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Aria Skin & Body Studio
Categories: Beauty and Spas Skin Care Beauty and Spas Hair Removal Skin Care, Hair Removal [Edit]
500 Sutter StSte 601
(between Mason St & Powell St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Union Square
(415) 250-5340
Announcement
Come and experience the best brazilian wax and facial you have ever received. Mention yelp and receive 20% off on your first visit.
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for Aria Skin & Body Studio
38 reviews in English
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Review from Liz M.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2012
I found Thy through a mutual friend. I now owe that friend my life!! Or something close to that... maybe a dinner out. I owe her something!
Aria is now located on Sutter (no longer on Market). I love the new location. It's roomier and more quiet. The decor is pretty, clean and calming. I don't know what station Thy plays, but I'm always thinking OMG I LOVE THIS SONG AND HAVEN'T HEARD IT IN FOREVER! It's not your usual "rainforest" CD played over and over. But still, calming music. The bed is soft and heated, which is nice and she has pillows for under your legs. And it's very private - no worries about other patrons or some sheet between you and the rest of San Francisco. I practically fall asleep as soon as I hit the sheets.
As for the work - Thy does AMAZING facials. I receive lots of compliments on how clear my skin is and that it's glowing. I give Thy's name out to everyone - she is to thank. I get the customized facial and it is pricey but so, so so worth it. All of her products are gentle and plant-based. I have sensitive skin with rosacea and she manages to make it happy (it normally freaks out with heavy dyes or chemicals). Her extractions are gentle but thorough (it's my favorite part). She also gives great facial massages to really work in the product.
I also go to her for waxing and she does amazing eyebrows. Thy is a perfectionist and so am I - match made in heaven. I normally have to ask for so many little adjustments from other waxers but she is meticulous and does it right to begin with.
I can go on and on.... other pros:
1) Thy's personality - she's warm and funny and it's like hanging out with a girlfriend. I don't feel shy at all around her; she puts you at ease.
2) You can book online! And availability is usually pretty good.
3) You can earn perks through some reward program - ask Thy to sign you up. I get $10 off or other discounts every now and again. Plus she's always doing some kind of special if you read her newsletter and you get % off for your birthday month.
Cons:
1) I cannot afford to go every week. Thy's prices are in-line with average, so she's not way expensive. But still! I want a facial every other day.
2) There are so many services on the menu, it's hard to choose what to do that month.
3) No one has invented pain-free waxing -
Review from Kelly S.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2012
4.5 stars. Loved this place -- and loved Thy. Aria Skin and Body is everything you want in a Brazilian...
Painless as Possible: I've had Brazilians pretty consistently for the last ten years and this was one of the least painful I'd ever experienced. You can look all swollen and puffy afterward, but not with Thy!
Distraction! She has a great personality, easy to talk to, and distracts you from the uncomfortable situation you're in.
Extremely effective. Nuff said.
Nice ambiance: Clean, pretty, great music.
Cost: The only reason I couldn't give the full 5 stars. I think $60 - $85 is a bit on the pricey side, but she did do an excellent job and I can't imagine doing it for less, but nevertheless people do. I still think it was worth it, but I realize the cost will be prohibitive for some people.
Thank you Thy! I will back again! -
Review from Christine G.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2012
I found Thy through a referral from GiltCity, but I feel like it was fate that led me to her cozy studio a few months ago. After years of suffering from skin issues on my chin, one Energy Healing facial, along with a follow-up a few weeks later, has cleared the problem area and my skin looks terrific.
As a person who tries hard to find products with limited chemicals, I was very happy to discover the line that Thy sells, including an organic Retin-A creme that I have been using at night.
I just booked my next appointment and can't wait to keep up my new regime. The results are fantastic! -
Review from Shelley N.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2012
Thy is absolutely the best bikini aesthetician on the planet. I'll stand by that comment solidly. Her bedside manner and technique are flawless. For thy it's not just about removing the hair but making sure your skin is taken care of and that you have a post care/ingrown regimen...upkeep is so important! I've also just had my first facial with Thy and it was a holistic approach using natural high quality formulas - Thy focuses on getting your skin working vs overworking your skin. I also really like talking to Thy... kind of a rarity with aestheticians. You don't have to talk during your treatments but I bet you will want to. Congrats Thy on the new space... It's lovely!
