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European Skin Care by Maria
Categories: Beauty and Spas Skin Care Beauty and Spas Hair Removal Beauty and Spas Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Shopping Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Skin Care, Hair Removal, Cosmetics & Beauty Supply [Edit]
166 Geary StSte 1505
(between Stockton St & Grant Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighbourhood: Union Square
(415) 398-2044
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Garage
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
41 reviews for European Skin Care by Maria
41 reviews in English
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Review from Helen L.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2012
Simply the best!
I've been going to Maria for Brazilian waxing for over a year.
Her technique is thorough, quick, and perfect. And she's kind, calm, and honest.
Once you see her I believe that you'll come back again and again - not only for her expertise but for her presence and personality :) -
Review from Cecilia C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/23/2012
Just came back from my second Brazilian with Maria. Because it was my second time, it was way less painful, and faster, since she spent less time on "breaks" between painful moments.
I took her advice and took three aspirin before the appointment (if you have anything stronger, go for it, why not). I'd heard that it helps, but always forgot. Similarly, I forgot to keep off the caffeine, but still, the aspirin definitely helped. She alternatively recommends a glass of wine first, if you can swing it, but I told her it was too early for wine at my office (2pm). Maybe yours will understand, given the circumstances.
Maria was funny and warm as always, and was grateful and enthusiastic to have yet another return customer even though she's super busy 24/7. She also quickly waxed some other spots and tweaked my eyebrows for no extra cost. And if all goes according to Maria's promises, my third wax will be even easier! Winning.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/7/2012
I went to maria for my third ever Brazilian in my life. I was terrified, because it had been a year… Read more »
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Review from Apolka T.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2012
Maria is an angel. I first started seeing her about 18 months ago for my eyebrows based upon a friend's recommendation, but I also had breakouts every few weeks and had uneven skin. The first thing I had her do was my eyebrows & she shaped them over a series of three sessions - totally worth it. I then decided to get some facials from her and we worked on a skin care regimen. My skin improved progressively. The real breakthrough came with vipeels and a complete change over of my products. In the last two months I've been complemented on my skin, my breakouts are gone, years of acne scarring gone, and my skin looks refreshed and younger it's all thanks to Maria. She will work with you honestly and diligently on any problem you have and she will solve it if she can. My only regret is that I didn't meet her 10 years ago. She is the best!!
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Review from Stephanie H.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2011 37 Check-ins Here
I'm a little obsessed with my eyebrows. Make that really obsessed. When I moved from the East Bay to the city I was worried that it would take many visits to many different salons before I found someone worthy of my eyebrows. Thanks to Yelp, I only needed to visit one person to find perfection: Maria.
I. Love. Maria.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? The woman is fantastic. So genuine and warm, and she always remembers our conversation from the weeks before. Her salon is small but is very clean and decorated very tastefully. She has completely changed my eyebrows for the better since my last person did prefer them on the thinner side. She made a "plan" for my brows and they look great. She also does a great brazilian. I don't think this woman can do any wrong. I always leave with a huge smile on my face.
Go see Maria, you won't regret it! -
Review from S S.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2011
I went to Maria (are we sure that's her real name? who's Natalia in another review? and there's another business by this name in TX!) today for my first facial with her. I had contacted her yesterday, hoping to be seen before I leave town on Friday as my skin has been awful lately. Unfortunately, she didn't have any openings. Then lo and behold, she called this morning with a cancellation. I guess the skin gods were in my court!
Anyway, I've been in misery lately with breakouts. I never suffered from acne as a teenager but I also didn't learn good skincare. So, I guess now's the time for it all to come to surface and make me miserable! I haven't really known what to do and just decided I should at least start getting regular facials. The woman I went to last month was booked, so I found Maria. She noticed my issues right away and I could tell she was very compassionate and wanted to help me achieve better skin.
I will not lie and say that I enjoyed the facial or that I found it calming. For the better part of it, my face was either stinging from product, being pinched during the extractions (she really goes at it) or I was lying there anticipating more pain. But it's one of those "love hurts" kind of pains. I previously had a facial with a woman on Portrero Hill, but Maria's felt MUCH more thorough and while less enjoyable, I am paying for a thorough cleansing/healing of my skin, not to lay there smelling lavender and roses (though some calming music wouldn't hurt).
