this popped up on my feed a while ago, and i'd been curious to try it ever since…read more
face wash yvr is located on the third floor of aberdeen square, not to be confused with the more famous and much larger aberdeen centre, though the two are connected. located next to the aberdeen station.
this was my first time trying a head spa combined with a facial, and it leans more toward a relaxation focused, sensory experience rather than a results driven treatment.
cari, the esthetician, guided the entire session with a calm, gentle approach. she wore a mask and gloves throughout, which i appreciated, and was careful to avoid getting water around my ears. the treatment began with a scalp analysis to check for oils or dryness, and she regularly checked in on water temperature and pressure, which made the whole experience feel attentive and considered.
the setting itself feels more like a cocoon than a typical treatment room. the lighting is low and washed in deep blue tones, giving everything a calming, almost underwater feel. the treatment bed is a large, curved unit with a glossy finish, softly lit from below with a glowing strip of light along its side. beside it, a small cart holds neatly arranged tools and products, adding to the clean, controlled feel of the space. once you're settled in, the outside world kind of fades out.
cari gently removed my makeup but left my eye makeup on. they don't double cleanse here, explaining that it can strip away the skin's essential oils. she also mentioned that using very hot water when washing your hair at home can have a similar effect, and suggested keeping it warm rather than hot.
the facial and head spa portions were fairly involved with a body massage that happened simultaneously. as my face and scalp were worked, a gentle vibration from the bed's built in massager ran underneath, creating a layered, full body experience. i asked to have the pressure a little gentler. at one stage, a dome shaped fixture was positioned over my head, releasing gentle streams of warm water from above. the water arced downward in thin, steady streams, almost like a soft rain shower, rinsing through my hair while cari continued working along my scalp with slow scratching and massaging motions. it created a calming contrast between the steady warmth of the water and the more focused, methodical pressure through the scalp and neck.
my hair was washed and rinsed several times with careful attention along the scalp and hairline. i wasn't told exactly what products were used for either the hair or the face, which might matter if you're ingredient conscious, though there was no push to promote or sell anything afterward. the focus felt very much on the treatment itself.
during the facial, a warmed double jade roller was used across the face, followed by a hot face towel draped over my entire face. it felt very relaxing at first, though at one point i noticed a strong lemongrass or eucalyptus scent, with a faint underlying musty note that didn't quite match the otherwise clean feel of the treatment. i was told the towels were infused with essential oils. afterward, a cold mask was applied for contrast. smooth glass balls, about the size of harmony balls, were also used during part of the massage, gliding across the skin in slow, cooling movements and pressure points.
at one point my hair was zipped up inside part of the treatment device and i could see steam drifting upward in the blue light, giving it a slightly futuristic, almost sci fi feel. there was no smell of singed hair or anything concerning. it appeared to simply be part of the steaming process.
my hair was blow dried at the end, though it didn't come out as silky or soft as i had imagined, so manage expectations on that front.
i went during a limited time promo, priced at $75 plus gratuity. there was a slight mix up with the total at the end, but it was rectified without much fuss.
overall, a unique first experience combining a facial and head spa, lasting about 75 minutes. lots of massage elements, attentive care from cari, and an immersive, almost otherworldly setup. best suited for those looking to relax and enjoy the sensory experience rather than expecting dramatic before and after skincare or hair results, tucked away on the third floor of aberdeen square.
