaxed, but also with exactly the same skin you had before. Janet Sartin is the place you go when you want to do some actual work on your skin. I learned about Janet Sartin as a kid because it was all my mother used, and everyone would always ask her what she did to get such great skin. My mother looked 35 when she was 60. So I have been using it since I was a teenager and now I also have great skin and look a lot younger than I am. Genetics? Don't think so. No one in the rest of my family has this skin except my mom and me. I use the clear astringent and the white astringent. I got facials at Janet Sartin when I lived in NY and I miss them, even though I have someone I love in CA - they were really incomparable at extractions. So to sum up: if you want a fancy pampered princess type of experience this is not the place to go. If you want great skin, and are willing to invest a little time and money, then you've come to the right place. It's a little bit of a bygone era, but give it a shot if you care about your skin. read more

The spa was wonderful but unfortunately it's closed down now. I will miss it. It was maginificent.

I've had countless facials over the years and can genuinely say that my facial with Elizabeth was a game changer. She is incredibly expert and the advanced technology available left my skin glowing like never before. read more

I've been coming here on and off for several years so they must be doing something right. But at the same time, I usually leave somewhat disappointed. I always buy through GiltCity. I definitely wouldn't pay full price! Most of these reviews are in line with the service I received. I have seen a number of technicians and the experiences were all somewhat similar. My most recent facial was with Elena. The woman who runs the desk is really lovely. The rooms are ok, but they give you a paper robe reminiscent of the gynecologist and a disposable shower cap for your hair. Not exactly the most relaxing start. The cleansing is minimal. They just put some soap on a cotton ball and rub it on your face. Then they turn on the steam and place your hands in heated mittens. At this point the technician leaves for 15-20min. It's tough to tell exactly how long. The extractions are thorough, which is what kept me coming back. Elena was particularly aggressive though and ended up with her fingers in my nose and mouth (gross.) My nose has been sore and red for three days now. Extractions are followed by a toner, electric wand, and a weird quasi shoulder massage. Then she put on some kind of mask, but only on parts of my face, told me I was getting a free heated eye mask (which looked like a maxi pad that ties around your ears,) and left the room again. She returned 30min later to remove the mask with a very rough towel (for everything else she just used cheap tissues) which irritated my face even more. She noticed the redness and said it was my fault because my nose was dirty. Sorry? It's a no frills place with frills pricing. It's not even really a 90min facial. The technician is in the room for maybe half that time. For $140 ($30 less than a JS facial) you can go down the street to Bliss and get pampered. read more

I came to this spa for a Signature Facial. It was easy to book an appointment. The lady at the front desk was very nice. However, the facial was decent. Elena did a cleansing and mask but, she does leave the room quite often. She did a thorough job with extractions. She spent most of the time doing extractions than anything else. I would have preferred a balance of both treatments and extractions, instead of most of the focus on extractions. read more

I have been going to Janet Sartin for about 7 years and during that time my skin has been transformed. I suffered with sporadic acne even though I was in my late 60's and my skin never looked really smooth. A couple times a year the salón has specials on Groupon so I always purchase a 3-pack of facials and have one every 6 weeks. After about the 3rd facial I started to notice the difference. My blackheads and other blemishes had vanished and the little bumps on my skin were gone. I haven't had an acne breakout since then either. So, not only do I value my aesthetician for her skill in having tailored just the right régimen for my skin, but I love the proprietary products and use them at home. To round out the expertise the salon is known for, you won't find a more comfortable, private and attractive atmosphere anywhere. The rooms are private and quiet. I always feel I've had more than just a facial by the end of my session. read more

