Uncover a New You

Visiting Treats for the Face is a wonderfully girly experience (but that doesn't mean the fellas aren't welcome, of course). The spa/salon on Riverside Dr. is run by the lovely Veronica de Messina, who treats every client like a good friend and has a tendency to send people home with free goodie bags. She definitely knows how to make a girl feel special.

We were treated to a Berry Berry Facial, which started with the gentle application of an amazing-smelling grapeseed oil serum that nourished the skin and calmed the senses. Veronica primarily uses Rhonda Allison products, which are packed with antioxidant-rich fruit and herbal extracts. After our first cherry-based enzyme masque and hot compress, extractions were practically painless. She then rewarded us with a tension-melting face and décolleté massage with more of the yummy grapeseed oil serum before moving on to a blueberry antioxidant masque, which she stimulated with ice cubes - a thoroughly refreshing sensation. She finished us off with a vitamin-enriched moisturizer that sank into the skin immediately, leaving it pleasingly plumped and firm, but not at all greasy.

What we loved most about Veronica's facial was the lightness of the products she used - it didn't feel as if she was just layering on one moisturizer after another. And even though she didn't do any granular exfoliation, our skin was buffed and beautiful by the time she was done thanks to the all-natural fruit enzyme masques. We were frankly amazed that she managed to uncover such youthful, gorgeous skin with such a gentle and relaxing treatment, and marveled in the mirror afterward. Our Berry Berry Facial was truly a unique treat.

Review originally published 4/27/2006.