Lavender Beauty Spa

 

7

92

Neeta P.

San Jose, CA

I went here for their lunchtime facial.  It was $35 plus tip.  My face was cleaned, steamed, exfoliated, attacked by extraction instrument, massaged, masked, and moisturized.  Pretty darn good for only $35.  I definitely felt refreshed afterwards.  It's not a fancy schmacy place, but it's clean and for the most part calming.  I will definitely go back for this treatment.

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19

41

Linda L.

Fremont, CA

thank you yelpers! this place is clean, presentable, and very close to my home! i like!

Whats better than having silky smooth legs after waxing? a BRAZILIAN! note: yes, it does hurt a lot, but once you do this a few times, it just seems normal .... and a breeze =D

I love Lilian,  she is very funny, and very enjoyable to work with. She doesn't make it at all uncomfortable, she says how things are and does it with a swiftness. I got my first Brazilian with her and thereon after (three times). I occasionally get my leg's waxed (twice) from her too. I've been going to her for a few months now, and I just adore her! She does a very good job at getting all the last hairs, but i won't blame her for not getting every single hair that didn't waxed off, because thats just too hard to spot out sometimes.

They don't do male Brazilian waxing, but they do facials and back waxing for the male population.

Reception desk guy is also awesome! Also giving me the best appointments =)

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0

2

Jane H.

Fremont, CA

I love this place!  I wanted to wait until I'd been here at least a few times to get a feel for it, so what I've done here is the Brazilian wax (twice) with Vicky and a classic facial with Lillian.  I was a little scared the first time here, because it'd been awhile since my last Brazilian and I couldn't remember how much it would hurt.  It hurt a lot and like crazy, especially when she went into the more private areas.  Luckily, she used the wax that doesn't stick to your skin the whole time so I felt a lot more relieved.  I always feel very comfortable and as relaxed as I can be, as sometimes she will joke around with me and whatnot.  At the end she uses tweezers to finish the job, and as much as it hurts it always looks great!  I'm told, anyway.

My facial with Lillian was just as wonderful.  It was my first facial, so I don't actually have anything to compare it to, but she still made it a great experience.  The massage was incredible and the extraction part was actually painless and very quick (though part of this might be due to the fact I don't have much to extract).  The citrus smell in the products wasn't too strong but still delicious.  Most relaxing, though, were the things that Lillian and I chatted about.  She said she would fix the problems on my skin and true to her word, I look fantastic.  If I ever come along some extra cash I will definitely go to Lillian for a facial again!

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0

4

kiwi i.

Los Altos, CA

I got my first bikini wax here and I was so nervous and prepared for it to hurt like hell but it actually wasn't that bad! I was on the table and the waxer and i (i can't remember her name but she was very nice!) were talking and laughing and all of a sudden RIP! ouch. but wow! it wasn't that bad. she kept talking and we were joking around about waxing and talking about dogs and things and it really helped keep my mind off the pain.  also i felt very comfortable with her! I usually don't let people in my pants on the first date and she made it very comfortable for me to drop my pants and lay on the table! It was not uncomfortable at all and i was so pleased with my results. I haven't been back for a while but I am looking forward to going back! I recommend it for everyone for their first Brazilian wax or even for their 50th!

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1

15

mscharity Y.

San Francisco, CA

This place is great for the price & if you need a last minute appointment. It's a very cute place and the atmosphere is relaxing. I will be trying their lunch time facial next time I'm in there. Extraction was very painful, but I'm hoping the pain was well worth a clear face!

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1

39

Mario P.

Campbell, CA

Facial was ok. Could have been better if the esthetician didn't carry the phone with her and answered it during the procedure. Twice.

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12

60

Katie W.

San Jose, CA

I've been getting facials here for more than a year and left happy every time. I usually get the Classic- they do a thorough job cleaning all my blackheads (which has its own village on my nose) and the massage is superb! I got my last facial from Vicky and the girl has fingers that work wonders. I've also tried their silkpeel (takes off all the dead skin) and it leaves my skin like a baby's bottom.

I saw all the reviews about their wax so I decided to try one. My appointment was with Vicky. It's always awkward spreading your legs to a stranger, but Vicky was professional and kept me comfy with her friendly conversations. They use a dark blue wax that hardens and peels without the cloth strips. Compared to the other brazilians I've had, it was near painless! She was pretty meticulous about it - went over all the parts with the wax, then with the tweezer. I was happily bare in the end.

