Gentle Star Medspa
Categories: Skin Care, Makeup Artists, Day Spas [Edit]
Neighborhood: SOMA54 Mint St
Ste 110
(between Jessie St & Mission St)
San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 618-0108
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sat 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: Yes
47 Reviews for Gentle Star Medspa
One of Gentle Star Medspa's Favorite Reviews
Gentle Star deserves the rave reviews.
They are exceptional, professional, caring, and patient.
They don't push products at you, but they know their stuff and carry only the best products. Everything ranging from the professional version of the Clarisonic, to antioxidant - non pore clogging sunscreen, to natural based self tanner.
I've now been here for a facial and a makeup consultation - both were with Holly, and both were outstanding.
Like the rest of the staff here, Holly has glowing luminous skin, which is a direct result of her lovely demeanor and Gentle Star's well researched skin care practices.
Gentle Spa practices more clinical facials than most spas, so the results are more visible, and I like to think longer lasting. They aren't just there to give you a pat-down massage lotion facial, but will make sure you get real results and ultimately the results you want.
They're open to any and all questions and requests, so when I came in here for a facial, before an event, Holly assured me that my face wouldn't be red at the end of the procedure, but would instead - look refreshed and clear. She recommended a low dose of microdermabrasion. I was reluctant at first, since I've heard mixed things about microdermabrasion, but the tool they use is so gentle that it ended up being the perfect choice for my skin. Their microdermabrasion tool is new. It's a suction tube with small crystals on the end of it. It sloughs away old skin gently without pain, and any scary results. I had a wowing glow at the end.
I went out to the event without makeup and feeling wonderful.
Today I stopped by for their makeup consultation. Gentle Star uses Glo Mineral makeup, which has won prestigious awards for being the best mineral makeup on the market. Holly applied the makeup with ease, explaining each step, and letting me know the benefits of each product. As a skilled Esthetician and makeup artist, she did an excellent job. I've already received a number of compliments, and I don't even feel like I'm wearing makeup - it's so light.
A previous review pointed out that if Gentle Star was in New York it would be booked solid. It's true. The staff are one of a kind. Though Gentle Star is not cheap - your skin is guaranteed to glow here.
Gentle Star is already busy as is, so book your appointment soon. Word traditionally spreads fast about amazing spots like this, but the radiant face canvasses on those spreading the word, are only further testimonials of their gentle and effective touch.
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This place is great!!! they have all the best products and the latest and greatest treatments, I love the decor and how professional everyone is.
they truly know there skin care and how to make yours look it's best!
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If you're wondering whether this place is as wonderful as it sounds, it's true. It's all True.
Yes, Nikko is really that charming, accommodating and lovely.
Yes, you will fall in love with Craig.
Yes, they will take fabulous care of you.
AND YES YOUR SKIN WILL LOOK AMAZING!!!
Craig has the patience of a Saint and is my Skin Guardian Angel.
My skin is luminous and I have non-stop compliments at work and even from strangers! THANK YOU CRAIG! I love love love this place and created a yelp account just so I can write this review. My skin needed a serious wake-up call and Gentle Star delivered.
They are generous with samples, advice & suggestions. There is absolutely no pushing of products. The environment is warm and inviting. The client service is so outstanding, you feel privileged to experience it. And yes, it's also true that they welcome you with lovely tea and decadent chocolates!! Gentle Star Med Spa is Utterly fabulous.
I had my make-up done at Gentle Star by Holly. She did an excellent job and used Glo, a fabulous mineral-based line. I came in searching for a more urban collection of colors to add to my make-up collection. I got exactly what I asked for and more.... sexy, sophisticated, and best of all, a fresh look. Holly took time to show me how to apply the products with the different brushes. She's skillful at her job, has an excellent eye for colors, and knows beautiful skin. Go see Holly!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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05/08/2008
By far the best place for a facial in SF. If you want results, go here. They will discuss your goals… Read more »
I get free spa treatments and skin care products because I'm a beauty editor. So really, I don't have to spend a dime on this stuff. And yet I gladly spend money to come to the fabulous Gentle Star.
First, they are so friendly; Nikko is charming, and Craig is wonderful. Not to mention, the results are amazing. I'd always battled a bit of acne that OTC and Rx products couldn't clear up. Since coming to Gentle Star and following Craig's recommendation of a glycolic cleanser, I have not had a single pimple. Not one. And people always comment on how my skin looks glowy.
If you are serious about your skin, go to Gentle Star. I send all of my friends and coworkers there, and they're invariably as pleased as I am. If these guys were in Manhattan, and if they had a PR company pushing them, they'd be as famous as Dr. Brandt and Dr. Wexler. Lucky for us, we've got them all to ourselves.
