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Yelena Spa
Category: Beauty and Spas Skin Care Skin Care [Edit]
166 Geary StSte 1107
(between Grant Ave & Stockton St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood: Union Square
(415) 397-2484
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Alene W. said: "I am 41, and because of Andrea's talent and products, my skin looks better now than when I was 30. If you are considering getting a facial, do not bother with anyone else. Andrea is, by far, the best. (And, she is a lovely and…" read more »
26 reviews for Yelena Spa
26 reviews in English
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Review from Amavi Designs I.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
I just moved to San Francisco last year and Yelena is right around the corner from my work....She is AMAZING. I love the way she shapes my brows...her place is always clean, she is always on time, she is wonderful to talk to and be around....and you know she genuinely cares about the work she does. I will not go anywhere else but here!
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Review from Angelica J.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2011
Came in on a spontaneous Friday afternoon after work since I had a few hours to kill before I met up with a friend and Yelena had a last-minute cancellation. As soon as I walked in the door, Yelena didn't mince any words and showed me to the treatment room right away. This might appeal to those who prefer the no-nonsense approach to getting these things done, but not so much to those who like the whole ritualistic approach of being offered tea or water or sitting in a waiting area while the aesthetician preps the room, etc. I wasn't in any particular rush but didn't feel any need for the whole spa show so I didn't really care.
The bed in the treatment room was AWESOME. I'm not kidding. It might be even better than my bed and I think very highly of my bed. It was the first spa bed that I'd ever laid in that completely cradled your body and had a blanket that was more plush than my comforter at home. Nap time!
Err, not really. Not as soon as the extractions started, that is.
I understand that extractions are sometimes a necessary evil but geez!! These extractions hurt like a mother! I didn't think that my skin was THAT bad... :-(
The foot massage sorta made up for the horrendously painful extractions. The whole foot massage part was a nice surprise since I'd never had a facial that threw in a foot massage (FYI, she did wash her hands before going back to my face). The fact that the facial included brow shaping was also a nice perk.
I left a little traumatized by the extractions but reasonably satisfied by everything else. That is, until I met up with my friend and while we were window shopping, she said "Ohhh... You have some blue stuff on the side of your face..." Turns out there were little streaks of leftover face goop on my face. Embarrassing much? -
Review from Tatyana R.
Redwood City, CA
9/8/2011
Hands down the best place to get your brows done and well worth the price. Yelena gives the perfect brow shape every time. The facials will leave you feeling refreshed and glowing. I highly recommend this spa.
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Review from David M.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2011
I love Yelena's Spa! Yelena does a wonderful job with my facials! And as a facial plastic surgeon I pay close attention to detail regarding my face. In addition to being relaxing, it's always very thorough and my face feels much healthier and looks better afterwards.
Enjoy! -
Review from Sarah R.
Omaha, NE
4/25/2006
Went there a few days before my wedding for my (first) eyebrow and Brazillian wax. I explained my situation when I made the appointment and the receptionist recommended an appointment with one specific woman (and when I find her card, I'll update this review!) She started out offering me a glass of water, talked to me about the procedure, calmed me down and took care of business. Yes, it hurt, but not as bad as I had thought and the results were great. I will be returning.
The only reason why I chose to post four stars rather than five is because of the price of the eyebrow wax. Yes, she looked at what I had, made a recommendation for how to grow it a certain way and then waxed, but I didn't feel it was worth the price that they charge ($35) and will find an alternate place for future brow waxings.Listed in: Non-food favorites
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Review from Danielly A.
San Francisco, CA
11/3/2006
I love visiting spas. Even though I've only been to this place just once, I've recieved only the most exclusive attention. I pre-informed them I was very nervous of waxing, but I was going through with the full leg anyway. Oksana was really nice and gentle. She was professional and kept to the interpersonal topics. She gave great advice of my skincare regimen, keenly aware to not pass any judgement. Specs: The wax they use here comes in the form a roll-on, and they use muslin strips to take them off. Very clean, it won't burn you, and speedy process. I was done in no time.
Be extra smily to JoAnn the receptionist and she'll give you some cool samples. -
Review from Vanessa S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/3/2009
When I came last month to Yelena's, I was in the process of moving to Los Angeles and needed a fresh new look. My face had felt worn with lots of build up and in need of some gentle & thorough care...and I received exactly what I needed. My esthetician Joanne was super cute and very professional. She made me feel very relaxed, and her room was calming. I felt like I could lay there all day receiving treatments!!!
