- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Dona Lucia
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Removal Beauty and Spas Nail Salons Hair Removal, Nail Salons [Edit]
2813 W BroadwayVancouver, BC V6K 2G6
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 736-5460
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 8 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Dona Lucia
33 reviews in English
-
Review from Nikki W.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 3/10/2012
Just returned home from another waxing appointment with my girl, Manjeet. Still speedy, thorough and friendly as ever. I wanted to write an update because in my last handful of brazilians with Manjeet, she's updated her technique: rather than tweezing any stray hairs after waxing, she threads them! I've never come across another esthetician who does this, but according to her, there is less chance of developing ingrowns.
As long as Manjeet isn't going anywhere, I'll continue to rate Dona Lucia at 5 stars and highly recommend everyone to see her for waxing and threading services!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/13/2011
I've been coming here for around two years now, and I need to give credit where credit is due! All… Read more »
-
-
Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great for threading/waxing eyebrows, face, etc. Fast effective, and inexpensive. Pretty clean, too.
I had had manis/pedis/brazilians here, too. All were okay. Hard wax is the way to go nowadays, but Canada seems quite behind in this dep't, overall. As others have suggested, this could be how they keep their costs down. So I would not recommend this place for waxing unless you are trying to be cost effective. See my five star for that!
If you find me a more cost-effective, successful, cleaner threading place in Vancouver without going dt please let me know.
I sure haven't, which is why I like this place so much.Listed in: Holy Hotness All Year Round
-
Review from Irena L.
2/9/2012
Holy mother do I feel cheap now! I barely put my pants down and she was already done with me. Well that didn't give me a bang for my buck. No small talk, no chit chat? At least buy me a drink first
Joking aside, this was the most efficient brazilian I've ever had. And trust me, it's not in their blood to be efficient!
Her name is Sabah, she is super fast, and most important - thorough! Didn't hurt more than it usually does, so no complaints there. In ten minutes I was out of there!
I was afraid that I will end up finding missed spots or signs of negligence, but let me tell you my dears - nada, niente!
Great find!
Thumbs up for online booking! Just fyi you won't get an email confirmation for your booking, but don't let that confuse you, you're booked! -
Review from Felicity D.
Vancouver, BC
5/23/2012
Hannah did my mani-pedi, the first i've had in many years. she was very friendly and did a great job. i'm not really a "having my nails done" kinda girl, but the man suggested that i treat myself and i was glad that i did. i thought their prices were reasonable and was happy with the job done. it may be years before i get my nails done again, but if i do i would come back here.
-
Review from Marlena M.
Vancouver, BC
5/15/2012
This place rules! This is now my wax salon of choice. I have always had a really good job done here and the price is very reasonable. I think my last full leg and Brazilian was $70 odd dollars with tax and tip, compared with just a full leg and plain old bikini wax at another place recently that ended up costing $130 somehow. No double dipping too, hallelujah. Facilities are very clean and pretty, the staff is friendly and really remember their clients. Also they do Bio Sculpture gel nails, which I'm having done as soon as my nails grow out from my last "cheap and not so cheerful" foray into nail care.
-
Review from Basia L.
Vancouver, BC
4/27/2012
Fatima is the best eyebrow waxer I have ever had!
They have a great selection of Essie nail polish too! -
Review from Siri W.
1/10/2012
After spreading myself a leeeetttle too thin financially for my love of Sugarbox waxing, I was forced to seek a more economical waxing solution and Dona Lucia fits the bill. While it's definitely not as lovely as Sugarbox (which is my idea of heaven - pink and girly and glittery heaven), it's definitely chic, particularly the reception area. Kind of ornate looking, which is surprising given the fairly plain rooms you go into when actually getting waxed.
I was waxed by Manjeet and she was so sweet and very good. She took her time a little since it was my first time getting a brazilian from her, but my friend who also goes to her, assures me that after the first time, chick is lightning fast. I had also heard that it could be quite painful that way, but I didn't notice any extra pain. Of course I usually pop a couple ibuprofen before getting waxed anyway, so who knows.
