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Ling Skin Care
Category: Beauty and Spas Skin Care Skin Care [Edit]
12 E 16th St(between 5th Ave & W Union Sq)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Flatiron
(212) 989-8833
- Nearest Transit:
-
14 St - Union Sq (N, Q, R)
Union Sq - 14 St (L)
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Thu 10 am - 9 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
15 reviews for Ling Skin Care
15 reviews in English
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Review from Frances G.
Brooklyn, NY
10/5/2011
I'm not generally a person who gives five stars, but when I try to think of reason to knock Ling down to 4, I can't!!! Ling is as good as it gets.
I love going to Ling, as soon as I walk in the door, I start to relax. Every detail in the decor and atmosphere work together and feel genuine.
I've been there 4 times over the course of 5 years, and every experience has been outstanding. My only hesitation is it is an expensive experience.
I've worked with Cherry and H.J. and both are sweet, knowledgeable, careful, and amazing at what they do. I've had pleasant conversations with both of them, they always told me what and why they were doing what they were doing, if they left me for longer the 15 minutes they asked if that was ok, and it always is. Those creams are magic.
Note: I always bring a book to help the 20 minutes go by faster.
Ling is big on hydration, and they are very loyal to their products. I always buy one thing and I let the esthetician decide.
Stefanie will book your appointment and help you with product selection. She is very also very knowledgeable and incredibly helpful.
I read through some of the older reviews and it made me wonder if there are two different Lings? I can't believe how diverse the experiences there can be. Admittedly I have often been up-sold, but never regretted it.
Like I said, they are BIG on hydration, and we live in a dry, dirty city and I know I do not have a good skin care practice. -
Review from Athena C.
4/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here for Spa Week Facial on a Saturday morning. It was not crowded when I stopped by. The receptionist was nice but not exactly friendly. They didn't ask me to fill out any form, which was weird. I only waited for 5 minutes and I got situated already. The facial lady is Asian and I don't know if it is due to language barrier or what, she didn't really speak much.
She didn't even tell me what stuff she is putting on my face. None. There was a steam machine blowing on my face for like couple minutes but I think it was too close for comfort. I could not breathe too well. She never asked me if that felt alright. Then there was something else she put on my face that really stings but then again, she didn't pre-warn me or asked my opinion. Then, she left the room.
Overall, the result was decent. My skin was soft and radiant afterwards. But it is just odd that they didnt bother to ask what skin conditions I am concerned with or if I have any allergy or illness. Good thing I don't because otherwise, I might get some products I cannot use!
It is also strange they don't tell you what they use on you and what effects they might have?! I felt totally in the dark but good thing is the result is fine. -
Review from Ceci W.
New York, NY
9/25/2011
It's been a day since my ginseng facial and I'm practically deformed. I've gotten redness from extractions but never a reaction like this. I suspect I've received a skin infection and will see my doctor this week. My entire face has broken out not in pimples but tiny red, incredibly itchy bumps. It's hideous. My face looked fine when I left the spa, but the infections emerged over the next few hours. It's insanely irresponsible of Ling's Skincare - they're working on people's faces! With sharp instruments!
Carol was also so focused on selling me additions that she didn't even have the patience to listen to my explanations for why i couldn't go a three-step peel and all the other stuff. Instead, she talked over me, as if I didn't know exactly how much stimulation my skin can take, and claimed that because I didn't do add-ons she wouldn't be able to do a good extraction. Also, I have incredibly clear skin on my cheeks and I needed extractions on my chin and forehead, but she kept pricking my cheeks with her needle and now my skin looks incredibly dieased. I know, it's super gross.
Also, 80% of this facial was lying in boredom with masks on (which they wiped off with rather harsh tissue papers).
I really, really hope my dermatologist can heal my skin. What a fucking disaster.
P.S. My room looked only vaguely like the photos. Much smaller and very drab. -
Review from Monica H.
12/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been going to Ling since 2003. For me, it's the best place for facials and skincare products.
I tried Susan Ciminelli at Bergdorf's before Ling and was not satisfied with the results (or the price).
