Serena Spa

I have a job, my mother had a business, and I know that no one can be perfect all the time. Then again, some things are just unforgivable.
I left Lucy’s Spa thinking she deserved 4 stars. Three days later I realized she had no clue of what she was doing. I went for an IPL photofacial and instead I had an hair removal treatment coupled with face burns, blisters and breakouts.
To be fair, Lucy is nice and hardworking, and at first I liked her. I just would never trust her with a laser in her hand. Granted, I must have been the first guy who ever walked in to get a photofacial. More than three months later, I still look like I’ve been mauled by a tiger. Long hairless patches are still on my face, I need to shave twice a day just to make them less visible — and for a long time I had people asking what the hell had happened to me. I can’t overstate how this affected my work and social life.
Clearly, I immediately contacted her via text and she returned my money: she must have thought we were even, but from my perspective — at that point — she had only ruined my face for free. Most importantly, in the beginning, she didn’t even truly apologize (only much, much later…) — speaking instead indirectly and using convoluted formulas, as if the result of what she had done was instead the after effect of some cosmic circumstances («It is an unfortunate event which should never have happened»). She also guaranteed that I would be ok in two weeks, but when I contacted her after two months to give her an update, she replied «give it a couple of months: there is a good chance the hair will grow back». Two months on top of the two that had already passed? A good chance? …Then she settled on three months: «Can we agree on giving an observation of 3 months?» Sure, of course: she didn’t have to deal with what I had to deal with every day.
So, here I am. Still mad, wondering when I will look normal again. As incompetent as she proved to be, I still believe she’s a good person, and that the mistake was done in good faith, but that doesn’t mean that she handled it well. In fact, she never contacted me again: she could have messaged to ask me how I was doing, but no: since initially I had told her I would post a review on Unilocal but then I decided not to, not until now, she must have thought she got away with it and just disappeared. How careless.
Her being nice, and not that much after all, is not what counts when you’re using a laser machine. She fried my skin. Then she moved on. I can’t.

I’ve been a regular customer since I’ve moved to New York. It’s a small, no frills place, but very clean. Lucy is such a pleasant person, and always gives a little bit more than you expected and never tries to up-​sell. She’s always improving too, as I notice she’s continuously changing and updating her tools and facial products she uses.

Good facial, no frills place but it gets the job done!

Lucy is amazing. Very caring and knowledgeable. She took the time to answer my questions and provide with her honest opinion of what would be best for my skin type. I trust her and would recommend her to anyone

Awesome extractions! I had two teeny but stubborn blackheads that the estheticians at Dermalogica Academy couldn’t get out during either of my last two facials. Lucy was able to get them both extracted (sans any scaring/​damage) during my recent facial with her.
Very much a no-​fills experience, but Serena Spa is effective and well priced. Although she books up quickly and getting appointments can be tough, I do like that she’s responsive to making appointments over text.

i’m a huge fan of serena spa and lucy. after months of struggling with clogged pores and breakouts, I was in dire need of a good extraction. I chose serena spa based on good reviews and location, its proximity to the 33^rd path station. the spa is clean, comfortable and cozy. I am not big on extravagant and fancy interior, just need the job on my face well done. lucy did a great job with extractions (didn’t hurt too much and I didn’t leave spa with red, irritated skin). my skin recovered very well and is on its way to being clogged pore-​free. I can’t wait to go back in a few weeks!

I don’t have any facial issue but thought it’s time for me to start taking care of my skin before it is too late. I got a deal online for $ 59 so why not. The lady who gave me the treatment was nice and didn’t say much during the process, which was fine because I got to relax. The whole process was relaxing. The result was just ok. I didn’t get post-​facial reaction like burning or anything. But I didn’t see any improvement on my skin or «glow» as I expected. I guess I get what I pay for. Won’t go back.