The ambiance is nice, but don't expect a super posh place. I've been to higher-end spas and there is a difference in decor, but the quality is about the same. The only thing they're missing are massages! I have to say, this is the place to go to for quality service at an affordable price. Will definitely do the brazilian here again!

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28

146

Vee S.

San Francisco, CA

For the lunch special facial, $35 is hard to top for what you get.

Steam machine, extraction, and cooling mask, - it was good. I agree with Oanh, Vicky's a really cute girl, she claims "Beauty IS Pain!"

Anyway, job well done. Location isn't all glitz and glamour but the inside is really cute and the people are all friendly. Very clean too which is a major +

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41

154

Oanh N.

San Francisco, CA

I had a facial here and it was a nice experience. Vickie was so kind and so funny. As she pops my pimples, my body twitches from the slight sting and Vickie tells me "Beauty is Pain" i agreed with her. With any question I asked during the process, she answered them to the best of her knowledge. This spa has an assortment of facial care products that are featured in magazines such as "Allure."  The receptionist is also very friendly and the place is very peaceful. I also hear that the B-wax is one of the best!

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0

12

Sonja G.

Fremont, CA

Read all the testimonials about Jane. This is a bad place and Jane is not a facial expert. She rushed through my facial and kept yapping about how her "Organic Facial" products were expensive (stuff that she was using on me for $ 75/ facial). I couldn't relax because of the stupid blabber and she didn't massage my face or neck.

She told me that I had blackheads that need to be removed and then said she is sorry but now she cannot really massage my face because it is irritated by extractions. What!!! My cousin is a beautician in NY and she thinks that is the most absurd lie. The fact is they had scheduled another appointment back to back and although I was 5 mins early they couldn't give me a face or even neck message. Her logic was that because she couldn't give me a face message, she cannot really give me a neck massage either. I had no time to argue but I decided to write an honest review. I am sure she has admirers here and may be she has been good to them. My experience was poor.

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Elite '08

63

358

Lily L.

San Jose, CA

Lydia (or was it Lillian) was great.  Made my brazillian quick and painless.  Although she tried to clean up the strays but I came home to find some.  I'm not going to deduct stars because of it tho.  My hair was a bit short and i made her wait 30 mins past closing for me which she totally was fine.  WIl have to come back next time for a facial and wax to make final conclusion.

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20

25

Brenda T.

Fremont, CA

I love getting pampered and paying good hard earned dollars for it. My BF first told me about this place last year and I was always reluctant to go because it is located in a strip mall and their prices were a lot cheaper than other spas I have been to. Really, how good can a $60 facial be?  I was so used to paying $120+ at those boogie spas in Los Gatos and Saratoga.  

Let me tell you after my visit, this is one of the best places to get a facial.  I called for an appt and got in the same day.  I got a classic facial with Lillian, she took her time and really did a fantastic job. When it was time to get down and dirty with the extractions, she was very gentle and didn't force the yucky stuff out.  Usually some spas will use tools and torture your face leaving you with red spots.  My face was clean and glowing when Lillian was done.  She gives a great scalp and facial massage too.

I go here at least twice a month for facials with Lillian and waxing with Jane (the reviews on Jane are spot on).  It is definitely worth the drive if you are coming from another city.

Don't come here expecting lavish interior and free fruit and granola for you to snack on. That is the extra charge you pay for when you go to the other spas.  At Lavender you will get excellent service and your hard earned dollars worth.

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0

42

Jamie S.

San Jose, CA

I didn't have the super great experience with Jane that a lot of Yelpers have raved about.  Although she was extremely professional, she did have to re-wax the same area three times. She never double dipped the blue wax, but when she was at the "clean up" portion of the wax job, she busted out the regular wax roller and rolled it onto a wax strip for a few times, BUT THEN actually takes the roller to my skin! I was mortified but did not know what else to say!  Who knows how many other people's privates this roller has touched!  Gross. I'm not going back to this place again.

It's kinda crazy how Lavender looks somewhat decent in the lobby, and the hall way looks extremely ghetto.  The floors had dirty spots all over the carpet, the walls were dirty, and then the rooms looked very purple, not lavender, bright purple.  This place looked like a ghetto shack, and they just decided to spend a few hundred (if even) to fix up the lobby.

I don't think it's fair to judge a place just based on its appearance since it's really the service that matters, so this one star rating is for the wax job with Jane.

