Anyone else feel like your face needs a clean-out come springtime? After months of stale indoor heating and frigid outdoor temps, I was due. I hadn't had a facial in ages -- I know, I know, the struggle, right? Some of you lovely readers had been asking me about Third Avenue Spa in the Glebe, so I decided to venture outside my usual haunts and give them a try. All in the name of research! ;)
I've walked by this Glebe spa a kazillion times (usually on my way to barre classes at The Daily Method), but all I knew about them was that they'd been around for ages (18 years to be precise) and that they use Aveda products. 18 years in business is no small feat - particularly given years of construction along Bank Street - so I figured I should take a closer look at this local business. I shot them a note and off we went!
First observation: the Third Avenue team was cheery, professional, and welcoming whether we were chatting by email, on the phone, or in person at the spa. Every single staff member I encountered was positively charming, and made this the sort of place I wanted to go back to. Impressed already.
I arrived for my facial and was greeted by Erin and Sarah, who took my jacket and offered me a beverage. I'd arrived a bit early so I settled into one of their comfy loungers and the bustle of the outside world faded away. My esthetician, Gina, appeared right on time and greeted me with a warm smile and a firm handshake (a sure sign of a solid esthetician, IMHO), then led me downstairs to the treatment rooms.
Next observation: I love that Third Avenue has their mani/pedi and facial/body treatment area in totally different parts of the spa. That means you can gab with your girlfriends over pedis without disturbing those getting facials, massages, and body wraps. SMART.
My treatment room was spacious, warm, and inviting, and Gina had even set up a little foot bath so I could soak my feet while we chatted about my skin. For real? This is amazing! Such a simple yet thoughtful gesture. After we'd discussed my skin concerns (dry, sometimes irritable, a few fine lines creeping in), I disrobed and crawled under the warm blankets.
What followed was sheer bliss: for nearly 90 minutes Gina tended to my skin, and any time a mask or treatment was doing its thing she massaged my scalp, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and feet. FOR REAL!?!? This was a facial but honest to god it felt like a whole body treatment. She found a few knots I didn't even know were in there -- I blame the run club. She performed extractions, and applied scrubs, masks, and serums, then finished everything off with a lovely moisturizer.
Third Avenue is an Aveda spa (the only full Aveda spa in Ottawa!), which means they use Aveda's massive line of plant-based products. There's something in the line for just about every skin quirk or concern, and even sensitive folks should do just fine at Third Avenue: immediately after my facial my skin was rejuvenated and glowy, not bright pink and sensitive like it's been after a few facials elsewhere.
I was so impressed by my experience at this Glebe institution that I want you to try it too. So here we go!
exclusive deal for amy in 613 readers
Never been to Third Avenue? Let's change that! From now through June 30th, mention Amy in 613 when you book an appointment and get 25% off your service!
That's right: you've got 2 months to get in there and treat yourself to an awesome deal. Daydreaming of a facial? A mani-pedi? A body wrap? DO IT. Call them at 613-235-7722 or book online.
Gift cards and product purchases are excluded.
WIN A FACIAL BY THIRD AVENUE SPA!
And since I just looooove giving things away, let's hook you up, shall we? I'm giving away a Third Avenue Essential Facial valued at $120! This is Third Avenue's signature treatment and is customized to suit any skin type or skin concern. It's perfectly suited to anyone -- including guys -- so don't be shy, get at it!
Note: you must be a local resident to enter since clearly you'll need to visit the spa to enjoy your prize.
Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below and I'll announce a winner next Wednesday April 27!
Good luck folks, your skin will thank you for this one. :)