After reading pretty good Unilocal reviews, I bought a Groupon deal for photofacial at this place: it’s not a spa but in an office room.
I arrived when opened, I was the first customer. Lady from Hong Kong, Lucy, was not ready for me. When she’s finally ready, she asked what I am here for. I mentioned that I bought the deal and wanted to have a Photofacial treatment.
While I was replying to her question, she started assessing my skin condition and told me that I have many skin problems, spider veins, big pores and so on. After she succeeded to make me uncomfortable, she continued telling how bad my skin is and told me what I need, a lot. She then said that she didn’t want to perform photofacial on me. She told me my skin tone is too dark. I told her that it’s my natural skin tone. I do have a natural tan look, my skin tone is medium. I was born in a small subtropical island of East China Sea so I am naturally darker than most East Asians and, indeed, I am darker comparing to her. But she didn’t budge a one bit. I gave up on her C-​town confrontation and agreed to have an oxygen facial that she greatly recommended for my skin, but I came to get rid of my sunspots on my face…
The bed was comfortable like your favorite chair but I was not comfortable what’s on the bed, sheets. When you sleep with same sheets for a week, you know you don’t feel good (not clean) that’s what I felt. I was already questioning the cleanness of the office, the steamer that was spraying over my face smelled and the wet towel she put over my face had a moldy funky smell to it. I looked around for her but she was no where to find. I wanted to leave this office as quick as possible so I paid whatever she asked for her tip, $ 30 (20% of the regular price, $ 149), and left the office.
I still wonder why she did not want to photofacial on my face, even I have several good Photofacial results with this skin tone from other place before. Maybe her Photofacial machine do not do well with my skin color. If so, I wish she told me honestly.
PS
I didn’t get any infection or rash after the facial but I won’t go back to risk again.

I don’t write reviews often but I feel like I need to do so after my experience here. I bought an online deal package for Serena Spa. As far as I can tell this business is a sole proprietorships. The same woman answering calls, scheduling, and performing the facials is the owner, Lucy. First I have to say that this was the first time I was asked to pay tax CASH for a Groupon (no one else has asked). Second, I was told straight out to tip at least $ 30, which is 20% of the full «listed» service price that no one pays. It is obvious that she get all her customer through websites like Groupon. As far as tipping etiquette goes, «Technically, it is not considered proper etiquette to tip the owner of a business.» (That has always been my experience and the quote is straight out of the books). Of course when I visit a business and an employee of the owner performs the service, I tip at least 20% and many times 30% or more. I had once tried to tip a hairdresser, because I thought he was an employee, and he refused the tip explaining that he was the owner. So, needless to say that I was surprised that a business owner was flat out asking for more money. If she is offering services for less than she is willing to accept, then she shouldn’t offer them for that price.
As far as the service goes, it left much to be desired. It is a small room in an ugly office building where the next door conversations and ALL the noise from outside is clearly autible. The bathroom is down the hall and around the corner, and is kinda creepy. The service lists a shoulder massage, but that never happened. The facial is suppose to be 45 minutes and she makes sure that the 45 minutes includes your time to get in and out. The table is basically like lying on a hot door. The service is quick and inefficient (no better than washing my face at home). She doesn’t even examine your skin through a magnifying mirror! I can only assume she performs the same rushed service all day everyday to collect as much money as possible with little effort. I was even given a bottle of Poland Spring water that had been refilled with nasty tasting tap water. It was only after I took a swig that I realized it hadn’t been sealed. Yuk, recycling water bottles to clients!
I have 2 more visits on my 3 treatment package, but there is no way I am going back there. The great reviews are very suspicious, one even specifically states the $ 30 tip she wants. My advice is, stay away from this place.
It will be interesting to see if my review is «not recommended» by Unilocal.If so, then we’ll know that the review process is not honest. The above review was my true experience, so lets see.

Lucy is amazing! Although her salon is not a glitzy, glamorous penthouse… she puts in the effort every time i come to her for a microdermabrasion. It feels amazing, and my skin looks amazing everytime! She even removes a few brown spots for me with the YAG laser… i couldn’t be happier with her! SHE IS THE BEST IN NYC.

This is my girlfriends favorite spa. She gets regular facials and hair removal and raves about Lucy’s fantastic service. Her skin always looks amazing so I’m sure Serena Spa did a great job!

After only one IPL facial (in an ongoing series), I left with brand new skin. Lucy is friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. The IPL can be painful, but the cooling masks before and after helped, and the results were worth it – not to mention a super affordable price point (especially if you get an online deal).
No frills space, but clean and filled with technology. Needless to say, I’ll be back.

Lucy is wonderful! Firstly — this was my first facial EVER. I’d been told extractions can be painful (and I’m a wuss) and they definitely were BUT that being said, I’m blackhead free! I got the Groupon for 1 facial and because I’d never gotten one before, eventually went with the microdermabrasion.
Which feels like sandpaper going over your skin but you get used to it :) Lucy also threw in IPL on one spot on my face where I have a sunspot forming — which was really nice of her. Overall, this isn’t some fancy, cucumber water spot but it’s clean and does the trick. I will definitely go back!

