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skoah
Category: Beauty and Spas Skin Care Skin Care [Edit]
4800 KingswayUnit 309
Burnaby, BC V5H 4J2
Neighbourhood: Metrotown
(604) 433-0200
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for skoah
18 reviews in English
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Review from Elizabeth L.
Vancouver, BC
4/14/2012
I've been going to Skoah for over a year and have seen an incredible improvement in my skin. My skin has been a source of angst for many, many years, and while Skoah hasn't given me "perfect" skin (and that's OK because I've accepted that my skin will never be absolutely flawless!), I've noticed a huge difference in its texture and clarity.
Skoah offers a number of facial services, including the basic 45-minute Fitskin or Power Hour, which will net you two masks, extractions, and a relaxing massage. Unlike other spas, your "trainer" (aesthetician) stays with you for the entire service while your masks set in and do their work. Each and every time I've been to Skoah, I've had phenomenal service. What amazes me is that each aesthetician is consistently great. It's very clear that Skoah takes the time to carefully train their staff: they're all impeccably skilled, knowledgeable and friendly.
At the end of your treatment, your trainer will walk you through various Skoah products. Don't worry because they don't push a hard sell on you, but if you have some spare dough, do yourself a favour and invest in Skoah products - they are simply phenomenal. Your friendly trainer will be more than happy to tell you what products will work best for you. Much of the improvement I've seen in my skin is from the products that I've taken home with me, including the Kleansing Lotion (a deliciously-scented cream cleanser), Hydradew (a moisturizing gel mask with heavenly scent and texture), the Turbo Tonic (a refreshing spray toner), and several other products I purchased over a number of months. The best part is: they have a generous 60 (SIXTY!!) day return policy, so there is really no risk in trying a new product and seeing if it works for you. I have purchased and returned a few products that just didn't help me, and each return was accepted with a smile and absolutely no attitude!
Like any other spa, going to Skoah can be indulgent. A big difference is that Skoah offers lots of incentives to turn one-time drop-ins into lifelong fans. One of the best perks are their "rebooking rewards" - if you rebook your next treatment at the end of your visit, Skoah will give you $10 off any products you might purchase during your next visit. They also have promotional facials on a near-monthly basis, plus lots of other deals (including Groupon deals) here and there.
I will continue to be a loyal devotee for many, many years. Thank you Skoah! -
Review from KAM S.
Vancouver, BC
4/25/2012
I started my "Skoah" experience back in 2010 back in Yaletown and it was fantastic. I had such a great experience I decided to return but this time to another location. I visited Skoah Metrotown July , 2011 and it was for a quick facial and the whole time I was not relaxed because of all the mall noise. The second visit was just a few days ago. I did the standard call to book a Facialicious appointment and specifically asked if the new location had a noise issue. I was assured the new location was designed with the issue in mind and was renovated to eliminate noise.
I arrived at my appointment at which time I was told there was a "new location special" and if I spent $50 or more I would get a special gift. I automatically assumed it would be a product of some sort which made me uber happy, sadly it was a bunch of coupons for local business and an ugly lipstick colour from the new line. I was hoping for more "powerful skin treatment" perks but sadly it was not the case.
The entire time I could hear mall noise and the receptionists chatting. I think the location needs to be bigger so customer's like myself don't hear the noisy hustle and bustle outside. Last FYI, product samples are $5 even if you spend $130 like I did, lame.
In the end if you want a soothing and relaxing experience go to another location or another Spa all together. The Metrotown location FAILS. I will not return to this location.Comment from skoah s. of skoah 5/24/2012
Hi KAM S. Thanks for taking the time to write us a… More » -
Review from Reena M.
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh my gosh, what a way to get yourself pampered for your birthday! Skoah gave me a $25 off coupon for use during my birthday week on any facial and I went with the Facialiscious. I'm so glad I did, it was exactly what I needed.
If anyone read my previous review on Skoah Yaletown, you will know I was less than impressed. This was a much different experience. For one, they actually had a proper ceiling. And another, I couldn't hear any chatter coming from the outside or any other distractions. Stefanie did an amazing job. It was the perfect combination of friendly chatter, explaining what was going on during my facial, and relaxation. The foot and lower leg massage, as well as the neck and shoulder massage were perfect. And my face felt so fresh and clean and perfect when I was done. I can't stop thinking about it. -
Review from Irene Q.