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3

36

Jen E.

Fremont, CA

Well, I called to book an  appointment for a bikini wax with the illustrious Jane, but alas, she has taken her waxpot elsewhere - she doesn't work there any longer.  

So I booked it with Vickie, who the receptionist told me was the person who had taken most of Jane's clients...No idea if this is true, but whateva...

My appointment was for 2:15 on a Sunday, and when I got there at 2, Vickie was ready for me.  She was very professional, and the blue wax hurts MUCH less than the regular wax that is removed using the muslin strips.  A day later, the irritation is gone (it had been a while so it wasn't fun).  

I didn't have the brazilian so it was only $25 - very reasonable considering I've paid $50 for the same thing at La Belle at Stanford (where the brazilian will run you $80+).  I'll definitely be coming back here - maybe not for facials and the like but for a wax as it was fairly priced and convenient.  

And I kept having flashbacks to the 4th grade, when pink and purple was THE color combo to have... apparently the interior design specialists at Lavender Beauty Spa didn't get the memo about it not being 1985....
A little upgrading on the interior decor would go a long way...

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Elite '08

123

339

Shari D.

Fremont, CA

I'm leaving for Mexico in a week and a half. I started thinking, "I suppose I'll need to wear a bathing suit soon..." which led me to think, "I guess I'm going to need to go in for a bikini wax..." which then led me to Yelp.

It seems that we have a little jewel in Fremont! I booked an appointment with Jane, and she is just as sweet and professional as everyone has said that she is! Also, the waxing didn't hurt as much as I'm used to. You're talking to someone who used to work in a beauty salon where I got my waxing done for free, and I've been getting them done for, oh, 20 years. Yes, I'm THAT old, mofo.

Anyway, Jane made the experience pleasant, and easy. Also, they have these little paper thongs, which I've NEVER seen before, and the greatest part is that you don't get any wax on your panties! Nice!

The other cool thing is that she gave me a very nice brow wax as well, and I didn't break out! Usually I'll break out in these little tiny bumps, but that didn't happen!!! She felt bad letting me leave with a very red face, so she put some aloe vera gel on me, as well as sunscreen, and the gentle movements of her fingers around my eyes relaxed me to the point of wishing I was staying for a facial... needless to say, I'm scheduled for a facial next week.

:-)

Oh yeah, and the cost was half of what I was paying before.

Hooray for Jane!

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9

104

Andrea G.

San Jose, CA

***EDIT****

I've called and confirmed... Jane is gone. waahh. WHY Jane why?! this is blasphemy. I feel so abandoned.

I have yet to make an appointment with Vicki

I go here for brazilian waxes though i havent gone recently because I'm a starving student that drives an SUV.  This is the first place I have gotten my Brazilian wax and it just may be the last place.   Lavender is so far away from my home, since i live in south san jo but I will drive allll the way to Fremont so that Jane can get me all some like a baby bottom.

I remember the first time i went .  It was later in the evening and probably December 23rd or even the 24th and they still accommodated me! :D Jane really made me feel at ease because shes easy to talk to and she is very very sweet and kind.

The room was clean and the bed was nice and warm so that i could relax a bit more.  Jane used blue wax sans the cloth strips which was totally fine.  And she cleans me alll up.  Too bad she didnt leave me with anything else like a landing strip or some cute design.  But Im alllllways happy with her work.   When shes all done she hands me a mirror to show me and damn I looked like a 10 year old down there.  

I loved going here and I really dont mind paying here $50 for it because it is absolutely worth it.  I've also brought friends there too!

I should go back soon because I was really desperate one day and I took a razor down there.  talk about fire crotch.  I was itching like crazy. big mistake.  When you Brazilian wax, your pubes grow out all soft. its insane.  

Next time I visit Lavander, I want to try their facials.  :)

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17

93

Rachel R.

Fremont, CA

Lavender is out of the way a bit, but well worth the drive.  The facials are great, the staff are great, and the space itself is serene and clean. I've made this place my once a month treat.
I've been here twice now and each time I called for an appointment I got one right away, no waiting.  I get the classic facial, and for 60 dollars you get a glorious 75min treatment.  Lillian, is fantastic.  She is diligent and courteous.  She gives great neck massages and allows you to fully relax, without too much bantar.  Each time I've been here, its been empty, probably because I go during the week in the afternoon...summer break is awesome.
Update:  They do a great brazilian wax here too.  They use the sensitive wax, then go over any strays with the original wax and even tweeze those stubborn hairs.  A bit pricey, but well worth it.