After the facial was finished, Maria gave me her "assessment" that my skin problems are hormonal and best treated with medicine. So rather than pushing the product she has on site, she referred me to a dermatologist who can prescribe something to treat it properly (my other aesthetician - dear as she is - gave me no such advice). DESPITE THIS I am not about to jump on the "swallow this pill and make it better" bandwagon. I've never been on birth control and don't take any other meds so I would much rather treat it naturally with vitamins, alterations in diet, anything. I do not entirely believe (as she said - not that I dismiss her opinion) that it has nothing to do with diet. While I don't eat poorly, there's always room for improvement. So I'm going to do some research, though I will make an appointment with the dermatologist.
And while I walked out with a lot of redness (desperately wanted to put on makeup but knew that was a no-no), I'm sure it's largely just irritation from all of the extractions and will mostly / hopefully subside by tomorrow. -
Review from KC S.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2011
Maria's waxing was everything the reviews said: fast, minimal pain and high quality. She is also very friendly, puts you at ease and funny also.
My only regret that it is downtown and not very close to my place. -
Review from Bianca L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
After a beauty hiatus, I decided, (and my face demanded) a facial from Maria. Not only did my skin need her, but seeing Maria makes you feel cared for and loved. Don't ask me how she does it, but she knows exactly how to put you into a state of happy calm.
My facial was amazing, as always. I walked out with perfect brows, glowing skin, and a smile from ear to ear. I will be going back in 8 weeks!!!Listed in: My Neighborhood, The places I go to look a…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/13/2008
I wish I could give Maria a 10! When my mother first moved to SF from NY, she went to Maria every… Read more »
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Review from MakeUp M.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2011
Update:
After my second visit with Maria, she was less warm and seemed to be upset with me for flinching. Sorry--it was painful. Then she seemed to blame me for it. "If you didn't wait so long, it doesn't hurt as much."
Sorry, I am working f/t and going to school 20+ hours a week (to be an Esthetician, no less)--don't have as much time for beauty treatments. Still she gives a good wax and her prices are reasonable. 4 stars.
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"I'm going to torture you....and you are going to pay me for it."
Normally if those are the first words out of someone's mouth, you know it is going to be bad. But not in this case. You Yelpers did not steer me wrong. Maria was warm, funny, meticulous and great.
What she did to me was not quick or painless but I didn't expect it to be. She did a fantastic wax and let's just say, the boyfriend approves. He gives her work 5 stars, too. -
Review from Kristi J.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2011
I just had my first visit this morning to ESC (due to the excellent yelp reviews). I found the whole experience to be positive (which is pretty amazing to be able to say when the service that was rendered was a bikini wax)! Maria has a professional but caring demeanor and works quickly, carefully and as painlessly as can be. The studio is elegantly designed and calm. But the best thing of all is Maria herself... she is a highly skilled and gracious! Thank you yelp reviewers!
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Review from David M.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2011
I love Maria! She is such a beautiful spirit and breath of fresh air! And she gives great facials! As a facial cosmetic surgeon I get facials fairly frequently, and Maria's are some of the best! I enjoy how relaxing the facials are,(I always fall asleep.) and how great my face looks and feel afterward.
But really, it's nice to go to an esthetician who is such a kind and beautiful person. -
Review from Erika S.
South Hadley, MA
9/4/2011
Maria is simply as good as it gets. I've seen maria for a number of different waxing services during my short summer here in San Francisco and I wish I could take her back to the East Coast with me. Maria is extremely good at her craft and is amazing at everything from brows to Brazilians. She is careful and a perfectionist, but she is also extremely quick and efficient. She is also a genuinely sweet and kind-hearted person. I was always happy to see her. I'm going to miss her!
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Review from NaNa M.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2007
There comes a time in a gal's life when something as tedious and painful as waxing --becomes an annoying little chore. Yeah, waxing makes you feel like a masochist...kinda hurts in that good way right? I mean what woman doesn't look forward to having her locks ripped out from the root every couple of months? Sheer joy I tell you...
And the best part is the stories I have of professional waxers maiming me with burning wax, or going over the same area more than five times with my bone chilling screams filling the halls...fun times boys!
So yes, when I found out that laser hair removal is as affordable as close to $500 for the entire treatment (with the discount), I jumped at the idea. I thought for sure, with these prices I'd be entering some remote little dungeon with scant ventilation and an aesthetician who barely spoke English, and wielding some laser machine reminiscent of "Little Shop of Horrors"-- but I was very very wrong.
The nurse here is fantastic: she made me feel totally at ease, called me "baby" ( I live for that stuff), explained the whole process to me, and I got to sip on a glass of refreshing chardonnay before my laser treatment. YES-- it hurts people...A lot. If you've had a tattoo, I'd say its on-par- like if the pain of waxing just lasted longer. But the area heals up really fast, and you can already notice a huge difference in hours- I'm sold...all you hairy Neanderthals have no good excuses now-- -
Review from Leslie Ann R.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2006
I recently broke up with my boyfriend. One thing that really annoyed me was that he told me I was "above average". What the hell is this, 3rd grade GATE testing?
