I arrived 10 minutes before my appointment and after I filled out their intake form on their ipad (why not provide this to me prior to arriving to save time and energy) the aesthetician came out to the waiting area and got me. She showed me the room and told me that she would return in a couple of minutes. My facial began at 10;07. Without going into every detail, she spent more time out of the room than in it. This is a spa yet the room does not have a sink? She constantly had to move in and out of the room to get water to remove the mask and then only to go back out of the room to prepare the next mask. Nothing relaxing about this facial. Not a massage in between the masks. This facial plus tip was $250.00. I have been getting facials and other spa treatments for 30 years. There is no going the extra mile at this Spa, nothing relaxing about this experience and clearly will never return. Too bad as I was happy to have a spa in the neighborhood. read more

I was having some pregnancy/face mask breakouts and did the bye bye breakouts facial with Ann at their Union square location. I hadn't gotten a facial for over a year due to the pandemic so my main priority was having a detailed extraction session for some old acne and clogged pores. Ann did an excellent job and my face has never felt cleaner! I ended up purchasing a few items to help my dehydrated skin as well and they have been helping immensely! read more

The staff at Ling Spa are incredible! I come here every few weeks for a few items and each time it's a lovely experience from check-in to check-out. Highly recommend for waxing, eyebrows and facials. read more

Absolutely shocked to see the mixed reviews on here. I have been going to LING for over 10 years and cannot find a better facial. Michiko is the best and takes her time with extraction to make sure my skin is perfect and pores are clean when I leave. My skin may need a few days to recover but it glows so well afterwards that it's worth it. Don't go the day before an event so your skin has time to heal. Side note if you have any mild breakouts after they'll let you come in to refresh within a few days of your facial. I do struggle with the price and justifying a regular facial there but trust me when I say it's worth every penny. read more

Facials that really give you results - I have had 3 sessions of Lummeca with Anne and can see a huge difference in my skin!

I've been coming here for years and my skin looks amazing after each facial! There is no other place I would trust my skin to.

I got my first Ling facial in 2003, and when ever I was in the city I went back to get this amazing facial. Since I moved back in 2008 I still get regular facials here. I can't emphasize enough the thorough cleansing and amazing glow afterwards! It's so important to have clean and clear skin, and having an expert regularly maintain your skin is essential. Ling Skincare focuses on facials so you know you are getting serious results. Their skincare line is just as amazing, try the Replenishing Hydrator! read more

See all

I received a gift certificate to this spa and after reading the mixed Yelp reviews on technicians who upsell and/or provide poor service, I walked in with a feeling of dread. Fortunately this wasn't my experience at all so maybe it just varies by technician? My technician was Michiko who was wonderful and I got the pore to pure facial which was great as well. The facial included cleansing, steam, light extractions and 2-3 masks. Michiko wasn't pushy on upsells at all and made sure I was comfortable and relaxed throughout the appointment. I'd only take one star off for the steep prices, as it was nice to go as a 1-off but I'm not sure the value is there to warrant a regular visit. read more

AMAZING. best facial ever. my skin was a complete mess. congested yet dehydrated. went for another facial very recently at the number 1 voted facial in nyc which did NOTHING but make my already troubled skin look and feel even worse. I was so disheartened by the last result at the other place that i almost cancelled my appointment at Ling for fear of the same but decided to give it a chance and I am so glad it did. I can barely believe how much my face has improved, I don't quite understand how Cherry worked this magic, she went way above and beyond my expectations. I was getting really frustrated and down about the condition of my face, especially the bumps around my cheeks and chin but now they are virtually gone and i feel like i have a clean slate to go forward with. Thank you Cherry, I'm coming back to NYC soon and will bring you flowers at my next appointment!! read more

I came here for Spa Week Facial on a Saturday morning. It was not crowded when I stopped by. The receptionist was nice but not exactly friendly. They didn't ask me to fill out any form, which was weird. I only waited for 5 minutes and I got situated already. The facial lady is Asian and I don't know if it is due to language barrier or what, she didn't really speak much. She didn't even tell me what stuff she is putting on my face. None. There was a steam machine blowing on my face for like couple minutes but I think it was too close for comfort. I could not breathe too well. She never asked me if that felt alright. Then there was something else she put on my face that really stings but then again, she didn't pre-warn me or asked my opinion. Then, she left the room. Overall, the result was decent. My skin was soft and radiant afterwards. But it is just odd that they didnt bother to ask what skin conditions I am concerned with or if I have any allergy or illness. Good thing I don't because otherwise, I might get some products I cannot use! It is also strange they don't tell you what they use on you and what effects they might have?! I felt totally in the dark but good thing is the result is fine. read more

had an amazing time with Ann she was very polite. the environment was very relaxing and smelled so good! had a good time overall. Defiantly will be returning! and recommend. :) read more

