I'm a little late to this thread, but if anyone is looking for an esthetician, I would highly recommend finding someone who is trained with Dermalogica. They are one of the largest skincare companies, there's a store locator on their website, and lots of chain beauty stores/massage places carry Dermalogica as one of their lines.
I'm an esthetician, and I've had my hands in a multitude of products, and Dermalogica is the one line that has never ever failed me. I've always had amazing results consistently with clients.
Part of their facial process involves an in-depth skin analysis, and then an esthetician will sketch up a routine customized to your skin (and should be able to explain precisely why what products are chosen, citing the ingredients involved). I wouldn't recommend buying their products without first consulting with an esthetician who is trained in the line because they have SO many products, and if you pick the wrong ones, you won't get the best results (this is true for any skincare line).
Some stores also have someone who will just do an analysis if you want to skip the facial, I do believe.
There are always coupons you can google for their online store.
So if anyone feels really overwhelmed about where to start with skincare, I recommend Dermalogica, because it's so personalized and education-oriented. Everyone's skin is SO different, and small details of your lifestyle, which are also highly individual, have a huge impact on your skin.