Ellen Olson Esthetics
- Hours:
Mon 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Tue 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Wed 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Thu 11:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- By Appointment Only: Yes
43 reviews
Neighborhood: Downtown Berkeley
"10 dollars for a good eyebrow job? It can't get better than this. I've had my eyebrows waxed before with wax and the skin around my…" read more »
48 Reviews for Ellen Olson Esthetics
Bikini waxes are weird: it hurts indeed and I find it to be all kinds of nervous-making. Ellen is very professional and so pleasant to talk to, she puts you at ease immediately; I stopped feeling weird minutes into my first session. She uses a variety of waxes to get the job done right and with the minimal amount of ow, is very communicative the entire time, and completely knows what she's doing. I highly recommend her services, espcially if you've not had a bikini wax before and aren't sure what to expect.
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I got a facial from Jeska a week before my wedding and am officially a fan. I dread and HATE extractions, but she was very sweet and calm... made the ouch! much less painful. My face was lathered with all sorts of lovely cooling and sweet smelling concoctions... a nice shoulder rub... ahhhhh. She reminded me to take time for myself in the days before my wedding...words of wisdom!
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I really needed a facial and I wanted someone with an impeccable reputation, so I was pretty excited about my appointment with Ellen. As the other reviewers mentioned, she is very down to earth and easy to talk to. I scheduled a custom facial and the appointment started well. She asked what issues I was having and I told her that I needed moisture and I had some blackheads. So she suggested a pumpkin peel, followed by a mask and lots of moisturizers. I told her that sounded good. I have never had issues when I had a facial so I had high expectations from this experience. The pumpkin peel was supposed to clean my pores from the inside out, and she warned it was going to sting. It did sting, but it wasn't unbearable. After that, I had a mask put on which stung even more so I asked if this was normal, she said no, and pretty quickly wiped it off and gave me a blueberry mask. The first one apparently had paprika in it; the blueberry mask was fine. She took out my blackheads and it hurt a bit, but I was used to it hurting so I didn't think anything of it. I felt fine after the appointment and happily left for dinner with a friend.
The next day, though, my face felt like it was throbbing and I was breaking out. Not red or blotchy, but I had little bumps over most of my face. Obviously it was a reaction to the facial. Then I took a close look at my face and noticed tiny scabs from the black heads she took out. She had mentioned that the ones on my chin were hard to get out, but I've never had scabs from professional extractions.
I'm not sure if I am the only one who has had problems after a facial with Ellen, and I don't want to be unfair to her because other than the problems above, I was pretty happy with the experience. I even waited 3 days before writing the review to see what would happen with my skin. It still feels somewhat dry and the scabs are falling off now.
Pros: It seems she uses quality products and maybe they just weren't a good fit for me, especially that mask with the paprika in it. Her space, while small, is cute. She is very approachable. However, I think it's important to say that not all her clients had a stellar experience. My quest continues...
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Of course nearing the end of the semester, stress caused my forehead to breakout. Never fear, Jeska's nimble hands performed the painless extractions I needed! I totally recommend this place- comfortable, relaxing atmosphere, seems like a really nice line of products (I bought some facial cleanser and so far so good.) I look forward to going back!
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My good friend Devil G., I mean Rachel G., has this mirror that looks into the depths of your soul and magnifies all the horrible things you ever done in your life.
I took a peek the other day and got a glimpse at how my skin has been reacting to the events of my life the past few months. As I stared, horrified, I swore I saw the face of my ex-boss/sociopathic hose beast glaring up at me from one particularly clogged pore. At that moment I decided it was time for me to sign myself up for my very first facial.
I found Ellen Olson and her glowing reviews and with a few clickity clicks and tappity taps of the keyboard I was booked.
The atmosphere was quaint and relaxing and Ellen was as friendly and welcoming as can be. She pointed out the water and told me to take my top off (I know how important this details is to all you gentleman folk) and get in the bed.