I purchased a gilt city voucher for a 90 minute signature facial and had the facial about a week before i left for vacation. When I arrived at the spa, I was created by someone who asked me to fill out a form and then I was taken to the room where the facial was to be performed. My facialist was Elizabeth and I really liked her. The facial started with her looking at my skin as is under the bright light and talking about my skin. She also gave me some diet advice to help the congestion on my skin before she started. Then, the facial starts with cleansing your face, which is followed by very thorough extractions and ends with a mask. The extractions were the best part of the facial because she cleared all of the congestion on my skin and my skin felt and looked very smooth by the time she was done. Yes, the extractions were uncomfortable and painful in certain spots. However, the redness went away within a few hours and there were no marks left over. By the time I left for vacation, my skin looked great! I also had a $30 product credit with the gilt voucher so i tired the famous white astringent. While i like the results on my skin from using the product daily, the smell is really off putting. It smells like an industrial chemical and its hard to fall asleep smelling it. I really enjoyed the fact that my facial was very relaxing. She did leave the room a few times but it was with minimal disruption to me and it was usually when she wanted to leave something on my skin for a few minutes. The staff here is not pushy at all when it comes to their products which I appreciated. I would probably get a facial here again and would not mind paying full price. read more

I've had a lot of facials at very high-end spas in New York (Maris Dusan, Joanna Vargas, etc.) I had heard good things about Janet Sartin and came in with high expectations and was disappointed. I had my facial with Elena (?) and as other reviewers have said, she spent a lot of time outside of the room and very little time on my face. She also spoke very little to me during the ~90 minutes I was in the room. I don't need my facialist to be very chatty, but I like to at least be told what is being put on my face, how long products will be left on, etc. This was how the facial went. She quickly cleaned the make-up from the day off my face, turned on the steamer, put on hot gloves, and left the room for a while. She came back, wiped my face with Kleenex, and then did extractions. This was the most time she actually spent on my face - while it was quite painful I admit that she was very thorough. After the extractions she did a strange face tapping (not a massage) and then cauterized. She next put some kind of mask on (I have no idea what it was) and left again for a long time. She came back, wiped off the mask, put something else on (again no idea), and left again. After a while, she came back in but then immediately left again (at this point I was peeking at my watch). Finally she came back, wiped whatever it was off, and told me I was done. While other reviewers mentioned that the facialists at Janet Sartin were pushing product hard, I had the opposite experience. When Elena asked me what products I use on my face, I listed all the products I use and she asked me if I needed anything. I asked her if there were any products that she would recommend for me skin, and she answered "no". I don't like to have product pushed on me, but I appreciate recommendations and thought it was odd that she didn't suggest anything at all. I bought a 3-pack of facials but I'm not sure if I'll be back. I might request Elizabeth for my other facials and see if the experience is any better. read more

I did a facial here which I bought on Gilt. They spent awhile on extractions which is a good thing, but my skin afterwards took a week to recover, which is no bueno. And hard to bare... I do like their white astringent though, it definitely does clear up skin fast and improves complexion. I do not think I will be going back.... read more

I highly recommend the 90 minute facial. The reviews you will read on here are true though, so just be aware and with that, you will be a very happy customer! It is certainly a pristine, elite spa but not a frou-frou, hold-you-in-a-restorative, blissed-out cocoon type of environment. Overall it is more functional where you will receive highly effective care for your face from a confident, skilled specialist and the eponymous products. My facial was with Elizabeth and I am loyal now! I will request her when I go back and am exclusively using the recommended Janet Sartin products. They smell amazing and feel luxurious. Elizabeth was very gentle, relaxing, and thorough with my dehydrated and redness-prone skin. Definitely agree to get extractions by hand or tool. You will leave addicted, with new skin feeling younger and fresh! read more

