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Face First: 12 of New York City's Best Facial Destinations

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With the prioritization of skincare over makeup—Korean beauty craze, anyone?—it's no surprise that New Yorkers are looking to book more (and more frequent) facial appointments. Not sure where to go? Check out our 12 top spots in New York City, organized from north to south and offering a mix of splurgy and budget-friendly options.

Lead photo: Driely S.; Research assistance: Daise Bedolla

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This “anti-spa” that debuted in Nomad earlier this year is the spot for those who are looking for great skincare minus the extra touches—and not to mention costs—of a traditional spa facial. Pick between a 30-minute refresher session ($60) or a 50-minute comprehensive session ($95), both of which are customized to your skin’s needs, though you could choose a $35 add-on like microdermabrasion or phototherapy ahead of time. [Photo]

Kiehl's Spa 1851

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If it’s been around since 1851, Kiehl’s has to be doing something right with both their skincare products and the facial treatments they use to administer them. Alongside standard treatments like the Ultra Facial ($160) and the Clarity Correcting Facial ($195), the Upper East Side Spa now has a new menu of express treatments that start at $75. [Photo]

Cecilia Wong Skincare

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Above a quiet stretch of Fifth Avenue is where Cecilia Wong, the self-proclaimed “Botox Alternative Specialist,” and her team administer treatments with non-toxic, cruelty-free products from her own skincare line. The oxygen facial starts at $250, though lots of clients opt for the “Lift and Shine,” a combination microcurrent/LED light treatment for $350.[ Photo]

CAP Beauty

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When Kerrilynn Pamer and Cindy DiPrima planned on rebranding their West Village boutique Castor and Pollux as natural skincare and makeup destination Cap Beauty, the vision didn’t end at retail. Head to their back room for “The Facial," an individualized treatment that includes a heavy emphasis on lymphatic drainage massage to experience the products they stock first-hand, from a bonafide skin whisperer. Bonus: The $200 price tag includes gratuity. [Photo]

Ohm Spa & Lounge

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Pick between any of this Midtown South spa’s signature facials—like “nourishing,” “calming,” or “balancing,”—or let them customize one for you, all for the same price of $149. If you’re just looking for a quick refresher glow, select the express cleansing and exfoliation package for $89; or if you need a little more TLC, bump it up to the “Divine Intervention” option for just an extra $40. [Photo]

Mario Badescu

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It makes sense that one of the most trusted names in skincare would also be a go-to spot for facials in Manhattan.. A one-hour session to improve the texture and appearance of skin starts at just $65—lower than most other well-known names—but you can add on customizable options depending on your skin's needs, like a vitamin C treatment for an additional $35; if you’re not sure about your skin’s needs, let an expert recommend an add-on for you before start. [Photo]

Sense Spa at the Carlyle

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Sisley’s creamy, luxurious (and yes, a bit pricey) skin products are the primary feature of many of the facial treatments at this Upper East Side salon located within the Carlyle Hotel. Start off with a skin consultation so that your 90-minute purifying facial ($325) can be as effective as possible. If the price tag didn’t tip you off, this is one of those appointments where you’ll want to leave a little extra time to soak up the spa ambiance. [Photo]

Red Door Spa Union Square

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The calm of the basement level-salon is in direct opposition to its oft-cacophonous Union Square location, making this location feel like you’ve found a secret skincare hideaway right in the middle of Manhattan. The $85 Arden Standard facial, featuring exclusively Elizabeth Arden products, is a surprisingly budget-friendly option for a spot with this many amenities, though you might want to bump your treatment up to the Red Door Signature ($140) or the Oxygen Infusion ($195). [Photo]
While Haven Spa gears up for its summer move, stop by sister salon Eve in Greenwich Village for the same quality skin treatments. A mini-facial will have you glowing in 30 minutes for $55, or stay a bit longer with the 60-minute ($95) or 90-minute ($125) Essential facial. Specific options for problems like puffy eyes and acne are available, too. [Photo]

Bluemercury

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The ever-expanding beauty empire that will just continue to grow under the Macy’s umbrella also boasts an impressive selection of facial options at each of its locations (there’s seven locations in Manhattan right now). Treatments range from the standard Modern ($95), Purifying ($130), Hydrating ($140), and Brightening ($165), as well as the quick Fast Blast ($85) and the Dermalogica-backed summer “Repair & Renew” for $95. [Photo]

Body by Brooklyn

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Not to be confused with the similarly-named gym, this Clinton Hill spot is a great destination for Brooklynites who can’t be bothered with crossing a river for their skincare. Choose from familiar options like deep pore cleansing ($149) or microdermabrasion ($174), or try out the $99 pumpkin enzyme facial if you’ve gotten a little too much sun this season. Note that treatment prices are slightly higher on weekends, versus weekdays. [Photo]

Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa

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Extractions, the not-so-pleasant part in the otherwise generally relaxing facial process, is completely skipped at all Paul Labrecque salons—their aestheticians, who exclusively use Biologique Recherche products, think it does more harm than good. Start yourself off with their $135 Classic European Facial, the price of which also gets you a day pass to Chelsea Piers’ Sports Center. [Photo]

Heyday

This “anti-spa” that debuted in Nomad earlier this year is the spot for those who are looking for great skincare minus the extra touches—and not to mention costs—of a traditional spa facial. Pick between a 30-minute refresher session ($60) or a 50-minute comprehensive session ($95), both of which are customized to your skin’s needs, though you could choose a $35 add-on like microdermabrasion or phototherapy ahead of time. [Photo]

Kiehl's Spa 1851

If it’s been around since 1851, Kiehl’s has to be doing something right with both their skincare products and the facial treatments they use to administer them. Alongside standard treatments like the Ultra Facial ($160) and the Clarity Correcting Facial ($195), the Upper East Side Spa now has a new menu of express treatments that start at $75. [Photo]

Cecilia Wong Skincare

Above a quiet stretch of Fifth Avenue is where Cecilia Wong, the self-proclaimed “Botox Alternative Specialist,” and her team administer treatments with non-toxic, cruelty-free products from her own skincare line. The oxygen facial starts at $250, though lots of clients opt for the “Lift and Shine,” a combination microcurrent/LED light treatment for $350.[ Photo]

CAP Beauty

When Kerrilynn Pamer and Cindy DiPrima planned on rebranding their West Village boutique Castor and Pollux as natural skincare and makeup destination Cap Beauty, the vision didn’t end at retail. Head to their back room for “The Facial," an individualized treatment that includes a heavy emphasis on lymphatic drainage massage to experience the products they stock first-hand, from a bonafide skin whisperer. Bonus: The $200 price tag includes gratuity. [Photo]

Ohm Spa & Lounge

Pick between any of this Midtown South spa’s signature facials—like “nourishing,” “calming,” or “balancing,”—or let them customize one for you, all for the same price of $149. If you’re just looking for a quick refresher glow, select the express cleansing and exfoliation package for $89; or if you need a little more TLC, bump it up to the “Divine Intervention” option for just an extra $40. [Photo]

Mario Badescu

It makes sense that one of the most trusted names in skincare would also be a go-to spot for facials in Manhattan.. A one-hour session to improve the texture and appearance of skin starts at just $65—lower than most other well-known names—but you can add on customizable options depending on your skin's needs, like a vitamin C treatment for an additional $35; if you’re not sure about your skin’s needs, let an expert recommend an add-on for you before start. [Photo]

Sense Spa at the Carlyle

Sisley’s creamy, luxurious (and yes, a bit pricey) skin products are the primary feature of many of the facial treatments at this Upper East Side salon located within the Carlyle Hotel. Start off with a skin consultation so that your 90-minute purifying facial ($325) can be as effective as possible. If the price tag didn’t tip you off, this is one of those appointments where you’ll want to leave a little extra time to soak up the spa ambiance. [Photo]

Red Door Spa Union Square

The calm of the basement level-salon is in direct opposition to its oft-cacophonous Union Square location, making this location feel like you’ve found a secret skincare hideaway right in the middle of Manhattan. The $85 Arden Standard facial, featuring exclusively Elizabeth Arden products, is a surprisingly budget-friendly option for a spot with this many amenities, though you might want to bump your treatment up to the Red Door Signature ($140) or the Oxygen Infusion ($195). [Photo]

Eve

While Haven Spa gears up for its summer move, stop by sister salon Eve in Greenwich Village for the same quality skin treatments. A mini-facial will have you glowing in 30 minutes for $55, or stay a bit longer with the 60-minute ($95) or 90-minute ($125) Essential facial. Specific options for problems like puffy eyes and acne are available, too. [Photo]

Bluemercury

The ever-expanding beauty empire that will just continue to grow under the Macy’s umbrella also boasts an impressive selection of facial options at each of its locations (there’s seven locations in Manhattan right now). Treatments range from the standard Modern ($95), Purifying ($130), Hydrating ($140), and Brightening ($165), as well as the quick Fast Blast ($85) and the Dermalogica-backed summer “Repair & Renew” for $95. [Photo]

Body by Brooklyn

Not to be confused with the similarly-named gym, this Clinton Hill spot is a great destination for Brooklynites who can’t be bothered with crossing a river for their skincare. Choose from familiar options like deep pore cleansing ($149) or microdermabrasion ($174), or try out the $99 pumpkin enzyme facial if you’ve gotten a little too much sun this season. Note that treatment prices are slightly higher on weekends, versus weekdays. [Photo]

Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa

Extractions, the not-so-pleasant part in the otherwise generally relaxing facial process, is completely skipped at all Paul Labrecque salons—their aestheticians, who exclusively use Biologique Recherche products, think it does more harm than good. Start yourself off with their $135 Classic European Facial, the price of which also gets you a day pass to Chelsea Piers’ Sports Center. [Photo]