Skin Utopia
Categories: Skin Care, Day Spas, Hair Removal [Edit]
15 W 43rd AveSan Mateo, CA 94403 (650) 619-6880
- Hours:
Wed-Thu 1:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Fri 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- By Appointment Only: Yes
70 reviews
San Mateo, CA
"Wax on, wax off. When the skill, speed and gracefulness of a kung fu master is demonstrated by an esthetician, I become a loyal disciple. …" read more »
36 Reviews for Skin Utopia
This is a fabulous spa for an indulgent little get away. The reception area is packed with interesting items you can buy, but you won't stay there for long. The friendly staff will take you away to the inviting changing room and then you will relax in the relaxation room. The relaxation room is secluded and beautiful with comfy chairs and chaise loungers. There is a nice assortment of refreshments.
I had a facial and it was one of the best facials I've ever received. The technician was just incredible. She made helpful suggestions without pushing the products. The entire staff is friendly and fun.
I've been seeing Anna for about a year now for my Brazilians and I thought that it was finally time that I wrote her a review! She is personable and friendly, which helps a lot when she's working down there! Her girl talk helps to distract you from what she's really doing and I have had some really good laughs with her, considering the subject at hand! But I must say that with her skill and speed, you hardly feel pain at all. At most, it stings. And I'm never there for more than 15 minutes. She is reasonably priced and her place is cozy. Highly recommend to first timers and for people new to the area or just want to switch.
It's possible to make an appointment for a Brazilian and be in and out in 15 minutes flat. Anna is that good. She's easy and fun to chat with, too, which totally helps in distracting you from what's actually happening.
Note: As of this writing she's just weeks away from giving birth, but said she'll be back in May ('08).
I went to Anna for my first **ever** bikini wax today and I can't say enough what a positive, surprising experience it was. She had suggested on the phone when I spoke to her that I take two Advils about half an hour before my appointment, so I did, and although I apparently have a high pain threshold (I SilkEpil my legs on my own, and it doesn't hurt me at all anymore, although it did when I started), it really didn't hurt at all. It was surprising, I admit it, in terms of the location of the wax and the need to not be shy, but I'm so glad I went. She's great to talk with, her fees are incredibly reasonable, and her room and massage bed are neat and clean - all very important aspects, in my book. I will definitely be returning.
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I got through my first brazillian wax, which says A LOT.
Anna was nice and the whole process didn't hurt as much as I expected (even after reading these reviews, I expected I'd have to stop half way through). Then again, I did take a Tylenol with codeine before going to my appointment.
The only reason I'm giving 4 out of 5 stars is because some hairs were missed and I read online that some places use tweezers to pluck out stubborn hairs after the wax is through. Although I'm half grateful that when the wax was finished I didn't have to endure any more pain, when i got home and studied the results I sat down for about an hour and attempted to, uh, pluck away at very-hard-to-reach spots. [*** Anna contacted me regarding this review and gave a good reason for not tweezing (apparently tweezed hairs grow back faster so it's best to let them grow in) so if you don't mind a few stray hairs with that in mind, then this shouldn't bother you.
Otherwise, I'd highly recommend Anna. Don't expect no pain, but I figure any pain in that general region must be good preparation for childbirth.
Prices were reasonable. Place was clean, upstairs of a nice salon in the south end of San Mateo, right in my 'hood.
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A week before my wedding I went to see Anna. I was lucky enough to get a microdermabrasion, eyebrow and bikini wax. SHE IS AMAZING!!! I have had each of these services at least once before (and in the case of the bikini wax I have had some pretty bad experiences!) and Anna is the best! She made me feel extremely comfortable and relaxed, which was hard considering that my wedding was so close. Not only are her prices reasonable, they are a bargain when you factor in her level of service. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone!
Hate to just seem like I'm jumping on the band wagon here but I'm SO glad I got my vajayjay done with Anna.
Very nice. Kinda weird to bring up with my friends and say things like... "um, I found a great brazillian waxer, wanna go together?" Actually, I kinda want to... so how about it friends?
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I am another newbie in the vaginal waxing realm. Thank you fellow yelpers for directing me to Anna. I took the "all or nothing" attitude when I made the appointment for my first brazilian ever. I had been traumatized a few years back when I allowed my husband to wax me with Nad's (remember that one ladies?). Seven years and a rainforest later, I made the call. She was very professional and friendly despite my embarrassment over my state of neglect. She talked to me the whole time which helped "distract" from the discomfort and 15 minutes later I was a new person...at least the vagina was. I will definitely make a follow-up appointment with her. Thanks again Anna. You are a gem.
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Another clean Vay-Jay in San Mateo!!!!
Anna, you are awesome! I love how the pain lasts a second, but I'm still laughing two days later!!!!
Hey - read any good yelp reviews??? :-D
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(original review)
Anna does a great job! Her place was clean, comfortable, and I felt completely comfortable with her. I also loved the wax jobs she did! :)
A huge bonus is Anna herself - she's funny, easy to talk to, and my sister said after "I heard you laughing in the waiting room!"