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So glad I decided to try this place. I currently live in San Jose and yet I still commute to the city just for this place. I think 45 minutes in the car or one hour on CalTrain and another 40 minutes on Bart shows utter dedication to GentleStar. I used to have horrible skin - lots of acne, an insane amount of blackheads, oily skin...makes me cringe just thinking about it. Miraculously my skin cleared up but left me with scars. (I honestly think I kind of outgrew it, because I tried everything from Clean&Clear, Neutrogena, ProActive, Murad, and so forth) I still have a few breakouts a month and tons of blackheads and felt my skin was not just completely under control. Hence where GentleStar comes in.
I have gone twice and both times I have received their facial and microdermabrasion. I have been through countless extractions but Holly at GentleStar is one of the gentlest I've experienced. Don't get me wrong I still tear and it still hurts, but I swear I've had aestheticians digging for gold on my face. Holly is the second aesthetician I've been to that does the tap-on-your-face trick. All aestheticians should adhere to this. Basically after she extracts a blackhead, she taps that spot - it seems to diffuse the pain a bit. The only other place I've had that done is at the Hilton Mandara Spa in Waikiki (Honolulu, HI) the only other facial I would recommend. They also use new microdermabrasion technology involving diamonds. I love it since it doesn't leave that sandy/crystal residue all over your face.
After each visit my face feels like its been purged of every impurity, not to mention a whole lot smoother. After my first visit I immediately booked my next two - six weeks apart, I kid you not. They book up fast (especially Saturdays).
As other reviews have noted they pride themselves on their knowledge and do not play the parent role and lecture on skin issues. Trust me I have already made myself paranoid reading magazines and surfing the internet - I don't need my aesthetician to badger me even more. Under Holly's recommendation I am using the Jan Marini line. All I have to say is that my boyfriend noticed my clearer, more even skin. I guess after looking at my own reflection every day its hard to notice the difference, but once he pointed it out I am so glad I trusted Holly. My goal is to lessen the number of breakouts and blackheads, and also to (eventually) get rid of my scarring. I can't afford laser and to be honest I'm a bit scared. But each visit to GentleStar leaves me feeling that much closer to my end goal.
I've also purchased the Clairsonic Pro (think sonicare electronic toothbrush but for your face) since Holly herself loves it. I've only been using it for a day but I can only expect great results since the whole staff of GentleStar loves it.
If you couldn't tell from my glowing review I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a facial/skin care regime. This place is not cheap and I may be a product/service junkie but at least now I know where to spend my money at. And really, my face is worth it...and yours is too.
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Winter always does a number on my skin. I'm dry and flaky, I break out, it is NOT pretty. Lucky for me, I decided to fork over some money to have professionals take care of it. Thanks to Yelp reviews I chose Gentle Star and I was not disappointed.
This place just exudes relaxation when you first walk in. Holly did a deep pore extraction facial for me and although it often hurts like crazy (take aspirin before!), she is as gentle as can be and very pleasant to be around, considering the fact that she's inches from your face. She recommended some great cleansing products (Jan Marini ?) and some acne cream. I also got lots of free samples when I left.
Most importantly, I saw huge results. My skin is completely clear and healthy. And Holly even called to check in a few weeks later to see how I was doing. If you need someone to cure your skin problems, this is the place to go!
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Pregnancy can do a number on your skin. With a few weeks to go until my due date I decided to pamper myself by having a Gentle Star Signature Deep Pore facial. Several friends and co-workers had recommended this place and raved about how nice and thorough the staff is here.
I wasn't exactly sure how to get to Gentle Star so I gave a quick call and was greeted by Nikko who was more than happy to give me very specific directions with landmarks as there is apparently a missing sign for Jesse street at the moment. I arrive and meet Nikko in person who shows me to one of the front rooms to fill out basic consent forms and health/medical information that is used by the staff to ensure that they are providing the best treatment/regimen for not only my skin type and condition but my overall health. A few minutes later Nikko came to pick-up my forms and take me to another room where I was instructed to change into your traditional robe/top so that my shirt wouldn't get wet during my facial. The room was very modern and clean and not overly "spa-like" which I personally liked. After I changed into my facial attire Holly came in a few minutes later and greeted me with a friendly hello. She began my facial by having me lay back to wrap my hair out of my face. As she began her process she asked me some basic questions such as "do you use sunscreen?", "do you use a moisturizer?" etc. I was cold busted as I often would leave the house without any sunscreen or moisturizer. I guess father time has caught up with me as she informed me that I did in fact have some mild sun damage. To my dismay I listened intently to Holly as she educated me about the different layers of the skin and how sun damages the skin in many places that you don't think about such as in an office, near a window, in a car driving! I was very impressed with her breathe of knowledge! I also liked the fact that Holly asked strategic questions to find out "why" I wasn't using sunscreen or moisturizer on a regular/consistent basis. After much shame I admitted that it was ultimately pure laziness. I didn't feel any judgment with my omission rather encouragement and concern to protect my skin going forward. The overall facial was wonderful. I'll admit the extractions were a bit painful, but not unbearable. I don't think it's possible to extract sebum/debris and have it tickle so I sucked it up and soon it was all over. My facial ended with some herbal mask that felt cool and tingly. I loved this part of the facial especially after the extractions.  Holly applied a nice light moisturizer and spf and also offered to touch me up with Glo Minerals so that I could go back to the office! I have to admit- I love the moisturizer and spf that I purchased with no pressure.