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12

133

Mary T.

San Jose, CA

I've been to this place three times and all three times I've been satisfied with their service.  They're decently priced and the workers are both charming and skillful.  I particularly have a liking for Jane who sculptured my brows to perfection.

My first brazilian wax experience here was at the very least terrifying.  Lilian, the one who worked on me, made sure that I felt comfortable the entire time I laid on the bed.  Due to my initial fright, she went out of her way to relax my anxieties by telling me hilarious stories from her own experiences which helped to subdue some tension.  She even began our session by suggesting to do a bikini wax first to test out my pain meter.  I sat through the entire experience because Lilian made it quite easy to do so, however much excruciating it was.  Overall, I had more laughs there than I did screams.

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1

6

Kate W.

Fremont, CA

After a horrible experience attempting to wax my own armpits at the age of 15, I have been very wary of anything involving wax and cloth strips. After I broke down and started getting my eyebrows professionally done, I was both a little relieved because it hurt less than I expected, and a little annoyed because I always get a rash and red irritation that lasts 3-4 days. When I read about this miraculous strip-free special wax, I decided to finally quit procrastinating and get my first Brazilian.

On the spur of the moment, I decided that I was brave enough to go through with it. I called and was given an appointment for 1 hour later.

While it is really, really painful, the very nice waxer Jane worked quickly, and was very considerate, letting me wimp out and "take breaks" whenever it got to be too much. She was very thorough in explaining each step and the estimated pain factor. It was weird to have someone all up in there, but I got over it. I didn't have to get on all fours, but I did notice later that a few hairs were missed.

Over all, it wasn't as terrible as I thought it would be. And I really like the results.

One word of advice for the novices like me. Let your hair down south grow really long before you go. I normally trim a lot, but I had let it go for a week or so. She said it was still a little short, which made it more painful.

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15

32

Law C.

San Francisco, CA

Apparently they didn't think I was serious when I asked for a male bikini wax on myself.  But the facial I got was superb.

FIVE STARS.

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Elite '08

174

270

amy t.

Dublin, CA

I never thought that I would say this about somebody who ripped hairs from my nether-regions, but Jane deserves *way more* than 5 stars.  I could not have asked for a better first experience with a Brazilian wax.  Jane was fabulous.

Thanks to the other yelperettes for their extremely positive and informative reviews that helped me muster up the courage to go to lavender and get my first Brazilian there.  

I have to say, it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be.  Yes, it was painful, but I was expecting worse - Jane was glad I didn't scream...I guess some people scream...

Jane was VERY thorough.  She also put me at ease immediately - she was extremely easy to talk to and even had me laughing while she was working.  I also liked that the table I was laying on was heated, that helped me stay relaxed as well.  

Even though I was prepared for it from the other reviews, I didn't have to get on all fours.  

The blue wax is great and I still have all of my skin :oP

I also have to praise the overall customer service.  I had called to make my appointment and left a message and the receptionist returned my call within the hour and was pleasant to speak with.  When I got to lavender, the gentleman at the reception desk was also pleasant.  

I think I'll be a regular customer from now on.

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Elite '08

144

238

Donna P.

San Jose, CA

Down from 5 to 3 stars as of my last appointment.  It was with Lillian, who was nice, but induced much more pain during my wax than Jane had the time before.  This was back in August, so I didn't even know that Jane left.  That makes me sad, so I really don't think I'll be driving all the way to Fremont for a wax anytime soon.
___________________
After moving back to San Jose after graduating college in LA, for the past few months I've been searching for a quality waxer.  Well, I'm happy to report that I've found one! Jane was great, and the man who answered the phone was very nice and got me the same-day appointment that I wanted.   I don't think this has been mentioned yet, but I really liked how a credit card number wasn't required to hold the appointment (all the stuck-up spas in LA require this).  So that was nice.

I went in for the brazilian, and I'm pleased with the results.  Jane was thorough and talked just enough so that it wasn't too weird.   Also, this is the 1st place I've encountered that uses the blue hard wax for the bikini area other than where I went in LA, and that was another thing that made me choose Lavender.

My only complaint would be that the treatment room I was in was too warm, but my being tense probably didn't help much.  

Overall, a great experience (or as good as waxing can be).  Oh and added bonus: free yoga! ;o)

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11

13

Joy C.