I liked the location. It's a very large and spacious place. A very huge front area for retail purchases. I looked around in the retail area but was not approached and provided any assistance. I guess you have to ask for help on their product line. As for the service, I feel like it's slightly overpriced. The bells and whistles of a $200 facial were not available. I would have enjoyed a heated table or more explanations of what products they were using on my face. I was not offered any extractions. It was a great experience but for the competition in their price range, I wanted more to attempt to retain me as an ongoing customer. read more

I did not complain to a manger or receptionist because I feel bad to complain.... the receptionist however did not ask me how my service was. my esthetician was a sweet young girl but my facial was absolutely terrible. Probably one of the worst I have received and I have had thousands of facials. The water she used was freezing cold the entire time (including in the beginning of the facial) she also never assessed my skin or looked at it over and gave an analysis. She removed the product poorly with each application and the neck/shoulder massage was pretty bad. I think management should have their estheticians do another practical. For a $140 the facial should be good. I won't be coming back. My friend also did not enjoy her facial here. read more

I was just walking around in Flatiron district because my appointment at Skin Laundry informed me that I was 5 minutes late, so they automatically cancel. However, Ling Skincare is a fantastic find for me. Ling front desk assistants is accommodating and friendly. I even got a $50 facial, it was just what I needed after the horrible Skin Laundry associates were so rude, and impolite. I had a great experience with this new place Ling. I had dry dull skin, so Maple hydrated and oxydized my skin. Maple also informed me that my skin is starting to show fine lines and recommended specific facials and treatments for me. Now, I will start with Ling. read more

Ive been doing this a long time... facials have been a part of my life since my teens and now I am (let's just say over 40). Michiko gave me one of the best facials I have ever had. All I can say is I am a believer and I can not wait to return for my second (already scheduled) appointment! read more

Researched spas on Goop and it was recommended. I absolutly loved the facial and the time Mary took to explain my skin needs and concerns. She didnt try to oversell me on products. I highly recommend this spa! read more

The brightening facial Mary gave me literally transformed my skin. Afterwards it was as smooth as glass and was glowing. But even now a week later, it looks sooo much better. My skin is clear, the uneven texture is gone and it has a more consistent color, not blotchy or red as it was. I am as surprised as anyone that it is so much better but that is the only difference in my routine so I am sure it is from Mary's care. Thank you Mary. read more

I've been going to Ling since the early 2000's. I keep coming back because it is hands down the best facial. If you have problem skin they can fix it. Not cheap but always get what you pay for. The only place that does extensive extractions!! I think they are responsible as well for keeping me wrinkle free now that I'm into my forties. I love Maple, she is awesome, sweet and very knowledgeable. She figures out ways to make the most of my facial, adding more time for my extractions specifically because she knows my skin well. I've become dependent on their products too because they WORK. I suggest signing up for monthly facials -you get 20% off of services. Facials usually become cheaper the more you go as well because it becomes more maintenance and less of an "overhaul" like the first time you go. I dont leave reviews unless it's that bad or that GREAT. lol read more

Ling skin care is my go to location to look my absolute best. The service is always professional, the techs are always great. I have been going for over ten years and always walk out loving my face and realizing this has to be something I do more. Ling's staff is the best. read more

I wanted to enjoy this experience, but I left feeling cheated and annoyed. I booked a $120 facial which was a gift from a friend, which I had understood would involve steam, cleaning and extractions. After a brief skin examination, I was informed that I needed microdermabrasion before the extractions, which would be an additional $350. I politely declined, and was told "but I've evaluated your skin and you need this". She then tried to push something else on me for $225. I declined that too, and she asked "well, what is your budget?" I told her I was here for a basic facial which she then informed me did not include extractions. So I had a really pushy experience, followed by Enya, and an hour of having my face washed and cream pushed around on my face. They also did a mask which was fine I guess. I can't blame the aesthetician, because she is clearly instructed to up-sell, since my friend who was with me had the same experience with someone else. I thought it was a rip off. read more