At $28 bucks (brazilians were on special) I really can't complain. I will be a Sugarbox devotee forever. Seriously, that place is beyond awesome. However my wallet is a little happier with Dona Lucia! -
Review from Victoria J.
Vancouver, BC
1/14/2012
Been coming here for over 2 years so far. I've only ever gone to Dona Lucia for eyebrow threading and an occasional upper lip threading. I've also gotten an ear piercing done here once. I can't speak about their mani/pedi services or anything else they offer, but I will say that they do a really good job that threading. All of the women that do the threading are great at it. I've had at least 4 different women do my eyebrows and they have all shaped them perfectly. - Not too thick, no too thin.The best part is that their price is way cheaper than other places that offer threading. Dona Lucia charges $8 while others charge $12 or more on average.
They do ear piercing with a gun at Dona Lucia. The person who did my ears did a good job, except she didn't give any other care instructions other than "don't touch them for a month", which I already knew from a previous piercing I got years ago. The people who work here are nice, but there's one guy who works at Dona Lucia who's the best (I think his name is David). He's the most friendly and approachable out of everyone working at the front desk. -
Review from Kit S.
Vancouver, BC
6/18/2011
Went in for a mani/pedi - Vanessa was AWESOME. Chatted with her a bit as she worked, she's super smart and fun to talk to. Plus she did a FANTASTIC job on my nails. I'd broken three nails the morning of (argh!) and she was great at making all my nails look fab.
I got tons of compliments on my feet and nails - I will definitely be going back for other treatments. They also do biosculpt nails, which I'm interested in getting. The price was right too, $56 for mani/pedi and about an hour and a half of bliss.
Don't forget to bring your flip-flops, but if you do they have a GREAT selection for purchase. -
Review from Felix H.
4/14/2012
Dona Lucia's services get a 5 star review thanks to MANJEET. Manjeet is a superstar in my book. She is very friendly, extremely professional, fast, and efficient. I was there for a wax and she used big pieces of material to minimize the length of time feeling the pain, knew exactly how to follow the hair to prevent future ingrowns, and gave sound advice for after care to ensure no nasty red spots. Thank you. I will be back asap!
-
Review from Minna E.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 9/3/2011
I've been back twice, and I have to amend my previous review a bit. Yes, the price is fabulous, and yes, the first waxer I had was great and I do not want to diminish her service at all but since going back and having two different waxers, I noticed a big difference in the quality of the brazilian wax service at Dona Lucia's.
The speed was still there, the price was still there, but there was also the issue of stray hairs. And I mean A LOT of stray hairs. I understand the difference in hair growth stages and length, but once I got home, I realized that patches of hair were still visible, ones that were long enough to be removed by wax. The first time I just dismissed it but the second time has left me unsatisfied with the varying quality of the waxers and I don't think I will be returning. I'd rather pay more for a waxer I know will be diligent in removing all the hairs, even if takes some extra time (or a little tweezing on their part).1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/16/2011
First time here, but not my first Brazilian. I've been trying to find a cheaper alternative (was… Read more »
-
-
Review from Isabel P.
Vancouver, BC
7/8/2011
I'm a fan of Dona Lucia, especially the location in Kitsilano. If you ever go to the Georgia Street location to have your eyebrows threaded, avoid Veenita. She did my eyebrows thin even though I walked in with thick eyebrows that were already shaped. I did have growth but I do have to line my brows because I have some gapping. I told her this before we started. Would you believe I have nearly no eyebrows left. I'm so sad and disappointed right now. I will never go to this women again.
Avoid Georgia Street location if you can. The Broadway location is more reliable with more talent.
I normally will rank this company 5 stars, but today not even a 1 is in order.
Thanks,
Isabel -
Review from Haedis L.
12/31/2010
The only somewhat negative thing I have to say is the price increased $2 now that they use a new stick for each person.. Ask me (but remember I'm cheap) and that sounds a bit excessive for a wooden stick! As long as I look down and my hair isn't there I'm happy.
