the Cost of Facials

I got a facial at a beauty school. Because it is all students performing the services, the prices are very low, and the quality varies depending on which student you get and how much experience he or she has had.

The facial including cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, with no extractions. It took about 45 minutes and was $12. You are not allowed to give tips to the cosmetology students, so $12 was all I paid!

I went with a friend as kind of a "girls' day" thing for our birthdays. The receptionist was friendly and nice, although neither of our students seemed to have many people skills or a desire to be there. Maybe they were just tired. They seemed to have a lot going on there.

My student didn't really talk to me or explain what she was doing at all, but what she did felt great and relaxing. I was glad that they didn't do extractions. (Extractions are where they basically pick the blackheads out of your pores). They said they didn't do them because of the varying levels of experience among the students, but I always feel that extractions are sort of invasive and creepy anyway, so I am glad that they don't do them! The thought of a student doing that is not a great one for me.

I did like the facial - I am not sure it had any long lasting effects on my skin but it was very relaxing and felt nice.

Beauty schools are great - especially for things that are non-permanent. Hair color and eyebrow waxing can be kind of dangerous if you get someone new who doesn't know what she is doing, but it's hard to cause lasting damage with a facial. And it's so cheap at beauty schools!

As with any service like this, tell the practitioner if you are uncomfortable at any time.