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Review from Sabrina K.
San Francisco, CA
10/12/2011
I paid for a gilt city voucher which expired. I was subsequently treated in a very condescending manner when I requested information about what could be done with my situation. Initailly I was never given a return call back. To be fair, the second time I left a mesage, a return call was given in a timely manner. In a business where customer care is of the utmost importance, and where client conversion following a promotion is important, this proprieter here has no clue how to attract and/ or keep loyal clientele.
Given I have just a teeny, tiny bit of expertise on the subject of marketing in the beauty service industry, I wish I could counsel Thuy on how to run a beauty business, but someone who says, "I charge XX, because I am worth it ," is just not teachable.
There are not a lot of reviews on this business, and I am wondering if they are mostly reviews following the $38 brazilian promotion, as opposed to regulars. I am sure she gives a great wax job, which many estheticians in this town are highly capable of, but my review is on her lousy bedside manner when it comes to business.
Will finish this story later.....Comment from Thy P. of Aria Skin & Body Studio 10/12/2011
I am sorry that you felt that I was rude and condescending.… More » -
Review from Holly T.
San Jose, CA
2/11/2012
I just had the most AMAZING Energy Facial from Thy. After the facial, I swear I looked 20 years younger. Seriously! My skin felt smooth, hydrated and energized.
Thy took me on a journey that was profoundly healing and relaxing, yet at the same time, it felt so LUXURIOUS and self-indulgent in a good way, like "Hey, I deserve to be pampered!"
I had a facial at a fancy spa once and it felt like the person was just painting goop on my face, so I never bothered to try a facial again. But, when I saw Thy's Energy Facial, I was simply so curious and intrigued, I had to give it a try. I'm so glad I did!
Unlike my previous facial, it felt like Thy's hands and fingers were guided to massage all those places in my face that were feeling tense. I actually had a bit of a headache before I went to see her and it completely melted away during the treatment.
Thy also shared meaningful insights that she was picking up about my energy and my chakras. Her intuitive guidance was exactly what I needed to hear today. When anyone touches my face or neck in a spa setting, i feel very vulnerable. I felt very safe and supported with Thy and trusted her completely. -
Review from Monica S.
8/25/2011
Think about an infomercial with one of those "do-you-really-want-THIS?" experiences happening. The yellow wax is sticking all over the place, the girl trying to apply it has a big, fat frown on her face, and the skin she's just attempted to wax is all red.
Juxtapose that with a serene experience of progressive hard wax, no mess, and the careful hand of Thy, a licensed esthetician, removing your unwanted hair with minimal pain.
A pro at her craft, Thy rocks that griz right off of you. -
Review from Nancy L.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2012
Thy is fantastic! I followed her from Spa Bar and am so grateful to have found her again. Her facials are amazing!! My skin is always hydrated and glowing after Thy works her magic. She is also so easy to talk to and makes you feel very comfortable. The studio is also very clean, comfortable, and cozy. There are so many different services to try. I am already looking forward to my next appointment!
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Review from massiel g.
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2011
Let me be honest, I am very vain. I take really good care of my skin, especially my face and that's the reason I started getting facials. I love facials! I love the glow my face has after a facial, how smooth my face feels, and how clean it looks. I started seeing Thy a couple of years ago on a recommendation from a friend that I trust because in all the years I have been getting facials, I never found an Esthetician that I love.
With Thy, it was love at first touch! She has magic hands and my face has never looked better. As I get older, my face is not aging at the same pace, and I know that is partly attributed to the love my face receives from Thy's facials. Thy makes my face happy :)
Also, she doesn't try to sell me expensive products when she has finished my facial, instead she tells me about all products whether she sells them at her studio or not. She is honest.
