Incredible! This place is amazing. I got the holiday special which was $75 for an acne facial instead of $90. So worth! The products they use are high quality and gentle on the skin. They also did extractions on my skin which was not painful and very helpful for my pores. In addition to the facial, I got the most relaxing shoulder massage. A great place to pamper yourself! Will definitely make another appointment sometime :) read more

This place is my top choice for facial in the city. Reservation needed.There several things worth mentioned: 1) clean and comfortable ambiance 2) professional extraction 3) various masks targeting different skin problems I might have from time to time. Like green tea is good for any type. 3) good hand and shoulder massage with relaxing music comes with the facial. Def try out this place. That's all I want for a good facial. read more

Clean & relaxing! I'm not too picky about ambiance compared to cleanliness and the service from the staff. Besides, I didn't step into Tamago to receive pampering; I went because my face was looking a mess and was in need of some major TLC! I had the acne facial with Misato twice. After both sessions, my face felt very fresh & clean, just what I expect after any facial. The only thing I ask for is longer extractions (she missed a few spots both times, and although I despise extractions, I can definitely see a difference in a few days following my facial). Even with extractions, I fell asleep both times, ha. The rates for all facials are an excellent deal. TIP: Make sure to take some cash for tip, but they accept credit cards. If you're looking for the ultimate 'spa' experience, go elsewhere. If you want a solid facial and walk out with a glow, make an appointment with Tamago Skin Care. read more

I agree with all these fellow reviewers here - this is a great price for a no-frills facial. I went for the first time about a week before my wedding, and Mariko was very thorough with every part of the process. I did the Whitening facial to even out my skin. The extraction wasn't painful at all (although I have high pain tolerance), and the results were great. My skin was glowing afterward, and when I put on make up for the first time about three days later, I noticed I had to use MUCH less to cover up, which is exactly what I want from a facial. A few weeks later I went back and got a massage and another facial. The massage was good, but honestly I've had better (albeit more expensive). You really can't beat the prices here, though I probably wouldn't go for a massage again. However, I purchased a series of facials (buy 5 and you save about $5 per session). This time I went right before my usual monthly break out (hormonal lady stuff), hoping to stave it off with a facial. I let her know my concerns about this, so she used a special lotion to help with acne, as well as the high frequency machine. I look forward to going back there as maintenance for my skin - especially during the sweating, grimy summer months in NYC! read more

I used to love this place. Have been a regular since their previous location, but now that Akemi is not there I'm disappointed. I wish I know where she is working now. Does anyone here know? The lady I saw today was nice but Akemi did have a special touch and it's going to be really hard to replace her. Also, I felt it was shorter and I would've liked more steam time. So sorry I can't see Akemi anymore :-( read more

Follow up to my appointment earlier this week. Since technician didn't steam my face prior to extractions the extractions were painful but also left a lot of marks and bruises. My face has been covered in red marks since treatment. It is now a few days later I now have white heads on a lot of those marks or places where they tried to do extractions. My face literally looks way worse then before I went, they did more damage then good. I believe where a lot of the extractions were done it brought whatever was clogging the pore further up but not fully out because pores were very tight (not open from steam). Now after having spent over $100 there I have a bunch of inflammed whiteheads and my face continues to be spotchy and red. This place has gone down hill, poor quality work. I have been coming here for 8 years and I wont be going back. I feel ripped off. read more

Do not come here if you are battling acne or break outs. They picked at my face and left me with PIH that took almost a year (and assistance from other facials) to finally go away. The facial was relaxing and if I were not battling breakouts it may have been enjoyable. That is the only reason for the extra star. They even up-sold me on something and so I left paying way too much for the poor quality of work. read more

I would never have found this tiny not at all salon looking storefront had it not been for Yelp. The orange awning is overshadowed by bigger and more exciting things in the 'hood (momofuku milk bar and friends) but now that I know it's there, I'll never walk by without resisting the temptation to walk in and see if an appointment is available for a Green Tea facial. Now, I have a go to place that delivers a relaxing facial/shoulder massage combo and charges approximately $20 less than the leading salons. Yes, the place is super small but no one was in the "room" next to me so I didn't suffer from any distractions. Worth it! read more

I've been there several time, love the facial! But it so hard to get an appointment. I called and left message several times to make an appointment but no one called me back. read more