I did as instructed and Ellen let the pampering began.
You ever go to those haunted houses at Halloween where you're blind folded and told to put your hands in mystery bowls? You're told you're touching brains and eye balls, but you really have your hand in the peeled grape dish.
That is sort of what getting a facial was like.
Sammy's inner dialog as she gets a facial:
"Oooooh, what is that on my face? It's warm and a little rough. Is it tongues? I bet it's tongues. That's weird, I wasn't really expecting her to put tongues on me, but if that's how facials go, then tongue away."
"Shit, that blast of warm air scared the crap out of me. Now that I'm used to it it feels nice. It makes my skin feel like it's taking big breaths. What is that? Is that monster breath? It sure feels like monster breath?
"Ok, I totally can guess this one. It's jam, isn't it? It is soooo jam. Like some kind of raspberry jam. Mmmm, smells delicious. I wonder if Ellen will notice if I lick my face for a minute."
"Those probably are cucumbers on my eyes but for all I know they could be mochi. Man, I should have eaten lunch. My face is all kinds of delicious and all I can do is just sit here and have this lady extract all the sludge from my pores."
It was a lovely experience and I can't wait to go back and experience a full facial (I got the mini 30 minute one for my first time). Monster breath is intoxicating and that zapper thing that smells like pennies totally worked wonders on my blocked up, stress filled, ex boss squatting pours.
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I'm a huge Ellen fan. I've been going to Ellen for quite a while and have always been very happy with the services. (I get a regular facial, bikini & brow wax.) She absolutely went out of her way, above and beyond, to accommodate me during my pregnancy. In addition to just being a nice person that I'm happy to see and catch up with, she is clearly invested in her profession - on top of the latest developments and very particular about her product. Prices are beyond reasonable. All of this makes for a very rare, wonderful combination.
I've been an acne scarred, rashy, crusty faced girl since I was thirteen, and I've tried everything, and I mean everything (Acutane, Retin A, antibiotics, Benzaclin, you name it) to not look like a pimply faced loon. Ellen doesn't push products, but she'll make helpful suggestions for improving your skin care routine without pumping toxic chemicals into your face. She's also a nice person, and even though I'm pretty self conscious about anyone examining my skin up close, I actually like going to see her.
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Jeska is excellent, excellent, excellent!
A thorough and effective facial administered in a comforting and relaxing way = Perfect!
The price is also right.
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Wow! What an experience.
I was gifted a facial from a friend and was a bit unsure as I'd never had one before. Ellen was HIGHLY recommended and I can see why.
The entire experience was very relaxing and left me feeling refreshed and relaxed without all the gongs and fake environmental sounds you'd find a lot of spa places that just come across as too contrived. It also didn't have that stark doctor office feel. It was a perfect balance.
Ellen did an amazing job of making the entire experience one that you'll compare everything else against. The various potions and lotions she used left my skin feeling amazing. I got some of the products to keep using them.
Highly recommended. Wish I could go every week/day.
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Thanks to Yelp for this one! I was searching for somewhere in Oakland to get my eyebrows waxed, and the reviews for this place sounded good, and the price was reasonable, so I decided to try it out. I could not have been happier! Ellen was great, she made the whole process as painless as possible, she was very quick, and my eyebrows looked perfect at the end. I will go back to her again and again for my brows, and maybe other services as well.
Ellen was great and the whole experience was relaxing. Very easy to book with online tool and good prices. I added on reflexology to my facial for minimal cost. I would definitely use again.
I saw Jeska for my first facial EVER this Sunday. I really enjoyed the experience and she did an excellent job, very friendly and relaxing.
I gave it 4 stars because it's only been 2 days and I haven't seen the results of my peel yet, but I have an appointment next month.
Yes Jeska, yelpers love you!
A wonderful experience! I decided to get a facial with Ellen after reading her reviews on yelp and my experienced lived up to my expectations. Ellen gives each client a unique facial, she was very attentive, relaxed, and un-pretentious. She makes you feel good about your skin and doesn't push you to buy her products (although I did and they are AMAZING and well worth it). I will definitly go back!
