Work has been super stressful lately, and there’s no better way to recharge than a little spa day. Hand & Stone has a few locations in the NYC area, and I booked a Tuesday evening appointment in Hoboken for a much-needed pick-me-up.
The atmosphere
I was welcomed in by two friendly receptionists who handed me an iPad to fill out some forms. The space was simple but calming, decorated in hues of humble blues and browns. It felt like a far cry from the ultra-modern medspas that seem to be popping up all over the city lately.
Since it’s also a massage parlor, it looked like a big facility, and there were a lot of people around for a weekday night. Before long, I was escorted down a hallway by my esthetician, who stepped out as I changed into a robe.
The consultation
I selected an “anti-aging facial” on the website, and I expected my facialist to get started right away. However, when she came back, we spent about 10 minutes discussing my skincare routine and goals, diet, medication, and lifestyle. She asked me specifically which products I was using, how they affected my skin, and if I’ve had negative reactions to ingredients in the past. I really appreciated her level of detail and it made me feel like I was getting a customized consultation, which is not the experience you often get at chain-style spas.
She double cleansed my face and then gave me a robust analysis of my skin. After thinking my whole life that I have dry skin, she told me I actually have combination, which was a surprise. She made some specific recommendations, like starting prescription-grade retinol to help with my fine lines and larger pores, and looking into lymphatic drainage massages to help with enhancing my natural face shape. A lot of her advice was lifestyle-based, like drinking more water and suggesting ways to improve my diet, which reminded me how much of our skin is based on our health. I also came in feeling insecure about my smile lines and jowls, but she assured me that those were a natural part of aging.
My esthetician was very knowledgeable and set realistic expectations for me and my skincare goals. I left feeling empowered with lots of new information and tangible steps to improve my skin.
Before:
The treatment
Hand & Stone offers a number of facials, and after speaking with me, my esthetician decided on the IMAGE MD Vitamin C Peel. She first did extractions to get rid of any pimples or blackheads, then applied the peel to my face. It had a powerful combination of vitamin C, AHAs, and fruit enzymes to brighten and nourish the skin. Chemical peels can be irritating, so she kept checking in with me on the “spicy” level.
After a few minutes, she removed the peel and applied a cooling mask to calm down any redness. She also massaged my face with some ice globes, which felt amazing.
After applying a final serum and moisturizer, the treatment was over. It took about 30-40 minutes, and the entire experience was relaxing. My skin looked glassy, nourished, and revitalized, and I was very happy with the results. My mom even complimented me on my skin over our FaceTime later that night, and she had no clue that I had gone to a facial.
After:
Why you should go
Hand & Stone positions itself as an “affordable luxury,” and that aligned with my time there. I had a very personalized and authentic experience, which I was not expecting from a chain. The treatment itself was great, but what really stood out to me was how skilled my esthetician was and the specific suggestions she made that I’ve since incorporated since our appointment.
A 50-minute facial is $139.39, but Hand & Stone has a special introductory offer for $89.95. You can book an appointment at handandstone.com.
Curious how their massage services are? Check out our review here.