The green tea facial makes my skin glow like nothing before. OK, maybe one thing, but you get what I'm saying. You will really get a deep cleansing, extractions and all, but you won't even notice. The aesthetician's hands are so soft and good, yuou may even fall asleep. A shoulder, neck and arm massage is included in the facial, so you'll feel like buttah once you are out. The place is teeny, and if you are expecting robes and lounges, stick with Elizabeth Arden or whatever. This is bare bones, as in, nothing covering up for their lack of quality. They don't need that. Tamago's green tea facial has been approved by my mother and my always-in-a-crap-mood stepfather, AND my ex, who never notices anything but himself, noticed my rosy cheeks and girlish glow. It's that good. Momofuku Ssam and Momofuku bakery are right across the street. Just saying. read more

This is by far the best bang for your buck in facials! Tamago (operated by the same people of the popular Sei-Tomoko salons in the east and west village), is a teeny tiny Manhattan studio-sized skincare salon. There are only two rooms, one bathroom, and barely enough space for much else (i.e. a receptionist). You have to ring the bell to get in and if you don't have an appointment, there's a sign that tells you the aestheticians are with clients and to come back later. Though it lacks space, Tamago offers much in the way of service, cleanliness, and skill. The basic facial is just $45 for 60 minutes. You start off by telling the facialist about any special concerns while she examines your skin and determines your skin type. This is followed by a gentle cleansing and face massage that makes you feel like your skin is already reaping the benefits and getting tighter by the second. While you enjoy a relaxing aroma steam, you get a thorough and satisfying neck and shoulder massage. Before the extraction, a hot towel is pressed to your face, inviting you into deeper relaxation. The extraction part is done skillfully - without metal loops or sharp tools - and is surprisingly bearable. After the extraction, there's a calming mask for your specific skin type. While the mask calms, you enjoy yet another massage - this time on your arms and scalp. When it is all over, you are gently pushed up to a sitting position and given one last rub-down around the neck and shoulders. Unlike some facials that leave you swollen and blotchy, you leave Tamago glowing and refreshed. My girl friend commented that my skin looked shiny and new. Tamago also offers very affordable shiatsu and swedish massages - just $15 for 15 min.; $45 for 45 min.; $55 for 60 min....That's a better deal than Bloomie's, which is hectic and never quite does the trick. read more

I'm definitely not a regular facial/spa goer, but there are some things that I definitely appreciate and expect. 1. I felt very safe and comfortable - most (if not , all?) people make reservations, here. And also, their door is a buzz-in sort of system. So, I liked that there weren't random people walking in from the street asking about walk-ins, or in general, just creating more noise/activity in the lobby area. 2. They were very, very friendly - aside from being offered tea right after we 'checked in' with them, they were just very pleasant. 3. The ambience, like people say, is no frills. But it is very clean, and offers just what you need. In terms of the actual service, we just got the basic facials (face massage, extractions, neck/shoulder/head massage), but I felt so relaxed.. and my skin (although felt some pinching - not too painful - from the extractions) felt very clean, afterwards. The facials I've gotten at OTHER places have usually left my skin feeling like it had been caked with layers of lotion (making my pores feel like they're being filled with cream and gunk, all over again), but I really felt amazing and refreshed/clean after the service at Tamago. Will definitely be back here, again, maybe for the Green Tea facial! read more

07/17/2008 edit: Just went for another Green Tea Facial today and it was FANTASTIC! Akemi once again took care of my face and massaged me till I was so relaxed! Totally worth it!!! :D I've booked a back facial next week! Ahhh I can't wait...!!! Wow - I was in need of a facial, after having stuffed my face over the weekend with oily, greasy goodness - the zits were starting to sprout. I found out about this place through my visit to Sei Tomoko and yelped it, only to find pretty decent reviews. So I called and made an appointment. The prices are very reasonable, esp for Manhattan standards. $48 for a basic facial (60mins) but I upgraded to the Green Tea Facial which was $68 ($75 with tax & tip) which also lasted an hour. Note: this isn't a fancy Manhattan joint. For those of you who have been to Asian facial places - you would know. The rooms are small but clean and you get a neck, shoulder and arm massage with your facial too! How sweet is that? I felt so good afterwards. I'd recommend Tamago. The manager, Akemi, is super nice. Have u had your facial yet? ;D read more