I recommend Thy completely. She is professional, honest, and will make your face glow!! -
Review from Raina B.
9/19/2011
Bottom line: Go here for a bikini wax.
Thy takes the time to get all up in there and take everything out while making it as painless as possible. She also chats with you about everything and anything so that you are distracted and is just lovely. -
Review from Emily C.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I came to Aria for the first time recently with a waxing voucher from GiltCity. Thy was professional, polite and great at chatting to take your mind off things.
Her waxing technique was flawless. I've been to a number of nice spas for waxing before but I have always left with some ingrowns and/or bruising from the wax -- but not with Thy! I will definitely be going back again soon.Listed in: Glam-o-rama
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Review from Amy P.
Los Angeles County, CA
9/18/2011
WAY BEFORE THE APPT: the first time I heard of aria was through a gilt offer for a brazilian. I decided to try it out, since thy got great reviews and there was a discount. so i made my appt and was all set! however, an unexpected trip to the beach came up the week before my appt and i had to tweeze my bikini line. i kno! i kno! it's totally taboo, but i had no choice. :(
BEFORE THE APPT: i was a bit late for my appt because i had trouble finding parking. i ended up parking at the hearst structure across the street. when i got to thy's office, i asked to use the restroom before she started and OF COURSE, i started my period! fml. but thy wasn't fazed at all when I told her. thy was nice about it and was able to work around my untimely misfortune.
DURING THE APPT: that doesn't mean i didn't feel bad about it though. however, thy made me feel better by sharing how she has faced far worse circumstances in her many years of waxing. i learned that giving birth does alter your "physiology" beyond labor, and most ppl aren't perfect or symmetrical.
beyond that, the wax wasn't terribly painful. she uses both hard and strip waxes. thy also went in an pulled out some missed hairs with tweezers after waxing, but not all of them. i'm used to being able to check the work with a wall-mirror at the foot of the bed and point out little hairs i see so the esthetician can tweeze them out at the spa i usually go to. i didn't do that with thy though, since i had taken matters into my own hands the week before and created way more little hairs than necessary. also, the room wasn't very well lit, which makes for a nice relaxing atmosphere, but isn't good for checking a wax. :X
AFTER THE APPT: initially, the results weren't exactly what I was hoping for, but again, part of that is my fault. it wasn't anything a a few minutes and a tweezer couldn't fix.
WAY AFTER THE APPT: the BEST part of the wax was actually when the new hairs started growing in. they came in finer and softer than they usually do. I was pleasantly surprised by how UN-porcupine I felt. I dono what thy did or what she used, but it worked! i felt kinda bad at that point, because i wish i tipped her better than i actually did. (sorry, thy!). i would definitely like to go back to see thy for brazilians more frequently, but i would have to find a job in the SF first... anyone want to hire a dietitian? (shameless plug) -
Review from Hiromi N.
Walnut Creek, CA
10/4/2011
Today I saw Thy for Brazilian for the very first time, and it was a great experience!
Thy gave me a perfect Brazilian in such a short amount of time. It was almost painless too. She has a very pleasant demeanor that makes you feel very comfortable.
Lastly her salon is very clean and pleasant, and it is in a great location. (It is right by Montgomery BART station.) I will be going back to see her again for sure! -
Review from Johanna S.
Oakland, CA
6/13/2011
I met Thy after Spa Bar closed and I'm sooooo glad I did! The location is great, right on Market and it makes it super easy for me to pop in to see her right after the work day.
It took me forever to find someone who could do my eyebrows just right. Thy really took the time to help me figure out what worked best on me and I've never felt rushed when I'm with her despite how busy she is. She'll go out of her way to make you feel comfortable.