I highly recommend Anna and will be back! :)
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I almost don't want to review this out of fear that everyone will catch on to Anna and make it harder for me to get an appointment. But, selfishness aside, I just have to rave about the job she did! I got a Brazilian wax from Anna and while the wax was painful, it was actually one of the LEAST painful waxing experiences I have had. She's super fast too -- I was out in about 15 minutes. Her price for the waxing - $40 - was also very reasonable (I'm used to spending $65+ in the city). I highly recommend Anna.
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I can't believe I haven't written a review for Anna. Anna is amazing with her waxing skills, just like everyone else said. I suppose I didn't want to review her because she's already got enough glowing reviews and this just means that it will be harder to get an appointment with her when I need it...
Alas, the secret is out, might as well share my 2 cents too.
I Love HER!!! Seriously first time waxing anything, she made me feel comfortable she talked me through everything.. If ur gettin ur vajayjay waxed Anna is the women u need to see!
I have seen Anna twice.
The first time (May 2007)was for a facial and she really listened to what I had to say and then actually did what I asked! Also, my skin was not macerated like it usually is when I leave after a facial.
I decided I would be back!
This second time (late July or early August), I got a bikini wax and she was really cool while I squealed. :) She did a great job! Then, she did another (different type) of facial from the facial I got the first time I saw her---this was a glycolic facial. It turned out nicely and again, I was amazed that my sensitive skin felt so soft and was not red or burned (something that has happened with previous estheticians).
I would definately recommend her. By the way, her costs are very reasonable!
Whoo hoo!!! I have popped my brazilian virginity and have found my punani again! Anna is an incredible person. I never felt so comfortable being bare from waste down in front of another person in my life. She did an excellent job, and was able to make me feel at ease. Not only that, but the procedure was quick...I was out of there in less than a half hour. Anna definitely knows what she's doing and her technique is great. I would recommend her to anyone. And for those of you that are debating....as soon as you step into the salon....you'll know you came to the right place.
There are no words to describe Anna's talents with a waxing strip. I was TERRIFIED of getting a brazilian. Terrified. I was convinced that Anna was the master. Being, um, very Mediterranean, I still wasn't sure. I went to Anna a few days before my wedding and I was amazed. She was done in 15 minutes at the most, and it hurt no more than a regular bikini wax. I swear! Now, I make it my every 5 week appointment and I could not be happier. Plus, her price is VERY reasonable for a brazilian compared to San Francisco prices.
For the delicate process, Anna is also very friendly and fun and totally puts you at ease. The room is immaculate and cozy, not sterile and boring. I highly recommend Anna, she also does facials and other waxing of course!
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Anna is THE best bikini/ brazilian waxer in town. She is professional, warm and friendly...not to mention very quick and gentle with the waxing, a huge PLUS when getting waxed down under- her technique is top notch.
Her prices are very reasonable, the atmosphere is clean, charming and welcoming... Call Anna for your waxing and facial needs- you won't be disappointed!
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I've been to several waxers, and Anna was pretty good in terms of her skill (she missed a few spots though), but she was not friendly or comforting. This might have been because we were the last customers of the day, but my friend and I both felt uncomfortable around her.
I normally have really nice waxers who make conversation so I'm distracted, but Anna hardly spoke. My friend and I did not receive the appropriate instructions during our waxes and were many times confused as to what to do because her techniques were different than the ones I have been familiar with. However, her prices are a lot cheaper than any other place I researched in the Bay Area and the actual room she was renting was nicely decorated.
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Anna is amazing!
This was, by far, the best Brazilian wax I've had in ages. She was friendly, comfortable to be around, and extremely thorough with her work. It even seemed less painful than usual - and this was the first one I've had in a while, which is always more painful than maintenance ones. I can't wait to see how easy my maintenance waxes will be with her.
I have FINALLY found an awesome esthetician that I can stick with! YAY! The best judge was my husband who inspected her work later in the day and simply said, "Wow! She did a GREAT job! You need to keep going to her." That was the clincher.
Thanks, Anna!
I am a very picky person when it comes to facials, and i have had my fair share of good ones and not so good. Anna was excellent. She is friendly and nice was able to fit me in when I really needes her services. There was no hard sell on product just good advice and a smiling face and great ambiance. Thank you Anna for making me feel and look great.
I Highly recommend Anna! I had my first appointment with her a couple of weeks ago. She was fantastic and accommodating. Her technique is outstanding. She made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. The environment was super clean and non-threatening. I'll be back for sure!
I'm not one to post nor jump on the bandwagon but I'm new to the area and can not believe what a gem I have found thru this site (which I never even heard of before moving here). I am from Manhattan and have been getting waxed from a very chi-chi salon for years and paying a pretty penny for it. I was SO nervous that I wouldn't find anyone like my girl back home. But thanks to all of you - I DID!!!