Lucy is fantastic.
I purchased a groupon for 3 microdermabrasions. The entire procedure took about 60 minutes. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but Lucy moisturized my hands wrapped them and placed them in heating mittens and then started with a facial massage and prepping my skin for the procedure. She then gave the mircrodermabrasion, which was slightly stronger than previous treatments at other spas. There were about 3 passes over the skin and then Lucy placed a light steamer by my face and then performed a few extractions followed by another small massage, lotion, a green tea mask, and then some light red and blue light therapy to kill bacteria. There was no redness when I left and I felt absolutely relaxed afterwards.
Lucy also texts so you can schedule quicker!

Lucy does my IPL Photofacials and I can’t say enough how great this place is. The actual location is very unassuming (very clean though) but the experience is great. Very reasonably priced and professional. I used to pay $ 250 per photofacial at American Laser Centers — no more!

Like many other reviewers have noted, Serena Spa is a no-​frills experience, but I would highly recommend any of the three procedures that I have had done here. This includes several microdermabrasion sessions, IPL for treatment of rosacea, and Laser Dark Spot Corrector to remove a large brown sun spot on my chest.
The owner Lucy is very efficient in her work and will not do anything that is unnecessary, but may throw in an extra procedure if she feels like you need it and she has the time. It is the complete opposite of the up selling tactics that I have frequently experienced in other spas. She is not much of a talker, which I also find highly appealing. I just want to lay back, close my eyes, and relax without having to engage in meaningless chitchat, so her measured style of communication if perfect for me. When she wants or needs to tell you something, she will, but outside of that, it’s all peace and quiet.
In just one session, she was able to remove a sunspot that had developed on my chest. It had been bothering me for at least a year, and within days of seeing Lucy, it was gone for good. Because the procedure itself went so quickly, she threw in a mini-​facial and microdermabrasion, which left my skin smooth, clean, and glowing. During this visit she also locked me into an amazingly low price for future treatments. There was not hard-​sell for a package deal, just a card handed to me with prices that ensured (along with her great results) that I would be coming back.
Since that first visit, I’ve been back for more microdermabrasion and just had my first IPL treatment for the fine broken blood vessels that have started forming around my nose. Serena Spa does not have the type of machine that blows cool air on you as it zaps your skin, but I did not find it any more painful than what I have experienced elsewhere… and that was with Lucy turning the laser up to give me quicker results. It is too early to give any meaningful feedback on how well this procedure works for my rosacea, so I will give a more complete update after completing more sessions. But I do not have any burns or blistering, which is a good indication that she knows what she is doing!
Usually I would knock off one star a lack of pampering and luxury, but when I though more about it, I realized that I would much rather have an effective service, performed for at least half of the price that I would pay elsewhere, with a good chance of receiving an extra service offered at no additional charge. So, Lucy gets all five start from me, as well as my eternal gratitude and repeat patronage!

I spotted this place upon checking on Lifebooker deals. I always check Unilocal before I buy anything with a big discount. Otherwise it be a waste of time and a small waste of money (read big discount).
I called directly to ask if the spa can lock the price. I was torn between two deals and was not sure which one will benefit my skin the most: IPL or laser facial. The lady nicely agreed on first part but asked me to come for a test first. I am very grateful she asked. If i would do laser it be a disaster. My skin would be in scars.
Spa:
It’s not a luxury white-​on-​white spa as many are used to visit. It resemble a small studio apt but in office building with a wall to create a treatment area and a reception. However, the place is relaxing. Two beds in treatment area make me feel as I went for private session. Everything is super clean. I spot no dust even in the corners. Yep, I did looked:)) The music is not too loud and does create a nice background.
Treatment:
How would I best describe it. Hmmm. The strokes very gentle but confident, touch is soft. The service is not too rushed and not overly slow with a rushing at the end. I usually meet only two types of people: «barely-​there-​fingers. I feel and look exactly the same as when I just walked in minus the money I paid» and second: «Gosh, what i got myself into! My face is probably red and swollen already». In this spa I found a gold medium.
Ps. No bad breath. No cigarette «aroma». People sometimes forget to use a hand soap and take care of breath only. Well it would work, if those fingers were not on my nose cleaning it:)))
Staff:
How many of us been in places were staff will say yes to anything and assure you of their greatness only at the end making you feel like you just spoke to the wall? The women who did my IPL is the kind who won’t bow down but she will rely on her extensive skill that you walk out pleased. She won’t sell you any extra services until you ask. Also Be prepared to be scheduled for another time as she is booked pretty tight. She is not talkative but when she does talk (ignore the accent) she stay focused on the matter without overloading you with unnecessary details. I end up once having 45 min conversation and 10 min of actual service with a repeated push to buy extra mask. — it’s another spa in my review.
Summary:
I purchased a package and paid upfront for all at once. For the price of IPL she throw a complimentary forehead dermabrasion, mini facial and arms with shoulders massage. While doing massage she also put a mask. I was already surprised with a mini facial. The rest just made me feel special. As if we know each other for a while, when only best friends and old customers gets a bonus. I think besides doing IPl I be doing facials there as well. All services are very reasonably priced and technique is exactly how it should be. After many try and fail visits I am very knowledgeable how a certain crevice should feel like.
I was not covered in breakouts next day, so no cheap or expired product.
This is my review.
Thank you for reading. I know it’s a long one:)!
Easy transportation: major subway hub.

