The Backward Look

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Healing the mind | Restoring the body | Revitalizing the spirit

About Us

The Backward Look offers affordable and convenient licensed aesthetics and massage therapy services in Waukegan, IL and the surrounding areas.

Offering various medical aesthetics such as AHA/BHA chemical and mechanical exfoliation as well as a variety of massage modalities, including Swedish, Lomi Lomi, Deep Tissue, Relaxation, and even animal massage services. We work with you to develop a unique therapeutic experience to meet your needs.

Whether you choose to book your appointment one hour out or one year away, you will be assured a relaxing experience from a licensed and professional massage therapist and aesthetician.

The Backward Look

650 Grand Ave

Waukegan , IL 60085 map it

(708) 506-2733

Hours of Operation

M By Appointment Only

T By Appointment Only

W By Appointment Only

Th By Appointment Only

F By Appointment Only

Sa By Appointment Only

S Closed

The Backward Look

650 Grand Ave

Waukegan , IL 60085 map it

(708) 506-2733

Hours of Operation

M By Appointment Only

T By Appointment Only

W By Appointment Only

Th By Appointment Only

F By Appointment Only

Sa By Appointment Only

S Closed

Client Testimonials

Here's what our clients are saying

Jesse is wonderful. The ambience is great. Highly recommended!

Jesse provides a comfortable and trusting environment that lets the stress of everyday life melt away, if even for just awhile.
Charming historic cottage that has been converted in to a wonderful spa.

Excellent overall experience
It was perfect! Couldn’t have asked for more. I hope to be a regular client!

This was my first visit with Jesse. He addressed concerns, spoke to how the flow of the massage would go, and stayed focused on where I had concerns during the service. I appreciated the consultation and listening to me.
Very clean and comfortable studio. I felt very respected and cared for during the massage.

Only downside of massage space: lack of full bathroom facilities.
I will be back!

I will definitely go back!

Read all reviews

The Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is used to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and create other health benefits. It is a classic massage that will ease your stress and allow you to slip into a calm state of relaxation. Swedish massage may increase the oxygen flow in blood and release toxins from muscles. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, and other metabolic wastes. It also helps stretch ligaments and tendons helping to keep them supple and pliable.

$45

30min

$90

60min

$120

90min

$160

120min

Select

Special Available

Lomi Lomi Massage

Lomi Lomi is a unique healing massage derived from the ancient Polynesians and more specifically, the master healers of Hawaii. The method combines a variety of techniques to relax each part of your mind and body as a whole. It will leave you feeling serene and relaxed.

$120

60min

$240

120min

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The Back Facial

This hard to reach and often neglected area will be given a true “facial” treatment. A thorough cleansing, exfoliation, followed by extractions if needed, and a mask to balance the skin. This treatment is customized to best suit your skin type.

$75

60min

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The Nourishing Facial

Nourishing the skin, relaxing the system, and soothing the soul are all part of this luxurious refresher. Thorough, but oh-so-gentle deep cleansing with exfoliating enzymes lifts away dry, flaking dead cells and surface toxins. Massage with an aromatic natural herbal balm, infusion of botanical serum, and application of a creamy soothing mask help skin soak up the rejuvenating hydration. The complexion emerges looking fresh, dewy, and radiant.

$65

60min

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Alchimie Forever Brightening Peel (Level I)

One treatment. Immediate results. No downtime. This precise, light peel contains a combination of AHAs, BHAs, and blueberry extract to chemically improve the texture and tone of the skin, leaving it brighter, softer, and perfectly radiant. Great for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

$75

30min

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Male Body Trimming (half)

Please inquire prior to scheduling.

$50

30min

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Male Body Trimming (Full)

Please inquire prior to scheduling.

$100

60min

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Booking a service you previously paid for?

5+1 = FREE! Promo: 60-minutes

Purchase 5 60-minute massage sessions & receive a 6th complimentary session

$450

60min.

Select

10+2 = FREE! Promo: 60-min

Purchase 10 60-minute massage sessions & receive 2 complimentary sessions

$720

60min.

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5+1 = FREE! Promo: 90-minutes

Purchase 5 90-minute massage sessions & receive a 6th complimentary session

$600

90min.

Select

10+2 = FREE! Promo: 90-min

Purchase 10 90-minute massage sessions & receive a 2 complimentary sessions

$1200

90min.

Select

Booking a service you previously paid for?

Special Happy Halloween

This year is all treats! Enjoy special savings the entire month of October.

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Jesse T.

