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Urban Allure

5 star rating
based on 51 reviews

Categories: Skin Care, Hair Removal

Neighborhood: Financial District
230 California St
Suite 603

(between Front St & Battery St)
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 399-1300
New November Specials!

We have new laser, esthetician, Botox and Latisse specials for November! Check our website for further information!

http://www.urbanallure...

 
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Hours:

Tue-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
By Appointment Only:
Yes

51 reviews for Urban Allure

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One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?

Photo of Mollie T.

 

3

25

Mollie T.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/1/2008

My skin has finally found it's heaven.  These ladies are extremely professional, yet unpretentious.  They made me feel totally comfortable, and the results have been amazing!
Every single penny: worth it.

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Photo of Anjali J.

 

5

13

Anjali J.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
8/20/2009

I have been going to Urban Allure for 3 years now (I'm Spanish and Indian... i've got a lot of areas to lase to say the least ;).

Erin and Emily are consummate professionals who know what they are doing and are very knowledgable about the laser process.  Even better, they are super fun and warm and I remember Erin completely putting me at ease the first few times I came.

Folks with darker skin like mine should be extra careful about when they go in for treatments (NO TAN) and do things gradually.  But it's worth it... I haven't shaved my legs in over a year.

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Photo of Kristen C.

 

50

73

Kristen C.

Foster City, CA

5 star rating
7/29/2009

This is the only place i've been to for laser treatments, but so far i've been extremely happy with my results that i don't feel the need to look somewhere else! I'm in and out of the place in less than 15 min for each underarm treament, i wish i had found this place sooner! The staff here is great, professional but still friendly. I love it!

The only downside is that it's located in the financial district which means HORRENDOUS PARKING. Every time i come i worry about getting a ticket! I wish they had their own parking lot or could valet parking because the one garage i found was $12/hr!!! Are they crazyyyy???!?  :(

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Photo of Vicky L.

Elite '09

99

202

Vicky L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/21/2009

Somewhere between high school and college, I developed super sensitive skin.  Although I tan pretty quickly, it also makes my acne scars darker.  And even though I didn't pick at my face, most of my pimples left scars which became really irritating, because although my acne is clearing out, it leaves its mark to remind me of my teen years.

I tried IPL to get rid of my scars at another spa, which worked at first, but any bit of sunlight, even though I SPF30ed it, brought back the marks.  I tried peels and creams and stuff, which worked minimally, so I decided to Yelp a new facialist.

Thank goodness for Rocio at Urban Allure!  She assessed my skin and said the most effective would probably be the Vitalize peel, with facials in-between for extractions.  She was super nice, and was very thorough.  I've never once had a facialist work on my face the ENTIRE session - usually they leave you to steam and walk out of the room.  Rocio's hands literally never stopped working on my facial the whole time I was there.  Kudos!

I've had two peels so far, and although she told me that sometimes people get darker spots the first two sessions, my skin is getting lighter.  I can't help but pick at my skin when it peels, mostly to look presentable for work, but even though I've been pulling the loose skin off, my skin is looking better.

I can't wait to see the result after a couple more peels and facials!

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Photo of Tina S.

 

14

4

Tina S.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
11/21/2009

Unpretentious, professional, and they don't even try and upsell you on things you don't need. Marvelous! My skin is glowing.

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Photo of Katie D.

 

2

14

Katie D.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
11/15/2009

I love, love, love this place.  The staff is really nice, friendly and patient.  I started laser hair removal a few months ago, and have been so pleased with the results and the experience that I have convinced 2 other friends to start going as well.

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Photo of Hannah R.

 

2

18

Hannah R.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/8/2009

Zap, zap, zap!  I have gone to Urban Allure for 2 different laser treatments and have been happy with the results.  The staff is professional and the rooms are clean.  Just know that you'll also have to pay for numbing cream in addition to your laser cost.  The cream can range from $20-60 depending on the amount needed.

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Photo of Heather G.

 

19

6

Heather G.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/14/2009

Ladies know that there are a few things we just cannot skip in life. A regular trip to the beauty salon is one of those things. It's just a matter of finding the right place where you feel comfortable and well taken care of. One that is professional, sensitive and "just right", if you know what I mean. This is one of those places.
I also love that it is so close to my work. I can walk there, as they are right in the financial district of SF.

