Source: Kerry Ann / Kerry Ann
A few weeks ago I paid a visit to Body by Brooklyn to help a friend out with some promotional photos for the brand. My close friends know spas are NOT my thing. I’ve never been a huge fan of massages, I’ve had one facial in my life, and sitting in community water was not my definition of relaxation. That said, I figured I could fake the funk for an hour or so to get these photos done. After the shoot, we were invited to stay and take advantage of the spa services for the day. Although the shoot managed to change my thoughts on spa facilities, I declined the offer and went back home.
Body by Brooklyn is a swanky Black-owned spa in the Clinton Hill area that offers an array of services. After my first visit, my perception of what a spa experience was completely shifted. The fully stocked bar allows you to decompress after a long week of adulting in New York City. Each staff member takes extra safety precautions by monitoring temperatures upon arrival and recording your information, should they need to inform you of any positive Covid cases on the premises. After my initial visit for a photoshoot, I decided to take advantage of their services by sampling one of their many facial services.
With the transition from fall to winter, my skin took a serious blow. This was the perfect time to strip the dead skin from my face and create a fresh, clean palette. I decided to go with the Deep Pore Cleansing Facial ($149.00, www.BodybyBrooklyn.com).
Source: Kerry Ann / Kerry Ann
From start to finish, the entire facial lasted about an hour. My esthetician Anchalee took amazing care of me and walked me through each step of the process. She started by cleansing my face to remove any excess dirt and oils. Once my skin was clean, she steamed my face to open my pores. She alternated between steaming, applying products, cleansing and massaging my face, followed by more steaming.
Mid-way through the facial, Anchalee talked me through the best ways to manage my skin. She took note to the dryness and suggested I switch up my normal 2x a day wash routine to once per day. Unbeknownst to me, washing my face with cleanser twice a day was actually drying out my skin and stripping it of its nutrients. She suggested a few products that would exfoliate my skin and unclog my pores.
Source: Kerry Ann / Kerry Ann
Once we finished exfoliating, Anchalee cleansed my skin off and put a mask on my face. As I laid there for approximately 5-10 minutes, she gave me a quick massage on my legs and arms. Now remember, I hate massages. Surprisingly this was a gentle rub down that kept me relaxed and helped me release any built up tension.
Source: Kerry Ann / Kerry Ann
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to document every single step that occurred during the facial. More enough reason for you to check it out yourself! As someone who isn’t into the spa life, I actually enjoyed myself for the hour that I laid down. I can see why people make this a mandatory part of their beauty regimen. Not only did my skin feel amazing, it looked pretty damn good too.
Here is the end result of my facial with Body by Brooklyn.
Source: Kerry Ann / Kerry Ann
Not too shabby, right? My skin looked so much smoother and clearer. I walked away thinking, this spa thing ain’t so bad after all! In addition to the typical massage and facial services, Body by Brooklyn is a co-working space with a full bar and food menu. I had the option of staying at the facility to finish up my work day, but again, I decided to head home.
I’m really glad that I put my spa biases aside to participate in the Body by Brooklyn services. I would absolutely come back for another facial or even use the facility as a co-working space when I’m in need of a change of scenery. You can keep up with the brand via Instagram.
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