License: IL #227017843

License: IL #131009173

37 Verified Reviews

Book Now

Hello,
Please allow me to introduce myself, & welcome you to a beautiful space & a caring environment. My name is Jesse, & I am a dual-therapist that offers both bodywork & skin rejuvenation. I have been practicing the art of esthetics & massage professionally since 2008, & constantly strive to improve my methods to help others look & feel their best.

Each therapeutic massage session I offer is unique to you. As a relaxation specialist, I integrate a variety of techniques into each session including Swedish, Lomi Lomi, neuro-muscular, & energy work that offers legitimate stress reduction & complete relaxation.
For those that seek results in their skincare, I offer my skills in the art of esthetics that will help you elevate & achieve that healthy glow you have been working towards.

I welcome all gay, straight, bi, LGBTQIA, to my place of healing. Black lives matter to me. Your confidentiality as a client is always respected and protected.

I appreciate you sharing a moment of your time to seek me out.
Thank you for your interest in me for your bodywork & skincare needs.
I look forward to welcoming you.

Namaste,
Jesse

Bodywork Services

The Swedish Massage

$45

30min

$90

60min

$120

90min

$160

120min

Select

Special Available

Lomi Lomi Massage

$120

60min

$240

120min

Select

Skincare Services

The Back Facial

$75

60min

Select

The Nourishing Facial

$65

60min

Select

Alchimie Forever Brightening Peel (Level I)

$75

30min

Select

Hair Removal Services

Male Body Trimming (half)

$50

30min

Select

Male Body Trimming (Full)

$100

60min

Select

Special Offers

5+1 = FREE! Promo: 60-minutes

$450

60min.

Select

10+2 = FREE! Promo: 60-min

$720

60min.

Select

5+1 = FREE! Promo: 90-minutes

$600

90min.

Select

10+2 = FREE! Promo: 90-min

$1200

90min.

Select

by Greg on Oct 09

Jesse is great! His spa is a wonderful, peaceful oasis. You must see him.

by Anonymous on Sep 26

Jesse is a talented and special guy that offers an amazing massage. He truly and deeply cares about providing the very best.

by Anonymous on Sep 22

It's apparent Jesse has been professionally trained. You'll be pampered as you enter in to complete relaxation.

by Anonymous on Sep 02

Great experience!

by Daniel on Jul 16

It was the right pressure when needed! Thank you!

by Michael on Apr 28

This was my first visit with Jesse. He addressed concerns, spoke to how the flow of the massage would go, and stayed focused on where I had concerns during the service. I appreciated the consultation and listening to me.

by Anonymous on Mar 13

Very clean and comfortable studio. I felt very respected and cared for during the massage.

by Anonymous on Feb 21

Only downside of massage space: lack of full bathroom facilities.

by Anonymous on Feb 20

I will be back!

by Anonymous on Feb 15

I will definitely go back!

Average Rating:

4.95 (Based on 37 Reviews)

96 %

Ambiance

98 %

Professionalism

5star

94%

4star

3star

2star

1star

by Greg on Oct 2020

Verified

Jesse is wonderful. The ambience is great. Highly recommended!

by Anonymous on Sep 2020

Verified

Jesse provides a comfortable and trusting environment that lets the stress of everyday life melt away, if even for just awhile.

by Anonymous on Sep 2020

Verified

Charming historic cottage that has been converted in to a wonderful spa.

by Anonymous on Sep 2020

Verified

Excellent overall experience

by Daniel on Jul 2020

Verified

It was perfect! Couldn’t have asked for more. I hope to be a regular client!

by Michael on Apr 2020

Verified

by Anonymous on Mar 2020

Verified

Very clean and comfortable studio. I felt very respected and cared for during the massage.

by Anonymous on Feb 2020

Verified

Only downside of massage space: lack of full bathroom facilities.

by Anonymous on Feb 2020

Verified

I will be back!

by Anonymous on Feb 2020

Verified

I will definitely go back!

by Anonymous on Feb 2020

Verified

An overall fantastic experience. Jesse is exceedingly good with his hands and intuitively targets problem areas. I will surely return.

by Anonymous on Feb 2020

Verified

I have had many massages over the years by many different massage therapist. I can honestly say Jessie is in the top 5. He is truly a gifted man. His massage is flawless. I love the long strokes and the light to medium touch. For those who live in Wisconsin, like i do, you have to give Jessie a try. I will guarantee you will be back. I know I will again and again and again. He is worth the drive. Thank you Jessie, you are one of a kind.