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Photo of Rob L.

 

3

4

Rob L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/17/2009

So what can I do, I am a hairy guy! Hair can be nice and sexy when it located on the right parts of the body. Anyway, I started to investigate the hair laser process by calling different Spas and meeting with the nurses. I met with Erin at Urban Allure spa and we had a small chat about hair remover with Laser, she had all the answer to me questions and did not "push" me to schedule a treatment. After a week of meeting with different spas in San Francisco, I decided to have my first treatment with Urban Allure, my session was good, I made one mistake that I did not used the naming cream and it with painful like HELL! After the second treatment I started to see the results with about 70% of the hair despaired.

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Photo of Lauren B.

 

20

94

Lauren B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/27/2009

Great spa week experience.  Emily was quick, explained the laser procedure thoroughly and quite professional. I shall return.

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Photo of Colleen B.

 

8

33

Colleen B.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
6/5/2009

This place is awesome! After reading all these stellar reviews on Yelp I decided to make an appointment. They are right in the heart of the financial district, one minute from my work!

I have been looking for someone who is very good at microdermabrasion. I lost my regular girl as she retired. I have tried the Claremont resort, but the results and service has been mediocre.

Roscio showed me the new generation of Microdermabrasion equipment and it is more comfortable. I got better results from their equipment vs. the old air blast sand storm equipment. She spent a good 25 minutes going over my face, in addition she also did my neck - I have to say most places charge extra for this!  After the dermo, she  gave me a very relaxing mini facial hydration that was very enjoyable. She is very pleasant and professional and not too talkative, so I really could relax.  It was hard to get off the table.

My skin looks fantastic. I have already made an appointment to go back in a couple weeks to start a series of mini peels that she she recommended, she sent me away with a couple of samples also.

Prices are reasonable, especially considering they really give you quality time and service.The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the place is small and clean , inviting and relaxing. This is a great spot in the financial district!

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0

3

Leman G.

Stanislaus, CA

4 star rating
9/16/2009

I was visiting my friend and couldn't for the life of me find a spot to get waxed, but found this place. The ladies here are awesome! I didn't have to wait and make an appt they took my walk in welcome, and I was in and out in 15mins!

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Photo of G G.

 

2

32

G G.

Walnut Creek, CA

5 star rating
5/13/2009

The 5 star reviews you see on Yelp are for good reason. I have had a number of facilists and Rocio by far is the best. I love that they don't push products. Get a couple of facials and you will be asking them what you need to maintain your beautiful, new skin. I have brown skin, so ladies of all skin types should feel comfortable coming here. I got a peel last winter and my face has been looking so great. A few weeks after the peel it looked so good I wanted to stop by the office just to show it off. I was so excited and so grateful.

It's your responsibility to keep up your skin care. However, you should definitely leave deep maintenance to the pros to get and keep you on the right track. This is the place.

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Photo of Anita C.

 

4

9

Anita C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/11/2009

Streamlined, elegant, effective. There aren't all the extra fancy frills that the super-plush spas have, but I'd rather not be paying for all that anyways and spend my money on treatments that actually work.

Rocio is friendly and a great facialist. I appreciated that she didn't try to push unnecessary expensive treatments on me. I even told her my dermatologist had recommended I do IPL and she said, "Why?" Rocio said all I really needed for my normally oily but currently winter-chapped skin was a hydrating facial. Much less costly and my skin was glowing afterwards.

I'm pretty cautious about what I put on my face or what dermatologists/facialists do to it so I'm quite satisfied!

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Photo of cristina o.

 

11

18

cristina o.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/3/2009

This review is a little tougher to write because i have a different set of stars for the spa vs. the esthetician...

first let me validate and say that i can be a bit of a spa whore. I've been to many. I've also been in strong pursuit for a good (not even great, just good) eyebrow artist (yes, they are "artists").

i have "strong", as they've been described, eyebrows, that, if not properly groomed, could easily be mistaken for two overstuffed caterpillars that crawled onto my face and died. So you can see, why its important that I find the right person to shape them nicely, pulling them away from my eyes and out of my mouth. Ok, so they're not THAT bad, but you get what I'm saying.