Ling Skincare's claim to fame is their facials. I usually go to my regular place, but decided to stray b/c i'm Asian, and I thought... "hey! maybe i should check out my own peeps. Plus Ling's gotten a lot of publicity, so..." Man, was I wrong. The aesthetician who did my facial was a Japanese girl who extracted all my blemishes but somehow didn't do them the right way b/c i ended up with huge, swollen red marks all over my face immediately afterward. I *never* experience this when getting a *real* facial, where my face is milky white and calm after I'm done. I still had blemishes for days afterward. I have never felt so embarrassed to walk out of Ling, paying at the register with my completely red spotted swollen face, trying to hide from the other clients. And i think this is where Ling snags them. The "allure" of asian porcelain skin and the ritual "techniques" to get that way. Everyone wants it. But this is just a marketing hook! I'm Asian and i am completely ashamed of my experience here. Look around and you will NEVER SEE ANY ASIAN CUSTOMER here. It's all white people... What i see a lot happening in many day spas are frustrated, young, inexperienced facialists who jump from place to place, role to role, with high turnover, so that no one really does their job expertly for years, gaining the experience to perform extractions. Anyone can massage the face, but it takes real skill to do extractions. And you just can't risk that with your one and only face. Ling: thumbs down. read more

Great location and even better service! The place was beautiful, very relaxing and the team there made me feel right at home. Will definitely be coming back! read more

So I was a Mario Badescu devotee for many years. Main reason I stopped going was I was tired of getting to the location. Someone suggested Ling...who was it....cannot recall. I made an appointment and went for my facial. The treatment rooms are lit and decorated so you feel like you are in 1927 Shanghai (at least this was how it seemed to me) you slip on a silk robe. Now the silk robe is awesome when you first get it on but as the treatment progressed I thought it was awful-it was too hot and did not allow me to breathe. The other thing I cannot deal with is selling you treatments and services when you are lying there, with your hands in hot mitts-no escape!! So the nice lady we will call her Claire-tells me i really may want to consider microdermabrasion. Why not Gisele Bundchen supposedly goes to this place if it is good enough for Gisele it is good enough for me. Boy do I wish I had firmly told Carol no-what ensued was torture literally-fuck impeachment Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld should be subjected to this. Claire taped my mouth and eyes shut (a layer of gauze pads over the eyes first) and then proceeded to use the vacuumy looking Cozmo that feels like rock salt is being rubbed over your face-it really hurt. The silk robe only complicated matters as sweat was pouring down my back. Now get ready to laugh I agreed to buy a series of these treatments!!! I did not see any discern able difference and have not been back since Jan 06. ON THE PLUS SIDE-they have this oxygen plasma complex although stuff they sell that did really work wonders although quite pricey. I am willing to shell out money but for the cost of the products and services I did not see that major a difference in my skin. read more

I would not have the clear skin I have today if it weren't for Cherry!! She is amazing at her job and you could tell she is an expert in her field as she handles your face with precision and delicacy. I have gone to her several times and each time she has taken her time pre-extraction, during and post. She gives great facial massages, handles your skin with so much care and goes through every blemish (even ones that you weren't aware of). Also, she gives thorough advice on how to take care of your skin. The whole process is relaxing and luxurious with the serene music playing in the background. Give a couple of days for your face to heal and it is glowing, all thanks to Cherry! read more

Mochiko is a one-of-a-kind person - unbelievably talented, thoughtful, well humored and really makes every visit a pleasure. I've seen her for over 10 years (might be closer to 2 decades). Everyone asks me who does my eyebrows - her work is that good! She's amazing across the board at all the services provided at Ling and I feel super lucky I found her years ago. read more

I've been going to Ling Skincare in Union Square for about 5 years now and I swear they completely changed my skin - in the best way possible. No more breakouts and my skin looks amazing. Not sure which aesthetician these other reviewers saw, but I always go to Carol and she is phenomenal. My standard is the Ginseng Facial with the Triple Phase Peel and I sometimes leave the appointment a tiny bit red (it's normal when you're getting extractions) but I ALWAYS wake up with a gorgeous, glowing complexion. Products are pricey, but if you get the key ones, they're worth it. I would recommend the Oxygen Plasma Potion for people who break out, the hydrating toner and collagen cream for people with dry skin. read more

