Yesterday afternoon, Deacon was in for a real treat. We received a last-minute phone call from our friend Skincando that there was an opening for a facial at Vienna spa Studio Organics and, if we had the time, would we want to try this all-natural spa for an 80-minute facial?
We hopped in the car faster than you can say "heck yes," and headed out on I-66 in the rain, eager to enjoy a much needed spring cleaning on our pores. The spa wasn't what we expected, but in a good way - there was ample parking (a rarity), and the small two-level building didn't look as if it would house anything near as luxurious as we found when we opened the door.
A chic, almost garden-like boutique packed with eco-friendly, natural and organic skin and makeup products awaited our perusal (see tomorrow's JuliB for some of our fave picks). After filling out a brief survey, we were escorted back past a small relaxation area, complete with candles, magazines, and a comfy chair, and in to the main facial room. The puffy white treatment bed was draped with a chic comforter, and sheer drapings on the ceiling lent almost a boudoir atmosphere.
The small touches were done right - a stool had been placed just-so so that we didn't have to hoist ourselves onto the bed, the towel wrap was warming on a vent, and a clean hairbrush waited in front of the mirror with a small container of salt spray so we could fix ourselves up post-treatment.
Pilar, the Studio's owner and lead esthetician, gave us time to change and then came in to discuss our treatment. Each of the Studio's 80-minute sessions allow two hours of time and involve completely custom routines. Pilar estimates that in 15 years and 30,000-plus facials, she's never done the same routine twice. Our skin needed a thorough unclogging and treatment for redness, so she blended a number of products, including a dried seaweed that she re-hydrated for an excellent cooling mask.
Between steps, Pilar softly explained the process, and we particularly liked the pause between treatment steps, during which we enjoyed gentle massage. This, she said, allowed time for the treatments to sink into our skin, and if any irritation were to occur, she'd know exactly what caused it. Personally, it prevented us from feeling like a slap n' go facial counter, allowing for a more relaxing treatment.
Even after a significant number of extractions, we still felt relaxed, thanks to the comfortable bed and soothing music. But wait - we weren't done yet - Pilar adds brow shaping on to each treatment upon request, and we enjoyed a wax before the final mask. We'd never had this done during a facial, and since our skin often gets red during the waxing process, we loved having this done pre-cooling mask. Plus, you know your skin will remain clean, as you're in the hands of a professional rather than a suspect nail studio.
While the mask was setting, we dozed to the soothing music and enjoyed a hot stone neck and shoulder massage, waking only as Pilar used warm towels to remove the mask. Our skin, despite a few red spots from our own healing imperfections, looked clean and glowing. The next morning, our skin looked brighter, better hydrated, and more even in tone.
We'll be making this indulgence part of our quarterly routine - and suggest you do to. Online bookings have just re-opened and Pilar's newest technician is taking new clients.
*The facial may have been free, but our reviews are strictly editorial. There is no pay for play on Deacon Does DC
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