Glowbar and Silver Mirror Rethink Skincare
By • August 6, 2024 0 1094
By Sophia Hall
For on-the-go professionals in D.C., it’s hard to find the time to slot skincare into your busy day, particularly facials, which often take time. Not to fear—here are two skincare facial bars in D.C. that provide cost-effective and efficient services, rescuing not only your wallet but also your skin.
This New York City-based skincare destination just arrived in Georgetown. Located between Q and P Street at 1533 Wisconsin Avenue, the facial bar is a convenient spot to be slotted in between work meetings. For Glowbar founder Rachel Liverman, skincare runs more than just skin deep. Her grandmother, Catherine Hinds, started the United States’s first esthetician school in Boston 45 years ago.
“We reinvented the skincare industry with Glowbar by developing approachable facial treatments and an aesthetically designed algorithm that eliminates consumer anxiety, overwhelming treatment menus, and the need for expensive add-ons,” Liverman said.
Glowbar offers a single, 30-minute facial customized to your face and skin needs. “In a city like D.C., time is valuable,” Liverman added. “Glowbar is here to give you the most efficient and effective facial in only 30 minutes so you can get a facial and carry on with your day!”
Glowbar offers a single, 30-minute facial customized to your face and skin needs. After checking in for your appointment, you will cleanse your skin at a face wash station and pat it dry with fresh muslin cloth. Then, your esthetician will discuss and help tailor your facial to what will be best for your skin. The facials offer a wide variety of treatments like masks, dermaplaning, extractions, and spa-grade chemical peels. After these treatments, the esthetician applies a high-frequency electrical current to kill bacteria, LED red light therapy, moisturizer, SPF, and a lip balm. These high-tech treatments may feel like bonus add-ons, but they never cost any extra money. After your treatment, your esthetician will make post-facial skincare recommendations from the line of products available in-store from brands like iS Clinical, Elta MD, and Environ.
Founding memberships are available for $55 monthly and include one facial per month, with additional facials at $55, 15 percent off all skincare products in-studio, one free guest pass per membership year, and access to exclusive events and perks. Single, 30-minute facials are also available for $75.
A peek into Silver Mirror’s Flatiron location in New York City. Courtesy Silver Mirror.
“Expert-drive, effective, time-efficient,” is how Matt Maroone, co-founder and CEO of Silver Mirror Facial Bar, would describe the brand’s skincare philosophy. This day spa, skincare, cosmetics and beauty supply spot opened in Dupont Circle five years ago at 1301 19th St NW.
Silver Mirror offers two types of facials, a 30-minute “Signature Facial” ideal for regular maintenance or a 50-minute more specialized facial. They offer anti-aging, brightening, facial peels and dermablading services, as well as treatments targeting expecting mothers, men, or (as we enter D.C.’s gala season), those looking for a party prep glow boost. Their acne-fighting and anti-aging facial are their most popular offerings, and Maroone also recommended the Seasonal Hydrating Facial, which is specifically customized for the current season and local climate.
Upon checking in, your esthetician will lead you to your station, where you can elevate your feet, close your eyes, and begin to relax. Silver Mirror keeps the “frills” of facials, adding steam, cleansing your face for you, and, depending on the esthetician, maybe even incorporating a small shoulder massage. During the facial, your esthetician will guide you through each step, such as exfoliation, oxygen, and vitamin treatments.
Silver Mirror not only makes an impact in skincare but also the local community. “Since we opened our doors five years ago, we have made every effort to support local causes, such as our ongoing support of Sasha Bruce House, and to collaborate with local retailers, such as Nail Saloon,” Maroone said. “We love this community and are grateful to be a part of it.”
Monthly facial memberships are available for either $79 or $127 a month, depending on whether you select the 30-minute or 50-minute facial. Membership perks include 10 percent off in-store products, add-ons, and additional facials. One-time 30-minute facials cost $99 and 50-minute facials cost $159. Silver Mirror plans to launch a retail product line this fall.