Thumbs up to Holly and Nikko- you guys rock! I'll definitely be back- perhaps after my baby arrives. Stay tuned for more to come!
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I started going to Gentle Star last October when I had a viciously bad breakout from some products (kinerase) I'd been using. I started with a deep cleansing facial from Holly, which was excellent. My pores were clogged beyond belief, so it took a lot of time to get them all cleaned out, but Holly was patient and methodical and chatty enough that the time passed easily. There was no extra charge for the extra time, even though it took close to 2 hours.
I went back a week later to start the Obagi regimen. I wasn't sure that I could commit to the twice daily routine for the 18 week cycle, but here I am, nearing the end of the cycle, and my skin looks better than it has in years! Craig has been an excellent coach through the whole process, and has had many follow-up consultations with me, all free of charge. The follow-ups have been great for reassurance and also for slight readjustments in the regimen. Craig is also wonderful about LISTENING to what my concerns are and adjusting accordingly.
It's always great to walk into Gentle Star and be greeted by Nikko like a family member. I think it's impossible not to like him. :-)
If you're looking for some serious skin care with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, this is your place!
One quick update - it's been about 6 months now, and I have new skin! The transformation is really unbelievable! I highly recommend getting the Clarisonic - yes it's pricey but justify it by saying you'd spend that much in clothes or a weekend trip or a facial, for that matter. It's worth forgoing any of those treats for this one that will make you look better, every day.
I wish I could show you all before/after pictures of my skin because you truly have to see it to believe it. And for the first time since high school - I don't wear makeup anymore!
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I have never been to a spa that has given me greater results than Gentle Star. The people are great (I've gotten acquainted with Craig, Holly, and Nikko, I hope to meet Dr. Ellis soon), the treatments WORK, their products are effective, and their caliber of patient care is phenomenal. I've learned how to take care of my skin, tone down my breakouts, and not look like I just emerged from a burrow every morning.
The first time I walked into Gentle Star, I was a little nervous. Maybe it's from watching too much Ugly Betty or the Devil Wears Prada, but I thought I was gonna see some sort of sterile operating room and creepily beautiful (think mannequins or wax figures) people appraising me with their lips curled while holding metal instruments. I know, I know, it's such a cliche, but even though the reviews say otherwise, it did pass through my mind. I walked in and felt more relaxed: the space is cool--it has a warm vibe to it and cool art. Then I notice Nikko, Holly, and Craig (I don't know them yet) and sigh. They're all gorgeous and have clear skin. Nikko, who has a background in fashion, belongs on Vogue, Holly is stunning, and Craig has flawless skin that reflects light. I gird myself for a moment just in case these are mean beautiful people who will smile at me fakely while eying my zits and stealthily reaching for a tweezerman. But no, Nikko flashes me the warmest smile, offers me tea, and puts me at ease. He is great, encouraging, and constantly make sure you are in the loop about your appointment, answering questions, and offering wonderful beauty and fashion advice. He clearly cares about the clients, and everyone loves him.
I was a little starstruck when I met Craig a few months ago. I bumped into a chair, spilled my tea down my shirt, blurted out intelligent things "Craig, what color IS the blue peel?". Why did I do that? Well, a) I'm a dork, and b) he's a rock star in skincare with a rep that's becoming legendary (just read the other reviews). And again, his skin is so clear it reflects light. He gave me a free and lengthy consultation a few months ago, with invaluable advice on how to care for my skin, and, recently, an acne peel that I'm now addicted to. Acne peels at Gentle Star are the best skincare discovery I've made! No, they don't involve metal pans of boiling acid (yeah, I imagined that too). Mine was a mask that revealed fresher skin immediately, and the redness disappeared immediately after it was washed from my face. Spots where I had acne became dark, and flaked off within the next few days, making my zits smaller or eliminating them all together. On a personal level, I liked Craig instantly. Craig connects with people and knows skin. And he's extremely genuine and disarmingly honest. Craig is booked months in advance so plan accordingly! Also, how many medical aestheticians do you know who respond to your emails (ack, and free of charge) re. your burning questions about skincare like a superhero to the rescue: I had a question, and this isn't my first time, way past acceptable normal business hours, but Craig wrote back *very* thorough and detailed advice almost immediately, like always. You won't get this level of patient care when you go to a dermatologist's office (unless you charge for a house call), or advice this knowledgeable from behind a beauty counter.
Holly gave me an amazing facial (you ain't ever had a facial until you've had the Gentle Star signature deep pore extraction facial). She cares about doing an extremely thorough job and even shaped my eyebrows for me. Seriously, my eyebrows are hard to manage because they are sparse yet unwieldy and she conquered them. While she was removing a lot of gunk from my pores, she was very sweet and personable. She followed up with me after the facial, and gave me great tips. She also suggested some products without any pressure. And she gave me a pretty incredible makeover with a fabulous line of mineral makeup that they carry that doesn't clog my pores and makeup lesson. My friends were surprised at my new look, showered me with compliments, and one of them asked "what happened to" me because I "look good." Although I have a sufficient amount of 'inner cuteness', I have pretty unremarkable looks in general, so her makeover of me attests to her great talent and artistry.