It has been two weeks since my treatment and I continue to see my skin improving...it's amazing and makes me feel confident and relieved. If you come to Yelena's Spa, make an appointment with Joanne, I know I will every time I visit San Francisco!
Thanks Joanne!!
:) V -
Review from AJ S.
San Diego, CA
7/1/2009
I was just about ready to give up in this town when i remembered a recommendation to this place from my sisters waxer in Chicago....
Yelena is awesome! Yelena is friendly & pleasant and best part she is FAST. Other places are late, annoying, unwelcoming and expensive.
They picked up the phone on the 2nd ring and booked me for an appointment the same day. I was in and out and this is probably the best wax I have ever had!
I shall look no farther. Hooray! -
Review from Shari F.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2008
Joanne is the best! She has helped clear my breakout-prone skin. I have been seeing her for about a year in preparation for my wedding three months ago. I can't see myself getting a facial anywhere else now. Though pricey, definitely worth it.
Joanne also did my makeup for my wedding day and did an excellent job.
I will continue seeing her despite the price because she is just that good! -
Review from Chantelle K.
New York, NY
1/8/2007
I've been going to Yelena's Spa for over two years now and still have not found anyone as superb as Oksana. Every single time I have gotten a perfect eyebrow or bikini wax and have never gotten burned or redness afterward. I also love the Yelena Signature Facial that is completely specified to your skin. The spa is also conveniently located downtown right next to Union Square and is easy to get to after shopping or during your lunch hour. I never feel pressured into buying products, but when I have they have always been fabulous and worked perfectly with my skin. I recommend Yelena's to all my friends and many have become just as much as an addict as me. In fact, I recently moved to NYC and still have not found anyone I like as much as Oksana and routinely visit the salon as soon as I can on business trips back to SF.
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Review from Joanna C.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2008
I have been going to Yelena's spa for almost 4 years now. So it's a shame I haven't written earlier. I am a devotee of Oksana as are many of the girls in my office. I am constantly referring people there because of the complements I get about the services they provide me. Overall I go here for excellent service and expertise.
I am splitting my review into three: EYEBROWS, BIKINI WAX, and FACIAL, if you're looking specifcs on either one.
EYEBROW WAX:
There is one complement I get over and over....you have amazing eyebrows. I do, I really do. Genetics aside though, there is always a great aesthetician behind a great eyebrow and all credit is due to Oksana. She is meticulous and very detailed about designing the shape of your brows which really matters in terms of giving your eyebrows a clean, smart look. The thing is their eyebrow wax is costs a little more ($30-35); it's not a $12 wax you can get at your mani-pedi shop so that can take away from the fabulousness of the service a bit if you're not into the price. I've been getting my eyebrows done since I was 13 years old religiously every 3-4 weeks, so I can tell you this is an awesome eyebrow wax, but it can be pricey if you aren't connoisseur like me, but hey my eyebrows look perfect after Oksna is through. A note: their eyebrow wax is included in their signature facial so it's a good way to average things out if you get facials regularly.
BIKINI WAX:
Again, they are experts at Yelena's. Especially if you are considering getting something like brazilian or even something more daring like a sphinx for the first time. I agree with the other review they make you very comfortable about the whole experience and they are fast so its over quickly, use good products that make the wax pull off easily, and are meticulous about shape (I know, but its important -you're paying for it after all). Trust me its good to have a really decisive and efficient Russian woman at the helm of such work. Again, not your pull the curtain closed at the mani-pedi place wax job, so it's more expensive.
FACIALS:
I have acne, but you'd never know it. I have had a million facials at a million different places over the years to keep on top of my acne and the Signature Facial at Yelena's is the best I've had. One reason: Value. A lot is included in the signature facial: an eyebrow wax, a hydroxy peel, a real 10-15 minute massage, plus all the normal stuff like deep cleaning and masks and stuff all customized to your skin type. Try adding up all those items ala carte an dyou will see what I mean about value. It's $140 for the signature facial, back out the eyebrow cost ($35) and I think that's really reasonable for a great service. -
Review from Samantha S.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2005
I've had facials that went so poorly that I walked out of the salon looking like I was beaten with a cactus. And I've had facials that left me feeling very satisfied. But Yelena's Spa is different. I was delighted - overjoyed - after the 75 minutes of 'Signature Facial'. Thanks to Melissa Kastil, I've never looked better.