I bought a deal for a Signature Facial on Gilt and first read the reviews before purchasing, which were really mixed. However, it seemed like Janet Sartin does legit extractions and since my pores were super clogged, I decided to give them a try. I've had facials at some of the really fancy spas in NYC where I left with lots of clogged pores on my chin and nose so went in with hopeful expectations of getting my skin deep cleaned. I had Elizabeth for my appointment which lasted the full 90 minutes. The whole process involved cleansing, steaming, a couple of different products and masks in addition to a lot of time spent on extractions - Elizabeth must have spent almost 30 minutes getting the gunk out of my pores! She left the room for about 10 minutes during both the steaming and the mask (like at most spas during these waiting parts of the treatment) but I enjoyed the alone time with my hands in the warming mitts and my legs propped up comfortably and she wasn't gone for overly long. It had been about 2 years since my last facial so parts of the treatment were uncomfortable but I was fully expecting and prepared for that. As much as I have a good skincare routine, I need a professional to get in there from time to time and I just let it go too long. My skin was definitely red walking out but looked so much clearer. Two days later I still have one red spot on my nose that will probably take another day or two to go away but the rest of the redness has gone away. Will I be back? I'm not sure if I would pay the full $160 for the facial but I will be keeping an eye out for Gilt deals (which they seem to run pretty often). I think I will go for the 3 Signature Facial pack now that I've been and checked it out. I would also request Elizabeth again since she did a great job on my skin. read more

I will not be back! My skin looks awful after my facial- scars and scabs all over. I specifically filled out their new client questionnaire and said that I wanted a gentle facial - not deep cleaning. I let my facialist know I have sensitive skin and was not expecting her to dig out everything under my skin. I specified that I did not want lancets to be used and was told at the end of my facial the reason I was marked was because I didn't let her use a needle. I was told they are professionals there and I should have reconsidered. So I guess my awful looking, marked up skin is my punishment? I felt scolded and insulted. I have had many facials, I know to expect some redness but I have never looked this awful days later. It will take my skin weeks to recover, thanks. read more

This is not your typical spa since it's located in a corporate building. But, once you step inside you'll be treated like a queen for the day. They will supply you with a robe and your treatment will take place in a private room. The place is super clean, private and their facials are great. The extractions are not for the faint of heart, but the next day you'll see much cleaner, clearer skin. The facials with extractions start at $140.00 unless you buy a facial package which slightly reduces the price. They also offer cheaper facials without extractions. They have a new hydro microderm machine which I'm sure works miracles. This machine was out of my price range, but one day I'll check it out. They also have a lot of products and the prices aren't crazy expensive. Their white astringent is something nearly everyone could try. It clears skin overnight. Unfortunately, this spa doesn't offer discounts via lifebooker, gilt or groupon...at least not yet. I've been to bliss, haven, and a few other spas and this is my favorite. I like Haven's location and ambience more, but the facials are way better at Janet Sartin. Go see for yourself. Hope you enjoy your experience! read more

Perhaps one of the only impeccable beauty institute in manhattan. Very clean, quite. Therapist are not pushy. The receptionist, Mrs Becky, is always super kind. The therapist, Galina, is nice, professional and kind. She is very skilled with facials, I have been a regular for over 5 years. I like the facial toning, and gentle waves. It has been in the business since the '70s so its a sure place. read more

I have used Janet Sartin for-many years. Always loved it . When I turned 70 I started to think I should use an oil based product and stopped using JS DualPerformance Treatment makeup. Now back to J S and very happy. I use it over sunscreen which is oily. Perfect finish. Their soap is great, too. Janet Sartin was trained by Erno Laszlo who was a skin care guru. A lot of top models used his products and a lot of them now use Janet Sartin. read more

One of the worst facials I've ever had. A 90 minute facial that could've been done in an hour. It started off bizarre with being asked to wear a smock that looks like it came from the hospital. I had make up on and my esthetician barely cleaned my face - literally swiped my face with 2 cotton balls, and then proceeded to leave me under the steam for half an hour. She then did the most painful and sloppy extractions I've ever experienced. A few times, she had her fingers in my mouth or in my eye, as she tried to extract. She even swiped my mouth with the alcohol a few times - of which I had to ask her to be careful multiple times. Following the extractions was a mask that was left on way too long. I expected more for a 90 minute service. Never coming back. read more

