PERSONAL SERVICE: “It’s important to do something for yourself, especially now during the virus. it’s really more of a necessity now, not a luxury,” says Beata Giermasinka, owner of Amber Spa in Pennington. Here, hairstylist Kasia Hoff is shown cutting a client’s hair in the new outdoor tent enclosure.

Soothing and calming, yet revitalizing and rejuvenating at the same time.

This is what customers have come to expect at Amber Spa in Pennington.

The full-service spa/salon opened in 2002 at its current location, 16 Main Street, and since then has been providing clients with state-of-the-art face, body, and hair care. Facials, massages, wraps, haircuts and color, manicures, pedicures, facial and body waxing, tanning, and makeup applications are all available.

The eight highly qualified staff members specialize in all of the above treatments, with customer-pleasing results, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere invites clients to relax, and for an hour or two, forget the ever-present “To Do” list.

Personalized Service

“We work very hard to accommodate everyone and their needs,“ says owner Beata Giermasinska. “We are set apart by our personalized service. Our focus is on the individual clients and what we can do for them.

“One of the reasons people come here is to do something for themselves and be in a safe place, especially now during the virus.”

Beata, who was born in Poland, is a licensed skin care specialist. She currently specializes in anti-aging facial treatments and eyebrow styling. She has many longtime clients from Princeton, Pennington, and the surrounding area.

It is important to feel comfortable in your own skin and look your best, whatever your age, she points out, and Amber Spa offers a special array of treatments suitable for men, women, and all ages — currently 12 to 92!

The spa was closed from early March to June 22 due to the coronavirus, and since its reopening clients have not hesitated to return for their favorite facial, massage, wrap or long-needed haircut and color, reports Beata.

“People have been coming back since we reopened, and it is encouraging. They want to be with us. Some have been too isolated, not leaving the house. The human connection and hands-on touch are so important. It’s the comfort level people are looking for. In some cases, since the virus, clients have told us we are the only place they leave the house for. They believe we are a safe place, and they know they will have good care with us.”

Safety Precautions

All the safety precautions are in place at the spa, she adds. “We can only have 50 percent capacity inside due to the state regulations, and we have a very careful screening process before people come. They fill out a questionnaire asking if they have symptoms, if they have traveled, etc., and when they come in, we’ll take their temperature, masks are required, and hand sanitizers are provided.

“Also, service stations will be spaced apart to maintain appropriate distance. All of our employees wear masks while working with clients, and each team member is required to have a temperature check prior to their shift.”

“We have always had high standards in every way, including the cleanliness of our space,” she continues. “Now, with the virus, we have gone above and beyond. The environment has to be safe for everyone, clients and staff.

“All work surfaces will be sanitized with CDC-approved medical grade disinfectants between every client’s treatment. Tools and products will not be shared between service providers, and will be disinfected between uses. We have also updated our HVAC systems. Each service area and service room is separately vented to the outside, and we also use air ionizers.”

A new outdoor addition has been available since the spa reopened, points out Beata. “We now offer outdoor services in a special tent enclosure. This has become very popular, and clients can have hair and nail care, chair massages, and face waxing. Shoulder and back massages are favorites with the clients having the chair massage.”

Healing Power

If clients prefer to have services inside, opportunities abound. Among the favorites are Microdermabrasion, Hydro Facial, and SkinCeuticals Vitamin C Facial.   

Others include the Intraceuticals Oxygen Infusion facial which focuses on hydration cell renewal and skin regeneration. The Oceanic facial incorporates marine floral products obtained from the ocean, known for their healing power. Algae soothe and regenerate fragile tissue, and deep hydration reduces visible lines and firms contours. This facial is especially helpful for those with rosacea.

Anti-aging facials are Amber Spa specialties, explains Beata. “Microdermabrasion, Hydro Facial SkinCeuticals, Vitamin C Facial, Microcurrent, advanced peels, Retinol treatments, Microinfusion, and many more are all designed to combat wrinkles, stimulate collagen and elastin, brighten up dull skin, and provide a more youthful look.”