Burnaby, BC
1/9/2012
The service is quite good. I have been there twice and have got a fresh feeling after the facial. But I really don't like their policy about late notice cancellation, a 50% of the treatment you have booked will be charged to you. I have to be more careful in the future.
Comment from skoah s. of skoah 1/20/2012
Hi Irene, Glad that you enjoyed your service. The last… More » -
Review from Amelee C.
Vancouver, BC
3/7/2012
I was looking for a good place to have a great facial as i feel that my face needs it badly and I accidentally passed by skoah... was quite intimidated by the look of the place,with its see through glass walls.. saw a receptionist and approached her... asked her if i can have a facial NOW... instead of informing me that they do not accept walk ins (if that was the case), I was told to go to the nearest salon on the ground level and have my facial there... well, seems that you do not need new clients???
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Review from Kat S.
3/16/2011
Nice experience, but I wasn't overwhelmed, to be honest.
I was under the impression that Skoah used natural products, but after checking out their ingredients after my facialicious facial, they contain a number of products I don't normally put on my skin. Only 90% of their ingredients are derived from plant and natural products, which isn't actually that high.
As for the facial, it was nice. It came with the foot/hand/leg/arm/shoulder massage others have mentioned. I had a Groupon for the experience, and I'm glad I did. The package is regularly $100. While the whole experience lasts an hour and 15 min, I don't think it was really worth that much money. But, I don't usually spend that kind of money on myself, so maybe that's just me.
The rooms are private and comfortable. At first, I thought the bed was weird, but it was enjoyable, and the angle was comfortable. I could have dozed off if I had been left alone. Despite being given an hour and 15 min, you are really only worked on for maybe 50 -60 minutes. The rest of the time is left for you to get undressed, get comfortable, for them to get your creams and lotions, etc. It was nice that they chose products for my sensitive skin, which we discussed before I got undressed.
The esthetician I had was pleasant, let me know what to expect and what she was using, and gave me a run down of the products after my facial. However, I could tell she was a smoker when she got really close to my face, which wasn't particularly enjoyable. It wasn't overwhelming, but I could detect it.
I think I was expecting my skin to feel amazing when I was done, and in the end it feels more moisturized, but no smoother or as radiant as I was hoping. The facial massage was kind of odd and was more distracting than relaxing. The other massages on my legs and arms were nice. The bed gets in the way of them giving you a really good shoulder massage, so it was just more of a rub. Too bad, because that's what I really wanted. I guess she ran out of time, but my scalp massage lasted about 15 seconds. I get a better neck and scalp massage from my hair dresser.
Overall, it was A-OK. If you can afford it, go for it and pamper yourself, but I wouldn't go out of my way to splurge on the facialicious. Though it was a good way to relax for an hour after a stressful previous week.Comment from Andrea S. of skoah 4/29/2011
Hi Kat, Seems like we should connect. Your facial was booked… More » -
Review from beki L.
Vancouver, BC
9/26/2010
I received a quickie facial G.C. for my birthday from a friend and FINALLY got a chance to use it a few days ago! =)
I have never heard of this place before but after looking at their website, it sounded decent enough.
When I got there, the receptionist was perky and friendly. had me started on filling out the necessary forms and offered me a cup of water. =)
Sebi was the one who was going to do my facial. She told me a quickie facial is only 20 mins... which doesnt sound very long-- but whatever she started to do, made it seem like it was sooo much longer!
during that time, she cleansed, analyzed, exfoliated, massaged (face, temples, shoulders, neck, and scalp!!), and even did eye and lip treatment! during the entire time, she kept a very light conversation...i normally dont like to talk during a facial-but with her, it was easy and didn't bother me at all.
at the end, she suggested some excellent products for my particular skin type and the type of profession i did that aggravated it. I bought all of it!
wow-far exceeded any expectations i had!Listed in: LifestYleS
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Review from Jenna L.
9/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I like Skoah - Due to its proximity to work I have been coming to the Metropolis location lately and have always received a consistent service. Depending on who you get, sometimes esthetician is more chatty than another. The service doesn't have the "Wow I feel like a princess" feel but they are always curteous and never forces you to tip. You have to let them know how much you want to add on top.
