On a warm summer day earlier this month, I faced Lake Street traffic (always present and slightly worse in the summer), found free street parking, and was greeted with a cool breeze of AC as I walked in for my appointment at Heyday Kirkland. Heyday is a popular NYC-based facial service founded in 2015 and now has locations in 15 states. They focus on approachable wellness and a single service: the facial. Their first Washington location in Kirkland opened on June 21.

The space is bright, clean, and has an attractive display of products. I checked in at the front desk and filled out a questionnaire about my skincare routine and goals, as well as the level of interaction preferred during my facial. I was promptly called back for my facial with my esthetician, Nika.

The rooms are semi-private—they have walls between them, but they don’t go all the way up to the ceiling and there are curtains rather than doors partitioning off the rooms. Instead of the quiet ambient music and a serene atmosphere at a typical spa, the music is more upbeat and you can hear the muffled sounds of other clients. You also don’t undress, although you can opt to take off your shoes. I actually really liked this vibe as it feels more casual and something that I might do every month. I tend to save spa days for just a once or twice a year as a special treat. This still felt like a treat, but a more accessible one.

Nika analyzed my skin and asked me what I wanted to target. She explained every tool and product she used on my face at every step during the 50-minute session. Heyday emphasizes personalized facials and education, and Nika was knowledgable in response to my skincare questions and about the different treatments and add-ons they offer. It was relaxing and my skin looked glowy and felt hydrated and nourished when I walked out. I am very seriously considering signing up for the membership, which is $114 per month (additional facials for the month are $85).

Book your first facial for $99 here.

Open Monday through Friday 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.