I had the Green Tea facial with Akemi, and it was the first time I've walked out with skin that actually looked better immediately after and just got better after a few days. She really seemed to take me seriously when I told her my skin is super sensitive. (I've had some disastrous facials because I have quite sensitive skin. I always make sure to tell this to facialists and try to stress it...and many times they don't seem to take that seriously.) But I feel comfortable going here now after my first experience, which is saying something because I have a pretty big phobia of facials. It's a simple clean space. I like that they don't talk to you too much during the facial so you get a chance to just rest and relax. The people are friendly and not at all pretentious and make you feel at ease. I'd definitely recommend this place out of all the places I've been to in the city so far. Just remember to bring cash for tip. read more

Tiny, clean spa that is owned by the owner of the Sei Tomoko salons, which I adore. They take credit cards, but tip is cash only. The basic facial is great for its affordable $55(/1hr) price. It really is basic, with cleansing, toner, steamer, hot towel, extractions by hand, and a mask chosen for your face type, but the neck/shoulder massages between some of the steps were really relaxing. My facialist was pretty good at the extractions, and I could definitely tell the difference afterwards. My face was as smooth as a tamago (egg. To be more specific, a yude-tamago-- a hard-boiled egg) for several days. However, I did notice that she missed a few spots on the side of my nose, and when I think back, the extractions didn't hurt as bad as some facials I've had. I did wish the lady doing my facial had explained more about the products. I hate when they overexplain and try hard to sell the products, but I'd like to at least know what is being applied to my face... At the end, I had to ask her what kind of mask she chose for my face type. They only use Dr. Ci-La-Bo and Dr. Jeff products--the former I recognize from Japan, but the latter, I had never heard of. read more

Tamago's facial is my favorite one I've ever gotten in NYC. Naoko was incredibly nice and did a great job of really extracting everything from my face. One of my favorite parts was that during the mask at the end, instead of leaving you to lay there alone for awhile like other places, she gave me a very nice head massage. My sister also got a facial and similarly thinks it was her best NYC facial. I really really recommend going here. Unlike other places in the city, they don't tell you how bad your skin is and critique the way you take care of your skin, in order to sell you more products. Being up sold while you're trying to relax and/or things extracting from your face sucks, and finally at Tamago I didn't have to worry about this. My appointment started right on time, the place is very clean, and the receptionist was very kind. The prices are cheap compared to other places (that aren't as nice as here). I highly recommend Tamago and will definitely be coming here for all of my facials in the future! An NYC gem! read more

This place is great. I have been here twice over the past several months and both times it has been wonderful -- the first time I got a swedish massage + basic facial, and this morning I went back for a green tea facial. Yes, it is small, yes, you can definitely hear when anyone comes in or if the phone rings, but you won't care because they take such great pains to make you comfortable and happy in your teeny no-frills little room that you can just tune it out, close your eyes and imagine you're relaxing on your own little tropical island or some such. My skin has always been pretty problematic and cranky, except when I happen to come across some ONE MAGICAL THING that it likes. The Green Tea Facial at Tamago is the most potent "magical thing" I've found yet -- I can't promise that it will be so magical for absolutely everyone, since we all have different skin, but for me (20something with pale skin, small but cranky pores, usually battling both a few zits and dryness at the same time) it is just completely spot-on. The technician I had today, Mariko, was very friendly and had such a calming energy, and worked a little bit of a mini facial massage into even just applying cleanser. The actual official massage portion was pretty fantastic as well, not too soft and very responsive to my particular problem spots and such, and that's just what's included in the facial. All that for $68 (before tax + tip). Be sure to call for an appointment a few days in advance -- I think they were booked solid today, and for good reason! read more

I really wanted to enjoy my facial, however I was very disappointed. I was most terrified by my beautician using her hands during her extractions and only her hands. I am speechless, never in my life would imagine paying someone to torture my face with her bare hands... Apart from the extractions I don't feel that she did a thorough job cleansing and exfoliating my face. I also don't feel that she spent any time calming and closing the pores she had tortured. Very very disappointing read more

