Mario Badescu Skin Care Inc
Categories: Cosmetics & Beauty Supply, Skin Care [Edit]
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Midtown East320 E 52nd St
(between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10022 (212) 758-1065
- Nearest Transit:
Lexington-3rd Aves-51st St (6, E, V)
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Fri 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Wed-Thu 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sun 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: Yes
42 Reviews for Mario Badescu Skin Care Inc
Sometimes you gotta treat yourself.
Had some skin damage after my trip to the carribean and needed a Glycolic treatment. It was the best thing I'd ever done, I noticed a huge difference and was very happy. Their products are also very good and reasonably priced. I have been asked about my skin regimen and always tell them about this place.
Beware the receptionists act like their shit don't stink.
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I received a gift that included a facial and "spa" manicure pedicure, and had never been here before.
This was NOT a spa experience, but I will admit the facial was nice, simple and a good basic treatment. My sensitive to touch (not so much to products) dry skin, was clean, soft and glowing (not bright red, blotchy and irritated) when I left thanks to Leah. I was not given any kind of sales pitch which I prefer and quite like (but I do think it was because they had a million people waiting).
The spa manicure/pedicure was done at the same time as my facial. That is not relaxing to me, altho in defense of the techinicians they did a great job w/the amount of room they had.... I was jostled around and don't think it was worth it as part of this "spa treatment gift certificate".
For a no frills facial though... the price and the actual treatment itself, really is a bargain.
The reception staff was ghetto... there was no welcome, I had to say excuse me to be acknowledged and I think I expected a more "spa like" ambiance and experience. Not horrible, but definitely not impressed. Would not go here of my own volition
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I've been getting facials at Mario Badescu for 2 years now and my skin thanks me for it. Of course the estheticians are working on other people and the rooms are small and not entirely private. It costs $65 in New York City! Even the amateur facials at your local nail salon cost more than that!
I love the bossy Eastern European facialists. They have fantastic skin and I want fantastic skin, so I'm happy to listen to them. I've never felt that they were inappropriate. Sure, they've told me to drink more water, to stop smoking and to get more rest, but this is good advice. I've found them to be sympatric about acne-ridden or troubled skin and great at extractions.
I've recently been seeing Julia and think she's fantastic. She keeps me in free samples and her regimen of the Glycolic peel + Vitamin C mask is amazing.
The facilities aren't that great, but I still hike from the far upper west side to visit.
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It was probably my fault that I went on a sunday afternoon. The place was packed. I had an appointment and I was called in promptly but I definitely felt a little like my facial part of a mass production, more on this later.
My appointment was with Leah. She was really nice, bubbly and talkative except for the extractions part. She definitely knew what she was doing and gave an accurate assessment of my skin type and the products I would need. Not much hard selling which was nice. She was also upfront about any additional services and the prices.
The negative part was that she's all about the extractions. I don't really mind since I'm used to extractions. She attacked my acne with vigor and passion which was much appreciated. However, she doesn't tolerate wincing and shifting your head if it hurts. I was actually a little put off because at one point she stopped and was like "ok do you want me to continue or not?" Inside I was a little annoyed and thought to myself "wtf lady I'm only human" but I told her to continue and tried my best not to wince. Maybe I'm just a big baby. I don't know. lol. She was kind of impatient in that aspect which is a -1 in my book.
The other -1 was because she kept leaving during my treatment which was a clear indication that she was working on someone else simultaneously. Mass production, as previously mentioned. Maybe it was cuz it was a sunday. I don't know.
Afterwards, my face was clear though, only slightly splotchy and super smooth. My skin was glowing for the next few days but not over the next few weeks as I had hoped. Lol this may be too much to ask. But no regrets on going since I feel I got what I paid for.
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I came here for the first time a couple years ago when I was having skin problems. It was recommended by a friend since they are known for their rosacea products. I began with their products and was hooked. The price was excellent and my skin looked flawless.
Since I was addicted to his products, the next natural step was a facial. It was the first facial I had ever gotten and was pleasantly surprised. After having multiple facials at Mario and other spas, I keep coming back.
Granted, it's not the most pampering facial I've ever had. They leave you multiple times throughout the process. I tend to get a little antsy when they leave.
Sixty five dollars for a NY facial is unbelievable and the quality of my skin afterwards is amazing. Sure, you can go to other spas and get pampered and have the "real spa experience". That's not why you come to Mario though.
