European Skin Care

4.5 star rating
24 reviews Rating Details

Category: Skin Care  [Edit]

500 Sutter St
Ste 614

(between Powell St & Mason St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighbourhood: Union Square
(415) 398-7177
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Garage
By Appointment Only:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
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24 reviews in English

  • Review from Mia M.

    • 34 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/17/2010

    This review is about Sima, whom I've been seeing for 15 years now.  Sima has got to be the best manicurist and pedicurist in the City.  I was shocked to read through the ESC reviews and not see a write-up about Sima.  She will do an absolutely perfect pedicure, or perfect pedi plus perfect mani, for what is a steal given what you get.

    Many of Sima's clients are Housewives of San Francisco types, who can afford to get manicures two or three times a week.  They leave or arrive as I arrive or leave, and I feel a little scrungy in my sweats or jeans and the inevitable bedhead.  But I am always welcomed with open arms at ESC and always told that I look like I lost weight.  And I love knowing that I get my toes done by the person who does the toes of snazzy ladies with super rich husbands.

    Every once in a while I will go to one of those quickie pedicure places when I don't have time to get over to Union Square to see Sima, but when I needed to get my toes done for my wedding, or any other time I need them to be just perfect, it is definitely Sima that I will go to see.

    P.S. Sima is obsessed with Sudoku.

  • Review from Jill K.

    • 425 friends
    • 299 reviews

    Rockville, MD

    5.0 star rating
    9/3/2007

    I had a wonderful time working with Dorota for some waxing the other day.

    Even though European Skin Care closes at 7:00 pm, Dorota took me at the end of the day, at 6:45. Sometimes when you are the last client of the day, you may feel rushed. However, Dorota took her time with me, making sure every last hair was waxed and/or plucked. She's such a sweetheart!  We had a great time chatting and Dorota even gave me some skincare advice, and I even left with a sample of some product she thought I would like.

    A really lovely experience overall. I look forward to returning. Something to note: Dorota does not do Brazilian waxes (only a basic bikini). She refers her clients to Natalia for Brazilians.

  • Review from Dong N.

    • 13 friends
    • 19 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/21/2010

    I love this place.  Every time I come here, Rose makes me feel very comfortable.  I came here 3 years ago when I was breaking out  really bad  when I was a freshman in college, C. Rose did a great job and dramatically reduced my blemishes.  Although, her price are fair, as a college student, I couldn't afford the monthly facial session.  Regrettably, I stopped going and started saving for books and such.  3 years later, I came back and Rose still remembers me!!! She does care about her clients! I trust her recommendations and everything she teaches me during the facial session.  During the facial session, She explains everything and what she's doing and  how you can prevent it in the future.  I love that!  I really recommend  this place, especially Rose, if you are looking for a place to get your facial, this is definitely the IT place.

    P.S: She also made me feel comfortable that there's nothing wrong with a guy getting a facial. I would give 6 stars if I could.

  • Review from Rebecca G.

    • 72 friends
    • 36 reviews

    London

    UK
    5.0 star rating
    11/3/2007

    I have had two facials with Dorota and she is unbelievable. An expert in her field - very professional and really knows what she's doing, but also she is kind and welcoming and gives great skin care advice.

    She works with my schedule - both facials I had were booked at the last minute, and Dorota made time to fit me in.  It is a wonderful escape, especially on those rough days when I need to be pampered. I'm going to make Dorota a monthly habit.

  • Review from Cami P.

    • 13 friends
    • 8 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/21/2007

    I had a facial with Liya.  It was good enough, but I probably would try out other places before considering a retry.  

    To be fair, Liya did do a good job (not great though read below) when she was actually WITH me, but I have to say that she left me alone for such an extended period of time (with a mask on my face) that I couldn't hold going pee any longer and I was twisting on my bed.  I finally had to get up and flag her down!
     
    I think the point was to let me relax with the mist or something (can't remember what it was) blowing on my face, but it was really a LONG part of the facial (esp. comparing with past experiences).    Another reason why my experience was not as relaxing was that while Liya is a very frank woman (which is great because you know she's not bullshitting you when she says what she says) - HOWEVER, the little russian woman has a potty mouth!!!  It'd be funny in any other setting, but after a long day of work, one just wants to relax....

    I gotta give it to her though for doing an EXCELLENT job with the facial MASSAGE portion (which included the neck and decolletage - heavenly~) - which is what I loved the most.  However, the extractions were awful... I was used to sterile tools not finger nails (first thing my mom taught me, don't squeeze with your own fingers!!!).  Which is why I was so upset about the huge scar she left on the side of my temple.  I had told her my wedding was in two weeks!!!  Hello! No Scarring just before the wedding!!! One star off for that (i'd take off more if I hadn't like the massage so much).

