Trying to begin this review is very difficult because I simply want to shower Pamela with compliments! This was my first ever facial service and she explained everything so well and put me in the driver's seat for how I wanted my experience to go. The products used were so lovely and I felt like I was finally able to relax in this space after a pretty traumatic month. The results are incredible and it is evident at the research and skill that goes into the creation of her offerings. I can't wait to make this a more regular occurrence and really treat myself because I deserve it! read more

Ever since I went I loved how she takes the time! Amazing Waxing and she is very sweet and love that she makes her customers feel comfortable and she always makes sure you are good!! if I were you and you are looking to come in for your first time you should definitely go for it!! read more

I would highly recommending visiting Pamela at Altruistic Aesthetics for a facial if you've never been. The studio is clean, cozy, and extremely welcoming. Pamela is so thoughtful in curating seasonal specials with vibrant themes, so gentle in the care she provides, and generous with her wealth of knowledge on all things skincare. The whole experience was incredibly relaxing, I will certainly be back. read more

I absolutely adore Pamela and look forward to every time I get to spend time getting pampered in her cozy space - yes, even when it's to have hair ripped out of me!! Highly recommend the sugaring services. Her facials (hello, DewDrop and 90 minute facials) are divine and they make my skin so glowy and bouncy. I swear, she's a witch. Honestly, I wouldn't go to any other esthetician. read more

I've gotten a few different waxing and sugaring services here, and I'm so glad I started going here. I always feel safe and relaxed here, which is a little bit tough to find when you're a trans woman! Pamela is easy to talk to and queer and just amazing at what she does and if you're reading this review you should book services here. read more

I am someone who looks at skincare as a necessity, not a luxury, and I am very selective when it comes to who I let touch my skin. I came to Pamela after my old esthetician left her practice and I was in skin care mourning, thinking I would never find anyone else I loved as much. Boy was I wrong...Pamela is amazing and I am so glad I found her! I have been seeing Pamela for over 3 years now for facials and sugaring. She has taken great care of me whether it has been on personal pamper days, pre-wedding skin prep or sugaring (an honest-to-God saint in that area). I have very sensitive and finicky skin and she always know how to adapt to my needs and I always walk out confident and glowing. Her treatments are some of the best in the city and her professionalism is top notch. Do yourself a favor and book a (or several) treatment with her-you will not regret it. read more

Pam is the best. Always satisfied when I walk away, with the service and with her company, and always wishing we could just hang out afterwards read more

I've been seeing Pamela for my waxing/sugaring and facial needs for about 6 years now. I was terrified to get waxed the first time, but she has a way of making you feel comfortable and makes sure you're doing okay during the entire process. Pamela has created a very inviting and inclusive atmosphere at her studio. Her facials are amazingly relaxing and rejuvenating. She's also really helped me up my skincare game. Pamela is great at answering questions, making recommendations for products, or offering advice on what I can do to improve my complexion. I love that she has products available to buy at her studio, and that she rotates the offerings, from skincare items, to candles, lotions, aromatherapy sprays, and other seasonal items. I highly recommend visiting Pamela at Altruistic Esthetics - treat yourself! read more

Who would have thought it could be a positive experience to have hair ripped out of the most sensitive parts of your body? Pamela is the BEST. She makes you feel comfortable both physically and emotionally. Let's be real--some of these services can be awkward. Not here, though--you'll be put at ease and somehow have an enjoyable experience along the way. I've had a slew of sugaring and waxing services as well as lash/brow tinting. I can't wait to go back for my first facial and all of the other wonderful services she offers. 10/10, can't recommend highly enough! read more

I've seen Pamela for facials, sugaring, waxing and brows for over 5 years, and she's the best. What I love the most about her facials is that she's always trying new things and products, and her massages are to die for! Her seasonal facials are so fun too, besides leaving your skin glowing. She's very nice, positive, kind and fun, besides very knowledgeable and thorough. With her, your skin is in great hands! read more

I had such a lovely experience here with Pamela. I have very sensitive skin, and Pamela recommended special products for my facial that would be best for my skin type. She also recommended a facial lotion which I now use every night before bed and I love. The environment Pamela has created both with the calming design of her space, and her welcoming personality made me feel so relaxed, I was on cloud 9 walking out of there. I highly recommend! read more

Got myself a facial/sugaring for my birthday! Best present ever! I'm not a pamper-myself kind of person, but Pamela is a pure joy. She made me feel super comfortable in my body and safe to relax completely and allow myself to be cared for and fussed over. Her studio space is beautiful, calm, quiet, and inviting. I will be going back without a doubt. If you've not been, I highly recommend you go! This is a little slice of self-care heaven. read more

I highly recommend Pamela for any service. I personally have gone for sugaring. I had never been waxed or sugared before so needless to say I was nervous. Pamela explained everything she was doing and made me feel very comfortable which is important in these types of situations. After my first sugaring session I made an appointment for a month later. I could've waited another week but wasn't sure how it would be. Significant and I mean significant difference in how much hair grew back! Pamela is great and if feels like I'm talking with one of my girlfriends! Extremely talented and you can trust her to do the best job. read more