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I called about 2 weeks in advance to have an appointment with Leah. When I got there I was told the receptionist hadn't put me in with her and said 'I would get who I would get'.
Needless to say, I won't be going back.
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So in my past life, I used to get various beauty treatments around town for free or at deep discount. One such weekend was for a facial and skin consultation here, and I'm not one for passing up free on beauty. Some of us do not wake up looking as fresh as the morning dew or whatever other retarded analogy one would like to use.
After a particularly long night and a brutal hangover, I arrived 15 minutes earlier than my appointed time of 11:00am. Meaning I had to wake up at the butt-crack of dawn (for a Saturday morning after being out till dawn) in order to make the appointment on time. I was after blood when I had to wait until noon in their less than relaxing waiting quarters. I had to remind myself that it was free, so what did I expect.
I was shown to my "room." I say "room" instead of room because although there were four walls and a door, I could distinctly hear what was going on in the next rooms. Was it the ceiling that was missing? Were the walls made of the same cheapness that pervaded the place? I could not understand, but it drove me to new levels of aggro since it did nothing for my pounding headache.
When the skin care consultant came in, it was pretty clear that we were going to have issues. She spoke more Lithuanian than English, I spoke more English than Lithuanian. It was a regular Luzhin Defence (not really, but I've always wanted to weave in the Luzhin Defence into a review, even if it's total rubbish). It turned out she knew even less about facials and skin, which was disappointing, to put it mildly. At the end of the hour-long torture of her rubbing greasy muck onto my combination skin in all the wrong ways, she tried to give me samples of things I should use.
Um, right.
Despite my love for free products, it all went in the trash when I woke up the next day broken out.
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I went here on the recommendation of other Yelpers. Yes, it's cheap, yes Leah is wonderful and talented, but this place is absolutely over-run with ladies on a Saturday afternoon and Leah probably spent about 10 minutes total in my room during the one hour facial. It was clear that she had at least one other client to treat at the same time, and the third time she left, I was actually a little worried that she would forget to come back.
Honestly, I'd much rather pay double and go to Jurlique.
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I used to LUV M.B. facials. I have visited here a few times when I am in NY. Today I brought my daughter here and we both got facials. It is clear that the technicians are working on 2 people at once. So there is a lot of down time in between stuff. She comes in and cleans and steams then leaves for 10, then comes back and masks and then leaves for 10......the good? The facials are only $65. The bad? I just didn't get that much out of it.....NO SALES pitch at the end! And I actually wanted to buy stuff but no one wanted to help.
BRING CASH FOR YOUR TIP!!!!!!!
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Leah is a miracle worker, every woman should get a facial from her at least once in her life. Aside from providing a facial that will leave your skin spotlessly clean, shiny and new, Leah is also one of the nicest, sweetest people you could ever hope to meet. I also added on the vitamin c treatment, which left my skin feeling the smoothest it's ever felt.
Sadly, I live in San Francisco and won't be able to get treatments as often as I would like. But I own enough of the products now to keep that "happy face"feeling long after I've left New York.
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I like keeping my skin looking young and firm as the years pass me by- so yes I treat myself to a facial every so often- you know, to keep momma lookin' fresh.
However, my visit to Mario Badescu will not be one I want to repeat. First off, the receptionist or whatever she is was rude- and the waiting room was like a cattle call. Over crowded and dreadfully uncomfortable. I finally get my facialist, she was a Russian woman in her late 40's I'd say- you'd think she was doing this for a while. Though she managed to treat my face like it was a slab of meat. And on top of all that she LEFT in the middle of the facial to treat other patients. Normally in a great or even mediocre spa this does not happen. And most times when I do get a facial, I walk out glowing- here I walked out feeling oily.
I even tempted the gods and went back again! The gods were angry at that and it was even a worse experience. Please don't make this your first or last facial experience and don't be fooled by the cheap prices, it's like getting a facial at Costco. Buying in bulk, ain't always a good thing.
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Do people see your wonderful complexion and wonder about the interior of where you get treated? Probably not.
If you expect to walk into a posh office, you won't find it here. You can see the holes in the walls where the windows meet, it can be a bit noisy, the wallpaper and sloppy wall structures might suggest the place is a here today gone tomorrow business..... but forget that, it doesn't do a thing for the service you get.
