Facials 101: A Basic Guide for Beginners

Thinking about booking your first facial? You're in for a treat! While the variety of options might seem overwhelming at first, the secret to choosing the perfect facial is simpler than you think: it all comes down to time.

Whether you have a quick 30-minute window or can indulge in a luxurious 90-minute session, this guide will help you understand exactly what to expect from each facial duration – so you can book with confidence and get the results you're looking for.

The 30 Min: Perfect for facial newcomers or busy schedules that need a quick skin refresh. Don't let the shorter time fool you – this express treatment still delivers all the facial essentials: a thorough double cleanse, your choice of exfoliation or correction mask (with relaxing steam), a rejuvenating massage, and protective finishing products. It's everything your skin needs in a lunch-break timeframe. The only trade-off? No extractions, but that means you can literally glow and go without any post-facial redness.

The 45 Min: Everything you love about the express facial, with just enough extra time to make it worth the upgrade. This treatment builds on the 30-minute foundation by adding either targeted extractions for clearer skin or extended massage time for deeper relaxation – your choice! The real game-changer? You're guaranteed both an exfoliation mask and a correction mask, whereas the express facial sometimes only includes one. Think of this as your "best of both worlds" option: thorough skin treatment without the full time commitment

The 60 Min: The sweet spot that gives you the perfect balance of relaxation and results. This comprehensive treatment includes everything from the 45-minute facial, plus the luxury of time – time for your treatment masks to fully penetrate, time for an indulgent facial massage that melts away tension, and time to customize your experience with targeted add-ons like our signature peels. The beauty of the 60-minute facial is its flexibility: need extra attention on stubborn blackheads? Your aesthetician can focus more time on extractions. Prefer to drift off into bliss? Ask for extended massage time instead. Either way, you'll leave feeling completely refreshed and glowing.

75-90+ Min: The ultimate spa experience that goes beyond skincare into pure luxury. These specialty treatments are designed for specific skin concerns or seasonal pampering, featuring everything from the 60-minute facial plus indulgent extras you won't find in shorter sessions. Think professional-grade peels, relaxing foot and hand scrubs, back facials, or advanced tightening masks that need extra time to work their magic. This is your "treat yourself" appointment – perfect for special occasions, seasonal skin resets, or when you simply deserve the full spa experience from head to toe.

While facials can vary in timing, pricing, and services included, understanding these general guidelines will help you make informed decisions about your skincare investments. The beauty of modern facials is that there's truly something for everyone – from busy professionals who need a quick skin refresh to those seeking a luxurious spa escape.

My advice? Start with a 60-minute facial for the best value and experience, then adjust future appointments based on what your skin responds to best.

Where beauty BLOOMS,

Mary Rose (Facialist and Lash Artist)

Key Words

Double Cleanse: A two-step cleansing process that first uses an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser tailored to your skin type for a deeper clean.

Exfoliation Mask: A treatment mask that can usually stay on the skin from 3-10minutes with steam. This may consist of acids or enzymes that remove dead skin cells and kill bacteria to reveal smoother, more radiant skin underneath.

Correction Mask: A treatment mask designed to address specific skin concerns like dehydration, fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, or sensitivity with specialized ingredients.

Extractions: The manual removal of blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores by a trained aesthetician using specialized tools and techniques.

Steam: Warm, moist air applied to the face to soften skin, open pores, and make extractions easier and less uncomfortable. This is not usually recommended for inflamed skin.

Finishing Products: The final step of the facial that includes product application of toner, serums, moisturizer, and SPF (for daytime) chosen specifically for your skin type to protect and nourish your newly treated skin.