To note: I'm reviewing the quality of the facials and products only. I've been coming here for a few years now and getting the best facials I've ever gotten, personalized for my skin. Of course, it depends on what you're looking for, but I think of a facial as a deep cleansing of my skin, which entails painful extractions and hard work. Elizabeth, the facialist, does a fantastic job. I think she's hilarious, but she's totally serious about how rude and honest she is. She once told my Aunt "when I squeeze your pores, it smells. You're starting to get old." She tells me all the time in her deep Russian accent, "you're killing me. Am I killing you? I need break! I give your nose a break too." Here's the thing: - They have the best products I've ever used on my face. - They give you 90 minute facials instead of 60, which is a HUGE difference. - The place is super clean - It is randomly located and not glamorous but everything is impeccable, even if it's not lavish or luxe. Don't come if you're looking to feel like a star or to feel anything other than like your fact has been conquered! Plus, for a facial you always need a few days (MINIMUM) recovery time, but Elizabeth is a magician and I can hang out that night or the next day without being super blotchy. Summary: GO! But be willing to pay up and have someone tell you the hardest thing: the truth! read more

I finished my 2 facials with Elizabeth. While I'm giving the place 1 more extra star, Elizabeth was so much better than Elena. For starters, she actually did some work on my face. I still don't understand why their facialists are in and out all the time for stretches of time. You only get 50 mins of actual treatment for the hour and half. Definitely won't be back. I'm sorry I got the Gilt certificate because it was such a waste of my time. read more

It's old school and no frills, but I've been here 3 times now and pretty happy with each visit. The latest session with Elizabeth was particularly memorable because she was so thorough with my clogged up, travel-fatigued skin. Not sure if I would frequent at their standard prices as there are some competitive/comparative places around, but with promo vouchers it's always been more than worth it. Plus the ladies that work there are very sweet at the end of the day. read more

Just had a facial with Elena today and it was fantastic. I've seen her before but it's been awhile due to not living in NYC. I go there for facials when I come to see my sister as my sister has also been seeing Elena for facials for years. She is very precise and works very hard to make sure your pores are cleaned out by the time you leave!! I really enjoy seeing her and highly recommend her. She gets the job done. read more

Nothing special. It was very easy to make an appointment by phone. The hydradermabrasion machine Elena, the esthetician, used is old. The toner and cream used also have a very strong smell, which made the experience unpleasant. I purchased through Gilt City and would definitely not pay full price. I would not repurchase another session. read more

Went back to Janet Sartin after not getting a facial there in years and happy to report nothing has changed. Had a very thorough facial from Polina and left with my skin looking and feeling better than it has in ages. Would highly recommend to anyone who has had problems with blemishes. Also, look out for deals the salon runs on gilt. I got mine for half off! read more

Very dissapointed. Went today to get the facial bought a while ago on Gilt.I had Paulina.From the 90 min facial I should get I did just 75 min.She was always in and out...but more out with me.the experience what I got was....put a lotion on and place my hands on the plastic bags ...on the warm gloves.Horrible feeling!The worst extractions ever!The esthetician was pushing the products(the white astringent).Of course i didn't buy it...Over all THE WORST FACIAL EVER! read more

I went for a Hydrafacial. Similar to other reviews, I find it strange how long they leave you alone in the room with the face mask on. I had Elizabeth who was fine but it was a pretty basic facial. In the end they put excess amounts of lotion and I had to wipe it off. She never told me what she was doing and I am likely not to return. read more

I got a 90 minute facial that could have been done under an hour. I could swear the aesthetician has another client in a different room. The extractions were the most painful I ever felt. Even after the lady left me half an hour under the steam, which was probably too weak or broken... I even joked saying I thought she had forgotten me but instead of improving it got even worse. She left another two times for indefinite times. At one point I got up and checked my phone. Also felt like the were super stingy with products. Unlike other places that need to rinse and remove products with towels, I think she only used Kleenex. I will never go back. I read a lot of other reviews (should've done it before the appointment) and they all say the same thing, you'd think they would have improved by now. Not sure if Janet is retired somewhere in the Caribbean and not checking Yelp but she probably wouldn't appreciate what's going on. read more