I’m a sucker when it comes to skincare and beauty products… I’ve habitually learned to delete my Lifebooker and Groupon emails as soon as I get them because I know I will buy everything I see if I don’t. So this one particular day I deviated from my routine happened to click on a special for a $ 59 IPL facial. Of course I bought it without even knowing what IPL was…
Making the appointment was easy. I was late to my appointment. Very late. Which if you know me is kind of my MO. Just as I was coming into the building Serena herself (she performs all the facials) was leaving the building. We headed back upstairs much to her dismay. Her office/​treatment room is small and no frills but clean and organized. She told me the facial would be shortened. I had assumed this.
The products used were minimal but she had nice technique. She did use tissues to remove some products instead of hot towels which I wasn’t a fan of. She also barely did any extractions. Now to the IPL treatment… I didn’t realize it was such a procedure! She covered my eyes and put a cold mask on my face. The laser itself shoots a high frequency flash into your skin. It kind of stung and every time she used it there was a brief red flash of light which I could see despite my eyes being covered. At one point I was worried I would go blind! It was definitely not the most pleasant experience but I wouldn’t call it painful. She then used a soothing mask and gave me a massage which was nice.
After the treatment I did have some redness in my face but no other strong side effects. I would say my skin looks brighter as a result. I don’t think it did much for fine lines but that may require multiple treatments. When I gave her my voucher she not so subtly pointed to the «tip not included» note. I laughed because I would have probably done the same thing if I had boatloads of cheapo coupon clipping Lifebooker’s traipsing through my salon! She also gave me a card with the same discounted price to come back and use again.

Came here to look up number to make another appointment (apparently Unilocal has replaced my contacts list) and was surprised at the negative reviews. As others have said, this is not the most luxurious place in the world, but definitely a pleasant and value-​added small business that offers great results for a very small cost.
Serena Spa has definitely been one of the best I’ve experienced for photofacials, with the correct technology, procedures, and lots of generous extras. Other people have remarked on this, so I figured I’d mention — you need to put on a robe, taking shirt off and any straps down for access to neck and shoulders. She comes back in, covers you up, cleanses your face, does some steaming, any necessary extractions, then the IPL machine.
Of all the times I’ve had this treatment at various places, Serena Spa is most careful to protect my eyes, which is huge. She is thorough with the IPL machine, which if you’ve had you know isn’t the most comfortable anywhere, but it gets amazing results. After the treatment she finishes with a tailored mask. During the mask she does lots of pressure point massage on your scalp, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands, which feels great. Each experience is a little different, which I think is great because she really takes the time to tweak things a bit depending on what your skin needs that day/​season.
Most importantly, results have been great, which to me is most important. Everyone is different of course, but just wanted to throw my two cents in and speak up on behalf of Serena Spa since I’ve enjoyed it very much.

Staff: The lady was lovely. I had to reschedule twice and she was very accommodating and sweet.
Service: I settled in for the hour basic facial and was on the street in 45 minutes. The process felt rushed in an efficient but totally un-​luxurious way and I wanted that extra 30 minutes to relax. The soft mask was interesting, I’ve never had a facial where there was so much touching of my eyes– and the mask went over them. That made me a bit unsettled. The massage was wham bam, but included my tummy and pecs.
The whole experience was a bit «eh.»
Surprisingly different from all the other facials I’ve had (facialing since 1994) so interesting in that way, but I felt uncomfortable and confused (stuff on my eyes! My eyes!) and didn’t come out with skin so fresh that it needs a follow up visit.
2.5 stars