Ellen:
Detail oriented, but not rigid,
Friendly but not overwhelming,
Professional and Skilled, but still easy going and fun!
A great balance!
I've been seeing Ellen for about a year at Soothe in San Francisco and her place in Oakland. Now I've also seen Jeska & everything Ellen told me about her is true. Both are amazing. They really know what they are doing and answer any questions I've asked about skin & products very thoroughly. They are both very professional but pleasant & fun, not stuffy or judgmental at all, as I've found at some other spas.
I've never felt even remotely pressured to buy anything. If I ask about their products they are happy to tell me about them without making me feel obligated to buy at all. They are very picky about what they stock & use so I know it's good. A bonus is that everything smells fantastic & natural (beware if you're hungry before a facial, it will torment you). It's never overwhelming or smelling artificial or overly sweet.
Their space is pretty, cozy, comfortable & clean. The neighborhood is nice and the lake makes for a pleasant walk after wonderful services. This is what spas are all about - quality, comfort, relaxation, rejuvenation and of course beauty. I can't wait for my next appointment!
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I highly recommend Ellen for waxing. She does a great job and is a super fun to be around. She is one stylin' woman who knows her wax.
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I'm not generally one for getting any kind of your usual 'girly' services (hair, make-up, spa service, etc), but seeing as i do get the occasional modeling jobs, i do have to do some body beautifying stuff.
I had a nude modeling gig coming up that i needed to be a bit more hairless than i usually am... and anytime i shave, i get angry red bumps, so i knew i had to try something different. Ellen came highly recommended, so i thought i'd go ahead and try it. I went in for a bikini wax and was more than a tad anxious, but Ellen has this comforting way about her that put me completely at ease. I came in expecting some kind of horrific painful experience, and i was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. Ellen made the experience so much easier. If i have to wax again, i'd definitely go back to Ellen.
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Ok it's been almost a year since I've been coming to see Ellen.
She is the only person I have found so far that understands my dull skin, large nose pores, oily glands, annoying pimple issues.
Ellen is a wonderful and attentive aesthetician and someone who really cares about how your regimen works. I would recommend her a 100% although appointments are hard to come by. =)
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I was treated to a birthday facial by my husband and in turn, he got one too. We had back to back appts with Ellen and had a really relaxing experience. She is so nice without being over-the-top and a top notch professional. I loved the products she used on my face, yet she never once pressured me to buy. So what did I do? I bought them and my skin never felt happier....thanks, Ellen! I shall return!
Awesome! I've never had a better experience than I did last week with Jeska. She not only fit me into her schedule on last minute notice for a facial, but she did an amazing job at customizing a procedure just for my complicated skin. There was complete professionalism in everything she did. I didn't feel rushed or belittled like some of the other places I've been. Her studio is incredibly designed for comfort and Jeska herself is a very calm, sweet, and down-to-earth kind of person. I went to see her on a recommendation from a friend and I fully intend to book an appointment with her every time I visit the bay area. I fully recommend her to anyone in need of a fantastic facial!
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I booked an appoint ment with Jeska for a skin purification facial after battling bouts of acne for the past few months. I had a wonderful experience. Jeska was really down to earth, made me feel comfortable, and listened patiently as I explained all of the many steps I have been taking to treat my sudden breakouts. Jeska explained what could be causing these breakouts and did not force products on me. Instead she actually recommended I use products I already owned and sent me home with samples of the products they sell (which I LOVE and will be returning to purchase). I couldn't recommend this place more. They offer a comfortable, relaxing environment and use natural (great smelling) products that feel amazing. My skin is glowing and soft (noticeably different!) and the facial was worth every penny.
I recently decided to go for a facial because the winter weather has wreaked havoc on my poor skin. I booked an appointment with Jeska Manuel who works with/out of Ellen Olson. Okay, prepare for me to gush. I rarely pamper myself, so when I do it's a big deal that I have a good experience and from beginning to end, this WAS.
