It’s that time of year when things really start to glow—especially at Glowbar.
Founder Rachel Liverman—a third-generation esthetician—created the company to customize skincare by offering unique expert facials for every client at a tangible and affordable rate. The treatments are meant to be targeted and avoid all of those typical frills that sometimes come with a beauty treatment — so no expensive add-ons or “quick fix” false promises.
How the company does this is by streamlining the process. For example, a typical facial features an esthetician doing most of the cleansing before starting the treatment. But at Glowbar locations, customers hit the brand’s self-face washing station first before heading back to their room to cut some time and costs out of the process. It might seem like a small switch—but your wallet certainly notices.
That also is the case with the design of the different locations. The setting is “inspired by skin itself,” employing a minimalistic approach to design with little nods to the textures of a face etched into some of your surroundings. Otherwise, the space is meant to mimic a clean palette, adding to the no-frills format that leads to a focus on just what matters.
Price-wise, members who decide to sign up can partake in one facial per month, 15% off skincare (20% off at your first facial), one free guest pass per membership year, and an exclusive member pouch with clinical-grade skincare samples. The price comes out to be $60 a month. Any non-members can try out a facial at Glowbar for $80.
The facials themselves are all meant to last about 30 minutes while focusing on different premium procedures like dermaplaning, cavitation, LED light therapy, high-frequency treatments, and NuFACE (most of which are included with each visit depending on what your skin needs).
Dermaplaning is the latest to hit the brand’s Philadelphia locations (in Rittenhouse Square and Bryn Mawr). The non-invasive procedure uses a sterile scalpel to gently exfoliate the skin and remove fine hairs. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve the look of your skin, gets rid of that “peach fuzz,” and overall your makeup and products will thank you.
Procedures always end with a take-away card, one with suggestions on what you personally need in products, timing and routine. It’s up to clients if they want to purchase products based on the esthetician’s recommendation, but there’s never any pressure on that front. And that’s intentional.
With two locations in Philly and nine locations in New York, the Glowbar’s ideology is expanding quite fast, reaching a total of 18 studios across the East Coast. New locations are set to open in Virginia, Massachusetts, New York City, and other cities in 2025.
For now, locals can head to the Rittenhouse locale (42 S. 17th St.) and Bryn Mawr (925 W. Lancaster Ave., Suite 115) to indulge in everything this brand has to offer—always at an affordable rate.
For more information, visit glowbar.com
