It's hard to find good estheticians, even in beauty-conscious LA. But great skin care is a specialty at SkinSense, a wellness center right around the corner from luxury mall Beverly Center.
Owner and esthetician Marion Simms has created a warm and welcoming sanctuary for her clients, with pleasant treatment rooms and cozy corners in which to relax and sip tea.
English-born and trained in European methods, Marion came to Los Angeles in the 1980’s. Attuned to her clients needs, she creates custom botanical treatments for each one. No cookie-cutter facials here.
Marion recommended the Aromatherapy Facial, a 90-minute treatment using Guinot products. From the moment she laid her soothing hands on me, the worries of my stressful day slipped away. As she cleansed my skin we chatted about my daily skin care routine and concerns about my skin.
Marion believes in the “gentle” approach, noting that some spots on my skin seemed irritated. She attributed this up to my too-frequent use of glycolic treatments and advised me to cut back to twice a week.
Microcurrent and High-Frequency
Marion chose a firming and moisturizing treatment for me that involved lymphatic drainage massage and microcurrent to stimulate and firm my muscles. (Afterwards, I didn't see the "lift," but Marion said the best results come with a series of treatments.) Marion performed extractions, smoothed lavender and tea tree oil over my face, and followed with high frequency, which promotes healing.
An expert massage with neroli and lavender oil followed, then it was time for an eye and facial mask, a blend of lavender, rosemary and menthol, yummy smelling as well as hydrating and stimulating. Marion topped off this blissful experience by moisturizing my skin with lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus oils. The result? My skin radiated a warm glow and smelled fantastic.
Estheticians Vickie and Nancy were personally trained by Marion and have a combined tenure of 30 years at the spa. And everyone there is warm and lovely! Will I be back? Definitely!
SkinSense is a true skin care specialist, with all the classic European tools that so many spas have dropped. The loyal, experienced staff also offers massage, waxing, manicures and pedicures. You undress in the room, and won't find lavish facilities like hot tubs or steam showers. But the services are high quality and affordable, and the atmosphere is comforting. And good estheticians you can trust are a real treasure.
SkinSense, A Wellness Center At A Glance
- Type of Spa: day spa
- Location: 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA.
- Phone: 323-653-4701
- Services: Classic European facials that incorporate aromatherapy, microcurrent, and high-frequency, modified chemical peels, waxing, Brazilian waxing, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, pre-natal massage,Thai massage, reflexology, and body scrubs and wraps (in a "dry room" -- no shower).
- Website: SkinSense, A Wellness Center
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary treatments for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