I think the main reason why I like the people at Gentle Star, however, is that they don't apologize for what they do. They are people whose business it is to look good and make other people look good too. I think a lot of us (myself included) try to hide how much time we spend on our looks and wind up being extremely critical of ourselves or judge others for how much time they spend on their looks etc. Craig, Holly, and Nikko are very supportive, caring, won't judge, share their beauty secrets, while at the same time being extremely professional and trustworthy. So Gentle Star's beauty is definitely beyond skin deep.
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I loved everything about my experience at Gentle Star. Seriously. And I am a picky woman.
Dr. Ellis is funny, charming, and sweet, but doesn't forget he's a doctor. I've been to other med spas that are heavy on the spa and light on the med. I think Gentle Star strikes a really good balance. Others seem shallow but Dr. Ellis is sincere and caring but still funny and even a little silly. I had Botox done and he talked with me for a good 10 minutes about how the muscles are affected by it and how my face will look and move because of it.
AND ... I was shocked by how reasonable the price was. I shouldn't say it out loud because i hope they don't change their policies, but YAY! It was about half what I'm used to.
A good treatment, great price, and nice, charming people. What more could you want? I'm recommending them to friends.
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So tell me........do you have a face? If you DO have a face and you haven't had it tended to at this place- you are missing out bigtime! One visit to Holly for the Signature Deep Pore facial and you can pretty much toss all the creams, gels, masques and gadgets into the dumpster and start all over. Nikko at the front reception area will get you started for the experience of a lifetime. His enthusiasm and candor is totally refreshing (in a relaxed, but professional fashion). Holly works her magic after that and takes all the time you'll ever need to evaluate and make every little bump, dot and pore look like you've been in some kind of time machine. In two short hours you will be completely rejuvenated! All the wear and tear caused by falling asleep watching HBO and "forgetting" to cleanse your face.......Slipping out the front door without your SPF (more than a few times, really....... Making the mistake of "saving a few bucks" by using that crummy moisturizer......IS PRACTICALLY REVERSED, and your cheeks look and feel like the bottom of a baby's tush!
They've done the research, and use only the first line stuff to match your particular issues. The extractions sting--but so did the crocodile tears I lamely wept when I used the magnification side of my mirror and really took a good look once or twice when I desperately tried to make myself appear "presentable" and felt like there was no way out.
If you think this sounds dramatic.....it is, Greta Garbo! She'll complete the experience by sending you on your way with a few testers selected especially for YOU---Without all the pushy sales nonsense we've all politely endured from others in the past. This place practices by a medical model, and listens to your ideas for long-range plans-ultimately providing you with a conservative, but effective way to obtain AND maintain a clear, dewy, fresh new look. Dr. Craig (who I have yet to meet) is the "Wizard" of all plastics stuff like fillers, etc... The staff love him and can't say enough about his skills. I've found my "BEAUTY NIRVANA" under one roof- and gotta run to make my next appointment!
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I love this place! Nikko is a dear and made me feel comfortable and cared for. I had a facial with Holly who was very gentle with my skin. With that being said, she gently got rid of all of the junk in my clogged pores. I have never had such a thorough face cleaning! I felt like butter when I was done.
The staff is knowledgeable and so friendly. I even got a hug when I left :)
GO TO GENTLE STAR! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!!
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I was excited to come to Gentle Star because I heard it was rated number one in SF. When I walked in, the staff was welcoming and the decorations were very stylish.
Holly, who was my esthetician, was informative on products, answered all of my skincare questions, and gave me some at-home skincare tips. She recommended the Jan Marini skincare line which really helped with my breakouts and my skin texture is a lot smoother and less oily now.
A few days after the facial and microdermabrasion, my skin felt purged and smooth. Cool place, nice people, great skincare- I would give them a 10 star rating if I could! Thanks Gentle Star, see you again soon.
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What can I say? I love this place.
This is mainly a review for Craig and Nikko. I've only talked to Holly on the phone and she is very pleasant and nice.
Nikko is the cute kid who runs the front of the place. He's very fashionable, but is never snooty. You can tell that he likes his job, and that he is well taken care of. He always makes me feel comfortable, and I always look forward to see what he is going to wear on my next visit.
Craig is a miracle worker. When I first came to Gentle Star my skin was terrible, and now I feel comfortable leaving the house without makeup. I had a lot of acne scars and discolorations, and I was first recommended the Jan Marini products. These products have worked better than any product that I have used. They seem a little pricey, but you end up saving money because they last a long time. Then, Craig recommended the Vitalize peel. My skin has not looked this good since my mid-twenties. The discolorations are gone, and the scars are leveling out.
