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Bella Skin
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
45 reviews for Bella Skin
So amazingly, I somehow transformed from a woman who always said, "I will NEVER pay someone to rip hair out of me" to a woman saying, "Hmmm...that might be nice, you know, down there." Enter: Yelp reviews! I have a seriously low pain tolerance, so I made sure to scour the site for waxing, and find a place with consistently amazing reviews and five stars. Enter: Bella Skin! And trust me folks, they deserve it. Time to become a citizen of Brazil.
So instead of calling up and blindly making an appointment, I stopped by one day to make an appointment in person and ask some questions. I was a little nervous. How much would it hurt? How many pulls would it be? How long would I have to wait til I did it again? What should my expectations be for results? Etc. I highly recommend doing that to anyone who's a concerned newbie to the experience.
I ended up speaking with Chani who was holding down the fort, and she booked me an appointment with her! She made a point to tell me that it would hurt (points for honesty), but it's different for everyone and by that point I had convinced myself that, you know what, it's temporary pain, and if I ever had a hope of getting a tattoo this was probably a good place to start.
I was advised by a friend to take some advil or aleve before going in, so I did so - popped 3 aleve about 30 min before my appointment. I couldn't tell you if it works or not, cause I've done it both times I've been in. Why not, right?
First of all, Chani is amazing. She makes you feel SO comfortable, talks a good bit, but also asks a lot of questions and gets you talking about yourself to take your mind off what's going on. I'm a pretty open and friendly person so the knowledge that she looks at hoohas all day is enough for me to feel comfortable with her, but I'm sure she makes those more nervous/quiet than I feel good too. Bella itself is a really comforting environment. Nice smells, soothing music - it's small, but done well.
They use hard wax, which means no strips - just warm wax they spread on, let it cool for 15-30 seconds, and then off it goes! Chani mentioned to me that brunettes have the easiest time with the pain so if you're a blond or redhead my experience may not be particularly comparable, but here goes. So the bikini strips BARELY hurt. I actually said, "wait...that was it?" after the first couple she pulled. She moves her way inwards (so you can stop at any time and look normal) and you can bet your ass they hurt more as she goes. But that means she saves the worst for last, and it's only 3-4 pulls of those. I'd say the first-time experience had three levels of pulls/pain. The first barely hurt - I'm not kidding. The second hurt a bit, but no more than getting your eyebrows done. These were the majority of pulls, and the pain comes RIGHT after she's pulled it, and lasts for about 3-5 seconds. It's definitely doable, even for someone (me) who passes out from spraining her ankle or jamming her finger. The third level of pain were the pulls that make you recoil immediately and cringe for a few seconds - this pain lasts 10-15 seconds. She finishes with the backside, which is back to a level 1.
The first time I went, I psyched myself up to believe it was going to hurt a SHIT-ton. I left extremely happy, not only with the results, but with the experience. I wasn't scared to come back - in fact, I was excited! I mean, it hurt, but it was worth it. She also said that the second time, and every time after that, would hurt much much less.
So I recently went for the second time, after 5 weeks. I gotta say, I don't mind the dentist that much, and I find the dentist MUCH less pleasant than a visit to Brazil at Bella. It DEFINITELY did not hurt as much the second time, and it was a much cleaner result. The majority of pulls were a 1/2 level, with maybe ONE level 3 pull. It went much more quickly (less/weaker hair = fewer pulls) and I can't wait to go back a third time! And a fourth! And fifth! You get the point.
Long review short (too late), I highly recommend Bella - don't bother trying anywhere else. Others have and they've landed here and been happier. Also they're VERY reasonably priced and treat you wonderfully. Who could ask for more?
I had a brazilian wax here about six weeks ago with Michelle, and she was great. It was my first time going whole hog, so it hurt like a mutha, but Michelle was *awesome*. She was funny, easy-going, and meticulous, and she actually made getting the hair ripped out of my nethers a fairly pleasant experience. I'm about to book my second appointment!
My advice: take some aspirin before hand. Trust.
I remember when I first got my eyebrows done on newbury street and let's just say there where tears involved so you can imagine why I never ventured into the land of bikini waxing. I mean...hello it's a sensitive area that should only be treated with love and respect, right? I don't know why but for whatever reason I finally decided to give it a go, all the cool kids are doing it and as a self professed cool kid I had to step up to the plate.