Newark, CA

WOW! Thanks Yelp for letting me know about this place. I needed a facial but didn't want to spend $75+ to get one. I had a day off and indulged myself in a "lunchtime" facial for only $35! What a great find. Lillian did a great job and made me feel so pampered. My husband treated me to a $75 spafinder gift certificate so I am definitely coming back. I hear a lot about their Brazilian wax... a little nervous but I think I want to give it a try. =)

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18

188

Ella B.

Fremont, CA

After reading all the reviews i decided to treat myself to the lunchtime facial.  I must say that for $35 plus $7 tip for $42 it is indeed a good facial.  The only thing missing from the lunch time facial is the shoulder/neck massage.
My facial person (can't spell that word...) was Lilian and she was very pleasant, and professional that she didn't push any products on me and gave me some advice on how i should care for my skin etc.
Only minus one star b/c she couldn't get one clogged pore out during the extraction and now it's a little inflamed, and at the end they give you these wimpy little styrofoam cups of water; i would prefer a real glass or heck, give me a free bottle of water!  that would make me come back!  But overall, she was nice, speedy (got back to work on time) and worth the price.

08/29/07 - Update
Went back again and this time, Vicky was my facial person.  She was not as experienced but nice.  she seems to be new to the store.  I still enjoyed it and it was still well worth the price. I went back also in June and got Jane and i think she is so far the best out of all the estheticians (sp?) that i've had.

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3

6

Sandy C.

Fremont, CA

I just got my eyebrows waxed today by Vickie, the new waxing person.  I knew I was taking a risk because she was new and she had never done my brows before. Now, I've gotten my brows done at many places, and she was the first one to critique how my brows are uneven, bald, and asked me whether I shaved them!!  What??? Who would shave their eyebrows?!

I knew at that point that she wasn't very experienced, and I thought about bolting out of the place. But I wanted to give her a chance (and also, I had no time to go to the Brow Bar at Valley Fair. That place is the best).  

Vickie spent 1/2 an hour tweezing the heck out of my brows and barely using any wax. I thought that was strange, and had a bad feeling the whole time. Guess what...my brows turned out to be...not good.

the brows looked like I could have plucked them myself. They were uneven, rough, and just don't look clean like they're supposed to. The edges were red from all the tweezing and scratching on my skin. One brow was noticeably higher than the other one.

I say for $15, you should invest in a set of eyebrow stencils rather than having it done at Lavender.  Vickie was nice enough, but she needs to gain a lot more experience.

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9

36

Cindy B.

San Jose, CA

Thank yelpers for all the reviews.  Being a first timer at the brazilian wax...I was hesistant but decided to take the leap with all the great reviews.  Jane was awesome...I don't know why it took me so long to build up the confidence but better late than never. After.... 2 weeks, I'm still ooooh soooo smooth.

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0

7

First L.

Milpitas, CA

This was my first PROFESSIONAL brazilian wax.  I was expecting the pain but LILLIAN made me feel comfortable and she explained what she was going to do and when.  I am super happy with my results although nobody will be seeing it except for myself.  I highly recommend going to Lillian especially if you are a shy first timer like myself.  Also the price is pretty good for the work she does.  I will be returning.

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4

38

Jay L.

Pleasanton, CA

I called on Friday and got an appointment for Saturday for a facial.  It was easy and quick to make the appointment.  And they accept Spa Finder gift certificates.  I arrived early, greeted by the receptionist and was told to wait a few minutes.  A few minutes later, Jane come out to greet me and also told me it'll be a few more minutes.  I didn't mind, I occupied myself browsing the skin care products displayed on the shelves.  A few minutes went by and Jane came back to bring me inside.  The room was simple, nice and spacious.  She was very friendly and attentive.  She was also very honest.  She told me for my skin, I can get away with getting a facial once a year.  She asked me about my skin care regimen and gave me a few suggestions.  It was such a treat and Jane was so nice.  I think I'll come back for the bikini wax!

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0

66

silky g.

Fremont, CA

UPDATE: I'm going to have to go down another star. I contacted them several times about the scars on my face. They never got back to me to schedule the supposed consultation to see what they could do about what THEY did to my face. Never going here again for anything, there are  several other great salons around here.