Besides being really good at what he does ... Craig is also a really nice person. He is really sensitive towards your needs, easy to talk to, and really does care about his clients.
After he makes my skin look perfect I'll be sad that I won't see them as often!
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I know it seems impossible to be true, but Gentle Star is truly worth it's flawless 5 star rating from all of its satisfied clients. I first found out about this place when I searched "botox" on Yelp. I was so impressed by the reviews I thought I had to try this place myself.
I called and left a message on a Thursday. Someone named Craig, who I later found out was one of the owners, called me back within 30 minutes. I talked to him about what I was looking for (getting older, noticing fine lines, feeling like I can't look like this at 31) and he said I could come in for a free consultation. Added to this was a last minute cancellation for that Saturday at 2pm. Did I want the appointment Craig asked? Umm, HELL YES!
Okay, so fast forward to Saturday. It's a dreary San Francisco afternoon and I am hauling ass through the rain to get to my consult. When I arrive I am greeted by the super nice and handsome Nikko. He escorts me into a super chic little exam/treatment room (after offering me some tea, of course). Dr. Ellis arrives at exactly 2pm for our consult. He gives me a mirror, had me make a bunch of expressions so he could see how my muscles were working and talked me through some possibilities. He was friendly, very informative, and relaxing to be around. We decided on a course of treatment that he told me I could start today or make an appointment to do another time. I came prepared and said I would do the botox treatment today. Dr. Ellis took some "before" pictures, then we were ready to start.
Getting botox done is fairly painless (and this is coming from someone whose threshold for pain is like -2 on a scale of 1-10). In a nutshell, this is how it works - 1) you figure out the treatment areas, 2) the doctor applies a topical numbing agent, 3) Dr. Ellis followed this with an ice cube for an added numbing effect, 4) the doctor tells you to furrow your brow or raise your eyebrow so they can get the perfect position to insert the needle, 5) the doctor takes a small amount of skin and lightly pinches it together as they put the needle in the skin. The injection takes about 5-10 seconds and leaves a little raised area on the skin and no blood (the raised area goes down in about an hour). That's it.
After my treatment Nikko and Dr. Ellis helped me get some complimentary make-up on my forehead to minimize the appearance of the raised, treated areas. I felt fine, and looked normal. Then I scheduled a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks so Dr. Ellis can evaluate the results and tweak anything if necessary.
It takes about 7-10 days for the best results from botox. I will update this review when that time hits and discuss the results.
I appreciated the fun, warm staff at Gentle Star as well as the informative way Dr. Ellis helped me make decisions without being overly pushy. The whole philosophy at Gentle Star is turning up the looks you already have without looking overly processed. Like ALL the others before me, I had a great experience!
PS - their prices are VERY reasonable for the attentive, thorough service you receive.
UPDATE: It has now been 8 days since my botox treatment with Dr. Ellis. My eyebrows have been raised and arched ever so slightly, I have less visible fine lines, and the "furrowed brow" between my eyes is noticeably less prominent. No one, besides my attentive husband, have asked if I have been "done" in anyway. I think this is great because the goal of doing this was not to alter my face radically, but rather to touch it up a little and try to prevent further aging signs. I have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Ellis next week to see what he thinks. I am VERY pleased with my results and plan on making these treatments part of my beauty routine.
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I can't thank gentle star enough for helping me achieve the skin that i thought was always out of my reach. Craig is one of the most knowledgeable people on skincare that I've ever met. He's honest, straightforward, sensitive, and patient. The products that the spa offers work, period. I've been on the Jan Marini line for almost 2 months now and I can't tell you how pleased I am with the results. I've always had mild acne. They don't come in bunches, but one always manages to pop up once every couple of days. My skin hasn't been clear since college. Although my face now isn't completely clear of my acne scars, I do notice a drastic improvement on my overall skin texture. I have complete faith that I will be able to reach my skincare goal with a little more time and effort. Trust me, you will not be disappointed at Gentle Star.
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I'm a low/no maintenance gal when it comes to beauty. (short of EXTREMELY good hygiene) I do take good care of my body, skin, hair, teeth... all the fixed parts. Gentle Star Medspa is a wonderful place to get solid scientific/medical advice and good common sense skin care. Better and more gracious service that any dermatologist I've been to. Craig, Dr Ellis and the staff are super friendly. AND I got a whole host of yummy fish recipes, restaurant reviews and great skincare advice from Dr Ellis on my last visit. What more can a girl ask for?
Did I mention they leave out the most amazing dark chocolates for all their clients. I had 3... ok maybe 4. (no one was counting.. or cared.)
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Ladies and Gentlemen! Have I got GREAT NEWS!
Are your
- jowls touching your knees?
- wrinkles turning your face into the Grand Canyon as seen through Google Earth?
- zits smoking like Pompeii before the conflagration?
- expression lines written on your face with a broad-nibbed Sharpie pen?
- eye bags looking a little "Hefty"?
- skin cells acting like a petulant lover who refuses to "turn over"?
WELL I HAVE THE PLACE FOR YOU!