This was no where as painful or horrible as I thought it was going to be. I had Nicole and although it didn't tickle it didn't bring about tears either. She was so nice and funny I almost want to say it was fun.....but that would be weird right? Ah what the heck! It was fun, the results are great and I will totally be going back!
Nicole is AWESOME!
She is super friendly, funny and professional.
She does my brazilian and massage.
Seriously, this girl rules and I refuse to go to anyone else!
Bella Skin is quite the gem. ;-)
I wanted to get a Brazilian wax for my wedding night so I needed to get it done before I left town. I was a bit nervous and downed two Advil prior to my appointment. When I walked in, there were nuts and other goodies for me to snack on while I waited (I was super early). Michelle was the lady who worked on me and she was great! I felt very comnfortable with her and she explained what she was doing the whole time, as well as made small talk with me. I knew when it was going to hurt a bit more and honestly, it never hurt afterwards. I am definitely going back as this is a splurge I am more than happy to pay for! My new husband also liked it a lot. =)
OK, so I went in today for my first Brazilian at Bella and it was every bit, every last hair as good as everyone says! I used to get my Brazilian at a place in Watertown that wasn't as good; then actually did it myself for a long time, with varying results. Michelle was very funny - we laughed and joked around the whole time, while she (mostly) painlessly but expertly whisked it all away! I'll be back. A very nice little salon. Snacks, nuts and candy a big plus!
I was a COMPLETE chicken about getting waxed (Brazilian) after I had a few waxings with the strip wax they use at most salons, which is incredibly painful. After taking a long break from waxing, and trying shaving for a while, I wanted to give the far superior waxing another try. After having a wax with the hard wax they use at Bella Skin I will NEVER try another place.
The spa itself is no Newbury Street spa, but it was definitely not the typical Brookline/Brighton spa either. They have nice rooms, with nice massage tables, good lighting, aromatherapy and calming music, and the aestheticians were SUPER nice. Everything was very clean.
And honestly, the waxing literally barely hurt compared to getting it done with strip wax.
If anyone's considering getting this done, I HIGHLY recommend Bella Skin.
Excellent place for the waxing of delicate areas, significantly less painful than other salons.
Friendly, warm, welcoming staff.
They also have free pieces of dove dark chocolate - yum!
I have been going here for about a year now for bikini and eye brow waxing. This week I did a facial there for the first time. It was with Michelle and FANTASTIC! So relaxing and my face looks and feels great. I've had facials all over at tons of spas, but this was by far my favorite!
I love this place. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is really calming and everyone is so pleasant. I have my bikini waxes with Trina and she makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. She's truly a professional. Best of all, it doesn't hurt. Trina's a professional and gives her clients great service.
I've been getting my eyebrows waxed since I was a teenager. I made an appointment at Bella Skin on a recommendation of a friend and crossed my fingers.
I could not be more happy with the results! Michelle was quick, clean, and was sure to let me know exactly what she was doing. We even talked about my "goals for my eyebrows". I love goals!
I've had a few other services here as well and all were top quality. I'm happy to have found a home for my brows!
I have gone 3 times for a bikini wax and it gets much easier. Love Michelle, she is awesome. I can't recommend Bella Skin enough for any waxing services. I had my facial with Michelle and she did an amazing job. They got a customer for life!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/2/2009
Michelle is amazing! Highly recommend this place. I have been there twice alreay for bikini waxing… Read more »
Bella Skin has offered me the best waxing experience to date ! I had my bikini and legs waxed and I must say that it was the LEAST painful waxing experience ever! Trina was great; she makes you feel completely at ease (which is important when you are ripping hair off your body!). I chose Bella Skin after reading my fellow "yelpers" comments and will definitely return because of the A+ experience!
Bella Skin is THE best. I have tried a bunch of places for Brazilian waxing and they are far and away the best I have been to. I saw Nicole and she was just as friendly as everyone says. They use hard wax which is 100000 times less painful than strip wax and so far I'm very satisfied with the results! It's $60 before tip but definitely worth the room in your budget.
I've edited my review a few times, but here are the condensed bits.
1) This spa will give you the least painful brazillian/bikini wax possible.
2) You MUST book in advance. These ladies have a following so fierce that I book a month in advance.
