According to experts, our faces should be treated to a facial exfoliator twice a week and a routine facial every eight to ten weeks, but how do you get a radiant complexion especially if you’re on a budget?  Well ladies, Mario Tricoci esthetician (and self-proclaimed PLRG) Heather Landies has the answers!  I caught up with Heather this week to find out her advice…

Heather Landies is an experienced esthetician that has spent the past five years at Mario Tricoci at 900 N. Michigan Avenue.   She specializes in facials and waxing, specifically microdermabrasion, peels and non-surgical face lifts.  She has been the top-rated esthetician for the past two years.

To start off and get the most bang for your buck, Heather recommends that ladies look into spas that have lots of spa services and great amenities - showers, relaxation rooms, the works and take full advantage of them. Heather suggests booking one service, then extending your spa experience both before and after your appointment.  Arrive an hour before your facial to get settled in and spend around 30 minutes in the steam room.   Not only will you be relaxed and ready for your appointment, the steam helps open your pores, so you will get an even better treatment. After your facial, don’t be afraid to help yourself to the complimentary refreshments.   Make a cup of hot tea, take a shower and curl up in the relaxation room with a book for an hour. We’re busy women, and the bottom line is that sometimes we just have to schedule time to relax.

If you can’t afford a routine facial, Heather says the next best thing is to get mini-facials every other appointment.  This will help you maintain a healthy skin regimen, which is the key ingredient in skin care.  It’s important to talk to your technician honestly about the products you use and how you care for your skin.  Going in for a facial or mini-facial every couple months will help you and your technician develop the appropriate regimen for you.   For the healthiest skin on the tightest budget, Heather suggests a facial four times a year at the end of each season.  One thing not to skimp on are products.  Give your technician a price point for products and services based on your budget, and he or she can help you figure out what is best for you and how often you really need to schedule appointments.

Heather’s tricks and tips for the best skin care on a budget:
• Make an appointment at the Aveda Institute. If you can handle a little commotion and the occasional hands-on interruption from instructors, this is a great way to keep your skin looking healthy for a really great price - just $40 for a facial.
• Take advantage of Spa Week Chicago, which typically happens twice a year in April and September. Chicago spas offer full-length services at discounted rates. Make sure to book way in advance because spaces fill up quickly.

Start off the New Year right and treat yourself to some pampering while getting your face in shape! To schedule an appointment with Heather, call 1-800-Tricoci.

(Jenna Daugherty)