Planning a trip to Visit the Mario Badescu Facial Salon in NYC?

Here’s what to expect!

What exactly is a “Mario Badescu Facial”?

The classic European Facial at the Mario Badescu Skin Care Salon consists of a steam, deep pore cleansing (aka extractions), and hand selection of treatments chosen for your skin type. What kind of facial should I book? Our goal is to make sure that your facial addresses your individual needs. Because of this, we strongly suggest that everyone book the standard “European Facial”. This appointment will allow time for any special treatments that you would like to add on. While we know that the Gold Mask sounds amazing, it may not be what your skin needs right now. This is why we suggest selecting any add-on treatments after your aesthetician has the chance to evaluate your skin and make suggestions.

Will my visit to the Mario Badescu Spa be a Zen-like experience?

Yes and no. This is a tricky question. I’ve first-hand had hundreds of barely coherent conversations with post-facial clients who are sleepily floating their way out of our doors after their Mario Badescu facial. Even more guests have told me that they’ve fallen asleep during their treatments. However (insert record scratch), there are a few things to consider. Our number one priority is to help your skin look its very best. There are many spas where the main goal is to help you relax. I really like those places. Those places are lovely. I even visit them myself. . .when I need to relax. When my skin is rebelling, the Mario Badescu Salon is the only place I go. Why might a Mario Badescu facial not feel very Zen-like? Firstly, extractions pinch. Secondly, our bustling salon has been a skin care institution on Manhattan’s East Side for 50 years. That’s five decades of solid problem-solving skin care. And five decades of growth, in a residential building, in New York City--do you see where I’m going here? We’ve grown into every available square foot and currently have 37 treatment rooms. In fact, when we are completely booked we accommodate over 150 facials a day! That’s a lot of clients (not to mention aestheticians, skin specialists, managers, and housekeeping staff) coming in and out of our door. There are some days when we are positively BUZZING and the activity is palpable. I absolutely love the energy and seeing all of our amazing clients (many of whom we know by name, hi guys!), but at those moments I probably wouldn’t describe the atmosphere as perfectly peaceful.

Who is your best aesthetician?

There isn’t one. Not what you wanted to hear? I know, but hear me out. The salon has many aestheticians on staff and each and every one of them has their own loyal following who thinks she is the best. If you happen to have a friend who is a regular client at the salon, we suggest asking for a recommendation from them. Since they know your personality, they may be able to do a great job playing matchmaker!

How often should I have a Mario Badescu facial?

The general advice we give is to come in every 4-6 weeks. However, if you are working one-on-one with an aesthetician, they may customize a different plan for you.

How far in advance do I have to book my appointment?

For weekend or evening appointments, I suggest calling two weeks in advance for the most options. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give us a try if you need an appointment with less notice; you’ll just have the best chance of getting the exact appointment time that you are hoping for if you book further out. For daytime appointments during the week, you can usually snag an appointment same-day.

Where exactly is the salon?

The Mario Badescu Skin Care Salon is housed on the ground level of a residential building on Manhattan’s East Side. The address is 320 East 52nd Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. The salon is tucked away with our only signage being a plaque on the left side of the building’s entrance. Once you enter the building, there is a doorman who can point you in the right direction.

No facial? No worries!

You don’t have to be booked for a facial to come visit Mario Badescu’s flagship location. We have lots of customers who come to shop for products and get our in-house staff’s expert product recommendations. Fun fact: This is the only place that carries the entire Mario Badescu Skin Care line. So, please visit, don’t be shy. We’d love to meet you!