Many many estheticians West of the Mississippi have been driven through auditions of becoming my #1 eyebrow lady. And, I'm happy to say that Rocio of Urban Allure has been recently chosen to play leading lady in the film that is the "Life of And Times of My Groomed Brows". She was absolutely wonderful, patient, and as meticulous as a mid-century painter.

As far as the spa is concerned, it's pretty nice, but more of a "4 star" nice (just being honest here). It feels more like a doctors office then a spa...I think the right lighting, aromatherapy smells, and softer tread amongst the staff could give it that 5-star oasis of relaxation feel. They're not far off, and I have to say that the staff was pleasant, I didn't have to wait long for my appointment and the location was conveniently close to Union Square.

All in all, I'll obviously be back...and maybe next time, I'll even try some of the other treatments they offer.

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Photo of Krissy M.

 

48

228

Krissy M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/8/2009

Erin is a gem.

I highly recommend laser hair removal and Erin was so friendly and professional, she immediately put me at ease. (I was a little concerned about burning my skin, which proved to be silly).

Here are some details:

It's not a spa - not anywhere close.  Whoever wrote that is insane.  It's more like a nice doctors office.  Very clean.

Secondly, it really doesn't hurt!  I have no idea why I have wasted so much time and money waxing.  Don't do it!  Just head to Erin and get that shit lasered!  

Finally, Erin's very upfront about the process - what's happening and what you'll experience. It was great to know "You'll see a bright flash, feel a zap and smell burning hair."  Really that's all there it to it!

I highly, highly recommend Urban Allure.

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Photo of Veronica H.

 

0

13

Veronica H.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
1/7/2009

Wow! What can I say, Urban Allure is amazing, and so is laser hair removal. I just finished my first treatments, but so far the hair is just gone. I can't believe it, its been several weeks and wow!!

If you are someone who has dealt with shaving and waxing constantly and all of its annoying and expensive trials and tribulations, laser may be for you.  Also, if you are light skinned with dark hair, then you will be a good candidate. In the end it saves you money, much cheaper in the long run than waxing or electrolysis!  Also they have periodic deals that can save you lots of money, and they don't nickle and dime you with the areas you are getting done, in other words they are generous in their applications (think fighting with your waxing person to not charge you for the the 3 extra hairs she ends up waxing off that is not technically on your lower leg, for example--you won't find that here).

Erin is very professional, warm and competent. She is a registered nurse and you will be in good hands. Salon is private, comfortable and upscaleish in a financial district sort of way.  Erin has great bedside manner.

If you check them out you'll quickly see why they only have perfect 5 star reviews on yelp. That's why I chose them and I wasn't disappointed.

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Photo of Diane B.

 

55

40

Diane B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/9/2009

Very detailed, professional and effective! The spa I'd been going to for laser treatments closed down. The fact that I can pay on an as-needed basis vs. being forced to buy a whole package was what initially got me to come here; the ensuing service and treatment are what has me referring them to others.

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Photo of Liz R.

 

18

13

Liz R.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/8/2009

Yelp! You never fail me.  After reviewing all the positive reviews, I went in.  As usual, the reviews are spot on.  Urban Allure - my skin heart you!

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Photo of Cris B.

 

36

65

Cris B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/19/2008

I never thought I'd be here ~ never thought I'd be brave enough to FACE the truth, but unfortunately I've reached an age where I can no longer hide from it.  Not to mention, my primary care Doctor is keen on reminding me of my age and is mailing me brochures for specials on injectable fillers such as Botox, restylene, juvederm.  I was offended by her gesture, but now realize that quite possibly I'm looking a little 'tired' these days (Gawd help me).  Life has its challenges.

For me, the first challenge is trying to hide 3rd degree burns to one side of my face, which till now has been easy to do, however, the reality is my biological clock is tick, tick, ticking and with this there appears to be a loss in my body's natural ability to create elasticity (thanks, shrinking pituitary gland).  So now aging is starting to show, especially on the burned side of my face.  Think of the comedy & sad mask ~ yes, that's me, one side droopy with slight wrinkles and the other side fine, fresh supple looking.  Oy Vey!!!