I've been in here a few times for the basic facial and the green tea facial. The spa is very clean and the staff is always extremely polite and kind. The products for both facials are great, and although the person giving hthe facial does get up and leave the room a couple times, it's never for more than two minutes or so. After a mask is put on, they always take that time to do a neck massage or a hand massage. However, the reason why I knocked off a star is due to the fact that the extractions are always very superficial (I suppose that's the right word). I always get compliments on my skin the day after a facial at Tamago, but the effects fade quickly and my pores seem to clog right up not too long after. HOWEVER, with THAT said, my facialist (I've seen Ai twice) did mention that facials ARE something you have to keep up with. Perhaps my knocking off a star is unjust due to the fact that I have to be diligent in regularly getting facials. I'm going to try a few other places to compare. If I have to revise this update in a few months and bump it up a star, I would be too happy to do so, as the price at Tamago certainly suits my pocketbook for keeping up regular appointments! read more

It's small and no frills, but that shouldn't scare you away. I got a medium-hard swedish massage (45) and an hour long facial. Both were relaxing and wonderful. The room was preheated, which was lovely. The massage was great, and I loved that steaming hot towels were used at the end to take off any excess oil, but it also seemed a bit like a hot stone massage - I could feel my muscles melting from the heat. The facial was top notch. It was really gentle. I have sensitive skin that can sometimes be irritated, but my facialist really listened and used great products that were not irritating. During the setting time for the masque, there was even more massage. At the end, she slowly sat me up and there was even more massage. I was there for about 2 hours and it was under $100 (pre-tip). I'll definitely be back. read more

Here I go again with the "half stars" Better than a 3 but less than a 4 brings us to 3.5 rating Price - 4 stars (plus discounts during slow hours) Customer service - 4.5 stars Service itself - 3.5 stars Amenties/salon - 4 stars (given how affordable this place is) 3.5 stars I wanted to love this place more, but I couldn't and didn't However would this keep me from coming back? No. I had the pleasure of working with Akemi for green tea facial, who was an absolute doll and very sweet. I really was thrown off by extractions done by hand, which thankfully did not cause any residual scarring, but I was really nervous. It also seemed she was ?also in charge of answering the doorbell and/or helping other customers at front desk during my facial. But then again, perhaps during times of steam and mask, there is a "break" and she would have left the room anyway? I will never know. But at other places, this is when I would get a neck and shoulder massage, and I only received one here - but perhaps this is standard. I will never know. And it was weird being in the quiet room, eyes covered, knowing no one else is in there (I think!), but the door is slightly ajar, and you hear the doorbell ringing. It's creepy! Bleh. Me no likey. But like I said, perhaps this was an off day. I am very tempted to try it again because it is so convenient, so affordable, and very good customer service...[sigh]... Would I recommend you try it? Absolutely, and that says a lot. And yes, I will follow my own advice. Be sure to make an appointment - the place stays busy! Takes credit cards, but tip in cash only read more

I referred to tamago by a friend about a year ago. I've been coming here ever since. I tried the seaweed and green tea facials. I love the seaweed facial! Green tea facial is okay. I usually have my facial done by Kelli, but I got Misako over this weekend. Both astheticians are great, my face is left glowing for a week. Only thing that bothers me is that they use their hands to do the extractions. read more

Perfect for me. This place is CLEAN, quiet, professional, and priced right. No excessive conversation. No spa music. No frills. No attempts to sell overpriced products. My skin was radiant. I slept through much of the process (except the extractions -- too many years between facials). Wonderful experience. Great price. I will return. read more

I treated myself to a facial at The Plaza during a half-off special. Ever since then, I've been looking for a place where I can go more regularly for a less expensive facial. Tamago is just the right place for that! The space itself is very small but also very clean. Everyone that I interacted with there was polite. I got the Basic Facial with extractions. It was a nice relaxing experience - expect for those extractions, of course! I do feel that my skin was cleaner afterwards and will return regularly. Clearly it's not as luxurious an experience as many other places, but for the price and the service offered I do think it's a good deal. Credit cards are only accepted for amounts over $50 and the tip must be cash. read more