Sure some other spas offer loud new age music and make you leave smelling like a pineapple, in the end that disappears within a few hours - what you need to know if you are looking for a facial is that besides what they *really* do to your face, everything else is superficial.
The staff is nice, but if you go up to them with a 'tude they will spin it around on you (and rightfully so).
If you don't like their products you can return them and get a full refund.
My skin has improved immensely. And my skin is hella emo.
*Let me be clear about something. I have a complex about wanting clear skin. I have gone to many spas and this place is what I have been looking for. The search is over, the chapter closed. Hello skin heaven, goodbye blackhead hell.
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Affordable massages and facials? Have I left the island and not noticed? I went for a massage and was very pleased. I asked for it to be harder than a Swedish massage and Anna did not disappoint. I was surprised at some of the areas she found that had knots though and just how hard this woman could work. Who knew my triceps could be so sore?
I plan on coming back, Anna said I needed to since once every 3 months doesn't work for someone who sits at a computer all day and travels for a living. I am even considering getting a facial. When is payday again?
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Best Best Best facial that I have ever had. The estitician I had, Leah, was awesome. Quick painless deep extractions. Very affordable. Awesome products. I'm so excited to go back.
I have really sesitive skin and the facial was so good that I didn't leave all red and puffy.
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I've had many, many facials before and I never had someone insult my skin and make me feel bad about myself. I nearly got up and left in the middle of it and probably no one would have noticed because the facialist left me alone for 15-25 minutes at a time while she worked on other customers. I do NOT need my face steamed for 15 minutes, thank you. Horrible, horrible experience, would not recommend it.
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i went here a couple of years ago ..
i had a full body exfoliation... OMG ... the best feeling in the world .. my esthetician was very caring, sweet, and very knowledgable ..
anything i asked was responded to with kindness and knowledge .. not like any other experience in any other spa ... great..
It's kind of amazing that I can actually afford to go to a place that regularly sees the likes of Heidi Klum and Liv Tyler. Mario Badescu is an affordable, no nonsense kind of place. There are no serenity fountains or aromatherapy rooms, juts straight up facialists who all seem to be from Eastern Europe and hate clogged pores! A basic facial is a mere $65 - you can even buy a series, where you get one free. Additional treatments can be $35 to $60, like a vitamin C mask, peel, etc. They are very good at making sure you aren't all red and splotchy on the train ride home, thanks to the calma mask. Their products are varied and work well - I personally love the rolling peel.
So, this was my first facial in like 3 years and I was really scared that afterwards my face would look like aftermath of war. But OMG...it didnt. Either my skin has improved drastically or Leah is just on top of her game. Honestly, I think its a bit of both..but Leah is the best. She talked to me, let me know what was going on and she removed the gunk from my pores rather quickly. It did hurt...I was squirming in the chair as she pleaded for me not to hate her. How cute? And after she was done, I totally could have gone out and lived life. The last facial I had in Atlanta....negative.
Any who...I left there with renewed skin, some MB products and lots of samples...thanks Viktorya for wanting me to 'try before you buy"...so honest.
All in all...great experience, just far from the train and it was a wee bit cold last night. Leah, I will see you next month...Im trying the glycolic peel...ooh...heres to 08' and flawless skin.
You know you love me!
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Margs, so sorry you had a terrible experience here. I am with Russ though, Pink Drying Lotion all the way!! That saved me so many times from high school through to very recently (speaking of which I really need to get some more). I adore Mario Badescu's stuff all around, and usually have a few sample sizes along in my bag or in my carry on or in my make up bag, or basically anywhere!! It's my favorite place to pamper myself, hands down, be it for skin or massages or just a nice apricot shimmer lotion.
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i was hesitant before my first trip due to several dissatisfied yelpers, but i gave them the benefit of the doubt and was very pleased that i did. i felt that, for the price, i was given a very thorough facial. and although my skin looked horrific in the following hours, the next few days it looked better than it had in months. i got a glycolic peel too after my facialist recommended it, and although i'm not entirely sure it was necessary, my skin still feels super soft 3 weeks later. AND they sent me a 15% off coupon for my next visit. my epidermis nor i can really complain.
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Saw Olga today and am super pleased. I went per yelpers recommendations and was not disappointed. Very reasonably priced, not luxurious but good, thorough and despite the lack of luxury I still feel asleep while my face was...absorbing. I am going back for sure. No sales pressure--although I did buy a couple things.