    It seems other people love her though - I had visited her via reviews.

  • Review from Cassie P.

    Newport Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/2/2009

    Wow! Now THIS was a European facial.....so many places claim that their facials are European...no no non! Dorota was such a gem to find. Too bad that I live in So Cal and will not be able to see her too often. y facial today was almost 2 hours long. Yes, that would be two hours of masks, massaging, cleaning, exfoliating and attention to my dry beach skin. Dorota is a master. There was no pushing of products or of additional services. My skin looks and feels beautiful. She gives awesome advice!!!!
    P.S. cash or check, only! No credit cards....

  • Review from Rakel S.

    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/11/2007

    Bless you, Yelp reviewers! Having only had my eyebrows waxed one time in my multiple-decade-long life, I was scared to check out a new aesthetician. Especially when that person could wreak havoc on my face, making me look like Kristen McMenamy during that whole grunge fashion thing when she was completely eyebrowless. Yikes.

    My recent experience with Natalia Poliakova erased any fear whatsoever. She's attentive, fast, amiable and has mad skills with hot wax and tweezers. Natalia's great about ensuring a good customer experience. The spa isn't as fancy-shmancy as others out there, but let's face it - would you rather have some expensive art on the walls or have someone who can work wonders with your face? Natalia is the best. See her. Soon.    

    One note: She only takes cash or personal checks; no credit cards. (Considering that a full brow reshaping costs only $30, though, it shouldn't be too hard to rustle up the dough.)

  • Review from Rachel A.

    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/15/2007

    Just had a facial with Denise... she is part of the European Skin Care team.  By researching other yelpers, I understand most clients see Dorota or Natalia at this establishment who are probably a little more seasoned but come with a steeper cost.  

    Pros: Denise was incredibly pleasant, initiating conversation and making me feel at ease.  She spent slightly more than the allotted 90 minutes for the euro facial (but this could have been than she left the room several times between procedures).  Decent amount of time given to facial, massage and significant extractions.

    Cons:  Relatively Spartan feel of the salon with lots of street noise, sirens, etc.  Although blinds were closed, bright light from outside would come in.  (I would have preferred a more dimly lit, calming environment).  Not much consultation time spent to determine my regiment, needs, concerns, etc.  I hoped for a little more hand-holding or explanation to be involved with the process.  Also, my face was irritated for 5-6 hours afterwards which could have been the products or just my reaction to heavy maintenance work.

    All in all, a very relaxing and thorough facial with a good esthetician but nothing over the top or spa-like luxurious.  A few drawbacks with facilities and procedure but kind personnel.

  • Review from Ashley G.

    • 10 friends
    • 35 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/4/2009

    BEST FACIALIST EVER!

    Dorota is hands down the best woman to ever touch my face. While the extractions may be painful they are totally worth it. Sothy's and MD Skincare are both great professional brands - not unheard of for those that are on top of their skincare, but not the most mainstream. I gave in and bought the cleanser because well, it works, and she hooked me up with great sample products. She knows what she's doing, gives great FREE advice and even gave me free "follow up"/"touch up" appointments TWICE to help complete the initial service. Apparently my skin needed it, unfortunately, but she did a great job. My skin is clearing up wonderfully and I owe it all to Dorota.

    Go see Dorota!

  • Review from Joy L.

    • 9 friends
    • 7 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/22/2007

    They say the most inexpensive facelift is a brow wax.  And I would have to agree.  I've been going to see Liy for over 6 years.  I don't trust anyone else with my eyebrows or my facials.  If you are looking for someone who really understands how the brows frame and define your face, then look no further, pick up the phone and call Liya.

    Also if your skin needs a pick me up, then go see Liya about that too.  I get mistaken for being in my 20's quite often.  And truth be told I'm in my mid 30's.  Facials and brows - that's my secret to youth.

  • Review from b a p.

    • 7 friends
    • 16 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/26/2007

    Its like this: I didn't know what skin care was untilI met Liya.

    She knew things about my skin at first glance that I still didn't know after 27 years of staring into my gaping pores.

    I have been twice now for a facial, and both times almost fell asleep due to excessive relaxation. Liya happens to have a soft, warm, cloud-like table for you tolay upon.

    But beyond how pampered I feel and how great she is to chat with, the fact is my skin is so much improved after only two visits. Liya's reccomendations for products and how to use them were so right on, and based on her intelligence and her background in dermatology, rather than on trying to push some useless toner to make a commission... imagine that!

    I highly reccomend Liya's facial and her advice for skin care-- you will not be dissapointed!

  • Review from Girl S.