Now, I don't need the entire world to think I'm gorgeous, but I would like him to think so.
Maria does my brows and it is always a pleasure; not just because she does an amazing job, but she is just so lovely and charming. Not only that, when I walk out, I feel lovely and charming and gorgeous and beautiful and I don't give a damn what my ex says.
Maria, the most beautiful aestetician I have ever known, who makes me feel pretty, oh so pretty. Now stop me before I mix up anymore West Side Story metaphors. -
Review from Cali H.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/20/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Fit me yet again into her busy schedule and on her day off....I'm so bad at remembering to schedule....thank you for being so sweet :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2011
Love Maria!! Just moved to SF a month ago and I've spent so much time trying to find the perfect… Read more »
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Review from Diana Lyn M.
Vallejo, CA
4/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
Maria is the first person I've ever gone to for any waxing jobs.
I was a little nervous going in because for my first appointment, I was getting my first ever Brazilian wax. I went to her last year for Hawt on Yelp week, so luckily, the wax was 50% off!
I arrived a little early and a little nervous. She assured me it would be alright! She got down to business right away. She was extremely quick, but definitely took her time to make sure I was doing well. She also cleaned everything up at the end making sure no stray hairs were missed. Before I knew it, it was all over! She also offered to do my brows for no extra cost! So sweet.
I tipped her well, mostly because of the Hawt on Yelp promo and also because she hooked it up. :)
She is extremely sweet and I will continue to go to her even though I live almost 1 hour outside of SF.
I went to her again a few months after my initial visit to get a Brazilian done and it was as painless as the first time! -
Review from Sarah B.
San Mateo, CA
9/24/2006
"I'm an expert. I don't think you can do it yourself due to all the angles.
Yes, it hurts the first time but you will love it because it feels awesome. If you go at regularly scheduled intervals without waiting too long in between (maybe say every 4-6 weeks), the pain gets less and less because you've numbed your pain receptors there. Lidocaine does help.
Make sure you don't go within 4 days before your period because you are more sensitive then. Going in the morning also helps as opposed to going after work.
Please don't go to one of those cheap nail places because if they don't clean their nail utencils properly, imagine what they can do to your vag. That's right, I said it. Vag.
Brazillian or standard, try Maria (pronounced Maryah). She's on Geary across from Neiman's. 415-398-2044. She is also fantastic with brows and VERY professional.
When you've grown tired of traumatizing your goodies with regular waxing and we all know shaving won't do, try laser hair removal. It's about the same pain as waxing, it just takes longer. But, you only go 5-8 times in your life and the hair is G-O-N-E gone. No joke. Again, go to a nurse, not an aesthetician and do some research on lasers before you go. The best candidates are people with light skin and dark hair." -
Review from Hera C.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2010
Maria is the sweetest!
She is such a professional and such a perfectionist. She will do it right and her work is efficient and flawless! After a few appt, it's like visiting and talking to a great friend. She does amazing work and makes the entire experience completely comfortable.
You can find someone more expensive and you can find someone cheaper but you won't find anyone else like Maria.
I will only ever go to Maria. xoxo! -
Review from Regina B.
San Francisco, CA
3/12/2010
I'm so glad I found Maria! Since I moved to this city one year ago I've tried about 8 places for a brazilian and have been disappointed every time - whether I've been at sophisticated or lower priced salons - I experienced everything from rude people, insanitary places to injuries.
Until I luckily met her.
She is extremely kind, polite and soothing. The studio is hygienic clean and she works incredibly thoroughly until you're flawless smooth.
Don't search any longer! She is phenomenal. -
Review from Shoshana D.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/5/2008
I went back to see Maria for brows yesterday after not having seen her for months. As always, she's amazing. I felt awful because I actually missed my appointment and called to ask if I could come in later. She kindly allowed that, and did a phenomenal job.
As another reviewer said, her prices have gone up slightly, but I know Maria is doing this out of a business need (the building was sold and taxes went up), not at all out of selfishness. And you still get more than what you pay for with her. She's worth every penny, and in my mind better than a big salon. Even though I hadn't been in months, it was like she remembered every detail of our previous conversations. How often do you find that?Listed in: Beauty service favorites
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/3/2008
My friend first pointed me towards Maria years ago. I've been going to her religiously for my brows… Read more »
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Review from Rachael S.