I personally like their products. Let aside the "naturally driven" discussion, I like the scent and the simple packaging. I do favour their Hydradew mask once a week and for me it keeps up the skin between visits. Face Skotion light (?) is another one I like, it is a simple moisturizer that is good for the Fall season (comb skin type I am) and it doesn't cause breakout. Overall their products are not going to do a miracle but they are simple and does its job good enough. At year end or so sometimes there's 20% discount on your orders and Groupon seems to feature them once in awhile for cheap! ($40 for an hour facial) I am most likely to stay with Skoah until I find a better alternatives with a similar price range. -
Review from Noelene G.
Vancouver, BC
11/4/2011
Vancouver's true treasure! I love Skoah, I am constantly being complimented on my skin and glow and I should really just say thanks to Skoah for that. I don't know what I did before using Hydradew! Skoah not only give the best facials I have ever had, their products are also some of the best out there! I have been to Yaletown many times (and I prefer it), Metrotown location is also good, for a quickie after work, however its not as quiet while in the rooms. I can't wait to try out Granville when they open!
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Review from Kailyn C.
Coquitlam, BC
10/17/2010
Shopping at Metrotown, I've always passed by Skoah, but honestly never thought to book myself an appointment. It looked like a chic place, but a little intimidating with their see-through glass and products lined up meticulously.
However, after hearing great things about their products and service online and in magazines, I seized the opportunity and purchased a Facialicious from Groupon.
2 weeks later, I found myself laying in between heated duvet sheets in a dim room and having one of the most relaxing experience ever. I believe it lasted well over an hour (I sure didn't check my watch) and in between the face pampering, I also got a side order of hand, leg, shoulder, and head massages.
Having never used Skoah products, I was worried at first that I would break out the next day. However, the products didn't irritate my skin except for one instances that was quickly corrected. I was warned ahead that one of the exfoliating mask applied was suppose to give of a tingly sensation (I believe she said it was like a mini acid peel), but on me it felt like it was burning. I then realized my skin was more on the sensitive side and it was quickly concentrated down. I was worried it would be left red and bumpy, but my skin was totally fine and a few days later, looked healthy and glowing.
We went over the list of products I had used and there was never any pressure to purchase anything (which is fantastic, because I hate pushy sales!) However, out of sheer love, I ended up purchasing a Toner and body cream which smells heavenly. I'm already thinking of my next appointment before I leave on a trip.
Overall, the Facialicious normally cost $100, which is pricey, but a definite treat if you feel like pampering yourself or someone special! -
Review from Michelle P.
Vancouver, BC
8/31/2010
Had a great first time experience! I had my first facial ever at Skoah! I booked the "Power Hour", which included scalp & pressure point plus neck massage. I was a little apprehensive at first only because I wasn't sure what to expect. As soon as the scalp massage started all that disappeared! I even found myself grinning during my session.
Before I knew it sadly my session was done. I was so relaxed I didn't notice that it had ended!
The products they used were very gentle, soothing and smelled wonderful! -
Review from Alison T.
Burnaby, BC
11/12/2010
I recently purchased a Groupon for the Facialiscious facial and got to use it today. This was the first facial I've ever had and I thought it was very relaxing and the girl I had (Angelina) was very nice and polite throughout the entire process.
The room I was put in felt a bit small and at first was really bright and white, but when she lowered the lights to start the actual facial it was really nice and calming. The bed was really comfy and the room had a small little sink in the corner and a bathrobe was hung up in case you needed to use the washroom.
The facial itself was very thorough and came with an arm and leg massage as well. I think my favourite part was when she massaged my neck and shoulders because it felt awesome! She used this cinnamon vanilla lotion (which I forgot to get!) which made me want to just fall asleep.
She was well educated about the products and made sure to tell me what she was using on my face each time as well as show me at the end of my facial which products were used. I liked the fact that you could bring the products home with you if you liked them.
Overall I enjoyed the facial and I ended up purchasing their AHA mask and the plus about their purchase policy is that if you don't like it within 60 days and you still have half the product left they'll give you a full refund! -
Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
8/27/2008 2 photos
So what? Another spa doing another facial. Boooring. But wait! No, really, wait! Skoah's not just another spa, and the service they offer isn't just another facial! Honest! Listen, do you workout? Like, at a gym? Maybe even with a personal trainer? Well, that's it! That's what Skoah's like! Think of it as personal training... for your skin!