After 2 appointments with her I went ahead and purchased one of her maintenance packages. I highly recommend buying it if you're someone who's brows need some monthly TLC like mine do. Its a sweet deal. -
Review from Wild O.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2011
Absolutely a perfectionist! Thy deserves all my stars, too bad I can only give up to 5. I went in for a BW 2 1/2 weeks ago, and let me tell you, no irritations!! Yea! My regrowths is just barely growing in, it's fine, light, and minimal. Don't know what you did, but it surely works for me. See you in a few weeks!! Thank you Thy!:)
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Review from YJ C.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2011
I decided to try Aria for a Brazilian wax because of the great Yelp reviews and the first timer discount. It was really easy to make an appointment online; I thought that was pretty convenient. Thy is very nice and has good explanations for whatever questions you may have.
-1 star because I felt kind of rushed throughout the process. It's not that I was late or because Thy had an appointment before/after me, but Thy talks a lot and very quickly. Usually I probably wouldn't notice, but in a situation like this, I feel kind of vulnerable and nervous, and it made me more agitated.
-1 star because a couple of days after my appointment, there was already some hair growth. Past experience tells me that a lot of the hairs were broken at the surface, rather than pulled out at the root. -
Review from Cecilia C.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2012
Thy is amazing! I have been going to her for almost a year now for brazilians and she is the absolute best! i get essentially NO INGROWNS and she is amazing. professional, super skilled and sooo nice! the absolute best!
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Review from Kelsey M.
San Francisco, CA
8/2/2011
I absolutely love Aria! First off, the building and layout of the space is really chic. Each stylist has their own room, so you get a very personalized and more private experience. I received a discount for mentioning yelp as promised and my stylist was very kind and clearly knew what she was doing. I was surprised to learn that she was one of the owners. I think it says something when the owner is interacting with clients and providing top knotch services. I plan to go back and check out their other services in the future. Two thumbs up!
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Review from Bill L.
Portland, ME
11/12/2011
The only person I would go to. Somehow she makes it so waxing doesn't hurt. Also very knowledgeable on the science of it. Great personality!
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Review from Gina G.
2/17/2011
To say that I am thrilled to have located Shelly after the closure of SpaBar would be an understatement. (See previous review under SpaBar.)
Shelly makes my skin happy, which is very important to me. She is exceptionally talented, knowledgeable, nurturing and downright incredible. She provides awesome feedback and I completely trust her recommendations, as well as advice. Shelly has been giving me facials for about three years; my skin and I do not know what we would do without her.
If Shelly were working out of van, I wouldn't think twice because that's how good she is at what she does. But the fact that Aria Skin & Body is housed in a ridiculously hip, modern and fabulous space is simply an added bonus. The environment is just downright cool, not to mention conveniently located.
If you are looking for results, (flawless skin, relaxation, painless waxing) look no further. Aria Skin & Body will hook you up....Listed in: Beautify
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Review from Emily T.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/13/2012
Very good/efficient with waxing!!! Thy also makes you very comfortable no matter what service is being done. - Thank you!
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Review from A I.
San Francisco, CA
8/21/2011
Thy is amazing! I have been to many spas before and have been getting waxed for years now and it is always hard to find a good person. Moving around as much as I have, the number of so-so wax experiences are countless but that is not what you get with Thy.
She knows exactly what she is doing, exactly what the customer wants and is so personable that you forget that the situation you are in is potentially one of the most awkward 'face to face' interactions you can have with a stranger.
Im glad to have a new girl who I trust and who I know is talented at her craft! -
Review from Charlie S.
Daly City, CA
2/8/2011
This is my first ever review for a fellow therapist who I have followed since her training at World School. I've always notice a feeling of calm and wholeness every time I've interacted with Shelly. Her love of this ancient craft is obvious and I am glad she merged this path along with her skin care disciplines.
Her studio at Sola is simple, to the point, and gets the job done. She makes the extra effort and care in choosing essential oils for their beneficial effect.
Her touch is unique, involves precise trigger points, and long gentle strokes. My body immediately relaxed as I was immersed in the flow of Shelly's intuitive work.
I can sense she can go very deep into the healing process and I'll be seeing her monthly for the next 6 months. I can't wait for my next visit with Shelly. -
Review from Heather P.
