Link Beauty Bar, Portland

So good! Thank you!

I’ve held off on this review because I didn’t want to make the service provider feel bad. I’m sure she’s doing the best she can with what she has to work with. But this was just awful and unprofessional, with several red flags wildly waving. First of all, beware of Groupons advertising a good deal. You get what you pay for. The building was decrepit looking, like an old motel you’d never want to stay at, and there was no signage on the building or front door of the business to indicate the name of the esthetician or spa service. After walking in I was told it was the right place and to wait in the lobby area. It was an unpleasant wait as the building smelled of mildew. By the time I got into the facial room it was about 20 minutes past my appointment time. I noticed right off the bat a small blood stain on the bedding which indicated to me the linens are not changed or cleaned for each person receiving service. And the music playing was rather loud pop music. I was instructed to lie down, but told I didn’t need to remove my crew neck T-shirt as there would be no shoulder massage. I asked if I should remove it anyway so my shirt didn’t get wet or product on it. She told me no. So I lied down, careful to avoid the biohazard blood spot. There was no blanket offered to cover me. Thankfully the esthetician asked if I’d like to change the music to spa music which I replied affirmatively. After some small talk, she asked, “How’s your skin?” As a person with an invisible disability that affects communication, I didn’t know how to answer the question so I replied with my skincare routine. I told her I used ultra gentle face wash and moisturizer. This is where things went south quick. I overlooked the fact that the esthetician had to leave a few times to fill a tub with warm water which didn’t stay warm. The cloths she used were rough and the products smelled like knock-offs from the dollar store. Apparently they were because my face started burning with the application of the first “mask”. I asked if the burning was normal, knowing after having had many facials previously, it was certainly not normal. It was at that point that she asked me if I have sensitive skin. And then it clicked that that’s what she was asking when she said, “How’s your skin?” I apologized for not communicating effectively as I didn’t know that’s what she was asking. She never apologized for not asking directly if I have sensitive skin. But I mean, if I use ultra gentle face wash and moisturizer one would think that would indicate sensitive skin. I feel like she blamed me for not disclosing that I have sensitive skin when she could’ve easily clarified, that being her job and all. Anyway, the collar of my Tshirt did indeed get wet as I’d predicted. The whole experience left me traumatized and I feel the need to share so that others will know what they’re getting into. Spend the extra dollars for a legit, professional establishment and esthetician.

Such a sweet woman will be back!

Liz is excellent and does a great job.