    • 6 friends
    • 22 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/21/2009

    The place is definitely a good option if you want your skin to be cleaned in a European traditional way (manually). The most evident "+" is price. The service is affordable and gives a good quality facial for this price. But the "-" is that it's has this "commercial" dermatology treatment. Yes, you are being offered to purchase different products(mostly unknown French Sothys brand)... What surprised me is that you are expected to come really often - about 1 time a month. I myself seriously didn't find an urge to do this... All these cleanings are a great trauma to the skin, especially prone to acne. I had quite a lot of breakouts on my skin and I can't  say that several visits to this place really helped me... It's all temporary relief and it's all on the facade of the face, not inside problems you might have.

  • Review from Yan M.

    • 238 friends
    • 1444 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/6/2006

    Spacious and clean facility with no frills and fuss. I go to Suzanne Scott (Aesthetician) for facial. Love the relaxing facial since she works wonders! She is very patient and works thoroughly to ensure a smooth and glowing face! Also tried a massage by Dorota recently at the same facility and she is great with her hands, knead away the knots and stress in your neck and shoulders!

  • Review from Wendy L.

    • 483 friends
    • 758 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/10/2007

    For the price, I think this place is great - the place is bright and open, and the treatment rooms are really comfortable.  Based on the great reviews Natalia got on Yelp, I went to see her, and she is GREAT!  She doesn't try to rush you out of the room, and she is very friendly which always makes me feel comfortable.  The little bed you lie on for the treatment is almost as comfortable as my bed...!

  • Review from Catherine and Sherwin C.

    • 8 friends
    • 87 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/27/2006

    I had a facial with Dorota - she rocks!  She was so thorough and it was such a relaxing experience.  And she went way over an hour!  I highly recommend her.

  • Review from Arwen O.

    • 59 friends
    • 561 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/23/2006

    Took my sister here recently when she was visiting from out of town on the recommendation of some other yelpers, and she gave Dorota's facial the thumbs up (and she is seriously picky in this area). The space is welcoming and relaxing, and the atmosphere is very friendly and attentive. I was amused to see a platter of sweets and chocolates in the lobby, but maybe it just speaks to their confidence in their facials and skin care products :-)

  • Review from Jie Y.

    • 3 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/8/2010

    Thanks for yelp, this is a great place for facial. Celia gives one of the best facials I ever had. She spent two hours on my facial, and the price is totally reasonable.

    I have had mild on and off acne problems for about ten years, and had been to numerous skin care places, and I am pretty picky about facial massage and extractions, these re usually two things I am looking for, and Celia did an awesome job!

  • Review from Andrea S.

    • 37 friends
    • 154 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/16/2006

    Just left an appointment with Natalia and my brows have never, ever, looked better. She knew exactly what to do, but was receptive to my input, and what's best to me is, she didn't take a ridiculous amount of time either. This place has a permanent client in me.

  • Review from j k.

    • 13 friends
    • 119 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/26/2007

    European Skin Care is awesome. Warm and professional, it is exactly what I look for in a business dedicated to beauty and well-being. And Natalia... Natalia is A-MAZING! She is the first aesthetician I've found who made me feel as if she really cares about my skin and isn't just fluffing and pushing it around. Her knowledge is priceless. Her product suggestions are great. And the makeup I've seen her do for special events is consistently fantastic!

  • Review from Beth W.

    • 11 friends
    • 42 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/1/2007

    I have to agree, Natalia is fabulous. Thank you Yelp reviewers! She went the extra mile for our group of 4 and we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon of appointments. I'll definitely be back.

  • Review from Zaina O.

    • 70 friends
    • 20 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/10/2008

    "Natalia Poliakova is AMAZING!!!  After I came across all her reviews on Yelp, I was lucky enough to make an appt within the same week.  She's super friendly and professional!! I've become a regular over the years."

  • Review from Rachel B.

    • 6 friends
    • 49 reviews

    Lafayette, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/12/2007

    natalia is great. She encouraged me to do  my eyebrows which look amazing and now I will be back every month. Beautiful place and very professional. Highly recommended.

  • Review from Elena F.

    • 0 friends
    • 66 reviews

    Burlingame, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/29/2008

    Celia Rose is wonderful.  A co-worker recommended her a few years back...but I wasn't earning enough then to justify regular facials...but now that I have a better job...I couldn't wait to call her back and get my face cleaned up.  She said it would take a year...and it has taken exactly a year. My fiancee has noticed the results.   She's very thorough with the extractions...trust me ladies and gents...the discomfort is worth the results.  Give her a try...she won't steer you wrong....by the way, did I mention that she's a perfectionist?

  • Review from Lydia S.

    • 1 friend
    • 12 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/19/2007

    Considering there are many equally qualified and wonderful aestheticians in the city, why would anyone like to received such a rude service from Natalia?  Perhaps that's why this place is cheap, "you get what you paid".  I learn that the hard way.

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