The Upper East Side Scene

Over ten years ago, clinical aesthetician Jillian Wright opened Glow Skin Spa right here on the Upper East Side, much to the delight of UES residents. Just this past September, Glow moved to a townhouse on East 66th Street and was transformed into the Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa, where clients now receive a variety of premium spa treatments under the direction of the owner and namesake herself. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Jillian Wright, and she gave me the inside scoop on her spa, its specialties, and her own favorite treatments. Read on, then make yourself an appointment.Located on the second floor of 22 East 66th Street (between 5th and Madison), the Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa offers a comprehensive spa experience designed to both pamper and improve the functionality of your skin. Including Jillian, the spa has five clinical aestheticians, all with over ten years experience, as well as five licensed massage therapists, plus a manager and front desk staff to accommodate guests. There are four well-appointed treatment rooms that Jillian describes as “comfortable and relaxing.” All of these elements work together to create a personalized, boutique feel to Jillian’s spa, allowing staff to cater to customers’ individual needs. With the needs of her customers in mind, Jillian has developed a wide variety of spa treatments, explaining that her “role is to play skincare detective in order to achieve your skin’s greatest health.”Clients can treat themselves to several different types of facials, which include elements like microdermabrasion, aromatherapy facial massage, LED light therapy, customized masks, and homecare recommendations; massages such as the Swedish, relaxation, aromatherapy, hot lava shell, or detoxifying massage; and body treatments for areas like the back, legs, neck, and eyes. Specialty products from Somme Institute, Bioelements, and Environ are used, many of which can be purchased from the spa for home use. And the names of some of Jillian’s treatments are almost as satisfying as the treatments themselves: the Muscle Melting Deep Tissue Massage, Herbology Body Retexturizer, and Wine or Blueberry Extract Crystal Eye Mask are just a few that caught my eye.Though the spa clearly has expertise in a variety of areas, their particular specialties are facial massage and extractions, which are included in all of their facials. The spa has also become known for its Signature Massage, which Jillian describes as “a combination of Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Thai, all within a choreographed massage experience.”All of these treatments have been developed with Jillian’s personal skincare philosophy in mind. Jillian aims “to incorporate a trilogy of the heart, hands, and mind to encompass all aspects of aesthetics.” This means that she focuses on both internal elements, such as emotional and spiritual health, as well as the external goal of maintaining healthy, well-balanced skin. Jillian explains that, “If you feel good about your skin, you will feel more confident and have greater self-esteem. It’s a snowball effect that positively grows with every step accomplished.”  So, you may be wondering, which of the Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa’s treatments are its founder’s favorites? “I love, love, love the LumiFacial!” Jillian says. “I’m all for getting the most out of your time spent at my spa and this is the way to do it. The results are instantaneous.” Jillian explained that, during the 105-minute LumiFacial, “we choose an exfoliation process suited for your skin type and texture such as enzymes, microdermabrasion or dermaplaning, use steam, do extractions, put you under the light for 30 minutes and then use a polarized current to penetrate active key ingredients into the skin.” The result? “The client leaves with radiant skin.”As for massages, Jillian says she loves the Hot Lava Shell Massage, a 60- or 90-minute treatment in which Swedish and Deep Tissue massage elements are combined with the use of lava shells, each with their own temperature control. Jillian explains that it's like a hot stone massage, but safer for both the client and the massage therapist, and a truly indulgent experience.Visit Jillian’s spa online at http://www.jillianwrightclinicalskinspa.com/ to learn more about her treatments and to make an appointment for what promises to be a delightful and invigoration spa experience.

Whether in celebration of President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or just a day that you’re no longer snowed in, take time this weekend to visit some of the fantastic exhibits at our local museums.The Drawings of Bronzino: Now on display at the Met are approximately 60 drawings from Italian painter, draftsman, teacher, and poet Agnolo Bronzino, who lived and worked in sixteenth-century Florence. A warm exploration of human figure and form, this would make an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day. On display until April 18.Quicktake: Rodarte: New this week at Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum is an exhibit devoted to clothing designer Rodarte. Founded in 2005 by Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Rodarte won the 2009 Womenswear Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The exhibit takes a look at Rodarte’s unique yet dynamic style and stunning creations.With Love from New York City: Head to the Museum of the City of New York for a special exhibition featuring approximately 45 valentines, all handcrafted or manufactured between 1840 and 1940. Sweet vintage sentiments and classic art styles make this a one-of-a-kind exhibit perfect for sharing with your Valentine. Open through February 26.Paris and the Avant-Garde: Modern Masters from the Guggenheim Collection: The Guggenheim explores how such artists as Marc Chagall, Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Fernand Léger, Joan Miró, and more lived and worked in Paris during the early twentieth century, developing their own techniques, customs, and styles. On display until May 12.Collecting Biennials: As the Whitney gears up for its Biennial celebration, which kicks off February 25, visit the works of Biennials past in this historical survey that features Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Willem de Kooning, Cy Twombly, and more. The exhibit runs until November 28. Added bonus: Admission is only $8 through the month of February.Tim Burton: Get ready for Tim Burton’s new Alice in Wonderland movie with a trip to the Museum of Modern Art. This Burton-themed exhibit features drawings, storyboards, puppets, photographs, costumes, and more from Burton’s films, including Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Beetlejuice. On display through April 26. But be aware: timed tickets are strongly suggested, as admission is limited and has been selling out. Click here to purchase tickets.Enjoy!