22 COTTAGE RD, SOUTH PORTLAND, ME 04106 (2ND FLOOR)
Holistic Skin Care Clinic
Offering residents of Maine facials and waxing services in a warm and restorative aesthetics studio. Products and techniques are well researched and directed by careful consideration for the individual. Uplifting and therapeutic, my approach integrates wellness and health benefits through self-care practices from customized chemical peel treatments to Gua Sha lymphatic drainage massage and Reiki energetic healing.
Our Esthetician Services
Our approach integrates wellness and skin health benefits through advanced skincare treatments, excellence in waxing techniques and methods, restorative Reiki healing sessions and customized facial services in South Portland, Maine.
Customized Facials
The first visit to our South Portland, ME facial spa includes an in-depth clinical evaluation as well as a discussion of goals in an effort to develop a fully customized treatment plan that includes advanced modalities and clinically-proven methods that have the highest likelihood of treating damage and restoring the integrity and health of skin. Click here to Learn More.
Full Body Waxing
We offer Brazilian waxing, leg waxing, bikini waxing services and more! Exceptional technique and high-performing skincare products minimizes discomfort, prevents irritation and leaves skin flawlessly smooth. Using both hard and soft wax in the treatment room gives clients an optimized result. Click here to Learn More.
Reiki Energy Healing
A gentle hands-on method to induce a deep relaxation that stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal and regulate. A 100 year-old Japanese healing technique, Reiki is employed for nearly any ailment and is subtle in effects and treatment, though a profound state of wellness often occurs. Many clients book Reiki sessions as a compliment to their more aggressive healthcare treatments.
Skin Care Products
Products are hand-selected to deliver a professional-grade, luxurious experience at home to supplement the esthetician services received in the treatment room, leaving nothing to be desired in efficacy and quality. We carry a few different skincare lines to meet specific needs, such as sensitivity, oncology-safe and botanically-based clinically-reviewed vegan lines. We offer free shipping for orders over $100 and always for established clients. Virtual consultations are available and can be booked under services.
Lauren Y.
Melissa is the best! I have been a client for 3 years and will not go to anyone else. She is friendly, caring, and extremely knowledgeable about the services she provides and the products she uses.
Abigail G.
Melissa gave me the best facial of my life! She is absolutely incredible, so warm and knowledgeable and I can’t wait to go back. I have also bought multiple products from her that I have enjoyed.
Brianna F.
I’ve been getting waxed for over 10 years, and NOTHING compares to my experience with Melissa. I REFUSE to see anyone else. She is caring with her work, incredibly kind, and makes a point to get to know you and makes you feel comfortable.
Derek H.
Melissa has such a beautiful heart and puts a lot of herself into the work she does. Her skin is delightful, which is a good sign. I love the way she talks about the products she uses. Melissa really stands by what she brings to the table and the craft of treating our skin. I could feel the magic happening as soon as she began my facial. The lotions and potions felt so clean and luxurious. They are subtly scented by the plants they’re made from, which adds to the sensory experience. After the treatment, my skin was moisturized, glowing and FELT so healthy. She also did my eyebrows, which was a first for me and they looked incredible. Just a few hairs taken away really made all the difference in my face! If you like to treat yourself, your skin and have a peaceful time with some good company…Asteria Aesthetics is the place for you.
Charlotte L.
I have loved working with Melissa on my skincare routine! She is not only an exceptional esthetician, but she also provides the context and information needed for me to continue my skin health journey at home. One of my pet peeves is feeling like at the end of the facial someone is pushing products on me, but with Melissa I feel she makes informed recommendations without pressuring you to get anything.
Terry R.
Melissa is s true professional and very knowledgeable. She listened to what my skin concerns were and offered options for treating mature skin with some enlarged pores and sun discoloration. Her studio is very peaceful and well equipped with the latest in skin care equipment and quality products. Also, the location is very convenient with lots of parking. None of this having to drive in-town, look for a place to park, pay to park, and walk 2 blocks to the studio. Thanks to Melissa, my face looked and felt great after the facial.