Great job, she made me feel super comfortable with a sugar wax! Also very easy to sign up for services online. I'll be back again

Sugar & spice, well not exactly, sugar & wax is what was in order. I wanted to find a new place to get a little maintenance done, so I hit up some Yelp reviews and was impressed with what people had to say about Pamela. As we all know sometimes the reviews that are all great raise an eyebrow as people hopping on the bandwagon. Rest assured that's not the case here. She's really as great as people say. I wanted to get my brows, and upper lip done. I usually do this on my own as my hair is on the fine side, I also wanted to take care of things south of the border this I'm not doing on my own. I decided why not have a professional take care of it all. Smart decision, she prefers to use wax on your brows and lip for more precision. For a Brazilian it's sugaring, less pain and better for your skin. If you're doing both she'll start with the Brazilian, that way the work on your face will be like a walk in the park. No argument from me. She's very personable and professional, not that I'm dying to come back, however I certainly won't put off the appointment either to keep things in check. read more

Pamela is so great!! I've come here a couple times for sugaring my armpits. I always get nervous before it begins because of the pain, but once she does the first pull I'm fine! Honestly isn't even painful. The first time I went I told her that I was nervous because I'd never done any kind of waxing. She was super patient and explained to me and warned me when she was pulling the first time so I would be prepared. With that being said, haven't gotten any ingrown hairs and the hairs growing back are noticeably thinner now compared to before. Pamela also always makes sure to have fun and light conversation while she's doing her work, so there's no awkward silence. I used to live in the area, but am even going to her now that I've moved further south. read more

When I found out the highest rated sugaring was right in my neighborhood I had to check it out, and I have been back to Pamela every few weeks since! She's a master of sugar and I felt like I was floating the last time I had a facial. Pamela is so welcoming and kind - her space is relaxing and beautiful. I highly highly recommend you check her out, you will not be disappointed! read more

I tried out Altruistic Esthetics just last night for the first time and had an amazing experience with Pamela. I've been getting sugared for well over 10 years following only one person around town until I could no longer make the almost 20 mile hike one way. Pamela was amazing, super super quick, clean, had great conversation and was thorough. I am so thrilled I found her within the city and super easy to book online. read more

Amazing service, Pamela is great!!! So knowledgeable, love the product I got too. I got an eyebrow wax and facial, and cannot say enough how much I loved it. Really nice, comfortable and relaxing space too. Can't wait to go back :) read more

Pamela is truly a gifted esthetician. One of the only people to not only make me feel welcomed and comfortable, but to make my skin the healthiest it's been! I have super sensitive skin and when I get bikinis/Brazilians from her i have not one ingrown hair! (Is that tmi?! I think that's important to know if you are looking.). Pamela's the best. She also is constantly supporting other small business owners and donates her time and resources to great causes on a regular basis. So I know when I go to her, I'm investing in myself and in someone I really believe is making a positive impact to the community. Plus she is really funny!! Anyway, I can't recommend her enough. Just experience her skills for yourself. read more

I had a fantastic experience getting sugared with Pamela. The space is beautiful, and she was very professional. This was my least painful, quickest, and cleanest sugaring experience I've had in Chicago (I've been to a few other places). read more

This is Pamela's calling. This is not her job, this is in her soul. Walking into her space is like coming home. I don't quite know where to start other than to tell you to book your appointment now. No one has ever had a better relationship with your skin than Pamela will. I've never had better skin. The masks, the details (did anyone mention to you that SHE MAKES the masks from things SHE GROWS + some help from science? yeah. manic pixie dream products), the aromatherapy, the squishy-cozy-wonderful bed, the massage (oh, the massage), and the after-care product recommendations. Amazing. When I see her I melt, the dirt jumps out of my pores, and my skin breathes a sigh of relief. I went for it and got the oxygen facial. I wish I had taken before/ after photos. My forehead looks like I got the best botox ever. My lines are greatly diminished, but I retain the ability to emote. The shop is an easy walk from buses and brown line. Go. Your only regret will be waiting as long as you did to book your appointment... and maybe stopping at Stan's Donuts on the way back to the brown line. read more

I have extremely sensitive skin that is prone to acne, ingrown hairs, rash, and abrasions. Most of these have flared up from facials in the past, and kept me from getting more. But - Pamela has completely changed my mind about facials. She catered my treatment based on my concerns, and checked in with me and my skin throughout the treatment to ensure that she was taking the best care of my skin. Her skill shows through her steady hands, knowledge of her products and home crafting of her own, inviting and calm environment, and care. Folks, she CARES about her work. This is not a job for Pamela. This is her calling and her lifeblood. I've gotten waxes and sugaring from Pamela as well - same thoughts and experiences as her facials. She is assuring, careful, and treats my skin with the same respect she treats her own. (Have you seen her skin?!!?!?) read more

Just had my second Brazilian sugaring appointment with Pam & I could not be happier! If you have sensitive skin, sugaring is for you! My skin is very sensitive and I have had no issues after sugaring. Pam makes you feel so comfortable during an uncomfortable procedure and walks you through everything she is doing. There is never an awkward moment & you can talk with her about anything as she is very down to earth. Now that I am hooked on sugaring, I am looking forward to trying out her facials as well. Her space is also super cute & cozy! read more