I came here for a facial at the suggestion of my dermatologist. This place is clean and my appointment started on time. I got the acne facial and since this was my first facial ever, I was not expecting so much pain and discomfort. My pain tolerance is pretty low so I tried really hard to keep calm and it was over before I knew it. I'm not really sure what she put on my face and I guess something electric/shocking was a part of it, but I didn't mind the silence. I'll just make sure to ask what's happening next time. The quality of service that you get for the price is great. I've only been here once so I haven't seen a drastic change in my skin, but I'm hoping to come back and see long term results :) read more

Great find, thanks to yelp! This is a nice little salon, certainly on the lower-frills side but still relaxing and not clinic-y at all. It's hard to find a good salon that doesn't use heavily-fragranced or super strong products, but the japanese products here are so mild that I doubt they would irritate even the most sensitive skin. Very nice aesthesticians, unbelievable prices, overall great experience. Note, I would recommend this place for those who want a relaxing massage or a very affordable basic maintenance facial. If you have serious skin issues, I'd probably go somewhere more "hard core" or "known" - and if you need a deep tissue massage, I'd stick to the chinese places. read more

Shigeru is AMAZING... the shiatsu massage here is the best. Was referred here by a friend who used to come here weekly. Pricing is reasonable. He's also very kind and polite. You should definitely check out the massages here! Well worth it. read more

Came back for another facial and it was still wonderful but the esthetician left me alone in the room with the mask for awhile (as mentioned in my previous review, this is HUGE pet peeve of mine.) This is a 3.5 stars if I could give it. I still like the facial but I think it's just best with Akemi. This one had less massage time and it was a bit rushed because I was running late again (got lost/out of work late again). I think this is still the best spa to visit for your facial/massage needs. read more

I first went to Tamago years ago at their old location and was pleasantly surprised by it - the extractions were painless! The head and shoulder massage was strong! The products they used smelled fantastic - in fact, my friend that I opted not to get a facial here was sniffing my face and commenting how "nice" I smell after the facial. But because I've relocated from NYC, it's been some time (and I didn't realize they relocated, I thought they closed down due to the bad economy) since I had a facial here. The experience was REALLY DISAPPOINTING. The extractions were still painless, but the general facial was just that - very general. Maybe because I didn't have their special green tea facial? I might as well have gotten a facial at one of those mani/pedi places. She completely went through the motions - clean face, massage face, extract, apply mask, clean mask off, spritz on toner, dry toner off with tissue paper, apply moisturizer, NEXT! The head and shoulder massage? Caress was more like it! I don't want to be caressed when I go to these places - and the girl that worked on my was the manager! I don't know if this is because she's used to "managing the place" instead of doing the facials or massages, but that's really no excuse either. read more

Wow. Ai, -that's her name- doesn't speak much English, but she gave me the best facial I have ever had. I went in for the regular one hour facial $48, but since my skin was pretty beat up from stress acne, I sprang for the Green Tea exfoliant facial $68. It lasted an hour and a half and included a massage of hands, arms, and neck and this thing they do with your feet that made me walk out feeling a foot taller. The common space is quite small- which must be how they can keep the cost so low- but immaculately clean, cheery and well appointed. The treatment rooms are clean, the products felt great. I called ahead and got an appointment for later the same day. I arrived early and had another appointment following the facial, and they even let me begin early to have some buffer time between my appointments. It's a week later and my skin still looks and feels amazing. read more

the overall experience was really just ok. nothing great. The lady that did my facial was friendly though. I got the acne facial which is about an hour for about $80 dollars. I don't think she did a good job with extraction. She missed many spots. I don't think I would come back here again. I would rather pay more money to get a more through facial. read more

I went in for a facial this past weekend because my face was in need of some serious extractions. I enjoyed the overall experience. The aesthetician was thorough with the extractions. Note: she removed the whiteheads manually rather than with an extractor. Personally, I liked it because it was definitely less painful than having a metal stick poking my face. I decided to do the green tea facial, but I think it was too strong for my sensitive skin because my face tingled a bit with the mask on. I might just try their regular one. Really great customer service. I love the arm and shoulder massage - so relaxing. I will definitely come back, but I'm on a budget so maybe in a couple months later. read more