Visited Ling Skincare couple weeks ago with friend who has serious breakout, but our technician Lynette was really nice and patient. She has a pair of magic hands! My friend said her skin condition has never been so stable and looks better than ever. I was really enjoyed and relax throughout the whole treatment. My skin improved visibly, it looked brighter and glowing even days after my visit. Can't wait for my next appointment with Lynette. read more

It's been a day since my ginseng facial and I'm practically deformed. I've gotten redness from extractions but never a reaction like this. I suspect I've received a skin infection and will see my doctor this week. My entire face has broken out not in pimples but tiny red, incredibly itchy bumps. It's hideous. My face looked fine when I left the spa, but the infections emerged over the next few hours. It's insanely irresponsible of Ling's Skincare - they're working on people's faces! With sharp instruments! Carol was also so focused on selling me additions that she didn't even have the patience to listen to my explanations for why i couldn't go a three-step peel and all the other stuff. Instead, she talked over me, as if I didn't know exactly how much stimulation my skin can take, and claimed that because I didn't do add-ons she wouldn't be able to do a good extraction. Also, I have incredibly clear skin on my cheeks and I needed extractions on my chin and forehead, but she kept pricking my cheeks with her needle and now my skin looks incredibly dieased. I know, it's super gross. Also, 80% of this facial was lying in boredom with masks on (which they wiped off with rather harsh tissue papers). I really, really hope my dermatologist can heal my skin. What a fucking disaster. P.S. My room looked only vaguely like the photos. Much smaller and very drab. read more

Ann has been my go-to-person at Ling's ever since 2 summers ago, when i experienced my first adult acne episode. After seeing 3 different dermatologist and spending wads of $$$ on cremes and treatments, nothing was helping. Till finally my friend recommended me to come to Ling's and they brought me back to life. Keep in mind I am not the type who usually goes to spa for facials. I only go on as needed base, and I think Ling's is known for treating problematic skins, not really for those who are looking for fancy spa experience or pampering. They fix you, and then you are out the door. read more

I'm not generally a person who gives five stars, but when I try to think of reason to knock Ling down to 4, I can't!!! Ling is as good as it gets. I love going to Ling, as soon as I walk in the door, I start to relax. Every detail in the decor and atmosphere work together and feel genuine. I've been there 4 times over the course of 5 years, and every experience has been outstanding. My only hesitation is it is an expensive experience. I've worked with Cherry and H.J. and both are sweet, knowledgeable, careful, and amazing at what they do. I've had pleasant conversations with both of them, they always told me what and why they were doing what they were doing, if they left me for longer the 15 minutes they asked if that was ok, and it always is. Those creams are magic. Note: I always bring a book to help the 20 minutes go by faster. Ling is big on hydration, and they are very loyal to their products. I always buy one thing and I let the esthetician decide. Stefanie will book your appointment and help you with product selection. She is very also very knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. I read through some of the older reviews and it made me wonder if there are two different Lings? I can't believe how diverse the experiences there can be. Admittedly I have often been up-sold, but never regretted it. Like I said, they are BIG on hydration, and we live in a dry, dirty city and I know I do not have a good skin care practice. read more

I got the instant lift facial and was very pleased. Megan did a fantastic job! My skin was glowing afterwards and I definitely noticed more lift & firmness. I will definitely be coming back! read more

Went for spa week and had a great facial. It's one of the better facials I've had in the city, in fact. So I wouldn't mind coming back again for sure. read more

I'm definitely hooked. I love Mary and love coming to Ling for my regular facials. It might seem like a splurge but it's definitely worth it as I've seen such a big improvement in my skin and have completely stopped my breakouts. They also have great products that are effective, gentle, smells light and wonderful. Again I wanna say Mary is so awesome! She's so nice, thorough, great attention to detail, and really goes above and beyond to make sure she provides the best services. I can't say enough about her. Love. Love. Love. read more

By far the best facial I have ever had (in my 40's so there have been many). I visited another famous skincare shop front upper east side the next day who said my skin looked beautiful... it did thanks to Ling the day prior! read more

First time at Ling Skincare and apparently I did something right in life because Cherry was my facialist. And Cherry is everything you'd want in a facialist. She spent more time anyone I've ever been to on extractions, which to be honest is the only reason I go for facials. She is a thorough as she is sweet. Best facial in NYC. read more