3) There is not a bad service in the book. I've done eyebrow, underarm, leg, and bikini waxing, the GLOW facial, and a massage with Nicole. Every service has been impeccable. While my waxing is most usually done by Trina, the other aestheicians are top notch too (I've been waxed by Chani and Michelle when Trina was unavailable).
4) They are loyal to their loyal customers.
5) Look no further for your depilatory needs. It's not the cheapest place in the world, but not the most expensive either. Do you really wanna chintz when it comes to getting the hair ripped out of your bikini area?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/10/2007
Not only was I able to book an appt for same day service, but the staff were super friendly when I… Read more »
This review is looong overdue, as I've had three waxes over the last four months, all of them great. As a brazilian virgin, I was nervous about the whole "down there" thing. Trina was nice, funny, and made me feel at ease immediately. (She has this lovely, lilting Irish accent, which is quite comforting as she asks you to put your legs over your head.) It was not as painful as I expected, and quick. Since Trina took maternity leave in May, I had Chani for my 3rd wax, and she was also great.
The atmosphere at Bella is very calming -- can be a bit of a trek from Cambridge in traffic, but totally worth it. ...This reminds me I need to schedule another appointment soon!
One of the few fancy-lady things I do is regularly get a Brazilian bikini wax. I never would be able to say that if I hadn't come here.
I tried to get my first Brazilian years ago at a spa in Harvard Square. It was horrible. The lady was mean, she was clearly fumbling a bit, and she kept reacting to my winces with a cold, "It doesn't hurt," in a thick Russian accent. Um, yes it effing does. Don't tell me what hurts. But I digress.
About a year after the bad incident, I decided to give it another go. I was scared, so much so that I felt the need to express that to the woman who answered the phone and booked my appointment. She responded with a friendly, "You'll be fine. I'm Chani, and I'll actually be doing it. It'll be quick and easy." I felt reassured.
I won't walk you through the details, but suffice it to say that it's been about a year and I still go every 6 weeks or so. They use some sort of special wax that forms a barrier between it and your skin, so there's no pulling on the skin, just the hair. It's science. I'm not saying it's as pleasant as drinking a cold beer on a porch on a summer evening, but I'm quite positive it's as painless as a Brazilian wax can be. And Chani is basically pure awesomeness. She's fun, easygoing, and it's immediately apparent that you shouldn't feel awkward about showing her your girl parts, because she's totally unphased. Even if the waxing was equally as painful as what I now call The Russian Stickypain Incident, I'd probably still go just to hang out with her.
So if you're new to the Brazilian, it's the best place you can go. Everyone's super friendly, and it's a spa that even I can feel comfortable in. I think I might get a facial there soon, actually, even though it might feel weird to hang out with Chani and wear pants at the same time.
Oh, and PS, it's hard to spot. There's not really a noticeable sign and it's in a converted house, so you really have to keep your eyes peeled when you're on Walnut St. There's parking on the street and in the back, and I've never once not been able to park. But don't drive up and down a small segment of Walnut St. back and forth, over and over like I did the first time.
YOU JUST CAN'T GET BETTER THAN BELLA ....
I have been going to bella for just over two years... IT IS FANTASTIC! .... waxing - facials... massage etc ... ALL GREAT -- Trina is a DOLL ... so are all the other women there...
THE BEST ---
Martini Delights there are THE best. you come out so baby skin smooth!
It's a small spa with no hassle parking and you have to book at least one month in advance to get the time you want. they are THAT good. i see Trina and she's such an Irish delight. so friendly and nice!
facials are great there too but Bella skin won me over with its no pain brazilians.
PAINLESS - didnt feel anything, you must try it!
I wish it was possible to give three point five stars.
I found the women there amazingly sweet and helpful. I got my legs and bikini zone waxed, and while the bikini was great, if a little drawn out, the my legs were a different story. It took a rather long time, and at the end there was quite a bit of stubble and stickiness left over. Plus it was very painful.
This was my first time waxing,and I don't know if this is common, but when I called back to explain the situation, the women were again very helpful, offering to redo my legs for free when they have grown back in.
Long story short, going to college means I won't have an opportunity to go back for two or so months, but when I do, I really hope to be able to give them the full five stars, as everyone I've interacted with there was great.
