Massage Envy in Montgomery – Photo Credit: R. Birkel
Disclosure: I recently received a gratis facial at Massage Envy in Montgomery in exchange for a review of their services. My opinions were not influenced in any way.
Massage Envy are franchise-owned day spas that offer massages and facials. Alice and Frank Luis are the Montgomery owners. Alice is a licensed esthetician and Frank is a licensed massage therapist, which is rare for Massage Envy franchisees.
The Montgomery (Skillman) spa is located off Route 206 in the Montgomery Shopping Center just north of Route 518. The exterior does not display a large iconic Massage Envy logo, so you might not recognize it from a distance.
The interior has tasteful décor, peaceful New Age music, and soothes you with calming scents. I arrived 15 minutes early and sat in the front area before checking in since the employee at the front desk was busy. After completing my medical history on the Massage Wellness Chart, I was asked if I needed to use the restroom, was seated in the waiting room, and was offered water or tea. There is a glass door that separates the front from the rooms to help ensure a quiet atmosphere.
My assigned esthetician came to pick me up in the waiting room, greeted me by name, and lead me to the facial room. She told me to disrobe from the waist up and lie on the (massage) table under the blanket. The table was heated and a nice contrast to the air conditioning.
After reviewing concerns about my face and examining my skin, my esthetician determined my treatment. Massage Envy exclusively uses Murad products for facial. There are four lines:
- Environmental Shield Vitamin C
- Clarifying Enzyme Acne
- Anti-Aging
- Sensitive Skin
I was given the Environmental Shield Vitamin C facial that delivered pure vitamin C directly to my skin to brighten, support healthy collagen levels and neutralize free radicals. The following products were used:
- Cleanser – hot towel
- Toner
- Exfoliant- hot towel
- Serum
- Mask – hot towel
- Moisturizer
Steam was used, which I found very pleasant, and hot towels removed certain products. My face and décolleté were all treated, and while the mask was on I received a neck, shoulder, arm, and hand massage. Only one type of product was used for my entire face. The is the case for all facials, except for the Clarifying Enzyme Acne facial that offers a separate clay mask is used just for the “T” zone. Extractions are performed if necessary. My esthetician spoke with a gentle voice and had extremely soft hands. I was so relaxed that I found myself drifting off a few times.
After my session, she stepped out for me to re-dress, and offered me a cup of water after I exited the room. She then explained my treatment and recommended some products to use at home to maintain my skin, and I received a written facial wellness plan.
At the desk, they explained that membership is $69.99 per month for an hour-long massage with a one year commitment. For an additional fee during a visit, a massage can be extended to 1.5 or 2 hours, or changed to a customized massage, such as a hot stone, aromatherapy, or deep tissue massage. Facial memberships cost $79.99 per month. Visits to other Massage Envy spas can count towards membership usage. You can also just walk in and pay the non-member fee for a service, which is about 1.7 times the price. This makes the membership price a great deal, and unused visits can be rolled over.
This Massage Envy facial was relaxing and comforting. My skin felt refreshed and well moisturized. My daughter randomly told me my face looks a little lighter and shinier.
There is only one thing that would have made this experience go beyond my expectations. They have two facial rooms, and I believe the other was empty. It would have been nice to just lie on the table for up to 10 minutes as a transitional period. I could have gone back to the waiting room and drink a cup of tea to get acclimated, but I was back to reality after I was in the front room with the esthetician listening to her product recommendations.
The ultimate experience here, would be to have someone drop you off, have the 90 minute Hot Stone Massage with an added Sugar Foot Scrub Therapy, followed by a facial (all in the same room), and then have someone pick you up.
Overall, Massage Envy Spa in Montgomery offers a pampering experience and uses products that have mostly favorable reviews online. I walked out feeling more relaxed, and face feels more supple.