Jeska practically anticipated every question before I even asked it. Everything from how to prepare for the facial (what products to avoid for the days preceding the treatment) to where to best find parking.
The place itself is in a gorgeous converted historic building near Lake Merritt and Jeska's studio was a really inviting, warm space. The girl knows her stuff and takes the time to customize what she's doing based on what you feel comfortable with and your specific needs (unlike other places I've gone to that have a menu of pre-planned services using the same products and procedures for each person).
Jeska is really sweet and I was happy that there was no awkwardness, she let me take the lead in how much or little I wanted to talk during the facial, but also took the time to explain each new step and what I could expect (a little tingling, some poking, etc).
I never felt strange even though I was laying practically naked on a table with someone poring (no pun intended) over every last minute detail of my face.
All in all a really great facial, probably the best I've had. I really liked the personalized care and her easy-going manner. She didn't pressure me into buying any products (even though I did, and she made some great recommendations that, three days later, I am really pleased with).
I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a really good facial for a little pampering or for your problem skin.
Ellen is a sweetheart.
She sure knows skin.
She great with the humor.
I'll be back again and again!
spa services litmus test: am I sitting on the table kicking myself for spending my hard earned money on a generic facial from some dumb chick who doesn't know a zit from her ass.
I hate spending $$ onany service ranging from mediocre to shitty, therefore, new spa people make me tense.
Surprisingly, I was really relaxed during my facial and kept thinking, "I am loving this and it is sooo worth it."
After Ellen and I discussed my face, she came up with a treatment plan. I felt like she designed a plan that specifically addressed my needs.
As mentioned by others, she works out of her home. But her place was really nice, and everything was very professional. I personally preferred her apartment to sterile, uncomfortable, generic spas.
The entire facial really was delicious. I felt calm, serene, and comfortable. Moreover, my face is looking WONDERFUL. When I went in, my face was mildly blotchy, greasy, clogged, and dull.
After a comprehensive facial and several products I purchased from Ellen, I am truly enjoying my face.
A word about her products: I LOVE THEM. I generally harbor feelings of disdain for hippy-dippy "natural" products. Her products however, are really working for me. My face is bright and fresh looking. The prices are also very reasonable.
My one complaint was that she didn't entirely wipe my eye-make up off, so after my facial I was unknowingly walking around with racoon eyes (the un-sexy kind).
However, I would definitely go back and hope that I can scrape together some pennies to treat myself once every couple months.
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o yummy. that was the fastest an hour and ten minutes has ever flown by in my life. her studio is peaceful and neat, everything is comfortable and smells soooooo good. i could hardly keep track of all the creamy goodies that went on my face, i asked about the first few and then forgot about it and blissed out... i bought a couple of products, resonably priced, and she isnt at all pushy like some other spas i have been to.
of course this is just now, will have to see how my skin looks tomorrow and for the next week...
k, two days out, i look good. i mean so good my husband looked at me and said, maybe you should do this every month, should you?
o hell yeah, i knew i married a good one
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I am a person who is a bit uncomfortable with the social scene within salons, so visiting Ellen for my very first facial in her loft space was a huge relief to me. I'd also like to especially note that I'm a bigger girl, and Ellen treated my body respectfully and genuinely, which I greatly appreciated.
I was amazed that she tinted my eyelashes and eyebrows with no sting, and really enjoyed my facial. Ellen gave me some great tips for a few of my problem issues, and her facial was doubly effective as an upper respiratory soother for me during allergy season.
I definitely have no doubts that I'll be patronizing this highly competent woman small business owner in my neighborhood rather than braving the flourescent lights, weird vibe, and hard product sell elsewhere. The entire experience with Ellen was great!
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Yep, another 5-star review. Dang, it won't be long before I will be battling it out American Gladiator-style to get an appointment (yes, this is the second mention of American Gladiator, now on to the review...)