The only negative was the long lecture I received from Olga about hair color. She thinks I should just have "nice brown hair". "Save the money". Things along those lines. My own grandmother doesn't even try that. In my hair's defense, she thought it was natural at first. I'm a committed super highlighted blonde. Ok? I'm fine with it, I wish Olga was too.
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I used to get regular facials here back when I was in Manhattan and religiously used the products. No wonder I used to receive compliments on my complexion all the time back then, even when I suffered through the cold air, pollution, and city dirt. Now that I'm in LA I completely miss this place, mostly the quality of the facials for the basement prices!
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I've just had a facial and glycolic peel done by Leah. I have to concur with the review below that Leah is a superb facialist. Extremely professional, efficient and makes it pretty clear she knows what she's doing. Also, she was very personable, but not too chatty so I felt completely at ease with her. Anyhow, in no time after a getting a nice dose of steam for a few mins, she got down to business and started extracting all the dirt and yuckiness my poor pores have absorbed while living in New York.
The facilities are relatively no frills, but that's okay because it doesn't really take away from the experience. All I really care about with places where I have treatments is that it is clean - and it is.
I walked out of the Mario Badescu with a nice bag of products and ton of samples (meaning I was about $240 lighter after treatment and products were purchased - but hey, for better skin, I'll take it!) and a glow on my complexion I haven't seen in years. Feel refreshed and great - looking forward to my follow up glycolic treatment in a few weeks.
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Three words...Pink Drying Lotion! If you don't know what that is, you better see what you are missing, because I know you have all had one of those blemishes that just won't go away...This pink nectar from the beauty gods is AMAZING!!! Overnight, it will vanish that pesky little blemish and you will be right as rain!
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As my dry, sad skin scowled at me from my mirror, I knew my actions would be in the nick of time.
Mario Badescu Skin Care, a spa that that has been a city institution since the 1960s and draws in the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and Heidi Klum, invited me to try their European facial. Realizing this may indeed be the closest I myself get to Europe in the near future and that said skin needed some loving, I skipped right out the door.
My own skin, while pretty clear, is problematic in that it is exceedingly dry and sometimes prone to Rosacea. What drew me to this Mario Badescu is that all their facials and skin-care regimes start out with an analysis that chooses a treatment specifically designed for your own skin. My own facial started with a deep pore cleansing, including a steaming to rid the skin of impurities and toxins, a soothing face and neck massage, and an application of two masks -- the Azulene Calming Mask and the Vitamin C Mask -- which are both formulated to be beneficial to my skin's needs. I even got a warming hand treatment while I was being worked on.
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Still the best and most affordable facial. REal skin cleaning. Great products too order them online! love the Buffering lotion, all the masks are great, the seaweed soap, glycolic cleansing lotion...for skin that breaks out monthly or with too heavy of product..look for the O or S products. Excellent. And whenver in NYC, make an appt for a facial!
It was my first time getting a facial and I was very excited. Afterwards, I left feeling extremely disappointed. The facialist slathered on lotion on my face and hands and left for 15 minutes at a time about 3 times. She hardly worked on my face.
What's more, she didn't wipe my face properly so I had lotion around my nose and hairline. Same went for my friend. I complained and got a bigger goodie bag versus my friend who didn't say anything.
This is completely overrated and I'd never go back again.
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I faithfully went to Mario Badescu for a decade. I had my very first facial there in 1995 and stood on the street crying after because the sweet eastern European woman had done so many extractions. I like many of their products-especially as Russ points out the pink drying lotion is the standard to zap a zit. They don't have a good scrub though. The front desk can be kinda gruff but I would just kiss their ass and after about 3 years they sort of gave me the nod as if to say "we know you are loyal and we appreciate it."
I have not been since early 2005-I wanted to try somewhere else-first I went to Ling in Union Square and now I go to Dmai Urban Spa in Brooklyn because it is 500 feet from my apartment.
The $65 price cannot be beat-so please tip the ladies-for what some places cost you can get a facial and a years supply of products. I also had waxing with Zaza who was amazing, and did have a spa treatment as well.
I mainly stopped going because it was not super easy for me to get there.
Luba is very good is she is still there.
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Four-stars for the facials by Christy as well as MB's extensive skin care products line (available here as well as at Bendel's and Nordstrom). I don't know if I could live without the Buffering Lotion and Drying Cream.
