Since opening its doors only in 2020, Hi, skin has already established three branches across the valley. Their goal is to make skincare available for all, skipping the expensive membership fees and cookie-cutter treatments.

We were drawn by their non-traditional approach and tailor-fit offerings, which sets them apart from the others. All treatments come in a seemingly straightforward three-step procedure.

Within an hour-long session, this starts with a double cleanse, followed by an in-depth assessment, and concluded with the treatment itself. The facial is often a hybrid formulation of their eclectic spa menu, which is full of promise.

Upon visiting, we were taken away by the hip and conceptual interiors – all tied together by the crisp white salon chairs. However, the LED lighting seems too bright for comfort and there are no private rooms, which falls short of a relaxing atmosphere for us.

By contrast, their estheticians are said to be very friendly and proficient in providing helpful info. We also heard a lot of great first experiences, which set the tone for succeeding appointments for their clientele.

Though pleased with the results, some clients find the staff pushy with selling their products. There were a handful of complaints about long-winded and scripted sales, which could be awkward for some.

According to the spa, this is their way of informing clients on aftercare procedures they could consider until their next visit – all to make the treatment customized. Still, they respond adequately and offer alternatives to those with adverse experiences.

All things considered, we think the results-oriented and personalized approach are the reasons for putting them on the map so early in their business.

Massage Envy is by far the largest spa franchise with over a thousand locations across 49 states. For this reason, they’re also among the most trusted because of their extensive track record and network of seasoned estheticians and massage therapists.

With over 30 branches, they’re definitely not hard to find and are accessible wherever you are in Metro Phoenix. The one along Camelback Road is highly recommended according to our survey.

We liked that there is a separate receiving area for guests and a sealed door leading to private rooms. The place also has a soothing aura that permeates through every enclosure, which takes the experience to a whole different level.

They carry a series of full body massages and facials of varying inclusions and durations. Facials are customized to fit your needs with the option between a 60- or 90-minute session.

Both options include a neck and shoulder massage, with the 90-minute session extending down to the arms, which we love. 

However, we heard it often gets busy which could mean a difficult time in setting appointments. Some hopefuls were also asked to send details more than once but ultimately didn’t get a return call, which is a fly in the ointment.

Some who have reserved slots in advance have also encountered cancellations on the day of the session. Our hope is that they develop a better system in place that would avoid frustrating scenarios such as these.

Overall, their skin specialists and curated offerings are the pride and joy of their establishment from what we’ve seen. They’re worth visiting if you don’t mind going through a few hurdles of booking them.

Founded by Michele Henry, FACE FOUNDRIÉ was born from a desire to make skincare accessible and adaptive to the varying lifestyles of women. Her business approach is heavily based on her experiences as an entrepreneur and a mother.

The spa draws a special focus on all things facial, which includes lashes, brows, and hair removal. Off the bat, they’re recommended by clients for those looking for an all-inclusive package and a one-stop shop for facial products.

Speaking of, they have a comprehensive scope of facials to choose from for any age and skin type. 

Our only gripe is that these only last for a maximum of 40 minutes, which is 20 minutes less than the usual session from their counterparts. There are also no private rooms, but each station is only separated by curtains.

On the other hand, their space has everything we look for in a spa – quiet, clean, and relaxing. Like their guests, we enjoy basking in the natural light, neutral palette, and organic textiles that distinguish the interior elements of the space.

Another thing we like is that they’re open for walk-ins, which could easily fit into your schedule. To sweeten the deal, we heard their staff is a friendly and gentle bunch, from the front office to the estheticians.

They also have an online quiz to match you with the right kind of treatment, which saves time and effort on consultations and research. If you feel like you need expert advice, you can book a consultation with them online prior to any treatment.

Ultimately, we’re fans of the streamlined services and efforts to make the process convenient. We think they’re ideal for those with busy schedules and who need a facial on the go.

Suddenly Slimmer is considered one of the best medical spas in the valley, which combines the qualities of a traditional spa and aesthetic medical options. The business is spearheaded by a trio known as Dr. Brit Ferrell, Dr. Suze, and Dannielli RN.

We found it assuring that these professionals are all licensed and trained to perform the trade, including non-surgical treatments such as botox and fillers. They offer the full scope of spa and wellness services including laser treatments and weight loss.

Furthermore, they’re passionate about making their clients feel comfortable and confident in their skin through personalized care and attention. They’re also furnished with state-of-the-art equipment that significantly increases desirable results.

In terms of facials, they offer a plethora of treatments that address different skin conditions. Owing to this fact, e think they’re a top-notch choice for individuals with unique needs.

For instance, they provide medical-grade chemical peels that target common issues like acne to more specific ones like pre-cancerous growths. They also have facials that are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women – virtually any skin type and condition.

It’s no wonder that their rates are at a premium, so be sure to come financially prepared.

We also think they have a lot to improve in terms of scheduling appointments and correspondence over the phone. There have been complaints of long wait times resulting in delays, and even a few cases of double bookings.

Others report rude and unresponsive phone reps, so it’s best to visit them on-site if you’re planning a session. Still, we wished they gave the same level of commitment to customer service.

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa was founded in 2004 by John Marco whose mission was to make massage and facials an affordable luxury. 

Since then, they have become one of the leading spa franchises with more than 550 locations in the US and Canada.

Moreover, these are strategically located within malls and shopping centers for easy access. They currently have 18 branches across the valley, but their location down at the Madison Village Marketplace is the one to visit as far as we’ve looked.

Visitors are greeted with a welcoming front office staff and a cozy interior, much like a home. The air is also soothing and clean, enhanced by the background music and blue accent walls that are pleasing to the eyes.

Introductory facials only cost $69.95 for an hour-long session, which appeals to many. They have a wide variety of treatments for all skin types, with specific formulations for teens and men.

Another thing we like is that they’re friendly to first-timers and seasoned guests alike with their range of modalities. Their line of products includes the likes of Dermalogica and ClarityRX, both of which are industry-grade and vetted brands. 

It seems clients have a lot of glowing reviews about the staff, which is a good sign of quality service. We heard they’re personable and very attuned to the needs of their guests, making a point to ask about their preferences all throughout the session.

The only downside is that they charge $50 for missed sessions, so make sure not to let it go to waste. 

There were also a few occasions of last-minute cancellations due to the lack of an attending esthetician. Fortunately, they were apparently ready to make up for the loss.

At Waters Aesthetics, located in Phoenix, AZ, Amanda Waters, an esteemed aesthetician, has curated a luxurious and holistic spa experience.

We love how they offer a spa experience that transcends the ordinary. Their use of pharmaceutical-grade treatments and botanical products ensures that clients receive top-notch care and see remarkable results.

With a strong emphasis on botanicals, Waters Aesthetics creates a natural and serene environment. This focus not only enhances the efficacy of treatments but also contributes to the overall well-being of clients.

From advanced microneedling to custom facials and eyebrow lamination, Waters Aesthetics offers tailored solutions for individual skincare needs. The expertise of their aestheticians ensures that clients receive treatments optimized for their skin type and concerns.

Amanda Waters’ wealth of experience and commitment to education set Waters Aesthetics apart. Clients benefit from her comprehensive knowledge of skincare and her dedication to providing informed guidance throughout their spa journey.

The exceptional quality of services at Waters Aesthetics often comes with a premium price tag. While the investment yields remarkable results, it may be less accessible to clients on a tight budget.