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The East Loop, one of Chicago's most rapidly growing downtown neighborhoods, buzzes with development, tourists, commerce and the roar of the el train on the tracks above. Office workers scurry in and out of high-rise buildings, out-of-towners marvel at Millennium Park, and the pomp and circumstance of Jeweler's Row shines along Wabash Avenue. However, amidst all of this frenetic energy lies a respite, a quiet place for pampering and washing away the hurried pace and city dust. Facial Boutique, located in the historic Garland Building, is just steps from the Madison and Wabash el stop, and provides skin care, specialized facials, Xtreme" lashes and waxing services in a clean, contemporary downtown office. In sharp contrast to many large spas and salons in the downtown area, Facial Boutique is an intimate operation that prides itself on customer relationships and tailored skin treatment programs for teenagers and adults. An experienced mother and daughter team runs the boutique and works with each patient to address skincare needs and issues. Exclusively carrying the Yonka skincare line, Facial Boutique utilizes Yonka regimens and practices for many offerings on their menu, including the Yonka Le Grand Classique Facial, which I experienced at my appointment. After entering the Garland Building on Wabash Avenue, I strolled past the doorman and hopped the elevator to the thirteenth floor. At the end of a non-descript hallway filled with doctor's offices and suites I reached Facial Boutique. After being greeted warmly by Vlada Kutseyko, head esthetician, I was situated in the waiting room with a cold bottle of water. I enjoyed a granola bar from the selection sitting on the table, and perused a magazine while waiting for my scheduled appointment time. The office and waiting area are professional, yet stylish with plush plum carpeting, taupe colored walls and incense and essential oils wafting through the space. Soothing new age music plays softly and the hum of the el train is faint background noise, a gentle reminder that this oasis sets itself apart from its busy surroundings. After being escorted back to the treatment room and changing into a soft, terrycloth robe, I situated myself under the blankets and lay face up in the warm sunlight streaming through the windows. Kutseyko wrapped my hair in a soft towel, placed a bolster underneath my knees and worked efficiently to insure my comfort. She began with an eyebrow wax. We discussed the shape and fullness I desired, and she went to work shaping. A bright light was used to aid her in this task, and after a few quick strips of wax, plucking and trimming she placed cold compresses over the area following it up with an application of a quick cooling solution. She presented me with a mirror and I was pleased with the results and the minimal level of discomfort. Now, the main event: a One-Hour Yonka Le Grand Classique Facial for deep pore cleansing and restoration featuring the Yonka skin care line, and Kutseyko's expertise. Kutseyko analyzed my skin composition and formulated a suitable plan of action to remedy my skin's issues: sporadic breakouts and periodic bumps. Kutseyko also explained that this particular facial is based on Yonka's unique five progressive purifying steps, which treat the skin with a gradual, progressive protocol, thus minimizing irritation. To get started and relaxed, Kutseyko massaged my hands with lotion and placed them in warming mitts. From there, she got started on the first step of the Yonka facial: cleansing. She applied a gentle cleanser to wash away any makeup and other impurities from the surface of my skin. Next, she applied a warm mist made up of five essential oils to rinse away the cleanser (plus any stagnant oil on my face) and hydrate my skin in preparation for a soft peel. The plant-based, soft gel peel was spread evenly over my face and I felt its signature slight tingle as it took effect. Kutseyko left the peel on for ten minutes and followed it up with a gommage exfoliation. This micro-peeling exfoliation is applied sections across the face so each area gets the attention it needs, intensely working on problem areas. Kutseyko followed the exfoliation with a few quick extractions and proceeded on to a relaxing face and neck massage. My neck loose and face already feeling calm and rejuvenated, Kutseyko applied a purifying mask over my entire face and neck, topping it all off with an aromatic compress to seal in moisture and minerals. Finally, Kutseyko applied a protective moisturizing combination as the last step of the epic facial and, after several minutes of relaxation, I changed back into my clothes and met Kutseyko at the reception area. She suggested I stay out of the direct sun for the rest of the day and encouraged me to drink lots of water to release my skin of any leftover toxins. I left the Facial Boutique not only with clearer skin but relaxed and totally rejuvenated. Facial Boutique, a true East Loop gem, is a quaint, professional office that offers more than one would assume at first glance. In addition to customized skincare, body waxing, facials, Xtreme" lash services and spa packages; Facial Boutique offers a calming respite from the busy city atmosphere and a virtual arsenal of skin care support. Facial Boutique welcomes teenage patients as well as adults and has even added customized teen treatment plans to their menu. With acute attention to detail and a stellar commitment to working with individual patients to achieve their skin care goals are met, the Facial Boutique aims to cater to customer needs in a comfortable setting. Click here for Spa/Salon prices, services, hours and more.
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