Another challenge, I don't sleep well at night (because of my nightly thoughts in knowing that planet earth is just a small little speck of dust spinning crazily around the sun's solar system, which can (and likely will) be hit by another cosmic speck of dust which will ultimately annihilate life as we know it; this is always at the forefront of my subconscious mind).

Okay, I'm rambling ~ my point is, science has proven that those who lack sleep tend to age faster than those who sleep well, not to mention lose focus easier, and have less short-term memory; wait, what was I talking about again.  ; ^)

So aside from my third challenge to stay focus, the two previous challenges combined are ultimately affecting my youthful good looks.  With this, I have decided to accept the challenge and find a way to combat them.  And with much research I've resolved injectable fillers are not for me.  So what is the alternative...  Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments ~ yes, sign me up!  

Urban Allure is my go to place for lunch time IPL treatments, and Emily is fantastic.  She understands my goal and is helping me achieve (retain) a youthful, fresh and well-rested look.  She's even zapped my hands so they match my face...  Nice.

I can't say the IPL treatment is a pleasurable experience (think putting your finger in an electric socket type pain), nor is it cheep.  But as we get oldER, I'm finding age to be painfully expensive (pun intended).  

As for results, a few weeks after my first treatment I received compliments from friends, acquaintances and random strangers.  The results were subtle and slightly noticeable.  Hell, I believe the best compliment came from a random stranger, a female checker at my local trader Joes carded me when buying alcohol.  She was quite rude too in saying "get your I.D. out, I don't want to have to waste my time ringing everything up."  I was surprised, said "wah?" handed it to her and she looked at me, then my license, looked back at me and said "oh my, I had no idea; good job."  I took this as a compliment.  Another random person is a young lady who is new waitress at one of my favorite restaurants.  When seating me she asked, "did you do something different, you look, well, really good."  My response, I applied make-up; but I knew the real truth.

I have had two treatments so far and now look 20yrs younger.  Okay, I'm kidding on the 20 yrs younger (don't need to repeat my adolescence), but I certainly look well rested and the elasticity of my skin has improved greatly.  I've two more treatments to go, then perhaps I will look 20yrs younger.  8*)

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Photo of elizabeth h.

 

17

84

elizabeth h.

Outer Sunset, San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/15/2009

my last bikini wax was a botched Brazilian. for us girls, those two words "botched Brazilian" are something you never want to have to go through.

i was a little nervous, gun shy you might say, coming to urban allure but it was a lovely experience.

thorough, minimal pain, i felt at ease. lovely is really the only word.

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Photo of GingerSnap G.

 

6

73

GingerSnap G.

York, PA

5 star rating
7/30/2008

The best in the area (that I have tried so far)!  Now, I wont bother going anywhere else!  The office is nice and tidy; very cozy and has never been overly crowded.  

The ladies have never been anything but nice or friendly and never pretentious.  (At other places, I often feel out of place or feel that people are condescending.  Not at all with Urban Allure.)  I do have a preference for some over others, but they are very professional and the more you go, the more you get used to everyone.  

I love that the website lists prices and details procedures.  It's so much easier to know what procedures and treatment areas are offered rather than having to inquire.  

Another reason why I chose UA, is because they use a laser that doesnt require the application of sonogram gunk (aka some sort of massive quantities of ky jelly like substances).  (Other laser places need the jelly substance that acts as a cooling agent.)  UA's laser uses a blast of cold air but they will demonstrate the procedure on your hand if you're scared to death (like I was.. um, I mean, my friend was).

They have done it all before (at least that's what they tell me all the time) and I believe them, cause it seems old hat to them!

I wanted to be hairless (ahem, from the waist down).  And having been a virgin on the bikini wax scene, I was very reluctant to sign up for such things.  Esp at the prospect of getting a brazillian laser style.

So, here's the skinny...  

The brazilian covers the trail to your belly button, your love triangle and the back end... all up in your biz.  
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The procedure...

You have to shave first... I usually do it a day or two before.  (and you never realize how much hair you have all deep inside crevices until you are given the task to shave down there.)

I asked for numbing cream.

