It was the last sunny weekend in Southern California. Auspiciously for myself and a colleague, we chose that not-a-cloud-in-the-sky Sunday to drive into Orange County from Los Angeles to sample the newly-opened and second location of Facial Lounge. The iconic original location is in Corona del Mar, adjacent to Newport Beach. The new one is in Costa Mesa, about 20 minutes south of Disneyland. The drive from LA was pleasantly easy and a perfect day for a spa visit and an Indian restaurant for lunch after!

Spa Profile: Facial Lounge

What makes Facial Lounge so unique is its astounding popularity for a spa not connected or affiliated with a fancy resort or hotel and without a steam room or sauna. The award-winning Facial Lounge has been featured as a top spa on Buzzfeed, Riviera Magazine, Bustle and more. It also gets lots buzz from some popular influencers with followers in the millions such as Savannah LaBrant and Amanda Stanton. Not too shabby for a suburban day spa founded by an esthetician who was unhappy with spa facials and products at the start of the millennium. Turns out she knew what she was doing!

The new Costa Mesa storefront spa is located in a residential area in an upscale plaza called Back Bay. Glistening white with a vintage East Coast vibe, there is ample free parking. In addition to Facial Lounge, there is a private gym, med spa, and the not-to-be-missed hot spot Coffee Dose. I suggest arriving an hour or more early so you can indulge in some Coffee Dose grub, beverage, and tongue-in-cheek kitsch.

The humorous signage will grab your attention, and the hot pink lighting fixtures will cause you to shriek in delight. The vinyl booths, counter with swivel stools and the checkered floor clad in mint and pale pink, along with the blaring disco music, give the place a skin of retro Miami ice cream parlor feel.  While we did not order food, we were  impressed with the heaping plates of waffles and pancakes making their way to neighboring tables. It’s crazy packed on weekends, so plan accordingly.

Facial Lounge is right next door. Check-in was a breeze. I submitted my paperwork online, but my colleague did hers at the reception desk in all of two minutes. The reception area of the 3,000-square-foot spa is lit with floor-to-ceiling windows beaming in natural sunlight. The Tulum theme is a neutral palette of artisan wood and wicker decorative touches that are never too obvious or staged. The ambiance is reminiscent of a white sand beach and blinding turquoise waters.  And did I mention the very friendly and welcoming staff?

I waited for my esthetician Ellen in the bright and airy waiting room. The bright white walls feature nature-textured artwork and a large TV screen displays images and videos of the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Clients can wait comfortably on one of the cushioned banquettes or over-sized wicker chairs. They don’t serve tropical cocktails, so you’ll have to go out for those later.

Ellen could not have been more welcoming. As we walked down the corridor passing other treatment rooms, I noticed each room has an affirmation on the doorway, such as “I Am Joyful” or “I Am Grateful,” etc. The wicker light fixtures add a warm contrast to the white walls with abstract face drawings. The look is artistically minimal yet inviting. After being escorted into my treatment room, I changed into a spa robe and crawled under the warm and cushy blankets.  The treatment bed was super comfy and I immediately noticed extra padding to elevate my knees.

Facial Lounge offers a single customized 50-minute facial using their signature organic products. Add-ons are available, such as microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and stem cell infusion. But the signature facial is what makes Facial Lounge famous. They use only their in-house super-clean, non-toxic products. Ellen spoke enthusiastically not only about the quality of the products, but about the superior work environment and support the employees receive. That speaks volumes about a place.

A veteran esthetician, Ellen started with a deep cleanse and then brushed on an enzyme mask for gentle exfoliation. While the mask set,  she massaged my neck and shoulders.  I should mention that I do not have any outstanding skin issues other than some mild rosacea, which does not cause me much grief or concern. Since extractions were not really necessary for me, Ellen used a microdermasion on my nose to clear the pores. And since I hate extractions, this was perfect.  She followed this with a red LED light treatment, which she explained is complimentary on a first visit.

We followed this with a hydrating jelly mask accompanied by a leg and arm massage. After she removed the mask the face massage commenced, always my favorite part of a facial. This was followed by successive applications of three concentrated serums, a moisturizer, and a tinted sunscreen. Each layer was applied as a mini-massage, adding to the pampered and personalized experience.

I always hate when a facial is over, but such is life. My skin looked healthy and fresh and Ellen was nothing but warm, sincere and knowledgeable. My colleague was also quite satisfied with her service and the skincare tips she received. We were kindly given some sample products to try at home, plus delicious well water in a recycled glass bottle.. While they do escort clients to the retail display after the service, they are not pushy or overbearing in any way. Even so, the products are lovely and the prices are reasonable. One could do worse than leave a spa with some great organic lotions and serums.

What you will love about Facial Lounge:

• The attentive, friendly and efficient service.

• An uncluttered spa menu. The signature facial is customized to your skin’s needs and can vary each visit. However, the neck, shoulder, arm, leg and face massage is always included.

• A bright, sunny ambiance that makes you feel relaxed and at ease.

• Only vegan, non-toxic and organic products are used.

• Estheticians who know what they are doing.

• An appealing and flexible membership program.

• The glowing skin you see in the mirror.

• A beautiful location with great dining options pre- or post-treatment.

Cost: From $165 (50-minute Vegan Facial)

Hours: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Mon-Fri), 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Sat), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sun)

Corona del Mar: 3810 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Costa Mesa: 2675 Irvine Avenue, Suite G, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Phone: 949-432-5915

Website: www.faciallounge.com

Instagram: @faciallounge

[Photos courtesy of Jody Miller]

Jody Miller is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles with a primary focus on beauty, spa, travel, fashion, and dining. She has a BA in Social Science and completed an accredited aesthetics program. Jody believes having this background gives her a unique insight and knowledge about beauty and skincare. She has been fascinated by travel and other cultures since she was a child, and savors every travel opportunity and experience.