San Francisco, CA
5/28/2010
Most meticulous brazilian wax I've ever had, at one of the best prices I've ever seen ($55)! I should add that I've been to many places all over the country, including the midwest, which I always expect to be cheaper than the Bay Area. Not true this time! She even did my lower abdomen for free, and cleaned up my eyebrows (I'd had them done recently, so there wasn't much to do) for free because I found her on Yelp. She's also really fast!
I had mentioned that I was a student, and when I was checking out she told me not to tip her because I was a student. How sweet! Finally waxing won't be one of my biggest monthly expenses! -
Review from Anna Z.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2010
I heart Maria!!!! She is a savior. I have been going to Maria's for the past few months for Brazilian wax and I absolutely love it. She is extremely professional, quick with the wax in clean and organize place. I especially love her the view from the window, you can oversee downtown San Francisco from the 15th floor. Anyhow, I highly recommend her to all of my friends.
Also, one thing that drew me to Maria's in the first place: You can have your own wax container just for a small fee. Thank goodness for Maria! -
Review from Mary L.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2011
Maria is one of San Francisco's most brilliant gems, a great esthetician and unique, beautiful spirit who is sincerely devoted to her clients. In turn, Maria has built a loyal - and growing! - core group of clients. Although she's become very well known in recent years, she has the same warm, nurturing, kind personality I experienced when I had my first facial with her 20 years ago; there is not a hint of arrogance or snobbery about her. Her salon is calm, tranquil, tastefully decorated and impeccably clean. Maria knows what she is doing. Most importantly, you can trust her.
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Review from elissa s.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love Maria and all her clients do too. She is really fun and positive. Maria has many years of experience and is truly a professional. You'll skin will be glowing and feel soft and refreshed by the time you go for the door.
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Review from Sarah F.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2010
Maria is wonderful. Very meticulous, honest and a great personality. I went here for the first time for a brow wax and she cleaned them right up and they look great.
Not only did she do amazing brow job but she referred me to my new favorite hair stylist, Adam at the salon next door. Thank you Maria!! See you soon : ) -
Review from Jessy C.
Wichita, KS
4/29/2008
I won't let another woman touch my brows! I come from Berkeley just to have Maria do them. Her $25 (cash only) price seems steep at first, but it's worth every penny-- her shapings last for months if you upkeep on your own every few days.
And every time you walk in she greets you like a favorite cousin. Not in a fake way, but in a genuinely warmhearted manner. Love her, love her, love her. You will not be disappointed! -
Review from Kelly B.
San Francisco, CA
6/4/2009
Maria is what I have been looking for since I moved to the city. UNBELIEVABLE FOR A BRAZILIAN! She knows her stuff. She is fast while still doing an amazing job and I love the feel of her studio. THANK GOD I FOUND HER! oh, and did I mention that she is affordable!
SIMPLY THE BEST! -
Review from Ashley T.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2010
Maria certainly lives up to all the fantastic reviews on here. The room I was in was subtly scented with lavender and the entire spa had a calming, homey feel, entirely unlike the clinical white-coat skin spas that I am used to. This is by far the most relaxed I have ever been after a Brazilian. I can't wait to book my next service.
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Review from dre r.
Santa Barbara, CA
8/23/2010
ZERO stars for actual service and one star for having the cojones to lie. LOL
Called this place Saturday afternoon and asked if they sold the Jan Marini product line (kinda hard to find on the weekend!). Maria (she introduced herself), who answered the phone said "Yes," I then proceeded to ask if they had what I needed, a cleanser for oily skin types (yes, gods gift. NOT!) she once again said "Yes." I tell her I'm on my way to pick a bottle up...
I trekked cross-town (Lower Height to Union Square) and when I get there she hands me the regular cleanser (for non-oily skin types) Uhmm... i look at her and tell her that's not what I needed. She says it is.. I tell her it's not because it does not says "For Oily Skin-type" on the bottle (like my previous). She then quickly walks to her glass product cases and tells me she has much better products and that they are medical grade and blah blah blah... Ms. you lied to me, and now your giving me a sales pitch??? Really?
I don't know what Maria ya'll previous reviews are talking about because all I found in that small unappealing office was a desperate sales woman who lied to a potential future long-time costumer! -
Review from Kate C.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2008
I've been going to Maria for the three years since I moved to SF from NY, and let me say, she leaves all those New York aestheticians in the dust. She is incredibly talented, and her waxes and facials are the best I've ever had. I've recommended her to numerous other girlfriends, several of whom are also now regular clients. She's a genius! And to top it all off, one of the sweetest people I've ever met.