I used to go to Bella Skin regularly for facials but stopped recently. I've had facials from both Chani and Trina, who are the owners. I think overall, they are both very good at what they do, but the one thing they do in the facials that bother me and consequently made me stop going is that they massage my shoulders very close to my neck so that I always end up gagging. Sounds dumb but it bothered me enough to wonder if I couldn't get a better facial somewhere else.
On the upside, their facials are very good with thorough extractions. Both women are very sweet and attentive and try to do whatever they can to make your experience at their spa the best. The spa is tucked into a little house in Newton and it is very easy to overlook on the street. The space in which they offer services is very comfortable and relaxing, but fairly low-key and simple.
What they charge for the basic facial is also a very good price - $75. It would likely cost $100 at another spa. The price and what you get ends up making the facial a very good value. Just be forewarned that they are a little aggressive with the massage during the facial.
Let's hear it for businesses owned by women! And businesses that provide a great service. There's nothing like a good wax-induced hair-ripping out session, or as those who are more couth say, a brazilian.
The good:
- Very nice, relaxing atmosphere
- Reasonable prices ($60 for a Brazilian)
- Very skilled aesthicians (I had Chani, who was wonderful and quite skilled)
- They use European style hard wax, which is less painful than other types
- They have evening appointments, though it's easier to get a daytime one
The bad:
- At least a mile from the T, so driving is recommended
- The lighting outside is not so great, and it's hard to see in the dark. It's in a house that was converted to several businesses. There's a covered porch in front. Parking in back.
The hairy:
- None! I was smooth as a baby's bottom for my trip to Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Note - if you pay by credit card, be sure to tell her in advance how much you would like to tip. There's no space on the reciept to add it. The service you'll get is worth a good tip, so please do ask!
Now that I've been to Bella a few times, I feel positive in giving them a solid 5 stars.
Trina has excellent skills and is able to distract you enough with great conversation to forget you're about to have hair ripped out of you. She's also very encouraging and willing to spend the time to make sure your brows look just right. Without divulging TMI, I can tell you that Trina cares enough about her clients to take the time to research and help you out after you've left the salon... and then remember to tell you what she's found for you three weeks later!
I also love the fact that the place smells amazing and I leave smelling like heaven!
Amen! to everything people have said about the bikini waxes here. It's as painless as one could imagine a bikini wax to be and the staff really are extremely friendly. Chani and I talked throughout my appointment and at one point, I noticed that I'd forgotten what I was actually there for.
I decided to trust everyone else's raving reviews for Bella skin's Bikini waxes. Everyone was Right! This place was amazing. Everything was soothing and calm. I had Trina for my first ever wax and she was calm, professional, and great. She never made me feel weird or uncomfortable. She warned me whenever it might be painful and knew exactly what she was doing. I never thought having hair ripped out could be so enjoyable.
My only complaint is that the T-stop I took let me off about a mile away and I had to walk to get there.
This is by far the best place to go for a Brazilian in the area. It is a little embarrassing obviously and the spa itself isn't anything great but it is the most thorough and most painless wax I have ever had. Just a tip for bikini wax newbies... the more you wax the less painful it gets so don't worry the first one might suck but as you do it more and more it gets less painful and it is definitely worth it!
Everything I read about their waxing service is true and then some. It's so hard to get a good, clean, thorough bikini wax and you get that and more from Trina. She's very thorough and great to talk to as well. It was quick and the most painless wax I've ever had. I have searched for years for this type of treatment. Highly recommend!
Bella Skin was fantastic - I was able to make a same day appointment and the bikini wax (although never pleasant) was very mild compared to other places I have been. They use a special wax here that does not require the cloth strips - so pain is kept to a minimum.
Trina was very friendly and put me right at ease!
After a lot of research oh bikini waxing I finally bit the bullet and did it. Yay me!!! I went to Bella Skin and I am so glad that I did. This place is great. I would never even know that it was there from the outside but I am glad that it was on Yelp to find. This place was great. They are very nice, prompt and they even squeezed me in on a Saturday. I am now no longer scared of the bikini wax, the martini delight on the other hand I will have to work up to. But I will be going back. If you are on the fence about your first wax, this is the place to go. You will be hooked.
