A few weeks ago, I was offered the opportunity to receive an Express Facial from licensed esthetician, Kimberly Broomes.
Known as @inkimskin on Instagram, Kim is NYC-based esthetician with a cute treatment practice nuzzled in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. She is also an esthetician at Hello Ava.
Kim offers multiple skin care services, including chemical peels for the face and body and dermaplaning, but I chose her to experience her express facial.
Since this was my first experience with Kim, I thought it was best to keep things simple. For reference, an express facial is about 35-40 minutes long, and it doesn’t include extractions or much massaging due to the time involved. Express facials usually consist of a skin analysis, double cleanse, exfoliation, mask, serum(s), and moisturizer or sunscreen.
So, I came in bare-faced (except for sunscreen of course), and Kim welcomed me in the lobby with a hug. I always appreciate when people make you feel warm and welcome. After laying down in her chair, she took a quick look at my skin, and then she began.
First, Kim cleansed my face with IsClinical Cleansing Complex.
This cleanser is supposed to be brilliant at decongesting your skin without stripping it. It’s supposed to be great for acneic skin and anyone who is oily/combo. And, of course, this cleanser is fragrance -free, which is essential to those of us with sensitivities, eczema or allergies.
Next, Kim applied the Gallinée Face Vinegar.
Formulated with a prebiotic that calms stressed skin, this toner helps to prevent redness and irritation. It also contains lactic acid, which is great at hydrating the skin while regulating the skin’s oil production.
Then, Kim applied Peter Thomas Roth’s Pumpkin Enzyme Mask while she steamed my face.
This mask is known to help with uneven skin tone and texture.
Following that, Kim covered my face with an Esthemax Super Greens Strengths Hydro Jelly Mask.
This felt AMAZING! And I think this definitely contributed to my glow. This peel-off mask is filled with micronutrients that are great for firming and tightening the skin.
Then, she applied the PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum for hydration, and the PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum for its brightening effects. Lastly, Kim applied PCA Skin’s ReBalance moisturizer for a lightweight, but antioxidant-rich moisturizer.
AND VOILA! SOFT, GLOWING SKIN!
Thank you Kim for your services! I really appreciated getting to know you. Now, I am confident that I want to check out more of your skincare offerings.
ROUND-UP & RANKING
PROS:
Overall, I had a good experience.
- The location was beautiful and clean
- Kim was very thoughtful with her product selection as she knew I had sensitive, eczema-prone skin
- Kim provided me with details on each product she used and how it would benefit my skin
- I left with soft, smooth skin and a wonderful glow
- Kim was pleasant and knowledgeable. And she is passionate about skincare
CONS:
- I would’ve loved to know Kim’s analysis of my skin. I didn’t leave knowing what she thought about my skin type or if there was anything I should work on
WOULD I REPURCHASE?
Yes, I would get another service from Kim. No, I would not get the express facial again. Although Kim’s service was great, I know that wouldn’t pay for an Express Facial.
As stated before, express facials don’t include extractions or a massage due to the time constraints involved. I think Express Facials are great for people on the go and for someone who has never had a facial and wants to try one. But, when I go to get a facial, I want the whole she-bang.
I specifically go to estheticians for extractions because I believe they are the only ones with the expertise to do it. I also think extractions, in conjunction with proper exfoliation, are necessary to keep your pores clean.
Moreover, I appreciate the additional time dedicated for the massage. You don’t know how much tension you hold in your face until you get a facial massage. And it’s a part of the experience that really relaxes me.
I did like that I was able to get to know Kim’s style before I committed to anything more invasive. And based on my experience, I am comfortable purchasing some of her more involved skincare services.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE?
If you’d like to schedule a service with Kim, click here.
PRICE:
The Express Facial is $70.
RANKING:
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