Anna is fantabulous! Friendly, almost pain-less, quick and cheap! I have very sensitive skin and her wax left me with no itchies which is hard to find. Not only that but she came in early on a Saturday morning to fit me in - right before Xmas no less. Now that's service you would never get in the big city.
THANK YOU ANNA! Can't wait to see you again!!
Anna is amazing. She's warm, friendly, outgoing, gentle and a serious wax master.
My brazilian was as pleasant as a brazilian could possibly be. Minimal pain with fun conversation. I'm definitely going back and taking my friends with me!
Thank you, fellow yelpers, for your reviews...I wouldn't have found her otherwise.
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you would be stupid if you DID NOT see anna for your waxing needs! she is amazing! i relocated from LA and i had the hardest time trying to find someone who can do brazilian w/o me getting the ingrown bumps, overpaying AND are CERTIFIED (please on your life don't go to the nail shops to get your waxing done...more than half those ladies are not certified)
it was very nice to see that she was very professional and very nice! you can't beat her pricing AT ALL!!! she's awesome! call call call!!
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There are no words to describe this women! She is just the best. This was my first brazilian wax ever. The only thing I have ever waxed was my eyebrows and even that is sometimes painful. Anna made me so comfortable and by a certain point I didn't even really feel anything. She is so quick and professional, I saw her about a month ago and I can't wait to go back for my next visit. Thanks Anna!!!
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I had the best experience ever! Had my eyebrows waxed today and they look PERFECT! Anna was extremely nice and gentle. Such a clean place... I loved it!!
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SUPER sweet. I went in for my eyebrows, and she was just as concerned with me leaving happy as I was. She was really friendly and showed me everything she was doing as we went along to make sure there were no unpleasant surprises. They turned out perfectly AND I'm Asian (Normally, waxers don't know what to do with me, but that's fine). Anna is probably the most professional waxer I've met and at the same time the most friendly. I got my money's worth and I'll probably be a client of hers for a long time.
This place is awesome! Anna's really nice and friendly. Very instructional. My first time was very comfortable. We made great convo that was really good cuz it distracted me from what was actually going on. LOL. Definitely recommended! Fast, thorough, and affordable!
I've been to a few different places for bikini waxes and I think Anna was definitely one of the best i've ever been to. She was great! She talked to me the whole time which kept me at ease. We actually were chatting just enought to where i was hardly even thinking about the pain. She is really efficient, and definitely knows whats she's doing. OH and she doesn't put you in overly awkward positions as has been my experience in the past (especially when going for the brazilian).
I found her by recommendations here on yelp, and trust me in that no one is steering you wrong here. Definitely recommend going to her!! And her price was very reasonable. A great service overall.
WOW ! Anna has the magic touch. She's right on! Overall great personality, warm and friendly. Anna listen to what I wanted and did just that. I have gone a couple of times now and I LOVE how my eyebrows look. I am hooked. Call her you won't be dissappointed. Prices are reasonable. Thanks sooooo much Anna.
First, I wasnt looking for a waxer, but I was looking for a hair salon bc my hair stylist was totally booked. I went thru Yelp and I ended up looking through the reviews for Skin Utopia. After seeing the affordable price for a brazilian, I decided to give it a try. Anna was excellent. I really dont understand why the one bad review said she was "unfriendly" (people just have ridiculous high expectations) The conversation I had with Anna was awesome, and I'm so glad I made her day. I have had brazilians in other places in SF and Anna seems to top them off. She doesnt rush thru the procedure at all, unlike most places tend to rush thru it (hence the fact they're waxing you down there). I'm definitely going to see her again for future brazilians, and hopefully convince all my friends to go to her for their waxing needs.
Anna is by far the best esthetician! I have been to quite a few different people and nobody has ever matched her great services. As a result I have been a loyal client for over 2 years even though I now live in San Francisco. I often need to schedule last-minute appointments and Anna has always managed to fit me in. Her waxing skills are superb--her method is gentle and much less painful. She's always friendly and sweet. And there's really no beating her unbeatable prices.
Anna's the bomb and I highly recommend her! I've gone to her for waxing, facials and microdermabrasion. She's been very flexible and has taken me for last-minute appointments. I'm a mom and have also needed to bring my son with me to a few appointments and she's always been very accommodating. She has a great skin care line and her room is very comfortable. Try Anna if you're looking for an esthetician - she's great!
First time Brazzilan...Anna was great!!
Great service, very clean and super reasonable prices!
not only was i able to get an appointment the day before i left for vacation to mexico, but anna was awesome!! for bikini and underarms, i was in and out of there in 20 minutes! not only is she really nice and sweet, she is very quick and it was not as painful as other places i've been to! and as the other reviewers say, it is true, her prices are much more reasonable than others. i will definitely be going to her for my future waxing needs!
oh!what can I say...ANNA - goddess of Brazilian!!!!!She is ...oh!no words ,only emotions! she is GREAT!!!!
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