Actually, this is not some quirky marketing angle I just came up with for review purposes. Skoah already uses the "personal training for your skin" analogy. And, besides brilliant branding, Skoah offers solid service and great results you can actually see and feel.
When I first visited the Metrotown spa, I was instantly impressed by the subtle, calm décor, done in a palette of soothing sea-blue and white. After being welcomed warmly and choosing the facial service I wanted from the menu, a "personal skin trainer" came out and led me to a treatment room containing a table that looked more like a comfy bed, complete with a fluffy duvet and flannel sheets begging to be snuggled in.
Once I'd settled in, my trainer returned to dim the lights and pop in a soothing CD. She then asked me questions about my skin and what my current regiment consisted of, before starting to deeply massage, cleanse, tone, and moisturize my face with tingly, scented Skoah products. Each time she used a new lotion or cream on my skin, she told me what it was, the ingredients it contained, and how it would benefit me. She spoke in a soft, soothing voice the whole time, and it was truly a struggle to stay awake!
All in all, a perfect experience at a really reasonable price, and I bought some great products after to try myself at home.Listed in: Mall Musts
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Review from M K.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 5/6/2011
To respond to Skoah's comment about there being no parabens in their products, let me read some of the ingredients in their "Smooth Kicks Foot Lotion": amidopropyldimethyl betaine, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben.
So, Skoah, are you still going to tell me your products are paraben-free?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/21/2010
Yes, the atmosphere was nice, so were the heated duvet and massage, but I honestly wasn't impressed… Read more »
Comment from Andrea S. of skoah 4/29/2011
Hi MK! Are you sure you are referring to skoah products? We… More » -
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Review from Maggie A.
Vancouver, BC
12/1/2011
Have been a long time customer of Skoah not only for the facials but also for their products. E-mailed them the other day for a facial appointment. They confirmed the time and then advised me that they would need a credit card to hold the appointment. I have always paid by debit and informed them of this asking them to look into my history of past appointments to confirm this. I can understand their reasoning that they have had a lot of people not showing up and so the credit card covered part of the cost of the lost service. However, with a customer that has a history of appointments with them it seems that this policy could be overlooked. Apparently this is not the case. To book a hotel room I give my card but I refuse to give a business my card when I'm not using it.
This however has turned out well. I found a dayspa on the internet in my area which gave me a 1 hour body massage and a European facial for the same cost of what the facialicious would have been. She didn't ask for a card to guarantee I would show up. I oozed out of there and made sure I took one of her cards. It may not have the cozy duvet but the bed was warm and she had fantastic fingers!Comment from skoah s. of skoah 1/20/2012
Hi Maggie, Last minute appointments often means that we had… More » -
Review from JJ L.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 10/30/2011
Apparently, my review was filtered for some reason and I do not understand why. I take time out of my day to provide honest reviews on places I have been and my perspective of the service received. If such reviews can be filtered for no reason, then what is the point of yelpers giving insight to others?
I had purchased a groupon for the Mother of All Facials Treatment and booked an appt 3 months in advance. I had been to the Metrotown location once before and the facial experience was standard, nothing spectacular but enough for me to return.
Upon arrival 10 minutes before my appt, I provided my name to the cashier and was told that I was not scheduled in for today. I shared I had booked it months in advance. She asked me if I was sure it was the correct location. I replied "of course". I was asked if I had been given a reminder call the day before and I replied I did not. I was basically told that I should have known that there was no appointment because I did not receive a reminder call. Although some businesses provide reminder calls, not all do - so how is a customer to know that if there is no reminder call that the appointment was never scheduled??? I was also told that appointments are not booked without a credit card # or groupon #; however, there are exceptions. She advised that sometimes they take appointments and tell the customer that if they do not call within an hour with the groupon #, they will cancel the appointment. I asked if they call the person to advise that the appointment was cancelled. She replied they do not have the time to do that. Well, that's great customer service. I highly, highly recommend Suki's Salon - the best facial experience I have ever had (see Lily) and the best customer experience I have ever had for similar pricing!!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/23/2011
I had purchased a groupon for the Mother of All Facials Treatment and booked an appt 3 months in… Read more »
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Review from G. A.
Vancouver, BC
1/20/2011
I have been curious about skoah ever since I read all the glowing reviews here on yelp (on the Downtown one). I've never had a facial before, and I saw that they had a boxing day sale, so I called in and made an appointment.