I got my first facial here a few weeks ago with my friend. It was great! I got the classic facial and liked it, except the cleaning with the scraping thing part. It HURTS. But I guess beauty does right? Jane did my friend's face and boy was he glowing like nothing. I forgot who did mine...she didn't clean my face too much but focused on the massage..which was nice too. We got a lot of looks after that :) It's a bit pricey though and they don't have packages or anything....We'll definitely be going back though to try the rest of the facials and what not!

OK UPDATE: I went to get my underarms waxed here yesterday (I can't afford laser yet! haha) anyways....Jane used the blue wax which was awesome, it barely hurt. Well at least a lot less than what I was expecting. It came out pretty clean, but she did use a tweezer to get some of the little hairs... The price is very high, $20. And when I got home I saw a whole bunch of little hairs still there. I don't think I'll get waxed here again...I'll stick to my epilator until I save up for laser... Oh and the week before I went in for a classic facial, well she didn't do a good job of cleaning the blackheads on my nose...that was a bit dissapointing....Maybe I'll try them once before going elsewhere, it might have just been a bad day for her that once....

Second UPDATE: OK I went in for an organic facial to get the 'glow' for my sister's engagement party. The extraction really hurt this time, but she said I had a lot of blackheads that were visible under the magnifier. So I thought nothing of it and went home. I rinsed my face when I got home and saw like several holes with blood all over my cheeks and chin. They were like literally tiny holes in my face. Not cool.

So I think maybe it will be OK the next morning since it takes awhile for the effects to kick in. I wait two, three, four days. Now they've turned into brown spots. PERMANENT brown scars. I am so disapointed, I really enjoyed lavendar spa, everyone was nice, it was clean, all awesome. Until this. I called and all I got was that I had deep extractions. I didn't pay to have my face scarred up. I'm still contemplating what to do about this... Even the strongest concealer doesn't completely cover them. I hate looking at my cheeks now :(

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Elite '08

68

237

Aivy C.

Hayward, CA

After six months in the Valley (as in, Silicon), I came to a realization: San Mateo and Berkeley have officially become way too far for me to venture out once a month for a Brazilian wax. My hair on top is one thing - I go to Grasshopper Salon in SF and regardless of where in the Bay Area I may move, I'll never give up Hung because I love him to death and my hair is super bangin' - but my nether regions are another. As far as bikini waxes go, it's really all about convenience, since only one other person benefits from it - so why make the process any more complicated than it has to be?

Anyway, Lavender was the only place that called me back with availability for appointments - and to my utter delight, when I mapquested it, I found out it was one exit away from where I work. It's a cute little oasis of a spot located within a strip mall that caters to mostly Asian clientele. Jane was my esthetician, and she talked to me pretty much the entire time she waxed, which some people might find distracting but I personally welcome it because I'd rather hear conversation over the sound of hot wax being ripped off my crotch any day.

Past waxers I've had used white strips with hot honey wax, but Jane had this green wax stuff that she put on, let harden, and then quickly ripped off. It was the most painless - and yet one of the most thorough - waxes I have ever had. It was also interesting in terms of positions - I've had to contort myself silly for bikini waxes before, but this was truly the first time anyone had asked me to straight up bend over on all fours in a non-sexual context. I felt like I was in a 2 Live Crew video, but it was more funny to me than anything. I'm very easily amused.

At the end of it all, she handed me a mirror, and it was a very thorough job, which I reaped the benefits of later that night. THAT'S RIGHT, I SAID IT.

Not bad for $50. I'll be back next month for sure.

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10

27

Cindy N.

San Jose, CA

I usually dread going to they gyno and never thought I'd actually get a brazillian.  I guess curiosity got the best of me and I ended up at Lavender at the nudging of a friend and after reading all the reviews on here.  

I was completely embarrassed and uncomfortable with having a total stranger all up in my privates but Jane puts you at ease right away.  She is very knowledgeable and does a very thorough job.   Either she's really good or my tolerance for pain is pretty high because although it is painful (any first time waxing is going to sting) it's tolerable and lasts just a few seconds.  I read the reviews on here first so getting on all fours wasn't a big deal.  It was still a weird position to be in but at least I was prepared for it!  I also had no clue on what I wanted in terms of length/width of the landing strip.  Jane used her judgement and I am quite happy with the results.  My session lasted 30min and Jane was extremely accomodating by squeezing me in after closing after she found out that my friend had intended to make an appointment for two.  

I am also pretty shy and modest and was the biggest scaredy cat.  I'm glad my first time was with Jane and I will definitely be going back in the future.  Now I understand why people get these done.  I have seen the light and am definitely converting.