After extensively doing research on yelp for a facial, I finally settled on Tamago Skin Care. It was going to be my first time, and I wanted something clean, quiet and relaxing. I was going to go for the basic facial but opted for the Seaweed Facial - Combination Skin since i really wanted to feel the whole experience. Glad I did. I enjoyed the fact that there was minimal conversation other than to assess my skin and to ask what I wanted/needed. The arm, neck, and face massage was an added bonus which was definitely unexpected. Took a while for me to relax since it's really personal when someone is working on your face, but I did manage to fall asleep for a at least 20 min. Compared to other places that I researched, Tamago's facial(s) were much cheaper. I only gave it 4 stars because its the only one I've had, and can't compare it to anything else. I enjoyed the whole experience and will be back soon. read more

I have been going to Tamago for nearly 4 years now and would never consider going anywhere else. I used to go to Great Jones Spa and their facials are twice the price and not even as good. My old girl left Tamago about a year ago and I have been happily seeing Akemi ever since. She does a beautiful job and is very gentle with extractions and gives an amazing massage. I now go to her for massages as well. I have super sensitive skin, acne prone skin and swear by the green tea facial. Best kept secret in the city! read more

February 13 2019, my massage was the worst ever. Not worth anything! I had a neck and shoulder pain, I told him to concentrate on that area, he didn't listen. It was stressful. The male masseuse was inexperienced, he needs to further study for massage and Shiatsu. He told me that he has a degree and a license. This is a false advertisement. It was the worst one hour massage and it was stressful. It's not worth $50, I paid full price and walked out. I told the person in front desk, that the owner needs to hire experienced people and "fire" this person. I will never go back!No stars, not worth looking through this place! I can't imagine what their skincare and facials are like. read more

I was in need of of a last minute facial and massage. Thanks to the yelp reviews here, I was able to book a same day appointment with Ai from Tamago Skin Care. It's a teeny, tiny and spotless place, with no room for a proper sitting area. A sign instrructed me to wait across the street at the hair salon, where I waited until my appointment time. I had the Acne Facial for $75 -- Ai was really gentle with the extractions. Ai's facial also includes cleaning and massaging your shoulders and chest area as well as a light scalp massage. I judge a relaxing facial by the 'snore factor', meaning, if I actually wake myself up to the sound of my snoring, it was pretty damn relaxing. Yes, I did wake up to my snoring! I was pleased with the results - I came out feeling relaxed despite being on a red-eye the evening prior and my skin looked refreshed. Tamago isn't the place for a posh spa experience, but for regular and affordable treatments, Tamago is the place to go. read more

Akemi did an amazing job! I'm making this my regular spot. I've had plenty of facials and this was by far my most pleasant experience receiving extractions. read more

I have been coming here for 3 years and had returned to get the green tea facial. I was planning on getting a 5 group package for my upcoming wedding! But was astonished by how sloppy and painful my aesthetician (Chisa - she has big curly hair) was. The massage was short, the green tea facial dried up and was crusted on my face and she took a towel and just proceeded to rub it off vigorously. It got all over my hair and in my ears! In addition when rubbing lotion on my face, she kept rubbing it over my eyes and subsequently lotion got into my eye and was extremely irritating. I thought facials were meant to be relaxing! I've had other aestheticians in the past who were amazing, so I'm hoping it was a fluke with a terrible aesthetician. Stay away from CHISA, at all costs! read more

I made an appointment the day of and was able to get in.This in no way reflects the awesome service they deliver. As previously stated by others the space is tiny. You can hear other conversation taking place, although in my experience it was minimal. I booked for a basic and Akemi suggested I upgrade to the aloe Vera facial because my skin is extremely dry. Although her assessment was correct I really didn't understand the difference between the aloe Vera and the basic. The only added bonus was the exfoliation. I suppose the difference between all of the facials is the product used but it is a high price jump. Considering the average price for facials though Its still a decent value. Next time I plan on sticking to the basic facial. The massage is still included and Akemi really has a great touch. read more

Come back for acne facial.... Had been here twice for green tea facial.... My last experience was horrible with one of the beautician as she use tool for the extraction and I had a really bad break out the next day! However I saw alot of people suggested Akemi so I decided to give another try for acne facial with Akemi! It was great and no pain for the extraction BUT she did not concentrate on my t zone... I will go back for another appointment by having her to do longer extraction than massage.... I do hope to get back my first beautician that give me great facial and message:( however I still not able to find her as they do not have my record for my first visits! Anyone else have any other beautician in Tamago that is good?? read more