My First Ever Facial!

After years of being against going to any kind of spa because I don’t have the patience to sit still, I finally decided that I had to go to one for facial issues. I know I am probably years behind on getting one of these done, but I never felt the need to get one….until now.

I do not have an issue with too many lines/wrinkles (I don’t even have crows feet!), but something I have had an issue with for years – even at age 41 – is having very oily skin, acne and clogged pores. In fact, it started to get worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. I tried every kind of cleansing and retinol products to have it die down/get rid of the whiteheads and blackheads that were on certain parts of my face.

I failed!

After searching my facial spas in Pasadena where I live, I decided on company called Cheeks & Co. because it was clean/green beauty (and also the only kind of make-up products I use on my skin, if I do) and I was intrigued by their menu and the descriptions of the different facials. Plus, it is a 10 minute walk from my apartment, so it’s very convenient!

Even though I initially thought The Cleanser would probably be my best bet for my needs, I decided on The Undecided just to make sure with the facialist. The cost for non-members is $139 for a Pamper Me session (60 minutes) and $208 for a Spoil Me session (90 minutes). I decided on a Pamper Me session.

Prior to my appointment, I had to fill out a Waiver Form about my health/skin/COVID-19 vaccination status that took me about 10 minutes. When I arrived, I had to show the receptionist my COVID-19 card (mine’s digital) and I was offered a glass of water. The atmosphere of the spa was very relaxing and also offered green/clean products that the facialists use on your face to purchase.

The room I was lead to by my facialist, Shawna (she’s super kind and friendly!), was lightly lit so I could relax. She informed me to lower the straps of my bra and tank top so she could give me a massage later around my shoulders and deltoids. She also put a headband around my head to push the hair back from my face. I then laid down on the chair and we assessed my skin. She did agree that The Cleanser was a good option for my skin type and added a couple extra products as well.

First product up was a mint jelly that is used for cleansing oily and congested skin. It also helped unclog my sinuses as my allergies were acting up that day! After the jelly was removed with a wet washcloth, Shawna performed a microdermabrasion (physical exfoliation), which is like a light vacuum for the face that has a diamond head on it. It felt like my face was being lightly sandpapered, but it didn’t hurt one bit!

Shawna then used an extraction tool to clear out my pores to get rid of the whiteheads and blackheads. This part had very little pain, but the most sensitive areas of my face were the chin and nose. Nonetheless, I toughed it out like a champ!

Next I had a red clay mask applied to my face for 10 minutes to help with my oil problem, which has French red clay, tea tree oil and eucalyptus. It stung a bit at first (Shawna called it a “spicy feeling”), but it faded away.

While the mask was setting, Shawna gave me a CBD oil massage on my deltoids and shoulders. It was incredibly relaxing and not too much pressure was applied! I then had the mask removed with a wet washcloth and hydrating mist was applied. I was then placed under a blue LED light for 10 minutes, which helps kill bacteria, reduces oil and calms the skin overall.

After the LED treatment, I had more hydrating mist, hyaluronic acid (helps any burning/stinging feeling), a blemish balm (moisturizer) and a light sunscreen applied.

The final touches were a crystal eye cream and a lip balm. The lips need hydrating, too!

Overall, I really, really enjoyed my experience and I want to go back for another treatment! Shawna recommends clients receive facials every month, but I probably won’t have time until after the holidays. My skin was slightly red when it was finished, but not too bad. It also felt a lot smoother and cleaner!

BTW guys, sorry if I look so tired in the photo below, but not only did I feel super relaxed from the facial, I have been super busy lately trying to wrap things up before I go home for Christmas. Plus, I wanted to show a photo right after I got out of the spa.