So I gave Ling a try and I've never gone anywhere else since for a facial. The products are incredible and the estheticians will know exactly what you need to keep your face and skin looking it's best whatever season it may be.
It's definitely pricey but it's worth it if you can afford it. -
Review from Sarah W.
Brooklyn, NY
6/30/2010 3 photos
I got my first Ling facial in 2003, and when ever I was in the city I went back to get this amazing facial. Since I moved back in 2008 I still get regular facials here.
I can't emphasize enough the thorough cleansing and amazing glow afterwards! It's so important to have clean and clear skin, and having an expert regularly maintain your skin is essential.
Ling Skincare focuses on facials so you know you are getting serious results. Their skincare line is just as amazing, try the Replenishing Hydrator! -
Review from Tammy S.
Brooklyn, NY
9/2/2009
I've been going to Ling Skincare in Union Square for about 5 years now and I swear they completely changed my skin - in the best way possible. No more breakouts and my skin looks amazing.
Not sure which aesthetician these other reviewers saw, but I always go to Carol and she is phenomenal. My standard is the Ginseng Facial with the Triple Phase Peel and I sometimes leave the appointment a tiny bit red (it's normal when you're getting extractions) but I ALWAYS wake up with a gorgeous, glowing complexion.
Products are pricey, but if you get the key ones, they're worth it. I would recommend the Oxygen Plasma Potion for people who break out, the hydrating toner and collagen cream for people with dry skin. -
Review from Eve S.
8/28/2007
So I was a Mario Badescu devotee for many years. Main reason I stopped going was I was tired of getting to the location. Someone suggested Ling...who was it....cannot recall. I made an appointment and went for my facial. The treatment rooms are lit and decorated so you feel like you are in 1927 Shanghai (at least this was how it seemed to me) you slip on a silk robe. Now the silk robe is awesome when you first get it on but as the treatment progressed I thought it was awful-it was too hot and did not allow me to breathe.
The other thing I cannot deal with is selling you treatments and services when you are lying there, with your hands in hot mitts-no escape!! So the nice lady we will call her Claire-tells me i really may want to consider microdermabrasion. Why not Gisele Bundchen supposedly goes to this place if it is good enough for Gisele it is good enough for me.
Boy do I wish I had firmly told Carol no-what ensued was torture literally-fuck impeachment Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld should be subjected to this. Claire taped my mouth and eyes shut (a layer of gauze pads over the eyes first) and then proceeded to use the vacuumy looking Cozmo that feels like rock salt is being rubbed over your face-it really hurt. The silk robe only complicated matters as sweat was pouring down my back.
Now get ready to laugh I agreed to buy a series of these treatments!!! I did not see any discern able difference and have not been back since Jan 06.
ON THE PLUS SIDE-they have this oxygen plasma complex although stuff they sell that did really work wonders although quite pricey.
I am willing to shell out money but for the cost of the products and services I did not see that major a difference in my skin. -
Review from Jenny L.
New York, NY
9/19/2011
I can see why the overall consensus about this place is so so. Ling had made a name for herself being an amazing esthetician and then created a skincare company as a result of it. I went there after I got a gilt voucher for a 90 min facial. I was assuming this would be some super luxurious facial considering the standard is 60. Went to spa, the facility is fantastic. Was greeted and given a form to fill out. My esthetician was very "to the point". Wouldn't say she's nice. Now, I've never really had bad skin. The traditional normal with t zone oiliness and once a month I get a pimple somewhere. However at lings, I don't have enough skin ailments. If not sensitivity then something else to the point where I was wondering if the esthetician was even licensed. Well, on went the facial. On went the Steam machine and then a Standard cleansing then the massage. Not gonna lie, that massage was heavenly. I pretty much zonked out for a bit. An exfoliation afterwards and then the steam machine goes off and time for extractions. (I am a firm believer in the more steam the better and they totally did that here) I could barely feel the extractions an they were thorough. Then the first mask an oil application and then the famous ginseng mask. Then she announces "mask for 15 min" and leaves the room. I was expecting a hand massage, standard at most spas, not here. Left alone for 15 min. Then she came in and put on 4 more layers of moisturizers and oils on my face to finish off. She then announces "finished" and as I'm wakin up asks me "which products do you want to take home?" um, I'm half naked in a robe, you need to wait... Went outside and the esthetician immediately starts barraging me with questions. The sales push here is out of control. I usually buy retail every spa I go to because I understand the need for better products. However, here it's way too much. Skin looks and feels great, but this place needs to figure out if it's a skincare store with a facial component like fresh or a spa with skincare component like dermalogica. Either way, it's on the fence.
