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Insider Information

Services: 

body treatments, facials, massage, waxing, peels, microdermabrasion, brow and lash tinting, makeup artistry

Amenities: 

lockers, shower

Hours: 

By appointment

Products: 

Pevonia, Medicalia, Jane Iredale mineral makeup

SpaGirl Review: 

So what is a $30 facial like you ask? I'll tell you in a minute. But first let me ask you something. When was the last time you had your back scratched? Or exfoliated, masked, slathered with lotion and draped in paraffin for that matter? If you can't answer that intelligently than I recommend starting your visit to D'Armi Esthetics University of Scottsdale with a De-Stress Back Treatment (also a sweet 30 bucks).

Let me backtrack. D'Armi, tucked in an upscale office complex just south of the Scottsdale Healthcare Shea complex, is an educational facility for skin and body care. Separate from the classrooms and student areas is a Spa Residency Facility--or for our purposes, a feel-good day spa with a full menu of inexpensive skincare treats.

After filling out an extensive health form (translation: arrive at least 10 minutes early to your appointment), I was transferred into the hands of Sharone, an esthetician-in-training who I'm sure I'll run into again in some foofy resort spa someday. While I changed into a terry wrap and the cutest animal print disposal flip-flops (hmm, to keep or not to keep?), I took in the decor of the facility, which was nothing short of Scottsdale chic with a tranquil waiting area, lockers and an expansive granite-tiled bathroom and vanity. A big gulp from the bottled water I received on my arrival, and I was ready. And from a previous not-so-memorable beauty school experience, I wasn't so sure what to expect.

The treatment area echoed the chic decor but with a more clinical feel. Each facial bed is tucked into a semi-private space which I soon learned, allowed the instructor to keep an eye on the students. Soft-spoken and surprisingly professional, Sharone instructed me to lie face down for our first order of business: the back treatment. Throughout the entire process of what I would guess was about 45 minutes, I was treated to a deluge of wonderful cleansing, exfoliating and nourishing products that included a light massage and ended with strips of warm paraffin. In a word: delightful.

Now onto the $30 facial. Like any deep cleansing facial, Sharone started by gently removing my makeup and cleansing my face. Then on went the magnifying light.

"What do you see?" whispered the instructor.
"Some hyperpigmentation on the nose," Sharone whispered back.
"Some broken capillaries on the chin." (Ewww.)
"More hyperpigmentation on the forehead." (Dammit!)
"But no congestion." (Now there's a first.)
"And good hydration." (Shew. I rule.)
"Okay, the hard part's over," said the instructor to her student (and to me too I think).

The remaining hour was dedicated to an enzyme mask, steam and a facial massage that rendered me unconscious for I'm not sure how long and a smattering of moisturizers and creams. Throughout the facial, Sharone's touch was so light and so skilled that I completely forgot that she was relatively new at this. While she was a bit timid with the scalp massage, the hand and foot massages were just right and overall, I'd give her high marks. In fact, I'd rate the entire experience equal to some of the $120 facials that I've had.

So maybe I was just lucky? Hmm, could be. But I later found out that D'Armi is one of the few aesthetics schools to have gotten the thumbs up from Pevonia (a high-end skin and body line) to use their products in a training environment. Plus, students train for a full 16 weeks before they step foot in the facility to test drive their skills. In a nutshell, I was impressed and I would recommend you check it out. What do ya got to lose (about $30 plus tip!)?

More spas & salons in the same neighborhood

D'Armi Esthetics University of Scottsdale

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The Spa at Estetica

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Living Free with June Louise

Scottsdale Hand & Foot Spa

Elements Therapeutic Massage

Laser For Less

Bikram Yoga Scottsdale

D'Ambrosio Salon

Essential Touch Wellness Center and Boutique at Shea

Express Nails

Outer Image Salon