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63

241

Joan P.

Mountain View, CA

I come here for Brazilian waxes. See Aivy's review. She pretty much sums it all up! They constantly try out the most new and improved/advanced waxes. I like the green wax they use that hardens because it just holds onto the hair and doesn't rip off a layer of your skin like the cloth strips do. My waxer Jane is fantastic, funny, and friendly. She is very easy to talk to and makes you feel totally comfortable. And yes, they make you go on all fours. (I think she knows me better than my gyno. hahahah!)  When you go in, Kenny, the owner, is most likely working in the front. For $50, they do a great job.

I used to go to Nilou in Saratoga, and although she is GREAT, $70 for a Brazilian wax is way too much. Plus she still uses cloth strips. I got my first Brazilian there and I think I lost the first three layers of my skin down there. Ouch!

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0

4

Anna N.

Los Angeles, CA

Lavender Beauty Spa is amazingly wonderful.  The front lounge is welcoming and calm with their lime green walls.  The soft music definitely plays well with the setting--relaxing the mood.  Complimentary chocolate and candies is always a plus.

I usually come in for an eyebrow, leg, and/or bikini wax.  Both Lillian and Vicky are reliable and respectable estheticians.  They are professional and very friendly.  The pricing for these services is reasonable.  I highly recommend coming here for any waxing services.

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13

32

Kathleen D.

San Jose, CA

Based on all the great reviews,  I decided to call Lavender for an appointment.  I got the Classic Facial.   The massage and mask felt really nice,  but her motions felt rushed.   At the end she lifted up my entire body to let me know I was finished.  Yeah,  it is a facial for 55 bucks - but you get what you pay for.

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27

109

Madelyn Y.

Los Altos, CA

I had the lunchtime facial special and it was fantastic!  The esthetician was kind, honest, and paid attention to detail.  The 45min delight only costs $35, and I would definitely go back to treat myself!

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Elite '08

135

230

Eric W.

Hayward, CA

I bought a couple of Christmas gift certificates for my mom and sister from here. It was actually the day before Christmas, about 2:55 pm, and it looked like they were about to close up shop. Luckily, I caught a nice lady named Jane right on time, and she was surprisingly more than happy to provide assistance.

I am totally clueless about this kind of stuff, but she explained everything to me, including what works best for different skin types and age groups. In the end, we just decided on a general lump sum amount, and left it up to the two lovely ladies to choose what they want to do with it. We even chit chatted a bit about non-skin related issues.

Jane did not come off as preachy, and did not peddle her products or services on me. I even asked her if someone like me could benefit from some treatment, considering my history of eczema and acne, but she proceeded to compliment me on my skin, and told me to just continue what I've been doing.*

The outside of this place is not fancy. It's kind of tucked in the middle of a not so prominent looking strip mall. However, none of that is important for this type of business. Fortunately, one of my favorite tapioca shops, Verde (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), is right down the block, so maybe when mom and baby sis ask me to drive them down here, I'll have a place to chill.

BTW, my mom was not necessarily thrilled at the thought of visiting a beauty spa, since she's one of those midlife ladies who refuses to think she's old. My sister was very excited. In the end, I think they both will enjoy their experience at Lavender.

*Cetaphil lotion is the magic potion!

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Elite '08

193

310

Allison B.

Palo Alto, CA

This place is a bit ghetto fabulous (ie I could hear people talking in the business next door even with the soothing music playing.)  But the people here are fast, efficient, clean and inexpensive.  Perfect for a grad student budget.  Not an "all day spa resort"...more like the Jiffy Lube of beauty maintenance.

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Elite '08

37

244

Shinette G.

San Jose, CA

EDIT. I've just got to reiterate just how sweet Jane is and how comfortable she makes you feel during a pretty embarrassing procedure. She's really accommodating too. She also really makes an effort to get to know her clients and tries her best to remember everyone.
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So after reading about this place on Yelp, I finally decided to give it a shot. I've been wanting to get a Brazilian for quite some time now, and since I had the time, I went ahead and scheduled an appointment to get it done. I think the woman who did my wax was Jane, atleast that's what they told me when I booked my appointment. She was really nice and friendly. I was really nervous, but Jane made the situation comfortable. She did a really thorough job and I couldn't be any more pleased. She explained to me what she was doing as she was doing it and why. As for the wax itself, it was not as bad as I thought it would be. To be honest, it w