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Review from Linda C.
San Francisco, CA
2/25/2009
AMAZING! Such attention to detail, such a sweetheart, such a find! Highly recommend!
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Review from christina f.
Berkeley, CA
9/16/2011
Maria was great!!! She is very friendly. I went in for Brazilian. Great location and great price ($55). Look, it's a Brazilian..you have to come in ready. She was careful and also fast. I definitely recommend.
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Review from Pam T.
South San Francisco, CA
3/3/2010
I have been seeing Maria for several years for my facials and will NEVER let another person touch my skin. She gives the feel-good facial you get at other spas, but she actually cleans out your pores and doesn't miss a spot.
I'm really picky and don't get facials to spoil myself. I get them to clean my pores that tend to always be clogged on pretty much every inch of my face. When I used to go to other places, I would go home and finish the job myself. Since I started going to Maria, I don't need to do that. She's very thorough, super clean and does an awesome job.
I'll never go anywhere else for a facial as long as she's around. -
Review from Anna R.
Manhattan, NY
8/31/2011
A few girlfriends and I went to San Francisco this past weekend for a mini vacation. As many girl getaways usually entail ,everyone insisted on a few hours spent being pampered and relaxing at a spa. Although i live on the east coast, a friend of mine who lives in SF strongly recommended Maria's spa. We unanimously agreed and made appointments. The location of the salon is superb. Right in the heart of downtown near all the major shopping spots like Chanel, Juicy Coutore, Neman Marcus, Saks, and many more. As well as many delicious cafe and restaurants. Walking into the salon you automatically are at ease. We were greeted and instantaneously welcomed with smiling faces. Right away when you enter the salon you notice the chic design and well kept space. I decided on getting a brazilian bikini wax. Upon meeting Maria I knew I was in good hands. She is such a sweet lady with the ability to make you feel like you've been friends for years. I am terrified of waxing but with her skill and preciseness it was quick and over before i knew it. It is obvious to see she is passionate in what she does and takes pride in her work. Cleanliness is something i pay very close attention to because it reflects the spa owners dedication to their salon. Needless to say i was more than satisfied. Something that i also noticed that sets Maria apart from many other women i have gone to is that she takes deep interest in her customers and their needs. Her type of dedication is hard to come by.
When planning my next SF trip, she will be at the top of my list -
Review from Mik K.
Berkeley, CA
5/30/2008
I love Maria! A few years ago I had a few bad waxing experiences (both brows and down there) so some coworkers told me to go see her. And now it's nothing but the best! Due to a change in where I work I had to change who I see for down there but I still make the time to go see her for my brows. She's a perfectionist and I love it!
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Review from Erin F.
San Francisco, CA
10/28/2008
Maria is awesome!! I came for a brazilian & will definitely be going back! She is friendly, soothing, and somehow made something not so comfortable go by quickly and I left with a smile on my face. I was weary about trying somewhere new, but trusted all of her great reviews on yelp, & you should too! :)
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Review from thais l.
New York, NY
1/22/2009
Maria is simply the best at waxing. She is quick, gentle (as gentle as one can be at waxing) and very meticulous.
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Review from Dana H.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/19/2009
I love Maria. She is quick but not rushed and very very talented.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/6/2008
Maria is very sweet and very talented. She even emailed me when an earlier appointment became… Read more »
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Review from Mary S.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2008
Maria is an artist ! She shapes my brows artisticly to their natural arch framing my eyes. I will not go to anyone else.
I have trusted Maria for almost 20 years as my estithician. She is wonderful, genuine. Take it from one who has had a life time of problem skin, Maria has real answers that give real results. She makes me look GREAT.
VERA' gives a marvelous manicure/pedicure, lasting for weeks, in a quiet & calm atmosphere. Since Vera, I have absolutly no problems with my nails. She's a gem. -
Review from Tif S.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2008
The Queen of Pu$$y. A well suited title. Maria had a calling and listened to it. She's a natural. I've had quite a few different experiences with bikini waxing and my time with Maria was right up there with the best of them. My 5 star rating considers service, price, location, cleanliness, and professionalism. Hail the Queen!
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Review from a. c.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2010
Facials at European Skin Care by Maria are the best anywhere! I have been going to Maria for 15 years for my Facials and Brows. Maria cleans better than anybody, and uses the best products for her services. I leave my visit with Maria feeling clean, refreshed, and my sprits high. And yes, Maria really does care about her clients.
