Pt. 4 Keeping Up wiith the Kardashians - Five Tips for Your First Facial

I've been breaking my promise not to cover the Kardashians and sharing some of their hot spots in my neighborhood. I wasn't ready to visit LaserAway, which was featured on a recent episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians with Kim and her sister getting wax jobs (did anyone really need to see that?!) but I was ready for the A-list spa treatment. 

Thanks to a gift certificate, I decided to get my first-ever spa facial at Burke Williams, a popular choice for stars like Eva Longoria, Hilary Duff and others.

Eva Longoria heading into Burke Williams West Hollywood. Photo:  Splash News

Celebrities spend a fortune to keep their faces in top condition. If you've been wondering whether a spa facial is worth the investment, read on for tips on how to find the best skin care expert for you.

1. Decide what kind of setting you want for your facial
Maybe you don't need a posh setting but I definitely wanted the luxe ambiance and included use of amenities Burke Williams offers. The Santa Monica location isn't impressive from the street but inside awaits the ultimate A-list experience.

2. Get referrals
I had asked a former BW masseuse for names of her favorite therapists and also asked celebrity beauty expert Dana Waldie for advice on the best type of facial for my skin type. Dana recommended microdermabrasion after I interviewed her about the trend (read the interview here).

Since all estheticians must meet educational and licensing standards, those factors won't help narrow your choices.  Esthetician Renee Rouleau has a post on how to find a pro in your area here.

3. Rock the consultation
Ask whether the spa offers a free consultation in advance.  Arriving at Burke Williams, a host led us to our lockers to change before we met with the esthetician.

Burke Williams lounge

Bare naked ladies alert! The European-style spa is bathing suits optional (an adjustment for us more modest Midwesterners).  After changing into the spa's plush robes and slippers, a therapist led my sisters and I to our treatment rooms. The facialist, Sheila, took time examining my skin and listening to my needs and concerns.

4. During the facial
Asks lots of questions to see if you and the esthetician have good chemistry.  Sheila put me at ease explaining how the products wouldn't irritate my sensitive skin. 

When it was time for the treatment, Sheila even performed the microderm using gentle plant extracts instead of more abrasive methods.

BW's Spa Style Facial includes cleansing and hydrating masques, upper body and foot massage and paraffin wax dip to soften hands. Glad I opted for the 80-minute treatment instead of 50 minutes - so relaxing!

At the end of my session, Sheila gave me written recommendations to help maintain my skin's glow. The only reason I would take away points is that I did feel pressured to buy additional spa services and products.

5. After the facial
Wait a few days to see how your skin responds. Ultimately, I felt the $160 facial was worth the cost.

Good luck finding the perfect skin care expert for you!
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How to get that flawless makeup look - tips with celeb beauty expert Dana Waldie in part 3 of my "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" series here.

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