Berkeley, CA
4/5/2011
Spa Bar gave me the first clean skin I ever had in my life. When Spa Bar closed I was devastated. I trusted noone but Marisa with my skin. Thy found me and I was soooo skeptical. Not Marissa? And she wanted me to try new products? Heresy! But she wooed me with her enthusiasm, love for skin care, and discounts that make treatments more affordable. I am slowly becoming less skeptical and more smitten. Once I got the BART trip not car commute aspect down, getting there was a breeze. So this is what I like: Thy is really easy to work with. Love booking appts by text. Love that she cares about each and every customer. Thy loves what she does. She is professional and it feels great to support her. And, best of all, my husband asked me why my skin looks so good these days!
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Review from Inez P.
El Cerrito, CA
6/14/2011
I've been seeing Thy for a little over 3 years now. I first met her at SpaBar and continued to follow her to her new business. She is an awesome esthetician! I go to her for all of my facial and skin care needs. She is very knowledgeable, friendly, and most importantly passionate about what she does! Any questions or concerns I have about my skin are always addressed and everytime I leave her my skin is soft and glowing! I cannot thank her enough for all she has done to keep my skin clear and youthful looking. I can honestly say that I would follow her anywhere she goes! She's the best! ;)
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Review from Lyn N.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2011
I've known Thy Pham since she worked at Spa Bar (now closed). I'm happy to reunite with her after finally checking out her own salon located at Sola Salon Studios (2nd floor). I'm not biased because I'm one of her devoted clients but because she provides outstanding services and performs quality work with the utmost perfection and professionalism that is hard to find now a days. What I appreciate the most about Thy is how she makes me feel comfortable right when I walk into her studio. Trust is hard to find especially with an esthetician who is waxing your private part. She is respectful and knows how to spark the "right" conversation with you while you're in the middle of getting a brazilian or bikini wax. Thy has a unique skill that provides less pain when I come in for a brazilian/bikini wax; the process is fast, efficient, and thorough. I don't walk away from her salon with ingrown hairs or redness. Her prices are very similar to the prices at Spa Bar. It is reasonable rates and pricing is available to view at their website: http://www.ariaskinand...
Aria Skin & Body Studios is run by both Thy and Shelly who both came from Spa Bar. They have two studios they share and use interchangeably which are in mint excellent condition. The decor is relaxing and inviting, and the waxes are topnotch quality (which explains why I don't get ingrown hairs nor redness). Nice relaxing music almost meditative sounds play overhead which helps to relax me. A very clean studio and practices sanitary procedures - there is never double-dipping when waxing. Thy is very flexible and accommodating a person's busy schedule. Yes, Thy works on Sundays too! I drive in from the Peninsula on a Sunday. At first, I was turned off at the fact that parking is scarce and the nearest parking garage I know is on 5th and Mission (until I do more research and find a closer area). Thy recommends taking public transportation but seriously people, after checking out Thy's new studio and getting the services I need done, I'm returning to this place again despite the parking madness! Don't let the street parking deter you from her. It is worth checking her out! My review doesn't do her justice. You will just have to make an appointment and check her out for yourself! You can even book an appointment online. You will not regret ever meeting this esthetician. -
Review from Sarah A.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2011
I followed Thy from another salon (that closed, Spa Bar) to her new studio. Thy is the best esthetician I have ever been to. She gives you her time, is amazing at giving PAINLESS waxes and gives great facials and massages.
It took me two years to find someone in the city that I could trust and I couldn't recommend Thy enough. -
Review from Elizabeth J.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2011
Aria Skin & Body Studios is a one stop shop for your bodywork and skincare needs. I love starting with a wax and ending with a facial or massage. Shelly has been treating me for over 4 years now. I have tried other waxing services and she is consistently fast and virtually painless, so I keep coming back. Her facials are quite effective yet always GENTLE. No scary redface. They also carry the yummy and reasonably priced "Rhonda Allison" skincare line.
Conveinantly located off many major bus/train lines on market street, Aria is a haven in the excitingly chaotic downtown area. Go see Shelly if ya need some stress relief, she will treat your body right! -
Review from Nicole T.