On to the actual salon.. It was really pretty! I was surprised. I kind of expected a wooden picnic table in a dreary basement based on other reviews, but the salon was clean bright and tastefully decorated. However, the staff were nice amidst the tasteful decorations and I encountered really great down to earth personalities. They even laughed when I thought one of their decorations was a salad ( It was actually some weird rock concoction with fake green stuf..)
Aanyway
The girl who waxed me was great! I don't think it took more than 15 minutes max. The pain was over before I had a time to complain. She was even nice enough to do a bit on my stomach (as I am a hairy beast, weird genetics) and was very attentive to make sure I looked my best. Everything was very clean, fast, simple, great. The best thing is they actually wax your sun-don't-shine pucker and don't charge any extra!
Woo hoo!
Highly recommended.. You may feel like a plucked chicken (I kinda like it) but your boyfriend/girlfriend/whomever will probably ooh and aaah. -
Review from eva b.
Vancouver, BC
10/7/2010
i goto Dona Lucia's for threading and have also been for a mani/pedi. It smells so wonderful when you walk in, the variety of music they play is fantastic, the level of service..also fantastic, and the job is always thorough and well done.
they have an excellent selection of Essie polishes and Gehwol foot products and if you're lucky..you might have the pleasure of hearing the owners' singing voice (Lucia...) during an appointment.
it's been years since i've been coming here and Manjeet is awesome!
I've even been compensated with a free service/visit due to a small and entirely not inconvenient mishap in the schedule which they had graciously taken full responsibility for...
5 stars -
Review from Amy H.
Vancouver, BC
8/31/2011
I went for a Brazilian at the Broadway location and wasn't too happy. I've had way better experiences before, albeit they took about 15 minutes while my appointment here took around 10. Still, I'd rather spare an extra five minutes for a better wax. My waxer seemed genuine and had a smile on her face, but she was lightning fast so it was really painful. She coaxed me through it which was nice and reassuring, but it hurt so bad her cooing really didn't make a difference. This was my third Brazilian wax and the most painful one I've had. After my wax, my skin tingled and burned a little bit for a few hours which has never happened after any other of my Brazilian experiences - I don't even have sensitive skin. For some reason I also ended up with some of the sticky wax on my fingers. I guess you get what you pay for ($27). The receptionist also seemed rude and hasty; she barely made eye contact with me and mumbled her words. This is very different than spas and salons I've been to where the receptionists are very outgoing and bubbly. When I went home, I also discovered a lot of stray hairs (not even in hiding spots) which I was disappointed with.
Pros: affordable, quick, and friendly waxer (she didn't introduce herself though)
Cons: very painful, messy, not clean, rude receptionist, and street parking can be tricky
Verdict: I'd rather pay a higher price for a better wax and will not come here again. -
Review from Sarah T.
7/10/2011
I went to see Sonia at the Georgia Street location for a pedicure and can't say enough good things about her. She was friendly, but not overly talkative, and most importantly did a superior job. I don't think I've ever had a pedicure this well done before. They aren't an overly fancy salon - though it's clean and simply decorated. There were 4 other girls getting pedicures, and every single staff member seemed to be engaged in a chatty conversation. The difference between this place and other salons, is that they actually take the time for all the steps, and don't skip out on exfoliation, or the actual painting of the nails. The salon has great hours and are open early at 8am, but make sure to book an appointment. I'll be recommending this place to all my friends living or visiting Vancouver.
-
Review from Jady L.
Vancouver, BC
9/1/2011
I love Dona Lucia. Their manicures are really good and mine didn't chip for a few weeks (until I got sick of the color... :P ), their waxes are really good as well! The only thing is, the person who did my bio-gel nails didn't do too well of a job. She painted the French tips by painting until about halfway on my nail, and since I wasn't use to this I started to internally freak out but, then she wiped off a certain amount until it was the thickness I wanted. The only bad thing about this method is that on certain fingers, it leaves a smudge of white from the excess gel. I wasn't too happy about that because of the price. I could have gone to my usual place, Nail de Kaen (which does a fantastic job!). Oh well, lesson learned but I'll be back for other services!