I was VERY nervous about going to Ling after reading a few of the most recent reviews. But, I had a gilt certificate and I'd already booked, so decided to give it a try (plus, as another reviewer mentioned, I knew they'd charge my card if i cancelled). Everyone at Ling was very friendly, and they had me fill out an info form when I arrived. My esthetician was Cherry. She looked over my form, asked me a few standard pre-facial questions. She was definitely pushing their products throughout the facial, and up-sold me on a papaya peel. But, based on other yelp reviews, I was expecting the product-push --- so it didn't put me off as much as it likely would have if i didn't know what I was walking into. She was very thorough with the extractions, which I always think is a big part of what you're paying for. It was a little weird that she left while I was wearing masks for 15-minute sessions, and a hand/foot massage would have been nice (and expected, for the price). But, my skin felt great when I left; and, a day later, I'm definitely wearing the after-facial glow. If you can deal with the product-push, and in-treatment peel/mask up-sell, this is a solid place for facial. read more

Ready to improve your skin? Angie has the answer for you. This is my 4th time I went to her, I recently had a microdermabrasion facial with her . She changed my life. My skin was clogged, dry, sensitive with acne scar all over my forehead. I was so relax with the essential candle and soft music. Her special massage from face to upper shoulder can release my stress. I fell asleep from the very beginning and when I woke up I was expecting my face to be swollen but the result was so amazing my skin was soft, hydrated and was glowing. My pores were totally cleaned. My skin can glow for a month at least. Her extraction was really thorough, she knew exactly what she was doing. There was a bit pain but like all said "no pain no gain" Price wise is a bit pricy but what you pay for is what you get. I rather save up my money to come here instead of other places. Comparing to other places I would end up with scars and outbreaks at the end. Angie is very honest and knowledgeable on products, she was able to answer my questions and will tell me what is necessary to spend and explain to me why my skin become like this. I told her I have a budget and she understands. She give me some samples to try out and educate me on how to mix my own product with theirs. At the end I purchased a hydrator skin water from her. I love the outcome, it did improve overall complexion! I can't wait to go back to Angie!! read more

The facial massage at Ling can't be compared to any place else! Cherry did an amazing job with my skin. She even helped me manage my car with parking, so I wouldn't have to rush and just relax for my facial. Thanks so much! I'll be back next month for more. read more

I have been going to this place on the upper East side for my facials because I got talked into purchasing a package which ended in April 2011 (YAH!). I was finally free to look for a better spa and came across quite a few positive reviews concerning Ling Skin Care. Thus, when spa week (I decided to upgrade to the $105.00 from the $50.00 special) came upon moi, I immediately made an appointment for a facial even though I had one a week prior from my former spa. I like the place and the receptionist was very nice though I do wish my esthetician, Mary, was a bit more descriptive when she applied stuff to my face --oh yeah, what happened to the massage?! I'm going back on the 20th of June after my nine-day cruise (to Bermuda; St. Thomas; Grand Turk, Caicos Islands and Puerto Rico) for another facial before deciding whether to purchase a package. Kelly Yip read more

My skin is destroyed. I get a facial monthly and my aesthetician had to cancel our January appt because of the snowstorm. I had worked privately with a Ling skincare aesthetician about 15 years ago so I figured I'd try their spa to hold my skin over until my February appointment. My aesthetician was nice but not very professional. She clearly had not read my intake form nor did she check my skin before jumping right into the facial. My main issues was with her extractions. Ling Skin Care charges and extra $115 for extractions. My aesthetician, Mary, was extremely aggressive and was pushing so hard and rough that at one point, she was crushing my eyeball against my skull. Now I'm no wimp when it comes to extraction but I'm not 23 either. My skin could not take this kind of abuse. I was cry red and blotchy when my treatment was over and I did express to the front desk my displeasure. Both the receptionist and Mary assured me that yes redness would be gone by the next day. Well, they were wrong. Mary has managed to break numerous capillaries in my cheeks and it is going to require thousands of dollars in laser treatment to repair the damage she has done. In addition, I can coins at least sixteen distinct lacerations and scans on my forehead from her overzealous use of the lancet; there are countless others along my cheeks, jawline and chin. This is not going away any time soon. She was picking at pores not ready to have extractions performed on them. It is going to take many weeks before these cuts heal and my aesthetician is going to go ballistic when I see her in two weeks. Overall, I would not recommend this salon nor shall I ever return. The lack of proper training will harm your skin more than do any good. I'm very disappointed since I had hoped to find a good place for in-between treatments. This place is NOT it. read more