Fremont, CA
7/26/2011
This is as good as it gets! I just returned from the quickest, easiest Brazilian wax I've ever had. Compared with other places that I've been to, this was relatively pain-free. Thy is extremely friendly and professional. I will return!
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Review from Kao S.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2011
As a person who has oily skin and breakouts often, I am so glad to find Thy. She is an amazing Esthetician that focuses on what you really need to get your skin problem solved. Since I have seen her, my breakouts have calmed down and is looking so much better. Not having the best skin, I have always been a little self-conscious but Thy has never made me feel self conscious at all. Go see Thy if you want a true professional who takes great care of you.
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Review from Grace H.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2011
I first met Shelly at Spa Bar while looking for skin care products. The first thing I noticed about her is that she genuinely cares about good skin care and her clients. Her knowledge has lead me to some smart, natural products that have greatly improved my skin. She also performs AMAZING facials that you will not forget. Her style is very centered, attentive, and her perfectly applied technique will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. The studio is very cute, clean, and modern, with a relaxed, social vibe. Highly recommended. One of my favorite face/body experiences in San Francisco.
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Review from Jason F.
San Jose, CA
7/19/2011
I have been going to Thy for several years, originally at SPA Bar. Thy has never failed to disappoint, always has great recommendations for treatments, and her products are top quality. I typically have a chemical peel and always receive compliments on my skin after a visit. I always make time to visit Thy when I'm in town (I'm out of the South Bay area). Thy's an esthetician you can trust!
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Review from Rachel K.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2011
Thy is fantastic, a total professional. She's now given me brazilian waxes several times, and as someone who gets waxed regularly, I can vouch that her technique is excellent. Not only is she great, her salon is a super clean, super relaxing space.
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Review from Shehn D.
Moraga, CA
8/24/2011
Loved the convenience of coming to Aria. In and out within 45 minutes for 2 services. Great for the lunch hour and easily accessible.
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Review from Heather S.
Berkeley, CA
3/1/2011
Thy is simply the best. I followed her from Spa Bar and am so glad she stayed in the neighborhood. She is great at what she does--no one else has ever gotten my brows perfectly even--and she makes waxing virtually pain free. She's very professional and has a great calm vibe. I wouldn't go to anyone else and cannot recommend her highly enough.
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Review from amy p.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2011
I first went to Thy several years ago (@spabar) when on vacation. She is no doubt the BEST esthetician I have ever been to! Her waxing technique is PAINLESS and her facials are so relaxing I've fallen asleep. Thy always remembers my name and what's going on in my life, unlike other professionals I've seen. She is so caring, sweet, and makes you feel so comfortable. I would never go to anyone else in San Francisco! I highly recommend making an appointment with her because once you see her, you will NEVER go back to your old un-personable spa!! DO IT NOW!!!!!!
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Review from Sav D.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2011
I also followed Thy from SpaBar. I was so thrilled that she called to let me know she started Aria Skin & Body with Shelly (who I've also seen and is equally talented). These girls are the most thoughtful, caring & gentle estheticians I have EVER had. I've lived in Montreal, Sydney & San Francisco and have never had anyone better. I hope they never move! A rare gem in the city you'll be glad you found.
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Review from Suzanne F.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 6/15/2011
I LOVED Thy's facial -- my skin not only glowed when I left (and here's why I am moved to write this) ... the effect has lasted for weeks! People are STILL telling me how my face is glowing. Cool, right? Then last week I went back for her Brazilian wax. Now I'm a first timer-- and that is because I was always afraid of the pain factor. But this was truly no big deal ... I have to say, I was amazed at how relatively painless the procedure was -- and the results were excellent. I heard about Thy's reputation for a pain free Brazilian, and it was totally right -- her whole manner is caring, meticulous and professional and I simply can't recommend her enough!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/30/2011
I have been wanting a facial A LOT lately ... somehow my skin just hasn't been 'right' ... big… Read more »
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