-
Review from jane m.
Vancouver, BC
4/26/2011
I went for a brazilian.
The place is lovely when you walk in, the staff are great.
Some people love the ultrafast wax. I don't.
I have sensitive skin. some of it tore in this waxing.
I think you get what you pay for and I'm not sure I will go back. -
Review from Christine C.
Vancouver, BC
11/6/2011
This place is hands down the best place in Van to go for anything from waxing to manis/pedis. Their online reservation system has saved me so many time from having to wait or not knowing what I'm walking into on a Sat/Sun afternoon when I am in desperate needs to get an eyebrow wax before a date or a pedicure before vacation. Super fast, great prices and no fighting with downtown traffic.
-
Review from Kitty C.
Calgary, AB
6/5/2010
I called Dona Lucia for a last minute Brazilian waxing appointment and they were very happy to oblige.
The spa smells amazing and there are two stories to the building. Downstairs, they had a constant buzz of women getting mani-pedis. Upstairs, they have private rooms for waxing.
My waxer kept up a patter of easy conversation throughout the ordeal. She was fast (thankfully) but incredibly thorough...even taking time to make sure the very few ingrown hairs were taken care of. She finished off with some azulene oil and I was off the table in 15 mins.
At $25, the service is a great price as most places I've been a regular for charge around $30-$50 range.
The cons: Only two spots in the backs for parking. The area is busy with pedestrians and street parking can be difficult to find. Transit options are also limited (bus only).
Nevertheless, I would visit again. -
Review from Tamara L.
9/16/2009
My favorite pedicure place in Vancouver.
Firstly, the staff is FRIENDLY.. I've had the pleasure of having Lucia herself do my pedi once, and she was wonderful. Sang opera and chit-chatted with me. I've also had a few of the other girls, and they have been lovely as well.. Not to mention- they are actually able to speak english, which helps! The receptionist (who is male-- I love that!) is also very nice and always seems genuinely interested in providing quality service.
This place goes the extra mile::: Instead of soaking your feet in just a plain bin of water.. they toss a few rocks into the bin, so that you can roll your soaking feel over them while you sit-- giving yourself a little foot rub as you wait. The interior is beautiful and relaxing
At about $45 a pedicure-- it's not the cheapest place in the city... but absolutely worth the extra few dollars. Keep an eye open for their daily-specials (posted on the sign out front). -
Review from JEN S.
3/29/2010
Hands-down the best place for a Brazilian ever! AND the prices are insane! $25 all-in is an unheard of deal. And I'm not kidding you, if you get the owner she'll tell you you'll be done in 10 minutes, and no joke, 10 minutes. If you're going to experience that level of pain it makes it that much easier knowing it's only going to last 10 minutes.
I really, really miss this place since I moved away. Everyone else I've been charges upwards of $50, more around the $70 mark and it's never as fast. -
Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
1/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I remember coming here when it was located in a fluorescent-lit back room, and now there's a beautiful storefront! Anyway, I've never had anything but efficient service, a good wax, and a surprisingly affordable price. I've been waxed by the owner herself as well as one employee and neither made me feel uncomfortable or seemed embarrassed in any way, but they weren't especially talkative either. Four stars.
-
Review from Ameia A.
Lone Butte, BC
10/9/2011
Well I couldn't believe this place had an overall rating of almost 4 stars and sure enough - it doesn't. If you read the filtered reviews you'll see there are several one star ratings which haven't been calculated into the 'regular' rating.
My friend and I had manis and pedis here and we both found them way below our standards. I got a hangnail on my big toe from the poor nail trim I received My fingers and toes started to peel the same day and didn't stop peeling for over two weeks! My friend's skin was likewise dry and cracked for a long time afterward and our polish came off within days. When we were choosing polish from the basket, my friend was aghast that most of the bottles were thinned with solvent and she refused to consider them.