I was a Janet Sartin customer many years ago and decided to go back via Gilt vouchers. I had forgotten how incredibly effective their products were. I have very oily, congested skin, even at 54. Becky is wonderful and recommends the perfect products for my condition. I have had facials by both Elizabeth and Elena (they both have different styles but not too diverse). The main thing is that if you want extractions, they are masters at that. They are both professionals and know exactly what they doing. I am so happy that I have gone back to Janet Sartin since I will be using them for facials and skin care products from now on. read more

If you are looking for a relaxing day at the spa getting a facial where you will be poked gently, this is not the place for you. If you want to get your faced super cleaned and them to seriously do one major extractions, this is the place for you. The extractions are not for the faint at heart, but when I pay for a facial, I want them to do a good job at extractions. They can remove something on my face where I thought I would have to go to a dermatologist. Janet Sartin is the real deal. I will always go back for a facial. Of course I need to wait for a discount through Gilt when I can because its a bit pricey. But definitely worth it! read more

This is a very solid reliable place. I booked a facial with Paulina through Gilt. I ended up buying the white astringent product - highly satisfied. To be fair, this is one of those places that really believes in extractions. So go there if you have a week or so to before your event. The day after was not pretty. read more

I was weary about this place after the reviews. I'm glad, I booked my appt. i went for a hydrodermabrasion and a facial. I loved this place. Clean, great equipment. They were professional and very friendly. Will be back. read more

I recommend a visit to see Paulina for a Signature Facial. At least once in your life, go see Paulina, let her work her magic fingers over your mug to turn you into Cinderella (post fairy- god mother) and keep coming back, and for God's sake, take her recommendations and skin care advice very seriously because I have been to too many spas and facialists(?) to count and I have never once been convinced that I found my match before I met Paulina. She is very attentive, very professional, intuitive, and she speaks the language of your skin (if that makes sense) and knows eXACTLY what you need to bring out the inner glow and beauty of your skin beneath all the Manhattan pollution. Take the escalator up to the second floor make a quick right and down the hall to your left you'll find this quaint spa that is small in size but makes up for it with high quality service and attention. If you get some extractions done (Which everyone needs, don't kid yourselves) she'll recommend a great product to help cool down the redness. With a little coverup, lots of water and dedicated consistency with the product you'll see the beautiful face that's been buried under months and maybe years of stress and residue and bad quality soaps. I will be coming back, believe you me, and I WILL be seeing Paulina again for her magic fingers. No pain no gain, baby, and it's worth it! $140 a pop (no pun intended). Again, I highly recommend this very intimate, hidden gem of a spa, and don't let any one tell you anything otherwise. read more

Horrible and rushed!! It was my first facial and I have very sensitive skin, but friends w/ sensitive skin have never gotten redness/bumps/scabs like I got here. I TOLD her (Paulina) I was a first-timer w/ sensitive skin and she agreed after inspecting my skin. (Also, where was my skin consultation?! They shouldn't do such invasive procedures w/out asking you a few questions first!!!) The extractions were excruciating - I cried and screamed. She didn't use soothing creams. Everything stung or burned. She should've known better considering my skin type. Then she had the nerve to hock products aggressively, telling me that one of their lotions was the only thing that'd work. My face looked swollen/beat-up. She ruptured the skin where a pimple used to be and now I'm going to have a huge scar/blemish/scab on my forehead. I went back to complain and they were so rude. They offered to do touch-ups to help the scar, but when I asked if the products were okay for sensitive skin, they said I was being "too particular". I left, got a refund, and will never return! read more