What a great experience! After reading all of the amazing reviews, I knew I needed to check this place out. It was nothing short of amazing! I saw Trina for a brazilian wax and true to what everyone has said, it was MUCH less painful that wax and strips!
Parking was really easy, and the spa is very relaxing. Its very peaceful and just the perfect atmosphere. I will never go anywhere else now that I have been here!
Very nice, very helpful, very informative, the least painful wax I've ever had, can't wait to go back!
I've finally found it! The perfect waxing place this side of the Atlantic! I can't believe it. Tina was incredible. The last place I got waxed was a disaster and she did everything in her earthly (or are they earthly?) powers to fix me up. She even had a cute little booklet of hand drawn pictures to help you decide on a bikini line. They use Tend Skin after every kind of waxing, they use different kinds of wax for different areas (ie. they've done a little research to figure out which is the best for your eyebrows, underarms, bikini, etc. -- and their research seems to have been foolproof..the bikini really didn't hurt!) They give you free samples of stuff. But mostly they just really want their clients to be happy and to feel comfortable. They're open till eight on the weekdays and almost every Saturday, which is helpful for the nine to fivers. Also...if you want to order a Brazilian over the phone but you don't want to say Brazilian, you can say "Martini Delight"! This place is wonderful, I can't say enough about it.
Also...and this might not be kosher to point out, but they have 54 nearly-all-positive reviews on citysearch.
I've been going to Bella Skin for YEARS, since before the current owners were at the helm. It's always been a fantastic place. Now, with Trina and Chani running it, it's even better. Seriously the most painless wax you can find. Both ladies are wonderful at what they do. I've had massages and facials as well. All are great. Pricing is reasonable, the spa itself is simple yet relaxing. A nice break from the un-caring, over-priced Newbury Street factories.
I didn't get my ladyparts looked at, but my aesthetician at Bella did a fantastic job on my eyebrows. It was a tad pricey at $20, (I expect to pay $11 -$15 for an eyebrow wax) but driving away I concluded that the service had actually been worth the price. I will definitely go back for other services in the future.
This place looks "run-down" for the outside. my boyfriend accompanied me for my facial and he was suprised how bad it looks. Bella Skin is TINY, it uses half of an actual house. I had really high expectation for all these good reviews, but this was so bad i would give it a -2 if i can.
The room i went in was small and furnitures were already turning color. The sheets was not CLEAN, there was coloring and random stains.
Skill wise it was an "ok" facial. i paid alittle over 100+, but the environment was just horrible .
This place is amazing. There is nothing negative I can think to say so I'll just share all the good stuff!
First of all, props to these ladies for owning their own business. Secondly, for running it SO well and being SO skilled at what they do. At Bella Skin, they use hard wax rather than the wax with strips, and it hurts WAY less. Before coming here I had a few other Brazilians or bikinis and I would never get it done without hard wax now! The atmosphere is so relaxing, you forget you're what putting yourself thru. I've called last minute to schedule before, but you'll have better success if you call a few days ahead for an appointment.
The waxing prices are certainly not cheap, but really they aren't much more than any other place. They also provide massage and facial services, which I haven't tried yet but would love to sometime.
Ladies, (and fellas if you're into it) make this your go-to spa!
Loved it! I needed to get the brows fixed up and this was my spot. Close to home, easy parking, super friendly service, and easy appointment booking. Hooray! Trina made some great recommendations for fixing my crazy brow arch and I left with my next appointment booked already. The space is quaint and warm, very relaxing despite its proximity to the busy street. I'll be back for sure, and I plan to try a facial next!
This spa was the least painful bikini wax I have ever had in my life, bar none. The special hard wax makes the whole process nearly painless and Michelle was the nicest waxer I have ever met - constantly giving me positive reinforcement that I was doing a great job and that it was almost over. I will 100% come back to this place again and I want to recommend it to every single person I know. GREAT experience.
Great little place. My appointment was at night, and the spotlights that usually illuminate the sign were out, so I did have a little bit of trouble finding the place. Once I finally found it, though, everything was great. Trina was beyond nice, and the service was quick and painless (well, as painless as waxing can be). The fact that they are open til 8 on weekdays is awesome for people like me who don't get out of work until after 6. Although the prices are a few more dollars more expensive than what I've paid in the past, it's definitely worth it for the service and convenience. I definitely plan on going back there again.
