I tried the Hydro Wand Infusion facial at Kirkland’s new Heyday Skincare

In the trendy and ever-evolving world of 10-step (or more!) skincare routines, I’m humbled to confess my process has about two steps: water and the same drug store face wash brand I’ve used since high school (shout out to Clean & Clear with bursting beads).

So, when Seattle Refined was invited to try the brand new Heyday Skincare location in Kirkland, I was eager to treat my face to some overdue professional help.

The NYC-based facial service was founded in 2015 and has expanded to over 15 states with a focus on approachable wellness. Heyday Skincare chose this Kirkland spot wisely as their first Washington location, which opened on June 21. Sitting along the popular Lake Street, it’s easy to find in this walkable and cute stretch of downtown Kirkland, surrounded by places to grab a treat or do some shopping.

After filling out a brief digital intake form about my skincare routine (or lack thereof), my skin type and related questions, I was ready to meet my esthetician, Nika. The form lets you select what level of interaction you prefer during your facial, ranging from minimal conversation to an hour-long gab sesh, and I chose somewhere in the middle with “a friendly chat.” The conversation flowed freely with Nika as she took the time to explain each step of the process and field my skincare questions.

The service bays are semi-private, enclosed by curtains with an open-air concept, so there’s no need to disrobe, but you’re welcome to hang up your outerwear or ditch your shoes. Then, it’s off to recline on a comfortable spa chair and relax into the experience.

Nika started with aromatherapy and the combination of amazing scents and guided breaths set a calming tone for our 50-minute session. This was followed by a series of hydrating serums and a light exfoliant for my skin type, which is on the dryer side and prone to redness. Due to either my age (42) or those Clean & Clear bursting beads (ha!), Nika didn’t need to extract any blemishes, but she mentioned that’s a favorite service of hers to perform and always popular among clients.

Heyday’s brand highlights a 3-tiered skincare education process that comes with every service. Nika performed an analysis, dubbed “The Breakdown,” and then began my tailored facial service, called “The Treatment,” that will be unique to each client. I received a combination of facial massaging, masks and treatments best for my skin’s status and those pesky crinkles that we’ll just contribute to decades of smiling.

PHOTOS | Popular facial service Heyday Skincare arrives in downtown Kirkland

You have the option to upgrade your experience with a selection of enhancements, and I let Nika guide me on which seemed the most beneficial. We chose Hydro Wand Infusion and Red Light Therapy, both first-time experiences for me.

Hydro Wand Infusion is a deeper way to hydrate your skin and achieve that elusive, dewy glow. The wand is placed around the face, row-by-row, and penetrates your skin with revitalizing serum. It’s non-invasive, and Nika described the sensation as a kitten licking your hand. I likened it to the suction factor of touching a sea anemone, but the point is that it doesn’t hurt or really even tickle; it’s a relaxing process with noticeable impact. The Hydro Wand Infusion left my skin feeling supple and hydrated long after the experience.

The next enhancement of Red Light Therapy was an illuminating experience, quite literally. Nika draped my closed eyes with protection and explained how the powerful LEDs work to stimulate collagen production and can improve signs of sun damage and aging. The blast of light was far more powerful than I expected, sending my vision into a sea of hot pink until my eyes adjusted. As the light washed over my face for several minutes, Nika regaled me with the remarkable benefits of Red Light Therapy (including its application on healing astronauts!), while I naively compared the light factor to tanning beds, a regrettable choice from my past. When it was over, the room seemed completely dark for a moment, but my vision quickly neutralized with no lingering effects besides the facial benefits.

WATCH: Seattle Refined’s Abby Luschei tries Red Light Therapy at Heyday Kirkland

With a gentle incline from the spa chair, I lifted my fresh, dewy face back into the real world with a new set of knowledge and appreciation for treating your face kindly. Nika led me back to the chic lobby decorated with flowers and a mirror that reads, “Look At You Glow,” where she pointed out products that would help maintain and nurture my newfound gleam. Heyday’s helpful third tier, “The Education” step, was performed throughout and after my facial service to help clients at any stage of their skincare process.

If you’re looking for a new spot to refresh your routine and treat yourself (or someone else), give Heyday a holler and get ready to feel hydrated. You can book one-time visits or save on services with a monthly membership.

Learn more here.

While the products, services and/or accommodations in this story were provided without charge, the opinions within are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board.