Caitlin T.
I have been seeing Melissa now for about 3 years. She is the only person I trust for my waxing and skin care. She knows her stuff! She is so kind and makes you feel so comfortable. I will never go to anyone but Melissa!
Casey C.
I went to Asteria for the first time tonight and was blown away! Melissa is AMAZING and made me feel so comfortable. She was so professional and took her time with my brows. I can’t wait wait to go back and book more services. If you’re in the area, go to Melissa! You will not be disappointed!
Amber D.
I have been a client of Melissa for a couple of years now and I have never felt more comfortable getting a wax or facial from anyone else. She provides a relaxing environment that creates an experience at every appointment. She has the knowledge and product to accommodate various skin types. Most important, for me, is that I always feel better about myself after leaving my appointment with her!
Megan W.
Melissa is hands down the best esthetician in the Portland area and beyond. I have been seeing her for years and always have a 5-star experience. She is so professional and knowledgeable, and she makes what could be an uncomfortable experience totally painless and enjoyable. The location of her immaculately clean studio, hours of operation, and easy online booking are very convenient. The on-site parking is a major plus. I cannot recommend Asteria Aesthetics enough!
Sonya R.
I spent years going to dermatologists and trying new products to solve my acne. What I had really been looking for was an esthetician who actually cared about my skin. Melissa has worked so hard to clear up my face and make me feel cared for. I’ve been seeing her once a month since July and my skin has really improved. Her office space is SO cozy. I’m instantly relaxed walking in there. Melissa is so well educated and is constantly studying new facial technologies, trends, studies, etc. She spends a lot of time choosing the product lines she uses. You can tell that both the lines are made with high quality ingredients. I really can’t recommend seeing Melissa enough.
Your Portland, Maine Esthetician
Welcome to my esthetician practice; glad you are here. I bring a multi-faceted approach to my clients in the treatment room, and draw on multiple modalities to individualize your experience— based on your goals, my clinical analysis and dedication to a holistic mapping to skin health.
My experience and education in the field began with an interest in making soaps and lotions at age 13, and experimenting with makeup and prescription topicals shortly after. While finishing my bachelors degree in Holistic Psychology, I worked as a make-up artist at the Prudential Center in Boston; working alongside licensed estheticians and mineral skincare lines focusing on sensitive skin.
A few year later, I moved to Arizona and attended the Southwest Institute of Natural Esthetics and graduated with a 4.0 in October 2014. I opened a small aesthetician practice in Scottsdale and continued my education with classes at Scottsdale Community College in Maths, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology. In addition, I sought Master level training with Dermalogica of Scottsdale to include advanced waxing techniques and skin analysis.
In 2018, I moved to Portland and became licensed in the state of Maine. After settling back into the New England coast, I was employed to leg wax, bikini wax and body wax full-time and have had a specialty in Brazilian waxing now for several years.
I then established Asteria Aesthetics, LLC in 2019 and began a national Master’s study in aesthetics while waxing and introducing chemical peels and customized facial spa service. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I began a deep dive in product lines and new studies. In 2021, I moved my practice to Knightville, South Portland and dedicate the treatment room to my wonderful and exceptional clients, and meeting new faces each week.
Additionally, I spend a few hours each month supporting the Reiki program at the Dempsey Foundation for cancer patients. As the Reiki Lead, I help develop the program, support the volunteers and interface with the oncology clients. I am currently offering Oncology-safe facials as part of my practice as well.
There are a lot of options for licensed aestheticians / estheticians in Portland, Maine, so I appreciate your interest and coming this far in your own research to read my bio. I will also say that it is important to have a few specializations in a wide-ranging field such as aesthetics, and I am always happy to recommend competent practitioners who offer other specific services or have a need I cannot fulfill.
I look forward to getting to know you and finding your unique path to radiant, healthy skin and well-being! See you in the treatment room.