Amber Spa can also help younger clients who may experience blemish problems from time to time. The Teenage facial is a popular option, as is Pore Perfect Micro Peel, which is the ultimate deep pore cleansing treatment.

All facials start with a skin analysis in order to customize a treatment for the special needs of the individual client.

Massages and body wraps are other popular treatments, and a variety is available. Among the massages, the Hot Stone massage and Rain Drop Therapy (with nine different essential oils) are in demand. Another favorite is the Signature Massage, combining Swedish and Shiatsu techniques. Designed to ease nervous strain, counteract physical fatigue, and improve circulation, it is both relaxing and revitalizing.

Also popular is the Pre-Natal massage, which encourages relaxation and reduces stress on the body during pregnancy. A variety of other massages include Deep Tissue, Warm Bamboo, Reflexology, and Reiki Energy Healing.

Facials and massage both help to alleviate stress, points out Beata.

Tighten and Tone

Body wraps offer opportunities for detoxification, immune system stimulation, and body peels. Oceanic Detox and Hot Stone Aromatherapy Body Polish are among the popular choices.

In addition, the Endermologie wrap (also known as Lipomassage) is the first treatment scientifically-tested and clinically proven to reduce cellulite, rid the body of diet-and exercise-resistant fat, and tighten and tone loose, sagging skin.

Amber Spa offers high quality hairstyling for men, women, and children. Cuts and color are in demand, and as Beata reports, color is a very big part of the business.

“Hair color is extremely popular, and we use L’Oreal, Framesi, and Redken. The products are very safe, and we also offer organic and all-natural hair color.”

Cut and Color

When Amber Spa opened after having been closed for more than three months, clients were thrilled to be able to come and get that very important haircut and color touch-up — or even a complete new look with a new style and new color. No longer just a means to cover up gray, hair color has become a fashion statement

Perhaps a brand new nail color to coordinate with that new hair color? Amber Spa offers a full assortment of the latest in nail color, as well as several different manicure and pedicure treatments. From the Spa manicure and pedicure to a Shellac manicure and Glycolic pedicure, there is truly something for every toe and finger nail!

Indeed, when it’s time to step out for an important outside dining date, Amber Spa can provide you with just the look you need — from hair to nails to makeup. The spa offers makeup lessons and applications, including specialties for bridal parties.

In addition, a series of packages and specials provide customers with a sampling of several different services. These can be customized to offer as few or as many treatments as desired. It is a wonderful gift, especially for someone who may be new to the pleasures — and benefits — of a visit to a spa. Gift cards are also available.

Prices cover a wide range at the spa, with child manicures from $12, pedicures from $36, haircuts starting at $25 (children), facials from $95, and massages from $45.    

Amber Spa also offers a variety of skin and hair products for sale, including Skinceuticals, Obagi, Yonka, Environ, Dr. Hauschka, Erasa, Agent Nateur, Decleor, Jane Iredale, Color Wow, and many more. Convenient, free shipping or curbside pick-up are available.

Positive Difference

Beata is very pleased to be able to help make a positive difference in people’s lives. “We believe this is important self-care, something that can help your overall health, as well as being a feel-good moment. Clients invested in their skin care will not only slow the aging process, but experience great improvements and avoid the need for invasive procedures.”

Some clients come once a month, some more often, and some seasonally, depending on their circumstances, she notes. However often they come, Beata is happy to see them and to offer the benefit of her and the staff’s expertise.

“Many of our longtime clients have become friends. And now, we are even seeing their children grow up — we’re seeing another generation! Sometimes, they’ll bring in their parents and grandparents for a facial or massage, and this is really special.

“I look forward to being in touch with our clients, to help if they need anything during this difficult time. And I continue to look for new products and new treatments for them. We are all about education, keeping up with all the new advances, new innovations, and new techniques.

“Also, we are really a one-stop shopping experience. You can have a facial, massage, manicure, haircut, etc., all on the same day at one place. And clients really like the fact that we are local, and deeply invested in our community.

“We are really an essential self-care operation. We are all about making you feel and look better.”

Call Amber Spa for appointments and current hours at (609) 737-8400. Website: www.amberspa.com.