Facial Lounge is an Orange County-based day spa that was founded by esthetician and cosmetic ingredient specialist, Amber Rose Johnson.

How many single proprietor suburban facial spas make the “Best Of” list in major newspapers and magazines? Or, is the spa of choice for celebs and influencers when they want a facial that does more than pamper, but little in the way of improving skin health? Sadly, very few.

Facial Lounge is one such spa, and sunny Orange County, CA is home to its award-winning Newport Beach location and its brand-new location in Costa Mesa. Featured in the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, and Buzzfeed among others, Facial Lounge has carved an unprecedented following and reputation for excellence.

So what it it about this cozy spa with a beachy vibe that attracts such enthusiastic accolades from both locals and celebrities? Instagram sensations Amanda Stanton and Savannah LaBrant are among the roster of doting fans who claim their skin looks better, healthier, and more radiant after each visit.

At Facial Lounge, clients are provided with a comprehensive and personalized skincare plan from the spa’s experienced estheticians.

Facial Lounge was founded by esthetician and cosmetic ingredient specialist, Amber Rose Johnson (aka The Skin Whisper), nearly two decades ago. Johnson suffered from chronic acne and was less than satisfied with spa facials and OTC products. Most spa skin care offerings were laden with chemicals that either aggravated her skin further or caused dryness and dehydration, defeating the anti-aging purpose of regular facials.

While natural products could be found at most vitamin and health food stores at the time, they lacked the active ingredients necessary to make a difference in one’s skin. For Johnson, natural was not enough. She set out to develop purely organic and non-toxic skincare that actually worked without compromise on quality and efficacy.

In addition, Johnson wanted to create a haven of holistic treatment options that were not only effective, but a minimalist and transparent spa menu elevated with a customer-first service approach. This combination of an intimate, customer-oriented philosophy, top-notch organic products, and an infectiously bright and airy decor that resembles a day on a sun-kissed beach turned into the recipe for one of California’s leading facial spas.

Johnson was gracious enough to speak about her inspriation, aspiration, and why Facial Lounge is such a sensation.

Johnson wanted to offer a haven of holistic treatment options that were not only effective, but a minimalist and transparent spa menu elevated with a customer-first service approach.

Why You’ll Love It: Here at Facial Lounge, we pride ourselves on our custom organic, non-toxic facial. I had cystic acne and all the relaxing facials made my acne worse. The facials that did clear my skin were painful and clinical. I wanted a safe, beautiful place for all skin types to pamper themselves and get results. Facial Lounge only does one facial, and that is curated off the needs of your skin. Not only are people getting result-driven facials with custom skincare to take home, but we are creating an amazing safe environment with a beach bungalow vibe.

What Makes Facial Lounge a Success: Facial Lounge cares! We want people to have a safe place to go where they know your name. We are one big family. I have always been customer driven—anything for the customer. But I understand that a happy work environment equals happy customers. It’s important to love where you work and work where you love.

The hallway leading to the treatment rooms at Facial Lounge.

Key Features: I was obsessed with skin care from an early age. I found that the products that were clearing my skin had harmful ingredients and were animal tested, while all the natural products caused acne. The perfect skincare did not exist, so I started making my own. Most skin care for acne causes aging, and anti-aging products cause acne. So many of my clients were worried about aging, but were also breaking out at the same time. That’s how Facial Lounge skin care became a secret magic sauce. Slowly, the Orange County housewives started coming for facials and skincare, then social media came. Once the celebrity clients started posting, we had to move from our home of 19 years to a bigger location. Now we have two beautiful spas—one in Corona Del Mar and the new one in Costa Mesa.

Prior to their treatments, guests can relax in the comfortable and airy lounge.

Bonus: Our second location is almost 3,000 feet with nine over-sized, beautiful facial rooms and a magical Tulum-inspired couples room. Each room has a positive affirmation on the door to set good intentions, and the couples room is named “I Am Loved,” not only for couples but family or friends. We can host large parties of up to 10 people with a hidden speakeasy waiting room and surround sound system to play your music of choice.

Food & Beverages: Our Corona Del Mar location is right across the street from the famous Five Crowns restaurant. It’s a beach bungalow right on PCH, one of the most beautiful highways in California. Our second location is in a new hotspot in Orange County, right next door to Coffee Dose. I’m so lucky to be their neighbor. We also keep you hydrated by serving well alkaline water from Well Water in Corona Del Mar. Not only is it clean alkaline water, but it’s also served in glass. No bad plastic, all of our packaging is either glass or BPA-free plastic. And we are switching our travel sizes to the most environmentally-friendly sugarcane packaging.

Facial Lounge also offers a monthly membership where guests can get one facial every single month with no contract and any unused facials roll over.

Unique Treatment: We are famous for our signature organic facial. The esthetician creates a perfect facial off of the customer’s needs, lifestyle and environment. Most customers elevate their facial with a deep exfoliating microdermabrasion or dermaplaning for an instant glow. And our skin care is really our secret sauce. I talk about facials and skin care like workouts and nutrition. You would never work out and go to McDonald’s, so don’t get a facial and use bad skin care. Most skin care reminds me of canned vegetables—they’re not gonna hurt you, but they’re not gonna do anything to make your skin better. Facial Lounge skin care is packed with nutrients and ingredients that get you results.

The treatment menu includes vegan, organic, gluten-free and non-toxic facials and skin care.

Wellness Offerings: We have a monthly membership where you can get one facial every single month with no contract and any unused facials roll over. Our goal is to keep you coming in to make sure you’re glowing, not to get you stuck in a contract. Most of our clients are members and become like family.

For more information on Facial Lounge, visit their website and follow them on Instagram: @faciallounge

[Images courtesy of Facial Lounge]