Recommend this business?
August 23, 2007
Alchemy is the BEST. When I was 16 years old my mom gifted me with my first facial at a very fancy place on 5th Ave in NYC. She told me that if I took care of my skin it would stay radiant for most of my life. My mom was right. Over 30 years later, after having experienced some wonderful (and horrible) facials and skin treatments, I can say, without reservation, that Alchemy is the best place I have gone to for skincare. It is not just the amazing skincare products that Francesca uses, high quality organic products with delicious smells, or the beauty of her space, nor her skillful soothing touch; there is something else, something that is mysteriously part of her love of this work which restores me to myself. Do you know what I mean? I leave not only feeling treated, pampered, and nourished but more myself. And then of course, there is the pure joy of receiving a hand massage with luscious cream comes with a simple eyelash tint appointment! A facial is a pure transcendent experience. Alchemy is where I would bring my mom for a facial if she could still travel here to see me. Needless to say I am a fan with beautiful skin thanks to my mom and Francesca.
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Heart
August 04, 2007
AMAZING.
I just got back from the most AMAZING experience. As I'm sitting here on my bed, with my laptop, I decided I have to share this with everyone. It's just not fair to keep it to myself. I just had a facial with Francesca! It is the most relaxing and calming thing I've ever done. I loved it. I usually don't put any product on my face so she used extremely sensative & soothing products. She's very cautious of what her products are made of and that is very important to me. They also smell wonderful.
As I mentioned, the facial was very relaxing. It was also refreshing. I feel like I look 5years younger (no lie). I feel hydrated and fresh. She is one of the sweetest person's I've ever met. Along with the facial, you get a facial massage & a foot or hand massage. To be honest, I thought I was in there for 3 hours. I think I was probably in there for a little less than 2...but I lost all track of time. You HAVE to go. You deserve it.
I'm a redhead with fair skin, light eyebrows and lashes. I've been seeing Francesa for a while to get my lashes tinted and my brows tinted and shaped. She is absolutely talented......a true artist. She knows just the right shape and tint to use. I love not wearing mascara!
Well, I just wanted to share this with anyone who is looking to pamper themselves. The brow & lash thing is like getting your hair cut.......it just looks so much better when you do it. The facial is a true treat. PLEASE give it a try. It's amazing.....she's amazing! You'll LOVE it.
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Heart
August 02, 2007
wasnt worth the price. though she's very sweet and doesnt put any pressure on you at all, i didnt enjoy it much. i got the facial which costs 90 dollars. its supposed to be 80 minutes or so but it really lasted 50 including the time she asked me to go to the rooom and wait for her. facial ws nice but i wish it was more rejuvenating. wouldnt go there again.
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Heart
from the owner
over a year ago
Thank you for your feedback, and I'm so sorry you felt your facial was shortened!
The irony is when I'm asked if I offer shorter facials I decline, since I don't feel I'm able to do that and still offer the best service possible. I typically take a bit longer than planned for facials, so I'm truly perplexed by your experience. The only times I can think of that this would vary is if someone arrives late to an appointment or asks at the last minute to add a service within the time scheduled for a facial only.
Without knowing who you are and the particulars of your appointment, it's difficult for me to know what happened and offer a remedy, but I welcome the opportunity to speak with you personally if you'll please contact me!
Kind regards,
Francesca
April 10, 2007
As another Aesthetician, I highly recommend Francesca.... I have suffered not being able to find someone who does an amazing facial considering I do them myself as an occupation. I too need to be treated with one every now and then. But Francesca is amazing. She makes facials relaxing yet deep pore cleansing. I thank her for taking the time to work on my skin and allowing that time to relax. Take my word as an aesthetician in the industry, I recommend my clients to go to her when I can?t see them and I would highly recommend everyone to experience one of her facials. They are unique and calming. A true definition of a facial.
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Heart
January 28, 2007
Best Eyebrow Waxing and Tinting I've ever gotten done. This is my first review of a business, but, I just had to write one. Francesca, the owner of this wonderful skin spa, has truly put all her energy and talent into making it a relaxing, warm and friendly place. Francesca is very kind, caring, intelligent, inquisitive, sensitive and a talented aesthetician. I've had my brows done at many places and no one has done them as beautifully as she has. She always has time to find out how I'm doing. She puts that personal touch on the spa and you can tell that she really loves her job. The prices are very reasonable. You'll need to make an appointment because she's booked solid. I believe she's very professional, but, at the same time, personal and caring. I'm truly happy with her service.
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Heart
November 09, 2006
Editorial Review. This spa focuses upon personalized, custom skin treatments, but also offers waxing and brows and lash services as well.
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Heart
September 02, 2006
Treat Yourself to the Most Awesome Day Spa. A trip to Alchemy and time with Francesca is sure to be the highlight of your day. Alchemy's owner Francesca is an incredicably warm and nurturing woman, who makes everyone who walks through her doors feel special. She has an unusual eye for beauty and organization, and has created a welcoming, beautiful retreat space in the heart of Berkeley. Francesca is also a consummate professional, with flawless attention to every detail of her clients' experience. She is an artist. She focuses on top quality service, at the same time making sure you are happy and relaxed while in her space and when you walk out the door. She delivers consistently! And yes, she's so popular it helps to book ahead; and she's worth the wait.
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Heart
July 26, 2006
Cozy, safe, nurturing, and great results!. You'd never guess that this little shop could be such a retreat! Even eyebrow tweezing is relaxing with Francesca. (And yes, she'll tweeze instead of wax if you'd prefer, and my eyebrows are perfect every time.) I can't recommend Alchemy enough.
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Heart
July 19, 2006
Nurture your skin and spirit. Francesca is a true care taker and nurturer. Her healing hands and warm heart are sure to make your experience wonderful. She is consistent, knowledgeable and a lovely person.
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Heart
July 17, 2006
Amazing, relaxing atmosphere!!. Francesca is such a kind person which made my first waxing experience totally un-terrifying. The whole spa is very calm and serene making me relax instantaneously. She obviously loves what she's doing because it definietly shows in how careful and considerate she is of her clients wishes and experience with spa treatments. When you're interested in treating yourself to a spa day, it is nice to have the person love doing the treatment because it makes the clients dying to come back!! She, by far, achieves this feeling! My only complain is the booking is sometimes far in advance but once you go, you'll get to better schedule the next appointments!
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Heart
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