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Review from cinnabon c.
New York, NY
6/24/2008
Ling Skincare's claim to fame is their facials.
I usually go to my regular place, but decided to stray b/c i'm Asian, and I thought... "hey! maybe i should check out my own peeps. Plus Ling's gotten a lot of publicity, so..."
Man, was I wrong.
The aesthetician who did my facial was a Japanese girl who extracted all my blemishes but somehow didn't do them the right way b/c i ended up with huge, swollen red marks all over my face immediately afterward. I *never* experience this when getting a *real* facial, where my face is milky white and calm after I'm done. I still had blemishes for days afterward.
I have never felt so embarrassed to walk out of Ling, paying at the register with my completely red spotted swollen face, trying to hide from the other clients.
And i think this is where Ling snags them.
The "allure" of asian porcelain skin and the ritual "techniques" to get that way. Everyone wants it. But this is just a marketing hook! I'm Asian and i am completely ashamed of my experience here. Look around and you will NEVER SEE ANY ASIAN CUSTOMER here. It's all white people...
What i see a lot happening in many day spas are frustrated, young, inexperienced facialists who jump from place to place, role to role, with high turnover, so that no one really does their job expertly for years, gaining the experience to perform extractions. Anyone can massage the face, but it takes real skill to do extractions. And you just can't risk that with your one and only face.
Ling: thumbs down. -
Review from Vanessa H.
Manhattan, NY
9/21/2011
WASTE OF MONEY & WASTE OF TIME... I left this establishment urging to be home so I could wash my face and apply REAL product.
I am 31 years old and have been getting facials a very long time (since I was 14.) I have very good skin and consider myself experienced when it comes to great skin products and healthy skin care. Where to begin..? When I walked into the salon, the first thing I experienced was the blinding aroma of Chinese food- NOT what you want to smell when you are about to spend a good amount of money on a relaxing facial. I honestly wanted to leave then and would have if I knew they wouldn't automatically charge my credit card anyway. Although I arrived 8 minutes before my scheduled appointment, I was seen 10 minutes late. After laying on the table, the esthetician, took a brief glance at my skin (in the dark) and began by telling me that I needed a $240 facial PLUS 2 peels, another $60. Apparently they didn't listen to me when I called to book the Signature Facial with Single Phase Peel ($165) The best part was the desk lamp she used, which was positioned at the wall. A desk lamp! Are you kidding me???
My 90 minute facial ended up being 70, which was fine by me- I couldn't wait to get out of this place. Their idea of a lengthy, relaxing facial is leaving you lying there for 30 minutes at a time with some random gob of something on your face. I will say that the peel was probably legitimate, but the rest of the mess, was a total waste. Any place that uses tissue paper to wipe (instead of wash) product off your face is a total chop shop, And the greasy oil they put on my face before they sent me on my way- disgusting.
I have read many of the reviews on this place and can only say that for so many that gave it decent reviews, I am sorry. There are SO MANY people out there who have never experienced a REAL facial. Very disappointing and sad. Ladies, we spend a lot of money on this stuff and it's your skin- please find better, you deserve it. -
Review from Linea V.
North New Hyde Park, NY
9/1/2011
As usual, I tried this place out with a deal from one of the online group buying sites: Living Social. I received a 90 minute signature ginseng facial and a one time at home facial kit to take home. Wei performed my service and was very thorough and sweet. The location was quiet and peacful. I was taken on time and catered to....Wei did try and upsell a peal but I can understand when they take part in these online deals. I respectfully declined and it didn't seem to be a problem. My skin felt and looked great upon my departure. I would love to go on a regular basis but the regular price is a bit steep for me. I would probably treat myself on a special occasion. :)
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Review from Tine K.