I have seen both Ellen (waxing) and Jeska (facial) and have been super impressed each time.
Ellen has a breezy and affable manner that makes you feel comfortable during one of the most uncomfortable procedures imaginable. Plus she is absolutely meticulous and informative. I left smoother and smarter, both pluses in my boyfriend's book.
I went to Jeska for a Skin Purification facial. She explained what she was doing as she was treating me, but also gave me ample opportunity to relax and actually almost fall asleep. Afterward, she spent time discussing the best way to treat my skin and recommended products that actually work (without a high pressure sell). A week later and my skin still feels baby-soft! Again, I left smoother and smarter, both pluses in my boyfriend's book and mine too!
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update:
went in yesterday for yet another facial and waxing. My brows have never looked better.
also picked up the Rhonda Allison's Milk Mask: seriously AMAZING.
Truly my FAVORITE facialist ever.
After visiting Ellen at Soothe SF and falling in LOVE with the way my skin looked for a month and a half afterward, I decided to book another appointment. Ellen was pretty booked at the SF location, so I made arrangements to try her Oakland location for the first time.
First of all, I was THRILLED it only took us 30 minutes from Marin. (I brought my girlfriend, a first timer, as well.
So we arrived at the Harrison street location and although I knew I was about to have another outstanding facial, the front of the place really kind of took me by surprise for a sec. I want to preface this review by saying is not your average spa style setup. The seating room is pretty quaint and my girlfriend kind of second guessed all of my raving when we walked up a dim staircase to Ellen's treatment area.
Nevertheless, my girlfriend and I had OUTSTANDING facials again- Ellen's product line is to die for and if you don't purchase the rasberry toner/lotion, you are missing out. It's my favorite product. And well priced. The treatment room is spotless and VERY clean.
Afterwards, my rejuvinated girlfriend and I enjoyed spanish tapas and mojitos at a darling little restaurant that Ellen personally recommended. And she was even nice enough to write us directions!
If you are tired of uptight and overpriced salons but still want glowing skin, go see Ellen. Her prices make it affordable for me to get these routinely. Cannot wait for my next facial!!!!!!!
My girlfriend is hooked as well.
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Ellen Rocks! iGot to run out the door and
I will add more later...
Okay Ellen Rocks continued:
Her work space is really styli and cozy.
She had water set out with this amazing ginger tea mix, and emergency c all prepped up. It's the little touches that make it special.
The stuff on my face was heavenly and it made me feel great to know that they are animal friendly, vegan products.
My skin felt awesome. It was dry and not happy looking before and after the facial, i felt pretty glowy .
Afterwards, I could not resist stocking up on some awesome goodies that she had. I bought the 302 serum, and I think it's really been helping with my psoriasis.
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Ellen does very effective waxings that last longer than those I have had at other salons, and her prices are reasonable. Plus, her place is super-clean and makes for a pleasant experience.
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I've been to Ellen for facials, and I'm so grateful for yelp for helping me find her. I love her calm space in Oakland. She uses products that smell fresh and natural (think food rather than nasty abrasives), her prices are reasonable, and she's got such a warm and bright personality! For those of us who like the concept of facials, but don't think of themselves as the "regular visit to the spa" types, she is such a find! My skin glows after I visit her!
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I would like to add an emphatic heart-felt "Chronicle Man standing on the Chair and Clapping" 5 star endorsement for Ellen Olson.
I had been looking to work with a skincare professional to address sundamage and blemishes and to achieve really great skin, BUT I was apprehensive about making a spa appointment. My concept of a spa was some temple built in the honor of MEAN GIRLS where there is a doorman who looks at your pores with a magnifying glass and then you are greeted by Lindsay Lohen and Pink who are in matching Egyptian cotton bathrobes drinking champagne and can't stop pointing at you and laughing.
o.k., maybe that's an exaggeration, but the point I am trying to make is you don't have to be uber fabulous to see Ellen; you can be just a guy who wants to have really great skin.