They leave you in a room with numbing cream, gloves, a tongue depressor (for scooping and spreading), plastic film and a cloth like cover.  You're left alone to apply the numbing cream, then cover the area with the protective plastic.  You then cover yourself with the cloth.  You are on your own for about  30 mins.    

Then they come a'knockin.  You are given gauze to remove the bulk of the cream.  Then wipes to remove any residue.  (This is also super fantastic, cause I always try to be super clean when I get there.  This is like double insurance!)  They give you more alone time and come back in about 15 mins.

Then it's down to business.  The first set of business has you laying on your back.  They ask you to bend your leg and have it turned out to the side, like a frog.  Then they zap away.  Then they (with gloved hands) move you so that they can get more into the crevices.  Then on to the other side...

Then it's flip time.  And they just have you lie on your tummy this time.  And it sorta feels like they are prodding you, getting into your most hidden regions.  You almost cant help but feel violated, but at the same time you hope that they succeed at getting every last hair.  (I've heard that other places are not as thorough in regards to being true brazilians.)

Then it's over and you are given aloe gel to apply to the treated area and time to re-dress.
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The hair seems to start falling out after the one week mark.  Until then, the area can still have the appearance of stubble.  Because the area can be sensitive, shaving over it is not highly recommended, nor is it very effective.  

You are advised not to pluck, extract or help the hairs along in anyway.  I do so anyway (but only after they seem to come out with little to no effort).  You almost cant help it.  But so far it hasnt detracted from the effectiveness of the treatments.

It is recommended that you exfoliate the area.  I guess the hairs are more fragile now and have a harder time pushing their way through the surface of the skin.  After my first treatment I had two unsightly ingrown hairs (but I'm proned to such things).  Now I used a wash that has salicylic acid.  That seems to have stopped the recurrence of ingrown hairs.  woohoo!!  

They also offer touch ups if they missed a spot.

The results are completely worth the aforementioned process!  The pain seems to be on the level with eyebrow waxings.  I'm extremely happy to be have less hair!!  Highly recommended, all the way around!
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Side notes:  I wish they had better business hours, but they are always willing to work with you and come in after hours or on wknds.  As of late they have been offering wknd hours w/out special requests.  For your birthday you get a 10% discount coupon seems to be good for about a month or two.  They often have seasonal specials online.  I would recommend this place to anyone that asks, and sort of wish I can just spring this recommendation on people!!

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0

31

John W.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/6/2009

We tried this place out on our 7th anniversary, and really like it, nice, laid back, friendly, an sooooo relaxing.

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Photo of Deborah C.

 

7

8

Deborah C.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
7/6/2009

I highly recommend Urban Allure -- the place is super clean, the ladies are very professional, the prices are reasonable and there is no product pushing.  Erin made me feel comfortable and was very thorough in discussing procedures and answering my questions.  She's a real gem!

The only downside is finding parking.  Since Urban Allure is in SF's Financial District, all street parking is metered and hard to find.  However, bring your quarters and give yourself some extra time to circle the block to claim a spot.

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Photo of Shannon V.

 

6

21

Shannon V.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
5/22/2009

This place just rocks.  I've had laser hair removal in LA and NY but never at a place as great as Urban Allure.  The prices are reasonable, the treatments are effective and best of  all - touch-up appointments at super awesome prices.  They only charge you for the time you need, which after an initial round of treatments should be minimal.  Three cheers for places being reasonable AND effective.  Super clean, very friendly and they have all the best gossip mags to help you pass the time.

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Photo of Patty C.

 

0

6

Patty C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/23/2009

I've been to this place twice and have only great things to say about it. I had lazer hair removal and a facial. Unbelievable! They do great job. The place is very clean, which is important to me.

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Photo of Cindy F.

 

20

65

Cindy F.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/22/2008

Why wax when you can laser? It's a no brainer. I used to get bumps on my underarms after shaving daily and now, I shave once every three or more days and I am totally blissfully bump free. One day it'll all go away but for now, it's already a relief. It's incredible...every woman needs to go here. And then down south too - oh man, what a relief to not have to go that condescending woman at the brazilian bikini place who tells me she knows better and to relax and then inadvertently removes skin! No way, i am never going back. It's laser for me. Just hurts a little as I am a gigantic wuss but it's worth it. Trust me. Both Erin and Emily are very professional and down to earth. I like it - straight forward, to the point, and effective. That's all I expect in high quality service.