by Anonymous on Feb 2020

Verified

Jesse was very comforting and his studio matches the comfort he gave. The 90 minute massage did not seem enough for Jesse will put you in a very relaxed space that you would not want to get out of. He is very respectful and constantly ask if the pressure is ok which was greatly appreciated. He is very knowledgeable and intuitive when it comes to what your body needs. Jesse is great in what he does and would highly recommend people to experience his touch.

by Anonymous on Jan 2020

Verified

This was my first experience with Tao Skin & Body. I got a 30 minutes massage. Everything was great. Next time I will get the full hour. Thanks, Jesse.

by Anonymous on Jan 2020

Verified

Eric provides an excellent massage.

by Anonymous on Jan 2020

Verified

Jesse instantly made me feel at ease when I got to his office for my first appointment. I loved how easy it was to schedule with him. His online software confirmed my appointment and sent me a reminder text. His candle lit massage studio, spa music and incredible touch were just what I needed. The massage was so relaxing, I didn't want to get up off the heated able at the end of my 90 minutes. One of the best professional massages I have had in a long time!

by Anonymous on Dec 2019

Verified

I contacted Jesse very late that day and he was able to get me in for a late appointment which was great. I arrived to meet a wonderful person very nice, well groomed, and professional. The room was amazing, nice table, heated, dim lighting. The massage was better yet, I don't think I was ever so relaxed during a massage. The time just flew by. I would definitely recommend Jesse to anyone. Most relaxing massage I ever had.

by Anonymous on Dec 2019

Verified

Me gusto por la puntualidad de comenzar a tiempo y el ambiente súper, olor rico, el masaje está a pedir de boca, está todo bueno!

by Anonymous on Dec 2019

Verified

What a great experience. Jesse is attentive and clearly enjoys his work. I will be calling him again when I am next in town.

by Jorge on Dec 2019

Verified

I arrived early and Jesse was able to accommodate me, the massage was calming taking me to my happy zone! Amazing...coming back!

by Barry on Nov 2019

Verified

Jesse has an excellent touch, very soothing and tender while still working out all the kinks in my muscles. He is very skilled with longer strokes that helped to relax me. Plus, Jesse is very kind and genuine which helped put me at ease. I look forward to my next massage.

by Anonymous on Nov 2019

Verified

Jesse is a very friendly and warm human being. He puts you completely at ease as much by his persona as the massage itself. His studio space is very large, calm and relaxing with a heated table. Jesse was perceptive to my body's responses and custom tailor my massage to my specific needs. I will definitely be a repeat customer. His studio was easy to find and there is plenty of parking. An exfoliating towel to remove any excess oil from the body after the massage could be added to make this an exceptional experience. Thank you Jesse.

by Callan on Nov 2019

Verified

Jesse was great! We are all going back.

by Anonymous on Oct 2019

Verified

I had expected a deep tissue massage only to find out, clinician doesn’t really do deep tissue massages. At the end of session, therapist offered to give me a referral to another clinician for deeper work. I’m aware that I could have asked if he does deep tissue before setting up the appointment. If you want a relaxing, gentle rubdown in an unusually nicely decorated space, I’d highly recommend this clinician.

by Anonymous on Oct 2019

Verified

The massage session was wonderful. Once you step into the massage room you know you are in the good hands of this professional. I felt warm and welcome with Jesse. The pressure of the massage was perfect and relaxing. I felt relaxed and rejuvenated after my massage. I will definitely be returning.

by Eber on Oct 2019

Verified

Jesse was wonderful, very professional and definitely made me feel comfortable. I am looking forward to seeing him again!

by Eber on Oct 2019

Verified

Jesse was wonderful, very professional and definitely made me feel comfortable. I am looking forward to seeing him again!

by Anonymous on Sep 2019

Verified

Jessie did a great job. Extremely relaxing. Will definitely be back. Thanks Jessie

by Anonymous on Sep 2019

Verified

Jesse is an excellent massage therapist. My session was totally relaxing and mentally nourishing.

by Anonymous on Sep 2019

Verified

Jessie did an amazing job. I have never had a massage quite like it. The continuous motion was very soothing.

by Anonymous on Sep 2019

Verified

A really nice experience, perfect touch. Thank you.

by Anonymous on Aug 2019

Verified

Very relaxing...THX!

by Anonymous on Aug 2019

Verified

Very relaxing space and great massage. I will be back!

by Anonymous on Aug 2019

Verified

Jesse provided an incredible and renewing experience during my massage. He is a skilled professional with a down-to-earth personality. He offered a clean and welcoming space as well. I highly recommend him.