At Gentle Star, there's no hard sell, no lotions which smell like roses yet do fuck all for your skin, no bitchy facialists who took their beauty classes at Torquemada U.
Here, there is only meditation on the Platonic Ideal of Perfect Skin. These guys know their shit -- from Nico, the warm and welcoming front desk manager, to aesthetician and uber facialist Craig Shishido, to Master of the Botox Needle Thomas Ellis, M.D..
And yes, I like facials from time to time....Oh, go fuck yourselves. I'm gay, what do you expect? Plus, I'm from Hawai'i -- where we chain smoke Kools on the beach WITHOUT SUNSCREEN -- and have suffered from acne all through my miserable, pockmarked life.
AND I SEE YOU QUEENS APPLYING CREME DE LA MER AND STARING AT YOUR FUCKING PORES IN THE MIRROR FOR AN HOUR -- WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU BITCHES TO JUDGE ME? I'M MORE MAN THAN YOU WILL EVER BE!
I'm so glad I found Gentle Star, thanks to the nearly unanimous five-star rating here on yelp.
An air of professionalism infuses this clinic. Can I just say: what a fucking relief! I'm so sick of walking into "spas" only to leave poorer and smelling like a motherfucking tuberose. I mean, if I wanted to smell like that, I'd douse myself in Marc Jacobs perfume for women AND SET MYSELF ON FIRE.
I've only met with Nico and Craig. Both are consummate professionals who take great care of their clients. Nico judiciously checks in with you both before and after your appointment in order to insure that your face hasn't melted off or anything. Craig has a great "bedside" manner when conducting the dreaded "extractions." He explains the numerous facial procedures available to you, and is truly interested in your individual concerns.
Plus, they both have great complexions. Do you really want to be worked on by someone who looks like they were rode hard and put away wet? I thought not. An intial consultation is free (yes, FREE, asshat). Check them out.
But if any of my appointments are cancelled because of overbooking, I'm so gonna get Medieval on your asses. Because, you know, I'm all man.
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I really love this place. The staff is 100% genuine, 100% caring, and 100% committed to helping you attain radiant, flawless and "dewy" perfect skin.
The staff is incredibly informative and committed to keeping up with the latest research in order to provide the best treatments available. That said - they differ from other spas in that they do not aggressively push any unnecessary skin products on their clients (which I appreciate.)
They empower people with information, and help guide you along the way with their caring, comprehensive, hands-on approach. I love that I can email Craig anytime with questions (in fact, he insists that you do!) and that I can rely on his attentiveness if I have any concerns. In fact, just today, Craig made room in his schedule to see me for a free same-day consult (after seeing him 2 weeks prior for a facial) and even scheduled a follow-up in the next 2 weeks in order to check in on my progress.
All in all, I just feel very good about this place. After struggling with temperamental skin for a good 10 years and experimenting with various treatments, lotions, potions, and spas (not to mention dermatologists) I think I have finally found the place for me. :)
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Today I had my first visit at Gentle Star!!! Nikko welcomed me and gave me a tour. The Spa is Beautiful and looks like a hip art gallery....(think 111 Minna). But smaller....
Craig is absolutley wonderful!!!! I had an outstanding facial and diamond microderm treatment!!!! WOW! My skin has never felt so good. I have been to MANY spas in the city and have had many facials and none even come close in comparison.....I am hooked, I can't wait to go back, and I will never waste my time at any other spa....I have finally found what I have been searching for all this time!!!!!!! The absolute best spa ever with wonderful staff and great products....They actually care about your skin and the results are priceless.
Thank you Nikko and Craig!!!
xoxoxoxo
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I went to see Craig last week. Having him take care of my skin was like having a rocket scientist help me with my math homework. I hardly felt worthy. Oh, and he's so beautiful I could barely look at him. His beauty, however, goes far deeper than his gorgeous skin. He got to know me, paid attention to what I felt I needed from the visit and taught me valuable lessons beyond skincare.
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This will be an easy review for me, everything people are saying about Gentle Star Medspa is true! I can just stop here with a 5 star rating, but that would just be lazy!
Craig has years of experience in his field, I couldn't recommend better hands. Expect state-of-the-art, professional results and an atmosphere that is an absolute treat to the senses. He and Dr. Ellis will give you personalized service and fully explain to you options and what results you can expect.
PLUS, most important to me, everyone here is fully customer focused and knows how to pamper. Get a glass of tea and if they have Coco Delice chocolates at Nikko's desk when you leave, be sure to reward yourself with one. It's worth it!
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I previously went to a dermatologist and paid 80 dollars for a five minute consultation (although I had confirmed for a milia procedure on the phone). That's why I was fed up and came here. Craig was very nice and so was Nikko (both look fabulous too). They were patient and encouraged me to ask questions. They gave me the long term solution I was looking for to my skin issues. I'm now on a skin care system that has improved the look and feel of my skin within a few days. Craig took pics of my skin so that I have something to compare how my skin looked like before. So far, I am pleased with the results and look forward to a productive skincare relationship with Craig and Nikko. Thanks!
