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Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:54 pm  |
Hi everyone, just need to share my experience here because I am absolutely fuming and if it can help anyone avoid having a bad facial then at least something good would come out of this.
I went for a Dermalogica facial today and did not ask very much about what it would feature. Big mistake. The therapist did a quick cleanse and then just applied one mask after another, leaving me in the room for ten minutes at the time while she tended the phone and other walk in clients. No massage, no extraction, no relaxation. I told her how dissapointed I was and she was still determined I paid the full price. She apologized for the interuptions, but claimed the concept of a Dermalogica facial is to just leave the client in the room with one mask after another. Can that be right?
Anyway, please share your facial experiences; good or bad. I have never had one that really rocked my world, probably because I do so much at home. My dream would be to have a Tracie Martyn facial. Has anyone here had one with her? Please also let me know if any UK ladies have any reccomendations for good salons. I almost feel like I should go and have a fantastic facial next week to get revenge on this positively lacklustre experience.
And, as always, thanks for listening. |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:05 pm |
I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience ... that really sucks when you pay so much money for the service and you have the expectation that it will be enjoyable. 
I had a Dermalogica facial earlier this year. I do remember her doing some extractions and I believe she also did the massage. There was also alot of masques as well. She usually stayed in the room with me in between the different masques. And I also remember they did a parafin hand treatent which was really nice. All in all it was a nice experience, although not the best facial I've had. |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:06 pm |
| whoa smoothskin, sounds like you got a ripped off. I have never had a facial that didn't include massage, extractions and masks. I think those are the basics actually. I can't believe she insisted you pay full price. I have never had a dermalogica facial before but my friend had one once and she got the full treatment. I am in the UK so can't make recommendations, but i am so sorry for such an awful experience. |
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about to hit my 40s, retin-a user, differin, LRP |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:08 pm |
| Thanks for the input Moonstarr, I think I will avoid Dermalogica facials in the future. It was so boring, just waiting there with the masks on. Have you had a better facial with any other brands? |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:26 pm |
| Smoothskin, So sorry to hear about your experience. Sounds to me like the place you went is not a good business. |
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40, fair skinned, dark hair, blue eyes |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 2:52 pm |
| I really think I got ripped off, and suggested I only pay £30 before handing the money over, but she insisted on £40. My skin looks no different from when I went in, perhaps a bit more shiny after the overload of products. I am still fuming after this experience. |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 3:59 pm |
Hi smoothskin, sorry to hear about your experience.
I go to Spa Nk in Westbourne Grove - I have the PTR ones but they also do Eve Lom, Dr H etc. They are really good, all the therapists have lots of years of experience, they are very thorough and the whole thing is a very relaxing experience. It is a bit pricy but after trying out various places over the years (...!), I think it's by far the best - I just go every 6 weeks instead of every month
to make it all work out ok financially but as I said they are good, so my skin doesn't suffer for it. |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 5:06 pm |
| Smoothskin wrote: |
| I really think I got ripped off, and suggested I only pay £30 before handing the money over, but she insisted on £40. My skin looks no different from when I went in, perhaps a bit more shiny after the overload of products. I am still fuming after this experience. |
i am surprised that she has customers coming and the phones ringing as much.
was she also the owner or manager? i would really try to call them back or write a letter about this. no facial is just about masks. even the worst facial i have had involved some extractions and massage.
everytime i see your posting, i get more mad for you  . |
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about to hit my 40s, retin-a user, differin, LRP |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 5:12 pm |
| Thanks for the recommendation Daisylondon, I think you are right, better to go for a wonderful facial once in a while than more often for something so-so... Skincareaddicted, thanks for sharing my anger over this experience, I noticed that some of the phone calls were personal and to do with building work. I think the lady was the owner and I am actually thinking of popping in to say I still feel I should not have been charged. The worst thing was that there was no music in the room so I heard all the conversations she was having. At one point, the steam machine stopped and she just kept chatting on the phone, so after five minutes I actually called her in to check on me. It was dreadful! |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 6:19 pm |
Years ago when I lived in Southern California I went to two different esthecians who used Dermologia products.