Christy is the only person at MB that I trust. She has a pretty steady celebrity client roster that includes supermodels and soap stars. I, although no-where-near famous, have been going to her for years. She has a terrific sense of humor, knows what she's doing, and books up pretty quickly, so try to book your appointments early and for several months at a time (usually every 4 to 6 weeks is good).
The most relaxing appointments are typically the early ones. Otherwise, if you go on a weekend during the middle of the day, the place can get a bit chaotic. Mario Badescu can get pricey ($75 range for facials), but it's a much better deal than what you'd get at Bliss (try finding a decent facial treatment for less than $100) or Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon!
Just bear in mind: this is the place to go for a European facial, which is not meant to be an overly indulgent or lavish experience. Beauty is pain, ladies, but trust me (or rather, Christy), your skin will look gorgeous after a few months.
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As I sat in the waiting room staring up at all of the signed celebrity photographs thanking Mario Badescu for their famous complexions, I felt certain that I had come to the place that would make me look like a movie star. I was expecting rough exfoliation followed by stinging astringents, plunging instruments excavating my pores and even some snide comments from the consultant about how badly I had been treating my skin. I was walking in "Ugly Betty" and wanted to leave Linda Evangelista (or was that a picture of Ashley Judd on the wall? Damn she looked good! This guy must work MIRACLES)
My expectations quickly changed.
The aesthetician was very mild mannered, well spoken, efficient and focused (although, at one point I thought I almost could hear her heart rapidly beating through her smock due to the amount of other customers she was attending). She deftly administered a series of treatments: analysis, steam, a hand treatment, extractions, two masks, massage and moisturizer.
Unlike other facials I have had in the past, each of these steps (except the extractions) I could have done myself at home. Additionally, I was shocked by the gentility of the service: from the tepid steam that was softly focused on my face, to the electric oven mitts that were placed on my ever-so-lightly lotioned hands ( at one point I had to check to see if they were plugged in the"heat" was so impalpable) to the feather light massage and both of the masks that had the consistency of...gravy.
This treatment obviously challenged my expectations, but that is not to say they didn't work. Additionally, it was quite successful at educating me in a distinct skin care philosophy that focuses on a light touch and high quality products. While there were no pyrotechnics involved in the service, I did walk away feeling better. They recommended that I come back in a month for a follow up service and at that time they also said to try to glycolic mask. I booked my follow up appointment and will let you know if after adopting their prescribed services if I look like a movie star. Keep your fingers crossed.
And as an aside, I read the previous posts before I went and tipped very generously. :)
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great prices, nice staff, really gentle products. definitely more of a clinic feel than spa. if you have sensitive or allergic skin, i highly recommend.
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This place is great. I was a little hestitant at first, because the prices for the services seemed to good to be true ($65 for an hour plus facial?!?!), but I decided to try it out.
I booked a body scrub and a facial and really enjoyed it. My therapists Mizuho and Rikaco were so sweet and friendly. During my treatments we spoke most of the time and I felt very comfortable with them. After my treatment, I met with another esthetician who gave me a skincare consultation and recommended products, but wasn't pushy about them. The products sell itself really, it's inexpensive and are great (especially on my super sensitive skin). Plus they give you a ton of samples to try out which is a total plus.
I definitely look forward to coming here again when I'm in NY!!!
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Their products are all I use and I love them! They have transformed my skin in ways that I can't even explain.
When I went here, I had a Fresh Fruit Body Scrub, ("Our massage therapist will choose a delicious blend of fresh raspberries, strawberries, and other assorted fruits to smooth and soften your skin. Incorporated with an aromatic oil massage, this scrub will exfoliate dull, dry skin and restore life back in your skin. Fruit acids tighten and refine skin's texture by helping to slough away dead cells. The final touch is our moisturizing body spray that will further refresh and nourish your beautiful soft skin!") Back Treatment for Problem Skin,("A "Facial" for the back or chest. A 60 minute deep cleansing treatment to help heal and clear blemishes on back and chest. Thorough extractions and a drying mask help to keep back and chest smooth and clear."), and one of their signature facials! They are REASONABLY priced (dare I say cheap?) and everything they do is amazing and it WORKS! Check it out. It is worth every penny you spend. Way better than some of these fancy overpriced spas.....