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Review from Ivana I.
Oakland, CA
12/16/2007
For the price, this place would have to be a WHOLE LOT more special. I love Eastern European estheticians because they really clean your skin, but this was a tad too agressive even for my taste (am not a wimp, and like I said, I like a good cleaning) and just all around not spectacular. The esthetician spent about 30 mins of the facial outside of the room. Now, for $140, that is just not acceptable. Btw, I had scheduled the classic facial and got charged for the signature one - I did not want eyebrow shaping and did not get it either - but also did not want to complain after the fact since she did take 75 minutes. Btw, just read Spa G.'s review and it rang surprisingly true to what I experienced.
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Review from Maria Z.
South San Francisco, CA
1/20/2008
Great eye brow shaping by Yelena (the owner), awesome facials and waxing....
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Review from Corina W.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2008
Joanne is the best esthetician I've ever had! I don't have a naturally great looking skin, but she turned it to look so. I've been going there since March, in preparation for my wedding in August. By August I had a radiant, flawless skin. I usually get the Signature Facial which includes eyebrows - I got many compliments for my eyebrows by the way - and last time I tried the oxygen facial. It is a little pricy but it's worth trying it, especially before a special event when you want to look great. Joanne is very nice and gentle, she never rushes through the process, and makes sure that you are walking out flawless and happy.
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Review from sarah j.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2007
Like most of us, I've been to a million facialists, but I've never found one that I loved enough to include in my beauty regimen. I'd heard wonderful things about Yelena, so this week I booked at appointment for her signature facial. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the staff was very down to earth. Yelena gave me an amazing facial - not to mention a fantastic neck massage. I left looking and feeling ten times better.
Despite the fact that the late client before me made my treatment begin 15 minutes late, I thought it was worth every penny and I'm going back next month! -
Review from Raymond P.
Oakland, CA
1/23/2008
I love Yelena's. I'm a guy who doesnt have much experience with Spa's but I have no reason to go anywhere else. The extraction process for facials is relatively painless. My face feels so clean and fresh when I leave and that way for the next 2 weeks. Joann gives me a lot of information on how to keep my face clean after that to make the results really last. Im a guy so Im not totally in to buying a whole lot of products and all that. But I can honestly say that getting a facial (spa treatment) is not just for women or metros, you'll love the reults. You'll also really like the whole aura of the facilities and location with it being a block away from Union Square, so there's always available parking and of course The Cheesecake Factory nearby.
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Review from Maria A.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2007
Palease. If you want to lounge in a robe and watch candles burn before your facial, go to a big spa in a hotel and suffer a crappy facial. Yelena's is not about that. She knows skin and her facials are a real treat---once you get past the extractions. She gives AMAZING foot, hand, and neck massages as well. I've been a client for 5 years now and every time I've gotten a facial, I've left with much better skin--even when I've had bouts of rosacea. I would definitely recommend Yelena!
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Review from Luci M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/13/2008
I can't say enough about my favorite spa in S.F.!!!! Walking into Yelena's, I'm always greeted by beautiful smiles and positive attitudes. Joann Lim is my personal esthetician, and I couldn't imagine anybody else touching my skin! Her gentle touch and calm demeanor makes even the worst of waxes a pleasant experience!! The beautiful Oksana is also very skilled. Yelena herself is always full of warm laughs and makes you feel at home. I would recommend Yelana's to anyone in need of a good skin treatment!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/29/2008
I can't say enough about my favorite spa in S.F.!!!! Walking into Yelena's, I'm always greeted by… Read more »
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Review from E L.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2007
I discovered this spa because they sell Eminence moisturizer which I use... I felt like I received mediocre service at this spa although I did suffer slight scarring and some breaking out the following week. Not good at a facial-- it means the technician was too harsh on your skin, not sanitary or they couldn't define compatible products for your skin! Yelena is located in Union Square in that weird building filled with Eastern European facialists and seamstresses. It's very old school which means that accommodations are hardly plush. Their bathroom-- shared in the corridor with other businesses is beneath a staircase and boxed in by a post. This is not a true day spa with lounging areas and aromatherapy candles everywhere. I received my facial from Oksana who was friendly and chatty which helped distract me from the urban scene below-- the facial table is located beside a window that faces geary street. I felt like "charlotte" from SATC when she tried to go to accupuncture and could only focus on the traffic noise several stories below. Though Oksana was nice, she did not explain to me what she was applying onto my face and when, wherein I could have prevented her from using a product that made my face breakout. Althought facialists are trained, I don't think anyone can determine everything about your skins likes and dislikes by simply examing you with the naked eye for several seconds. She barely asked me questions about my skin. The prices are reasonable for Union Square and SF, and they sell top of the line skincare products, but I'll make the rounds on a few oldies and try some new ones before I go back.
