I was referred to Dev and Chic Spa by a friend whose brows look great and I wanted to get mine done as well. The establishment is a bit difficult to find because it's nestled among the Avon Village Marketplace shops, however there was ample parking and the first impression was very welcoming. On my first visit, I had both my brows and my eyeliner microbladed, and I was very happy with the careful measurement and accurate arching of the brows. The liner I was less so because they didn't connect the top lid line and the bottom lid line in the corner as I requested several times. Also, there was no 'tail' extension added. I asked over and over, but finally gave up since the technician did not seem fluent in English and Dev did not seem to think that the cat eye look was desirable. So I was a bit disappointed with that, but figured I could get it fixed at a subsequent visit and didn't want to make a fuss. I was told that there was to be a follow up visit the next week and figured we'd get it sorted out then.
This is where I have to give potential clients a warning. The follow up is actually considered a 'touch up' which is a rather large additional charge ($200 for each, the bows and the eyes for a total of $400 plus tax) that I had foolishly assumed was included in the base price for the service $400 for each totally $800. It was just to see that all had set well and that the lines remained precise. They did go over both the brows and the eyeliner to even out any color that hadn't 'taken' with the first go. I tried again but still could not convey that I wanted a cat eye look with the top and bottom of the eyeliner connected and an extension out to each side, but gave up not wanting to override what Dev the aesthetician insisted.
Now there is paperwork that the client signs before the work is done. I figured it was standard boilerplate to cover for liability. However, more than that it outlines the pricing structure and apparently advised that the full charge for each area (brows, eyeliner, lips etc.) is over $600-$700. And I was told that the first fee of $400 was a special discount of $100 off the $500 price. Very confusing. So on what was called my 'touch up' (not follow up) I was very surprised that I was expected to pony up an additional $400 ($200 each for brows and eyeliner).
I spoke to the friend who referred me and she didn't remember such a fee and thought like me that a 'touch up' ought to mean a return visit 6 months to a year later. I emailed and then texted with the proprietor and he was staunch in his insistence that I had been fully instructed in writing of what the charges entailed and had signed the paperwork. Well, Avon is a wealthy community, so I guess if you have to ask for a clarification of price, then you can't afford it. So buyer beware!
Another problem entirely was lip tinting. I had had this done previously in Glastonbury a few years ago and figured I'd get a refresh. And boy was I in for a wild ride! I got the usual warning about possible side effects like irritation, blistering, dryness, et cetera. And since I had had no problems at the previous establishment, I thought it would be no big deal. However, whatever tint and tool was used, I had a severe reaction. My lips swelled to huge proportions, were a deep shade of red-pink and were sore for more that a week with chapping and completely covered with cold sores and cracks. I was told by them to get an antibiotic from my physician, however an antibiotic will do nothing to alleviate cold sores as they are viral in origin. Antibiotics don't relieve them. Luckily, I was able to get a prescription for topical Acyclovir, which is specifically for treating the cold sore virus. For a few days I was a scary site. They normally have a 'touch up' for lips too, but I opted to forgo this and the additional $200 charge that would have been incurred.
In summary, the spa is clean, light and the atmosphere is upbeat, but in my humble opinion, very expensive. read more