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I usually write a GBU (good, bad, ugly) review - but everything about this place is all GOOD...
1. Nikko is super nice and very accommodating. He always calls me in case there is a cancellation to try to get me an earlier appointment
2. Craig is wonderful. He listens and pinpoints your skin issues and recommends products at a slow pace - one or two at a time and if there are any issues - you can return them for a full refund.
3. Craig checks up on your progress with the products and my product was Obagi-C hydroquinone - and it lightened my sun spots within 2 weeks.
4. I've never received so many compliments on my skin as I have in the last 3 weeks.
5. The office is well decorated and feels like an upscale disco spa - I love it.
6. Waiting for an appointment takes patience, but they do their very best to accommodate you - it's worth the wait!
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First off, I love that Nikko is in the pics. Yo, I didn't know you had such a hot bod under the fashionito clothes!
I love Nikko, Craig and Dr. Tom. I'm not into wearing a lot of makeup, so I need good skin. Nikko is charming and a great chatter. Craig makes my face pretty. Dr. Tom keeps the wrinkles at bay. Now if only I could find a way to afford to look like Craig... I'd be flawless.
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The down side of going to Gentle Star: you will have to start whipping out your ID on a regular basis to unsuspecting supermarket checkers, bouncers and liquor store clerks. And then you might even get the eye ... you know the skeptical eyebrow when they do the math and realize you're two months away from 30. But ...*sigh*... I suppose you could put up with this inconvenience..
Because after all -- you now are the proud owner of the most luminescent, gorgeous creamy skin on God's green earth! Or at least close enough. You've got the kind of skin you've dreamed of, envied, lusted after (so much so that the blonde girl who rides the number 10 bus in the morning probably thinks you will put the moves on her any day now.) But now it's yours. All yours. You are now among the glitterati and don't think it's weird at all when random strangers approach you for autographs and of course skin care advice. And now you might have to purchase a new shiny handbag large enough to hold your new miniature chihuahua.
But all seriousness aside, Dr. Ellis is what every doctor should be: cautious, warm, talented, ego-free, and always looking out for your best interest. He takes his time, answers any and all questions, allays your fears, does magic on your face and then gives you amazing chocolate candy at the end.
Hellooo? What wonderful life did you just wake up in? Mine. Yay.
In fact, stop reading already, make an appointment and get your own wonderful life. Or if you must ...
A little about IPL: 15 minutes of Dr. Ellis pressing a bug zapper like device carefully over your face. This shower head contraption blasts intense flashes of light so bright that you can see the back of your retinas on the inside of your eyelids -- through padded sun bed goggles. I'm a big baby when it comes to pain and this was totally doable. Better than extractions, for sure. The smell of burnt hair is weird, but gives you an added bonus of being hair free for a few weeks. You leave with cute little freckles (and some not so little) all over your face. But don't get too attached to these guys because they will soon fall off and leave you looking like Snow White. While I do miss the freckles actually, I don't miss anything else. (side note: I think if women want to look younger a few precious little flecks strategically placed is the way to go. so adorable.)
Price: Under $400. A smokin deal.
Also five stars for Niko, "Bear," and the adorable girl at the front counter who really had me on the edge of my seat with her gripping accounts of wedding day mishaps, which actually caused me to stop breathing momentarily. ;)
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I'm not just the president, I'm also a client!
Okay. So I'm not the PRESIDENT of Gentle Star... I'm the acupuncturist. Whatever. I'm also a client. And I was a client before whole acupuncture thing. So isn't it about time I reviewed Gentle Star. You bet'cha it is, betch!
Gentle Star is the kind of place where once you walk through the doors you're transported to a place of peace. A place of beauty. No need for scowl lines here. No frowning necessary. Pretty little crystals twinkle and sparkle like the heavens. You're offered a cup of tea by the cute boy at the front desk. He smiles and you know that you have arrived...
...and with a very minimal wait, you are shown to a treatment room.
Then fast forward as you realize, while reclining in the fabulous Italian spa chair, you wonder if the fabulous Craig can tell that you're not just a little nervous? That you're sweating bullets over here? Okay, so not really, but there's that anticipation of the unknown...
Hmm. Doesn't seem to notice. His soothing, non-judgmental voice as he inspects your neglected skin doesn't let on at all. ((sigh)) Your poor, tanned-with-olive-oil-as-a-teenager (which was decades ago) skin is the reason why you've chosen this path of the unknown microderma-magic! And you know that you're ready!
Then you hear it. The the diamond-tipped tool. It sounds like a dental drill (oohhh! bad association), but it's NOT! It's the sound of beauty. Craig warns (in his low, zen-like voice) that this might be a little "uncomfortable". Ohhh....
Then wait for it... Wait for it...
Contact!
You feel it spinning and sucking your skin. Spinning and sucking away dead skin. Spinning and sucking. Not so bad. Spinning and sucking. Feels pretty good, actually. Spinning and sucking around your nose...