The first one was very good BUT she always complained about how "my skin was not improving, etc" and also it was in the back of a hair salon (separate room) and I could hear the salon noises.
She did give me samples and I tried them and liked them so much that I bought product even though I still had Estee Lauder product (that I had thought was good stuff).
The second facialist was more money but it was in a relaxing spa atmosphere. Wonderful personality.
BOTH were trained by Dermologia (certificates) and did a similar type of facial massage. I also got much needed extractions, etc.
Just because your facialist (and she does not deserve that title!)is using Dermologica products does not mean she had training from Dermologica.
Dermologica is a good line. Maybe you are better off to purchase the products that work for you. |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:22 pm |
smoothskin, sorry to hear about your bad experience.  |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 8:57 pm |
| why don't you go to their own salon in London? I am not sure where you live. Sounds to me like you utterly got ripped off!! |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 10:07 pm |
| I'm so sorry smoothskin! I had a really bad Aveda facial that sounds similar to your experience, for $145 USD. I hope you find somebody that knows what they're doing! I haven't yet, and I'm terrified to shell out more $$. |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 10:21 pm |
I used to get Dermalogica facials all the time and they were divine. I did get multiple masks, extractions, etc but the massage (face, neck, hands & feet)was what kept me coming back.
Call Dermalogica and complain! |
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Thu Dec 14, 2006 10:42 pm |
| dealated wrote: |
| I'm so sorry smoothskin! I had a really bad Aveda facial that sounds similar to your experience, for $145 USD. I hope you find somebody that knows what they're doing! I haven't yet, and I'm terrified to shell out more $$. |
Me too They make my skin feel pain and cost me cdn $60 just about 40 minute  |
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Fri Dec 15, 2006 12:29 am |
| I would definitely call Dermalogica and explain your situation. I went to a Dermalogica class in Atlanta and the instructors stressed being with the client at all times. They also said commuication is key...that you should ask the client if they want an "educational facial" meaning them explaing everything they are doing or a more quiet refreshing relaxing facial. The Dermal Institute prides themselves on all aspects of skincare and educating their clients. She/He, whoever did your facial probably sells Dermalogica products , but didn't have additional training with Dermalogica. Sorry for your bad experience, but I'd definitely call the Dermal Institute....it's their name/reputation at stake. |
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Fri Dec 15, 2006 11:48 am |
Ditto Ditto Ditto on calling Dermalogica! I bet they would give you your money back or offer some products. They pride themselves on the quality of their facials.
What you experienced is nothing like the Dermalogica facials I've had. My only rival facial was with BioElements but I can't really say it was better because it was an emergency facial when my skin went crazy while traveling and any decent products with a decent esthetician would have made me happy.
What a bummer. As someone else said, the more I read your post the angrier I get for you!!!!!!!!!! |
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36, skin in a "new" phase? Oil/break-out free but now having bouts of sensitivity and surface dehydration. |
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Fri Dec 15, 2006 2:35 pm |
| Thank you all for your support, I have taken your advice and called Dermalogica today. The lady I spoke to said "aha" in a measured manner when I told her the name of the salon. She said they distribute products to them and try to encourage salons to send their therapist on training courses, but they are not always interested in attending... She said she would send someone in to train the therapist and check on the conditions. She agreed that the facial I had was not up to standard. I asked if she would be willing to back me up to claim my money back and she said no. I then suggested that I could perhaps have a facial 'on the house' when their trainer went in to the salon. She did not think this would be a good idea as she did not want "any confrontation". I assured her I was not the confrontational type, after all, I did hand over the money... She said she would ask the trainer how she felt, took my number and left it at that. |
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Fri Dec 15, 2006 2:55 pm |
| Smoothskin wrote: |
| . She said they distribute products to them and try to encourage salons to send their therapist on training courses, but they are not always interested in attending... |
Wow, this is disappointing to me. For some reason, I thought the estheticians had to be trained by Dermalogica before the salon could sell their products.... Hmmm, this is good to know for the future, i.e., don't assume the esthetician is Dermalogica-trained just because the salon sells their products. Thanks for this information, even though you had to learn it the "hard way." Good for you for calling, too! |
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36, skin in a "new" phase? Oil/break-out free but now having bouts of sensitivity and surface dehydration. |
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Fri Dec 15, 2006 3:09 pm |
| Well, I am sure they have had some product training, but then they are free to choose how much training they go on. I am glad I called, but still have this disatisfied feeling. |
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Fri Dec 15, 2006 3:59 pm |
Hi Smoothskin,
Dermalogica has a bit of an "iffy" reputation in London for some reason. Good products but very poor salons..I hope you did not go to the tanning salon near Shaftsbury Avenue that advertises Dermalogica all over Oxford Street? I do not know if their products naturally lend themselves to a great facial experience? The response of the Manager was pathetic. I say buy the stuff off the shelf and slather it on yourself. A facial should be about relaxation and massage of pulse points, decongesting and other techniques you cannot do yourself. Sounds like you were ripped off! arghh...