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Review from Ciara M.
San Francisco, CA
7/15/2007
Yelena's is one is one the many reasons I love Yelp. I would never have found this place if it hadn't been for the great and accurate reviews people have been giving this day spa. I went there yesterday to get my eyebrows designed. It was a first for me and I must admit that I nervous about being given monstrous pencial thin brows. The result is fabulous though!! My eyeborws are actually symmetrical now and the girl who was doing them was really clear about what I needed to do to maintain the shape. I had to take away one star because her first question was, "So, do you get facials?" When I answered "No", she said, "Well, you should. You have A LOT of congestion around this area." Hmmmm, I thought, I didn't come here for you to tell me I had terrible skin and need a $100 facial every month that I can't afford. I just want my bloody eyebrows plucked. Soon after I went into monosyllabic mode when she grilled me about me skincare regime she gave up trying to sell me their products and just chatted. This little hiccup does not detract from the totally awesome job she made of my brows. Two thumbs up for this place. I'll definitely be going back.
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Review from mary s.
Berkeley, CA
11/28/2005
The customer service at this place is completely horrible, the girl Jo ann is not only rude but not helpful at all.. its unfortunate that Yelena's receptionist is this way because yelena was such a great facialist but beacuse of their poor customer service i will not be returning to this spa ever again. And i warn everyone else to be very careful abou this place.
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Review from Alex H.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2007
Went here as a birthday present from the girlfriend at the time a couple of months ago. This place is definitely has a more down to earth group of employees. I loved the full body massage, I can't remember her name now, but she is the lady with really short hair. I didn't think she'd right off the bat give as much force as I usually like, but it was perfect for me. And this lady could talk about anything and everything, and not in an annoying way at all, and made me feel really comfortable. The facial was also awesome. For a guy who normally never gets his eyebrows waxed, then all of a sudden I find a strip over them, I won't lie, a little bit of panic did set in. She definitely sensed my apprehension and soothed me over. "Yes yes, don't worry, just cleaning them up a bit, won't even be able to tell they've been waxed." Well as soon as my manliness was reassured in staying intact I enjoyed it thoroughly. Only complaint was that during the facial the extractions were quite a bit more rough then previous times I've had them, and can definitely say that wasn't my favorite part. Good place though, the lady who performed the facial was Melissa I believe.
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Review from Angela D.
Newark, CA
6/24/2006
I found this place searching for reviews online, therefore I was expecting something great. Service was fine , but definitely not what i expected. My eyebrows were done fine, but I had to ask the lady to make it a little more even. It seemed like she was in a hurry or something. My cousin who came with me definitely did not like this place. The cleaning for her pedicure was not exactly perfect (which for the price it should be). We had made an appointment for a manicure and a pedicure, but since we were a little behind schedule, we decided to just go with the pedicure and forget the manicure. When we were paying at the end, the receptionist was actually about to charge us for the 55$ manicure we never got! Although we did not get charged (because the owner was there), and I understand that it is their policy, I wonder what kind of service is that? There are definitely other salons that will give me better service, and will probably cost less too. I learned that high price does not necessarily mean good quality.
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Review from Tania G.
San Francisco, CA
6/3/2008
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, YELENA'S!!! My skin had always been problematic and sensitive until Yelena put me on a regimen of cleaning and peels and I finally feel confident about my skin! I have the radiant skin I have been hoping for! In fact all the estheticians are great - Oksana, Joanne, they all help me when Yelena is booked! I recommend this spa to EVERYONE!!
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Review from Karen H.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2005
I went to Yelena's on the recommendation of a friend who'd been going to there for years and couldn't be more pleased. They're definitely not the cheapest place around, but Oksana does a good job with the brazilian waxes (still slightly uncomfortable process but what can you expect when you're contorted on a table half naked), the brow design in EXCELLENT and the facials are pretty darn good too. Highly recommended.