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I think the front desk is brusque but not snooty...the place is actually very homey considering all the "star" pics they have all along the walls. I dig their facials. I've also gotten waxed here; that was no biggie but also no huge rave (though I have gotten many more facials than waxes so...)
Mario Badescu is $65 for a european style facial (w/ extractions). Now, I know some people don't believe in extractions and also some people are yammering about the need for organic products...but the European ladies who do these facials are not fooling around. every one of them is older and has terrific skin. they are soothing and old world. Even though they have an intimate feel here, I think it's actually a biggish place; I can usually get a facial appointment the same day except around the holidays.
a big plus: they also don't push products on you while you are getting a facial or afterwards either. even though, yes, they have many many products about which i'm sure they could say "this would be perfect for you". they might ask you if you have any concerns, but they don't continually hound you after you say you are here for the BASIC.
Ok just a little rant here: I hate that about Bliss. The whole time I'm trying to relax and I feel like I'm with a car salesman, but I'll save the details for the Bliss review.
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Let's be clear: I do not get facials to pamper myself, I get them out of pure, urban necessity. In my experience, if your facial is a generally calm and relaxing event it probably means it didn't make a dent of difference to your skin. I've been going to Mario Badescu for three years and it is one of the best and most reasonably priced facials you can get in New York.
As a long term city dweller, my skin has been exposed to all of the typical elements: cold, wind, too much drinking, hot restaurants, pollution, etc. I find that getting all of this crap removed from my skin on a regular basis makes for a much fresher, younger complexion. I went to Mario Badescu and requested Leah through the recommendation of my friends. She's really sweet and younger than most of the facialists there (they are equally sweet and akin to the Eastern European grandmother you never had). As she leaned in to examine my skin she said ominously, "I love to squeeze." This is where the uncomfortable, but in a good way part comes in. Extracting all of that crap requires the expert hands of someone who knows how to squeeze it out without doing any damage or causing excessive redness. Leah is a pro and does this expertly and efficiently. After the extractions, they will normally do a mask of your choosing which is included in the $65 facial price. I however, opt for a glycolic peel which seems to remove the top one hundred or so layers of dead skin that seem to accumulate on my face over the course of two or three months. Glycolic peels cost extra but they are WORTH IT. It is not actually a peel but a mask that prickles but doesn't hurt or burn (if it does, something is wrong). Once again, uncomfortable but in a good way. Finally, I get the seaweed mask which alleviates most of the redness that was incurred during the extractions and glycolic peel, and usually ensures that only you (and not the general public) know you had something done to your face. In addition, this is the point of the facial where you actually get to relax and it's quite nice.
All of the above brings the cost of the facial to about $150 but it is still a bargain compared to many spas. And it works. Many of the trendy and expensive treatments that are always being touted at other spas are relaxing and pampering but I find that they do very little once you walk out the door. At Mario Badescu the actual spa experience is no frills and a little uncomfortable, but you will see the benefit for the next two or three months.
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So, my wife's a young, hard working nurse uptown, and she cruises in here for a paycheck facial. Some chick goes to work on her face, and literally leaves her chin all bruised and scabbed. A couple of days later, and a few beers down, I back her up and we cruise right back in. The manager later is all apologetic, gives her another free pass for a facial and unloads about 200 bucks worth of skin care products on her. Upside: 50 bucks buys a bargain bag of skin care potions. Downside: why take the free pass for a second facial beating?
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Being a well known celebrity gets you good perks at this spa. But the homey feel and great skin care specialists make up for it. They are always gentle, very nice and the products are all natural. I come here every week for a facial. It is well worth and it the products are great.
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Sometimes snooty front desk, but who cares? As long as your facialist is nice and gets the job done, I can survive the sometimes cranky front desk. Great facials for nearly half the price anywhere else in the city. For security reasons, I cannot reveal the name of my facialist. Trust me, this is for your protection. I don't want to have to kick your ass when I lose my usual appointment time to you! www.mariobadescu.com
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I have problem skin and Mario Badescu is the only place that really knows how to deal with it. The waiting room is very plain (and could use an update) but for $65 per facial, I guess you can't have it all. their products are great, and they are sooo liberal with samples. Be warned though, while the facials are the best in Manhattan, other services are lacking. I've had a couple of massages that were more stressful than relaxing and the pedicure and manicures are only performed with a facial and totally not worth it.
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