I do not do facials often but here are some recommendations. I have not used most of these but got gift vouchers for my friends and no complaints!
Claridges spa for La Prairie: expensive but very good as a treat. I had the caviar facial and really loved it.
Spa Illuminat for Decleor/Carita/Shishedo.
Selfridges for Decleor, SKII and others - usually great value as facial is redeemable against product purchases.
Bliss Spa for Bliss products: good though i think Bliss products are overpriced.
Berkeley Hotel, Knightsbridge: good value and great service
Red Door spa in Mayfair for Elizabeth Arden including complimentary makeup
Mandarin Oriental: very expensive but great for a treat.
All are in central london and have websites with menus.
Better value are some of the hideaway spas in Bath and outside central london where you can have a getaway weekend as well.
Hope this helps. |
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35, combo skin, can be acne prone; use Decleor, PSF 02, SKII products and anything that works including ancient voodoo hee hee. London based. |
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Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:20 pm |
Blacklace, thank you so much for all the great recommendations. Actually, having a facial which is redeemable against products is a great idea. I can never get enough products! It was not one of the places advertised with a yellow sign I went to, but I guess that could have worked out better than this  I am going to check out which facials are on in department stores at the moment, perhaps treat myself to one in a couple of weeks. At the moment, my chin is badly blemished, worse than it was yesterday, so I am just leaving my skin alone. I am cleansing with Amanda Lacey Cleansing Pomade and leaving it bare. Thanks again for the great ideas and list. |
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Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:31 pm |
Oh you poor girl...it makes me so mad.
The facialists at Selfridges are good and professionally trained plus it is around £40 range. But shop around as John Lewis and House of Fraser also offer them. Given that it is the holiday season you should get a good deal somewhere. I keep dreaming of booking myself one as I try to get one every change of season but I am holding off to maybe do a weekend break in Bath. Funny that i used to really hate spas but now I find them relaxing.
Good luck. |
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35, combo skin, can be acne prone; use Decleor, PSF 02, SKII products and anything that works including ancient voodoo hee hee. London based. |
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Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:39 pm |
Smoothskin - what about saving up your pennies and going to Amanda Lacey herself?
Re Blacklace's excellent recommendations, I nearly recommended Bliss Spa as well. I used to go there. It's very good, experienced therapists who are further trained and they are extremely thorough. Do a lot of extraction, use oxygen etc. The only thing that puts me off them is the expense, they literally charge extra for bits I'd consider standard. If not for Spa NK I'd probably go there but I like how at Spa NK as well as doing good facials it has a more relaxing ambience. Also, now I have been going to my facialist for four years, I don't want to go to anyone else, she truly is excellent. When she was away recently I did go to Organic Pharmacy to try them out but was very disappointed so I shall stick to what I know works (for me!). I don't want different people messing with my skin and giving me product recommendations. I mainly have PTR facials (the exact one depends on how my skin is on that day, I let my facialist decide), When masks are on, they give you a nice shoulder and/or head massage. I have also had Eve Lom facials here but never tried the Dr H or others |
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Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:48 pm |
| Wow, Daisylondon, that is a brilliant idea! Does she actually do facials herself still? I wonder if it is extremely expensive... That should be a real treat. I absolutely adore the Cleansing Pomade. Now, that i a great idea. I will check out prices. Thanks for the suggestion. I have been to Spa NK and found it nice, but it is a bit out of my way. |
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