I spent a lot of time on Ellen's website http://ellen-olson.com/ reading about her credentials, how she approaches her skin care practice and how she selects products for her clients. Her site (although beautiful by design standards) is wonderfully comprehensive. The website led me to a phone call, the phone call led me to an appointment, and now I am happily hooked.
Ellen is a dream to work with. She's laid back, warm, and funny, AND she is really determined for you to reach your goals. She educates you about the products she is applying and why, and she's easy to talk to. As far as I am concerned, spa hour is the new happy hour with better results. I leave Ellen's relaxed and feeling that I am doing great things for my appearance and self-confidence, and I have the best skin I have ever had in my whole life.
I see Ellen for a weekly facial and I use her skin products. If there are some specific areas you would like to improve or just want to improve your overall appearance and healthy glow, I think you should consider seeing her too. The facials and the skin care regiment she recommended really work. I need to repeat this sentence. I have the best skin I have ever had in my whole life.
Last week before spin class, one of the girls in the front row asked if she could touch my face (I know her) and started grilling me on what was different and why I looked so good. When I told her I had started regular appointments with Ellen Olson, who was an Esthetician, she shrugged her shoulders and said. "Oh, that explains everything."
Thank YOU Ellen! :)
Christopher Stout
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Ellen is the only waxer I would trust to wax a moustache in my coochie.
I also sport the most gorgeous brows in the Bay Area.
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The city garden view is great. The office is clean, attractive, and comfortable. Jeska did a great job waxing my back, as always. Somehow I always remember the pleasant conversation, calming application of warm wax & soothing oil rub more than... the other part. She must be doing something right!
Highly reccommended!!! I'd totally book another session with her. And the best part: She soesn't push her products to you!
Deft, gentle, and thoroughly knowledgeable, Ellen is THE high priestess of hot wax. You walk in a furry sinner, and you leave a gleaming angel of beauty. All thanks to the coolest, kindest, and most funnest esthetician I've ever known. Praise be!
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If you are ever in need of a bit-o-glam-or, then Ellen is your girl. Let's "face" it, we all need to pamper ourselves and in what better way then to treat yourself to a facial. The big difference between Ellen and the rest is that she makes you feel so relaxed and at ease that you honestly can take a cat-nap. I did, luckily my snoring woke me up to truly enjoying what was happening to my face. She also utilizes the best products. Most of the products used are made from the freshest ingredients and are absolutely delicious smelling. I leave her Oakland oasis feeling revitalized and a bit hungry (yummy products).
Ellen has worked with me on a few photoshoots and she's advised me on my skincare choices.
She is down-to-earth, honest, knows her stuff! Just by pointing me in the right direction on how to take care of my skin, what products to buy, Ellen has turned my complexion around!
I highly recommend seeing her. Ellen rocks!
I was having one of those days. You know what I'm talking about. Your car battery dies and you get the really expensive street sweeping ticket. Your laptop dies before you've had a chance to save your work. THAT kind of day. And to top it all off, you notice that you have a big fat zit coming to roost on your face.
Thank god I already happened to have an appointment with Ellen! She's got this beautiful spa space, and it's heavy on the personal touch. She makes you a cup of tea, listens, gives you amazing facials, and teaches you how to avoid future acne breakouts. You can tell that she really cares about the health of her clients' skin. I mean, she'll sell you products if you ask for them, but unlike "always be closing" spas, she never pushes them on you.
I also decided to get my brows waxed, something I rarely do. Her touch is certain but light, and it didn't hurt as much as I remembered at other places!
By the time I left, I looked great (if I may say so meeself), and about a thousand feet tall.
Thanks, Ellen!
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Ellen is the best! She enjoys her work and you can tell. Ellen truly cares about her clients' skin and their needs. She is also entertaining. Hehe! I lo-ooove that the products that she uses are primarily natural.
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