Heyday is redefining the facial experience—here’s why we loved it

We don’t know about you, but if we’re booking in for a facial, we expect to see results. We want the therapist to offer something that we can’t do at home, whether that’s using extra-strength products we can’t buy over the counter, gadgets that would be lethal (or at least a bit dangerous) in our hands, or the kind of massage that takes years of training and practice to perfect.

The concept

The first time we saw a Heyday location was when we were driving down Beverly Blvd. when its Los Angeles outpost opened in West Hollywood. Heyday’s goal is to “take the facial out of the spa and into your life.” This translates to relatively affordable, quick skincare treatments that even the busiest of people can incorporate into their routines.

We could be a lot better about incorporating facials into our monthly routines. Experts recommend getting facials monthly because our skin renews itself every 30 to 45 days. This means we shed dead skin cells and subsequently replace them with younger cells. Price is generally what it comes down to when it comes to being more consistent about facials. Because of this, it’s a major treat for us and we usually like it with a major side of pampering—cucumber water and plush robe included. We decided Heyday was not for us and never went in, but boy were we majorly missing out.

The concept for Heyday, a New York-based startup aiming to bring facials to the masses, was dreamt up by Co-Founder and CEO Adam Ross when it occurred to him that the world of facials had a hollow middle. Heyday attempts to offer a sane middle ground for facial enthusiasts, with services that start at $65 for a 30-minute session.

Everything used at Heyday is clean, natural and/or non-toxic. More importantly, everything is powerful and effective. Everyone at Heyday is also well-trained and deeply knowledgeable. They aren’t about pushing products because their pay doesn’t depend on commission as so many spas and facial places do.

The vibe

The environment just screams “girl’s day.” When you first walk in, you feel like you’re at a trendy cafe that moonlights as a pottery boutique in Miami. The space is bright and walls are colorfully splashed with bold but subtle geometric shapes and colors. Fiddle fig leaf trees, rattan furniture, terra-cotta throws, and soft pillows set the tone for a feminine and chic ambiance. The atmosphere is totally welcoming and the staff and therapists are uber-friendly. We were immediately struck by the diversity of people working there, which was an unlikely element to first notice but it was wholeheartedly refreshing. Women from different backgrounds created a completely inclusive and inviting ambiance that embodied a very authentic sense of unique beauty. We didn’t know what to expect from the treatment but just this factor alone was enough to sell us on coming back again.

There is no spa music (instead you’ll hear chill and fun hits like you would at a coffee shop), or essential oils wafting through the air, and you don’t receive your treatment in a private room (treatment chairs are set up in individual spaces divided by walls and a curtain). You don’t feel like you have to whisper, but you still won’t feel disturbed by anyone else during your treatment.

While the experience is more stimulating than zen, it’s no less pampering. The minute the treatment begins, you’re completely transported to what we can only describe as a happy place.

The treatment

Every Heyday facial includes a skin analysis, deep cleanse, exfoliation, mask, hydration and a dose of SPF protection — all customized to your skin. We opted for a 50-minute facial ($95) and added a light therapy enhancement ($35). Our facialist first started by gently removing our makeup with a cleansing oil before cleansing our skin with a honey balm and then again with a cream cleanser. Once thoroughly cleansed, she did a detailed skin analysis under the light to demonstrate which steps are needed next. She also asked us about our current products and routine, and then made recommendations on how to maintain it and address any specific concerns. The whole team is super kind so don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Then she exfoliated our skin by applying an enzyme mask, a polishing exfoliant and then topping it with a refreshing balm. We only needed minor extractions so to open up our pores, she applied a warm face towel over our face. No steam needed; it was totally soothing. After she performed a super relaxing facial massage that really worked the tension around our jawline.

The next step includes two masks, one to heal the skin with white tea and antioxidants and another to purify the skin with probiotics.

For the final steps, she applied some finishing products, like a hyaluronic serum to plump, an eye cream to brighten, and a moisturizer to protect the skin once we’re off the table and back outside. The facialist then left us alone in the room when she was done so we could have a minute to relax and slowly come back to reality.

The results

We snuck a peek at our face from our cell phone’s front-facing camera. It looked snatched. Our skin was totally dewy, healthy and plump. There wasn’t a hint of redness which can often come after a treatment. We didn’t wear makeup for 48 hours to let our skin breathe. The texture of our skin though, one week later, was the most exciting part. It was the softest and brightest it’s ever been and completely even in tone. Will we come back to Heyday for this facial as much as they’ll let us? Definite yes.

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