Brooklyn, NY
1/10/2011
A great facial for super-sensitive skin. Be warned: they take their extractions seriously! You will be pink for two days, but you will see results almost immediately. My skin is softer, smoother and more hydrated thanks to HJ, who recommended a papaya exfoliator before the extractions, and a peppermint calming mask after. It's pricey but worth it for a baby soft face.
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Review from D F.
Manhattan, NY
8/24/2011
Do not waste your money. I would have given it no stars if this was an option. The Oxygen Plasma Lotion does not work. I repeat DOES NOT WORK. I seriously doubt the claim of "celebrity fave" product. Maybe these celebs are not in touch with reality and have so much money that they are clueless. You are better off buying SYKN Oxygen Infusion Night Creme at half the price. And that stuff WILL work. BTW I do not work for nor have any affiliation with SKYN. To add insult to injury the customer service for LING SKIN CARE is non existent. Try sending them an email- the email is returned to you via mailer daemon. This is a legitimate business? Shady. Honestly, we all work hard for our money and want to look our best, and if you are spending $85 for a face cream you want results. something. Not a miracle, but some discernible difference. This product does not deliver. Total waste of money.
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Review from New Y.
New York, NY
11/2/2010
After reading good reviews here, I decided to go to Carol for a facial. I am a spa junkie, but don't like to test for facials because extractions can go so wrong. After buying a discount coupon for $50 at another place and getting "burnt", I decided to spend $$$ and go to Ling.
Pros:
My experience was amazing, and I will definitely go back to Carol. I highly recommend her - she is very professional and does her job perfectly. She recommended Microdermabrasion with mint pack. The microdermabrasion was very intense but totally worth it, and although the mint pack cost extra I needed it to soothe the burning from the procedure. Apparently extractions clean your face while microdermabrasion exfoliates. Since this was my first visit I decided to get that done, and Carol suggested that in subsequent visits I go for other regular facials. For two days my face was red from the procedure, but it gradually subsided leaving my skin clean and fresh. Ling products are amazing - Carol gave me a few samples and I have been following her instructions regularly. The eye and lip cream are so refreshing, the cleanser, hydrating liquid, and moisturizer do wonders for my skin. Even though I apply Lush moisturizer everyday along with a toner, my combination skin has several dry areas and reapplying a moisturizer does not help. Ling leaves no dry areas. I am going to buy all the aforementioned products! I highly recommend a facial with Ling - it is pricey though!
Cons:
Please note that the cons have to do with the company/spa and not with Carol.
The pricing is very shady. Their website is not transparent in terms of hidden fees. They really need to update the pricing and descriptions to make them more transparent. FYI, the spa does not control the website.
It costs $320 (not $300) for NEW customers who want to do microdermabrasion, because they have to clean "more". To me this is utter BS.
While you can get a cheaper version of a facial, they upsell you to the more expensive one saying that "if you want less burning then do an extra pack". While it gives customers many choices, it is misleading because if you know that customers will feel strong burning then shouldn't the cost include the correct pack?
In addition, say if your treatment includes the Ginseng pack but you need a mint pack they charge for the mint pack over and above - they don't subtract the cost of the Ginseng pack even though you replaced it with the mint pack.
Having said that, once you figure out the right facial and know beforehand what you want to pay, it is worth it. I will definitely go back to Carol. -
Review from cynthia s.
New York, NY
2/2/2010
What a disappointment Ling has become. I've been a customer of Ling in Soho for many years. When this location closed I began going to the Union Square salon because I'm a big fan of the Ling Skin Care line
and have always thought that they gave excellent facials.
I went last week and the esthetician immediately told me I needed a special facial (can't remember the name) when I asked the price she said $300. I asked for a basic facial instead and I was so disappointed in the way my skin looked afterwards. No glow, no freshened look. The facial was also quite physically uncomfortable which I had never experienced at Ling. Then when I checked out I asked for a product. The front desk knew nothing about the products and couldn't answer any questions I had. My questions were merely about changed packaging (confusing) and a big change in pricing.
I will not be returning to LIng and am sorry to say so as it has been my skin care go to salon for many years.