The job done on our cuticles was substandard especially compared to eccotique in Rmd, where everything was far more expensive, but very rewarding for us. Either this place is hit and miss or other reviewers have different standards than we do.
I had a French wax which was okay in some respects - not much pain, nice practitioner, and it was quick: but the strip of hair she left was off-centre by AN INCH! There wasn't enough to correct it, of course so there it was for all those weeks till it grew in again!
My friend says she gets Brazilians so there's no issue with asymmetry and she's satisfied enough with the work done there for the price.
The bottom line is that except for my friend's Brazilians, neither of us will ever go there again. -
Review from Renoir P.
Vancouver, BC
3/2/2010
The best prices and friendliest staff in Vancouver!!!
Super hygienic, open, bright and with the most amazing and professional waxing services (only $25 for a brazilian!). I've had manicures and waxing done here and am more than pleased with the results.
I would never think of going anywhere else in the city. -
Review from Megan K.
Vancouver, BC
11/8/2010
Great Prices! $25 Brazilian cannot be beat! The owner is super quick and quite the character as well. Sometimes I catch her singing while absorbed in her work. Best Brazilian in town! Pedicures and manicures are also very decent. I'm a fan of the owners dog named Socks whom I'm quite positive is blind, very sweet dog though. I enjoy walking past this spa and reading their inspiring quotes!
-
Review from Camille R.
Vancouver, BC
5/10/2011
Wonderful people, beautiful salon. I come every mother's day for a mani/pedi and love it every time. Highly recommended!
-
Review from Kate L.
Vancouver, BC
10/18/2011
I've been here for pedicures, threading and facials. The facials are great - very relaxing, thorough, and with lots of Eminence product. My skin glows afterward. Pedicures are alright, but I worry that the bench that curves around the salon is at a bad height for the estheticians' backs. And my eyebrows look well groomed but with a natural shape, so the threading is everything I could want, too. The prices are very wallet-friendly.
-
Review from Foster C.
Vancouver, BC
9/29/2011
Just moved to Vancouver and was reading reviews about Dona Lucia in Kits....decided to try it out. Brazillian wax was the best, fastest and cheapest I've ever had! Staff were very friendly and professional. I will definitely return! Thanks Ifrah!!!
-
Review from Haley H.
Richmond, BC
11/14/2010
Clean! Cheap place to go for a Brazilian wax!
-
Review from Janet F.
London, ON
6/24/2010
I agree with Jen S. Lucia, the owner, has lightening fast skills. I love this place for its treading, but will have to come here for the multitude of other beautifying treatments. :) Plus, there's always a gorgeous citrus-y aroma in the air and instantly makes you relaxed.
-
Review from S C.
Vancouver, BC
4/28/2010
Read a few reviews here and decided to give it a try! I went in for a Brazillian, a mani and pedi and am VERY pleased with the results!
I did the Brazillian first, and although I can't say it didn't hurt, the price was very reasonable, the the girl did a good job. $25 for a Brazillian is an unheard of price here in Vancouver.
The mani and pedi were pretty good as well. Dona Lucia uses Essie polishes, which are very high quality polishes and they usually last pretty long.
Strengths:
- Thorough pedicure and manicure. You can tell the estheticians really know what they're doing.
- Shaped and buffed nails well. My super bumpy toenails were smooth afterwards!
- Mini massage is included in both the mani and pedi.
- The nail color I picked was gorgeous, but the polish was a bit dry, and for a minute, I thought my toes and fingers were going to end up really badly. But even with a super dry formula, the esthetician was able to create a completely smooth finish on my nails. VERY impressed.
Weaknesses:
- No fancy footbath or handbath. Just a bowl of warm water.
I'm definitely planning my next visit there! -
Review from Lucy T.
Victoria, BC
5/8/2011
Haven't been there yet, but $20 for a french manicure and $7 for eyebrow threading?! WHAT A STEAL!