Pamela is a genuinely caring-exceptionally professional aesthetician. My experience with her has been amazingly wonderful. She delivers results every single time and I leave the space feeling renewed. She pours her love in any service you sign up for. Can't even remember for how many years I've been going to her..definitely more than 2 years now. She isn't in for the money. Pamela loves what she does and it shows in her overall professionalism. From booking to booking again, I only feel grateful for having her in my corner. Chicago is blessed to have this angel! read more

Pamela truly is as good as it gets. I have been going to her for almost 3 years for her waxing then sugaring services. If you are not familiar, you HAVE to try sugaring; it is so much better than waxing! There is much less pain and it's gentler on the skin. Pamela is a doll and you'll feel like you've know her your whole life. I was so excited when she opened her own space! The online booking is so easy! Also, her studio is so homey and relaxing. I can not recommend her highly enough for ALL of your skincare needs! read more

Pamela has been waxing me for years. I have sensitive skin so she uses "sugaring" instead which is less painful and less irritating to the skin. I get no bumps or ingrowns. I have also received an oxygen facial from her .. it wAs amazing! Cant wait to get my next one! She is wonderful at what she does, compassionate and professional. I highly recommend her , you will not be disappointed! read more

Pamela is the only person i trust with sugaring and facials! The studio is immaculate, warm, and comforting. She is knowledgeable, detailed and has the best personality. read more

I've been to a variety of other estheticians for sugaring for the past 7 years, and none of them compare to Pamela. When you walk into the doors of her studio, you instantly feel zen and welcomed. She does amazing (no seriously, AMAZING) work and makes you feel comfortable and well taken care of. One of my favorite Chicago businesses by far! read more

All first time waxers!!! Please visit this wonderfully peaceful place. Pam is absolutely wonderful and made me feel extremely comfortable for my first time. Sugar waxing is my new favorite activity thanks to her, I got a bikini and Brazilian, I did not shed a single tear. Left with minimal to no redness and not a single ingrown hair. Thank you Pam!! Such a wonderful human with a very positive aura! Highly recommend! read more

Everything about this place is wonderful. Pamela is a master at facials and waxing. She's created a relaxing atmosphere, is professional and friendly, is a student of her field, and carries awesome products, but doesn't push them on you. I've been seeing her for nearly five years and recommend her to all of my friends. read more

Had such a great experience with Pamela today for a Brazilian sugar ! First time with her and won't be my last. She was very smooth, professional, and love the ambiance of her business studio. I was very comfortable and she was done before I even realized. Would highly recommend- i love small independent businesses :) thanks again ! read more

Altruistic Esthetics is the reason why I prefer small businesses over large chains for services like this. You can tell Pamela loves what she does from the minute you walk in, making you feel comfortable and welcomed in a cozy storefront setting. I chose the microdermabrasion and it was the best facial I've ever received, truly. I left with my skin feeling clear, hydrated, and glowing! I especially enjoyed that she uses products from woman-owned businesses and supports other small businesses through the products she chooses. I will absolutely be returning in the future! read more

I've seen Pamela twice now for eyebrow sugaring, and she killed it both times. I was very happy with my results and plan to go back for a facial ASAP! read more

Listen, when I say I had the best sugaring experience of my life, I say that on a completely literal sense. Pamela made me feel so incredibly comfortable and heard. I have struggled to find an esthetician I felt comfortable with and satisfied with the results. Like, how annoying is it to have to go home and tweeze away extra hair that definitely could have been picked up?! When I tell you she cleaned me up beautifully, she truly did! Thank you thank you thank you. What normally is a 12 on a 1-10 pain scale, was maybe a 5/6. All I can say is: WOW. read more

Pamela is seriously the biggest sweetheart ever! She is so inviting and refreshing! Went in for a facial and absolutely loved her thoroughness! I struggle with congestion and she really did an amazing job de-clogging me! She customized the entire hour to fit my needs. Definitely not a cookie cutter treatment. And I just got an email saying she's offering a form of microneedling now! Sign me up please! read more

Just had an amazing facial with Pamela. She is Very knowledgeable and so welcoming. She talked me through my skin woes and did some extractions.l and cleansed my skin. Seriously my skin hasn't looked and felt this good in a long time. Highly highly recommend booking an appointment read more

Love this place and all Pam does to make clients comfortable. Always on time and always does a great job!

I just had my brows sugared for the first time. Pamela was fabulous and has an energetic, welcoming personality. She's very knowledgeable. My brows look amazing. Definitely will be back. read more

I came to Pamela for a Brazilian sugaring. It's so hard to find sugaring, let alone highly trained and skilled sugaring technicians! I feel lucky to have found Pamela! She's so gentle as well as gifted in her craft - by far one of the least painful sugaring experiences I've had. As a nice bonus, all her products are organic and natural! Also, be sure to ask for her cold molasses sugaring - same price as the hot sugar, but it seemed to inflame my skin less and rolled on as smooth as butter!!! read more