"Let me know if it's too intense and I can turn it down," says Craig in his gentle zen voice.
"Feel free to turn it up," you hear yourself say. He does. It feels... GOOD. I mean, GOOD! Like, massage good. A diamond-studded massage. Gorgeous diamonds buffing away unseemly sun spots. Gorgeous diamonds refining the little forehead lines. Gorgeous diamonds revealing gorgeous new skin!
Then it's over. Wait. That's it?
But wait. I need more sucking and spinning, you think. I need more gorgeous diamond-abrasion!
But no. Craig's a professional, and when he says it's done, it's done. I mean, you've been in the fabulous Italian chair for a good while. And, more imporantly, you trust him. Craig and his soothing zen-voice. You trust him because he knows his skin!
The end result from this one treatment? Skin a little plumper. A lot brighter. Incredibly baby-behind smoother! Gorgeous!
You want to hug him! Hug him for smoother skin. Hug him for knowing his stuff!
Next time, you think, (waving a little "ciao" to the cute front desk guy) I'm having him crank that diamond-studded microderma-thing up to 11. And that's when you know that you're hooked.
****
UPDATE: 4/5
just wanted to add that the cute front desk guy at Gentle Star is Nikko... The Fabulous Nikko, if I may. And Nikko gives the best front desk & phone I've seen in a long time! Professional and caring. Full of information galore about the services. Never product-pushy. Never a shread of attitude. That's big in my book. Sometimes it's everything. Well done NIkko :D
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If you are looking for relaxation, this is not your place. If your skin sucks and you are not happy with the services at your dermatologist and you have that case of acne that Jessica Simpson and Kelly Clarkson just can't get rid of, this is your place. I had a facial with Craig. Ouch! BUT.. my skin is completely different/cured now. Also, my friend just finished the esthetics program at the San Francisco school of esthetics and Craig is an instructor there. He is known there as a skin GOD. She blushed and got weak in the knees when I mentioned his name.
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If you've always wanted to try acupuncture, but were afraid to try- this is the place for you. Tiffinie has the right touch! Know that acupuncture isn't just about sticking needles into people, its about balancing 'chi' (traditional Chinese medicine). So, if you're looking for that little pick me up, want to de-stress, be pain free, or help with fertility issues it could be a matter of unbalanced chi. Trust me it really works (see below)*.
Tiffinie has been treating me for 6 months now. Not once have I winced or yelp'd (no pun intended!) when she's placing the needles. I am an info gal, and I love the fact that Tiffinie always describes to me in advance what she'd like to do and WHY- which is huge. A practitioner who treats their client like an intelligent human being is a must for the intimate practice of acupuncture.
*Results, after 3 months of treatment: I don't have headaches, I sleep better, I didn't catch the flu or a cold last season while everyone around me was dropping like flies, and I have an energy level that even Tigger would envy.
Go see Tiffinie!
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I LOVE THESE GUYS! Craig is undoubtly, the BEST, most knowledgable, thorough, fastidious, precise and just flat out fun esthetician I have ever encountered. I have yet to use Dr. Ellis' services, but I did meet with him and really thought he was professional, kind, honest and warm. So when the time comes (which is probably soon, but with Craig's help, not as soon as before), I will definitely work with Dr. Ellis.
I'm in my late 30s and had acne since my teenage years. As an adult my skin cleared up but was prone to periodic breakouts (which I could handle by having facials and using pretty basic products). However, a couple of years back I lost someone very close and dear to me and the magnitude of that loss resulted in, among other health issues, adult acne-- tiny little bumps everywhere and pretty big yucky bumps on my chin and jawline.
The adult acne refused to go away. And adult acne, unlike teenage acne, leaves blemishes that last far longer (as you're older and your skin just doesn't heal as quickly; moreover, I exacerbated the problem as I picked and picked and picked. Asian skin (which I have) is prone to hyper-pigmentation, so adult acne was a real problem, especially if you're prone to pick.
Thus, in vanity and desperation, I first went to a dermotologist and the regime was Retin-A and some topical antibiotics. That didn't work. I went to a couple of spas and one was even very good, but they could not really fix my problem either. So, at a loss, not sure what to do, I googled and ended up on Yelp reading the then few reviews of Gentle Star. The reviews seemed so sincere that I had to try Gentle Star. Thank goodness I did.
My skin looks and feels so much better. Craig's facials really cleared my skin (I've had his deep pore 5 times and microdermabrasion twice). His recommended products worked beautifully. I wish I had a before and after picture to post. But really, my skin is no longer bumpy. It is softer and more dewy. My pores look healthier. And amazingly, the expression lines on my forehead are far softer. So the results are: no more bumps, far less blemishes, nominal breakouts, smoother aka younger, healthier looking skin. I know I sound like a commercial, but it's true.
So try them. I'm so happy that I did. Please know that I have been to many spas and none are of this caliber. When it comes to skin, I am very picky. I expect results. Gentle Star delivers. Oh, everyone there is so incredibly nice, supportive, great listeners and no attitude. How great and rare is that.
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