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Photo of silvie h.

 

12

4

silvie h.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/2/2009

5 stars for Rocio.

She is very professional and knows her stuff. I go there for acne facials and my skin always looks great after the treatment. She is very thorough and really makes an effort to do her best.

Definitely try her!

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Photo of liz g.

 

0

1

liz g.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
3/14/2009

I LOVE ROCIO!  Seriously, she is the best.

Yesterday (before my appointment, obv) I had these caterpillar lookin' eyebrows.  I swear they were taking over my face.  I knew I needed Rocio, badly.  She has waxed my eyebrows a number of times before and each time I am amazed that I went so many years without her.  

Rocio's bio on the website says that she specializes in "precision brow shaping" and let me tell you, SHE DOES!  I don't understand people that pay 20 bucks to get their eyebrow hairs ripped out and the esthetician pays no attention to the ones she might have missed or plucks to give more of a shape; I just don't understand.  Why pay $20 for that when you can go to Rocio?  

Rocio will spend so much time making sure that they your eyebrows are even and shaped perfectly for your face.  And she doesn't miss even a hair!  I swear I look like a new (better!) woman after seeing her.  

Thank you Rocio!

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Photo of Carin W.

 

5

8

Carin W.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/6/2008

As soon as I finished with my appointment, I went straight to the front desk and made another return visit appointment. Oh yes, it was that good! I had the full-body, half pampering from head to toe, and I was so very relaxed after that I almost fell asleep by the time the massage came. Even though it costed a pretty penny, it was well worth it. These guys definitely know what their field and you won't regret spending every last cent.

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Photo of Diana B.

 

13

30

Diana B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
6/9/2007

Erin told me that it would not hurt to get laser hair removal in my nether region and you know what....she was right.  I was happily amazed.  Not only did it not hurt all that much after the lidocaine solution was administered but it was over quick.  This is not to say that I didn't appreciate her company or service or wanted to leave quickly but honestly who wants to have their nether region tampered with if it is not for SEX.  
I am sold I will definitely be back to take care of all and any unwanted hair with Erin.  No more waxing, shaving, or depilitories.  Free at last!!

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Photo of Emily M.

 

3

6

Emily M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
2/21/2007

Urban Allure is THE place to go for hair removal and  superb skincare. Erin and Emily are completely focused on making the client the #1 priority,  and they've created a  comfortable space with the perfect mix of  kindness and professionalism--and they're REALLY good at what they do, too.  Thanks to  the expertise of these ladies and the IPL treatments, my skin looks better than it has in a long time!  I work in the medical profession and am a bit of a spa/skincare connoisseur so trust me --you will feel taken care of at UA and catered to.  I send everyone here to solve skin and hair problems. (Ummm they will also gladly remove that unsightly hair from your boyfriend's back, so get him in there pronto!)

UPDATE 5/6/08:  It's been awhile since I wrote this review, so I thought I'd come back with more info for you... On the hair removal front, I sent another friend in for laser hair removal and she was reluctant, but  is  now  hooked like a fish. Every time she sees me she tells me how happy she is that she finally invested in the procedure at Urban Allure in particular, and loves Erin and Emily and the whole experience--she is super shy about baring her bod and feels very comfortable here.

I've had the best facials EVER here too over the last year and Rocia recently squeezed  me in at the last minute (Thank God) for a prescription facial.   She  really knows her stuff and is great at analyzing skin and suggesting products to solve problems. The facial itself was bliss and as usual, I was relaxed and revived afterward.  I'll definitely be back for more!

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Elite '09

127

244

michelle s.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/6/2008

FACIAL REVIEW: Heidi gives the most relaxing facials evah!!!

On one of the worst storm days in San Francisco, I bear through the horrendous traffic with out-of -service street lights, fallen trees and torrential rains to go downtown all in the name of vanity.  I need a facial and like the Post Office, "Neither rain nor snow nor dark of night will" stop me.