When I arrived, there were two older ladies laughing and talking about products and such with whom I assume to be estheticians. Even though I had walked in, no one paid attention to be for a couple of mins, until one of the workers noticed me. I did feel like a less important customer maybe because I'm a bit younger than their usual clientele I suppose (early 20s).
My esthetician came, gave me her name, asked me if this was my first facialicious, to which I responded yes, and asked "is your skin dry or oily?" Their website emphasizes how it's customized to fit your own individual needs and so on, but I guess it's "customized" to fit oily or dry skin. Like people have said, there was a small complimentary bottle of body wash on my pillow of me to take home.
She came back, dimmed the lights, turned on the music, and asked if I cleanse, tone, and moisturize and asked what brands I used, so I told her. After that, she put stuff on my face, saying nothing at all so I had no idea what she was doing, what she was using, or what it was for. Since this was my first facial, I found that rather unhelpful, and the reviews said that the estheticians always explain what the products are, what it's for, tips and so on so I was a bit confused, but I hate to be a whiny customer, so I didn't say anything. Then I was again startled when she suddenly lifted the lower end of my blanket with no warning, seeing as I was (almost) naked.
She asked if I had any skin concerns, to which I said that I'm dehydrated all over and wanted extractions on my blackheads, and ...that's all she did when she looked at my face under the light. I do have slight bumps/milia like things, very very dry eye area, etc but she just did extractions on my nose, and took care of a small pimple I had and that was it, so maybe they only take care of the things you mention? The extractions were painless, like people have said, but later when I actually saw them, the amount she took out was just about how much I'm about to take out at home, so I was a bit disappointed, as that meant that a lot more weren't extracted. As for tips, advice, etc, she told me to keep doing what I was doing, and that was basically it.
Also, I'm guessing it was a mask of some sort, but something was borderline burning, and very uncomfortable, but didn't leave me red or anything.
After if was all done, she let me look at a mirror outside, and my face was SHINY, like oily-looking shiny. Not a glow, just shiny, I'm guessing, because of whatever she put last. Anyways, she then asked if I wanted to pick up anything. I would have LOVED to, in fact I was planning to before I went in, but I had no idea what wa used, for what purposes, when, anything so obviously I didn't pick up anything at all. After reading the reviews, I had felt like I was treated like a less customer, so I didn't feel like asking her either. I did ask for a sample of something, because I saw on the reviews that they're very good with samples, but was told that it was $5 for a sample size.
The front desk girl asked if I had changed numbers recently, and I said no. She then looked at me weirdly and said so you're still at whatever the number was. I told her that I've never had that number, to which she asked if it was my first time there. When I said yes, my esthetician and the girl laughed and were like "that explains so many things! haha" And told me that there was a customer who had a similar name so they thought it was me. Wow. I do have a common name, but so do thousands of other people, isn't it their job to check? Then, my esthetician laughed and said "no wonder the products didn't seem right for you, I was looking at the files and I was like really? They used that on her? Well, okay...but I did use a slightly lighter moisturizer on you though, good thing, huh? Haha" You're standing there laughing, telling me that you used products that were meant for someone else? She had asked if it was my first facialious, so if they had files, she could've double checked with me to see if the file they had was correct. I could've complained, but I'm not the type of person to do that, and I regretted going there instead of taking to the time to go to the Yaletown one, which had all the good reviews. They did it to my face already, so there wasn't much use in complaining so I just quietly payed and had to powder myself before I left because my face was unbearably shiny.
My face was smooth and soft for like 2 days, then was back to normal. Needless to say, I won't be going back.Comment from Andrea S. of skoah 4/27/2011
Hi JP, We'd love to learn more about your experience as we… More » -
Review from Spa S.
Langley, BC
4/13/2011
What was all the hype about? After reading numerous reviews about Skoah, I decided to try it. I got the Facialiscious as many others reviewed about. It wasn't as great as I thought it'd be. As others have mentioned, they're products aren't natural and I'm not a big fan of the fragrance smell in the Skoah products either. The room was alright, it was very clean but was extremely cold; the heated duvet did nothing for me. The a/c was on way too high. I didn't really like the girl I had either. Her hands were extremely cold which did not make it a good experience.
Comment from Andrea S. of skoah 4/27/2011
Hi Spa S. Sounds like there were a few miscommunications… More »
