bluemercury: Georgetown

I have a new man in my life.  He's smart, funny, witty, knowledgeable and has hands that could give most people a run for their money.  He's the first person who didn't make me run for the hills when he said these four little letters that frighten me to the core - P-E-E-L.  His name is Lance and he's the spa director for bluemercury in Georgetown.  I had the most divine facial on Saturday with him.  bluemercury is a sublime beauty emporium created in DC by Marla Malcolm Beck in 1999 with locations all around the country.  I remember ordering from them back in Houston when I couldn't find certain brands.  I get my fix of products such as Ren, Jurlique, Tocca Perfumes & Candles, Darphin, Lafco Candles, Red Flower and many more.  But, they also have a spa.

Lance saw the apprehension in my face when he suggested the Fusion Facial.  The words glycolic and peel frighten the very core of my beauty persona.  I think peel and I think inflamed, red, and irritated skin.  He said it's very gentle and I still shook my head no.  I have stayed away from peels because I've seen bad peels and sometimes the skin just doesn't recover.  He said this peel is for sensitive skin and it works well for African-Americans.  He was right.  My skin had a glow and the formerly clogged pores were de-clogged.  The peel worked wonders and the blast of oxygen was all the moisture I needed.  I walked out with the biggest smile on my face.  I knew my skin was magic as I stood in line for my red velvet cupcake fix at Georgetown Cupcake and two women asked me what I did for my skin.  I whipped out pen and paper and gave them Lance's number.  Beauty is meant to be shared.

Here's to a pretty Monday.

Comments

[ms. spinach]

oh now i definitely need to go see lance. thanks for the tip!

[Millie]

I love Lance. I think he is talented and I have been going to him since he was at Aveda. What I want to know is who calls themselves a "diva"? A true diva knows she is and acts accordingly. She would also never be as lame as to call herself one!

[Vanessa]

Girls, I have been to every facialist/esthetician in the DC-metro area including that woman in Dr. Alster's office (who is also overrated and OVERPRICED btw). But each month or every 2 weeks depending on my mood and whos paying ; ) I return to Lance. He is smart, fast, funny and keeps my skin looking flawless. What more could a girl ask for???

[Claire]

Diva: why so angry?

[Claire]

I have been going to Lance for a several years. I have traveled all over and visited many spas, but never let another facialist touch my skin. He is the best. Thanks for spreading the word Julia!

[diva]

well Gwen, I wasn't comparing Dr. Alster to Lance (never would), but the service provided by Dr. Alster's esthetician - facials, peels (at all percentags), etc.

[Gwen]

My husband got me a gift certificate to see Lance after my cancer treatment. I had never really believed in facials so I was skeptical. It was wonderful. Not only did my skin look great, he made me feel better with a truly healing touch. I go bi-monthly now and could not live without it. To "Diva": A facialist deeply cleans your skin and provides a healing therapy. A physician does injections, very strong chemical peels and prescribes medication. I think comparing Lance to Dr. Alster is comparing apples to oranges. A true "Diva" should know the DIFFERENCE. ;)

[Julia]

Diva people could go to Dr. Alster, who is great and does phenomenal work. I've seen her botox injections on a friend and I can say that you don't look like you are frightened afterwards. But since I don't do microdermabrasion, I wouldn't. If I change my mind, I will definitely giv her a try. Also, peels at dermatologists are indeed stronger than that of a spa.as with all beauty, it's personal.

[Diva]

Personally, I think Lance is very overrated. You can do much better going to a dermatologist office, my favorite is Tina Alster, that supervises microdermabrasion and any kind of chemical peel.

[Elsie]

Any facialists (why does that word sound naughty?) in the NoVA arena to recommend? I hate Gtown parking.

[Julia]

Kenya, BM is on the pricey side for this particular facial, but it was worth it. I have a motto of giving up something to get something else. When I looked at my daily "soy white mocha with whip" was costing me, I decided I needed to give that up for facials. Not that I will be getting one every month. I needed to change some things in order to do more stuff. At first I thought it would be hard, but after a week it was easy.

Veronica, sorry the secret is out ;)

[Veronica]

Great. I'm upset! Now the best beauty secret in DC is out and I'm going to have an even more difficult time getting an appointment with the fabulous LANCE.
Yes Ladies - if you want that glowing & youthful skin that makes men turn their heads and come running after you - book a POWER FACIAL with Lance on Tuesday and you will be gauranteed a date with a hottie by Friday night ; )

[Kiss Kiss Beauty]

I think you're right to approach peels with caution. One aesthetician who's careless or just not knowledgeable and your skin can look awful. Not to mention that you could have hyperpigmentation as skin heals. But, having said all that, it sounds like your guy was awesome! Congrats on your glowing complexion. :)

[Kenya]

Hmmm...since Georgetown is nothing but a hop & skip away, I might have to give it a try. How is the affordability for the chica on a budget?

Kenya
VB

[Julia]

Nikki, I have had microdermabrasion, but only twice. I felt that it was really harsh on my skin and that I didn't need it. This was at least 6 or 7 years back, but now I'm reconsidering it. I think I will stick with regular facials and this same peel to see how that works. If you have success I would say stick with it.

[nikki]

I have been wanting to try a glycolic peel for some time now. Like you I am scared, however I do lactic acid peels at home which are mild and effective. Maybe I'll take the plunge this summer. Julia, have you tried microdermabrasion? I love this treatment.