When I enter Urban Allure(UA), soft candles and a pleasant sweet smell welcome me.  They use this temporary lighting since the storm leaves them only limited power.  They apologize but it works for me, feels like I'm in sanctuary.

Heidi with her soft and soothing voice greets me.  My first treat is the electric blanket and plush drape that both feel super cozy.  The facial begins and I notice right away that Heidi has great hands: flow and touch are extremely relaxing and I feel right at ease.  I also love that after applying my mask, Heidi does not leave the room like so many other places but stays and massages my hands and arms...heaven:)  

When the facial is over, Heidi talks with me about my skin.  She's quite informative and more clinical than other aestheticians.  I learn a lot.  I have to start using SPF30 rather than 15.  Since I was out of skin care products and I ask, Heidi confers with Erin and helps me pick out products specifically for my skin.  They have a few lines: Nia24(my choice), Obagi, Colorescience and La Roche Posay.  

I know both Emily and Erin and Emily told me that I would LOVE the facial.  I thought that bc she worked there is why she said that.  HOWEVER,  I have had many, many facials and Heidi gave me one of the most effective and relaxing facials that I've ever received(plus, I got to geek out too!).  Believe me, I have the skin prove it:D  

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  (Wish it were closer to my house though.)

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11

104

j k.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
9/10/2008

Erin and Urban Allure ROCK! I followed Erin here (after first meeting her at Aneu a few years ago - prior to that I tried the scariest place!!) to continue my occasional laser treatment/maintenance for PCOS. She has the most amazing bedside manor! I always feel completely at ease and the treatments aren't even painful - just a momentary sting and a tiny bit of redness (without the topical anesthetic). The environment is clean, professional and comfortable. The location is great, even for those of us coming from the East Bay. If you've ever considered laser hair removal or are looking for a new spot, you MUST give them a call. I can't imagine going any where else!!!

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12

lina z.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
2/3/2009

Erin and Rocio are both amazing people at heart and even better at what they do! Rocio gave me a wonderful facial that left me glowing - and Erin lasered me hairless! they both have great bedside manner and the place is cute and clean. best place to go - and if you're not from the city, it's right over the bay bridge!

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3

6

Djuna W.

Menlo Park, CA

5 star rating
12/27/2007

Urban Allure is fabulous!  It is different from any other skin salon I have ever visited in that it is located in an office building in the Financial District. You can stop in during lunch, get a treatment and return to the office glowing and no one will know the difference.  

The staff are warm and professional.  It is a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere which feels so much more private than most salons.  Erin did my treatment.  I have been going to her for laser hair removal for years. She is a miracle worker.  My problem areas are no longer problems. She also does a great job with IPL.

I highly recommend Urban Allure.  Great service, wonderful location, and fabulous results.

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12

raylene s.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
7/31/2008

I am joining the masses to praise the wonders of Urban Allure.  Rocio literally made my skin glow for my wedding day.  These women know what your skin needs and how to make it happen.  I trust them implicitly.  I also very much appreciate how down to earth everyone is - making me feel like the skin care regimen is reasonable and accessible.  I'm hooked! THANK YOU ERIN, ROCIO, and EMILY!! xx

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2

Amy T.

Mountain View, CA

5 star rating
5/28/2009

This place is beyond wonderful. It took me a while to find somewhere that did a good job with laser treatments AND made me feel comfortable. I don't know of any women who really like to face their unsightly hairs in the presence of someone else, but Erin is great and I've never felt embarrased. I absolutely recommend Urban Allure.

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16

jamison c.

Lafayette, CA

5 star rating
9/5/2007

People that read my reviews know my reputation for being a crab.  But refreshingly,  Urban Allure gave me absolutely nothing to crab about!   I went last week for laser treatments and was totally impressed.  Urban Allure was chic without being snooty and completely professional.   Plus, I was in and out in a flash.  If you really calculate how much you'll spend in just a few years of waxing, you'll realize laser is an economical solution.  So if you're gonnna do it, do it here.

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6

14

Sheridan P.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
2/21/2008

Ladies, all I can say is: just do it. It is worth every penny. This place feels like a spa, the professionals who work there are terrific, the space is immaculate and pleasant, and let me tell you: it works.

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