Went to Soiled Doves Bathhouse during a recent trip to Carmel. I love the old cottage and hearing…read moreabout the history of the place. I collect perfume and nicer bath products and I was the most excited to check this place out above all other places I had on my list. Betsy has everything from bath salts, soaps, bubble bath (which I got), lavender satchets, and much more. I've seen some reviews saying that the owner is unfriendly. I wouldn't say she came off particularly super warm but I wouldn't say that she was rude either during my visit. If I return to the Carmel area (likely since it's always been a favorite place with my family), I'd love to come back and try other products. The shop isn't that massive but has products both local and from further away (France). She put a ton of different products on me as samples and let me see what I liked. I went with a French branded bubble bath and a lavender oil. I haven't tried the bubble bath yet but the lavender oil is pretty. Perfect for relaxing right before bed.

A few of us annually visit Carmel every September ~ last few years have not been the case due to…read morefamily circumstances. This little shop is so sweet. Betsy is very knowledgeable about her products and willing to share the Best for you ~ I come with the intent of purchasing gift for others - but always walk away with something for self. Make a point of stopping by when in the area ~

Wish I could start every morning with a cup of warm coffee and one of Doran's blissful facials. Get…read moreready to fall in love with your new skin after treating yourself to one of Doran's expert treatments. I decided to book a 50-minute facial with Doran after hearing all the great reviews. After discussing my skincare concerns and goals, Doran went with a moisturizing facial for me, complete with a deep cleansing wash, a papaya enzyme refining peel, orange-scented aromatherapy, a relaxing scalp, neck and arm massage and she extracted all my stubborn blackheads (hardened oil in the pores). Doran carries some wonderful skincare lines, including a full line of Jan Marini products and the seaweed-focused Phytomer line. My skin has never felt so soft, quenched, dewy and radiant. My skin is still luminous days later. I love all the attention to detail at this salon: soft soothing sounds, heated massage beds, fresh linens, heated towels, energizing aromatherapy, beautiful flower bouquets and warm design colors all throughout. You can book your personal pampering appointment online (http://www.doranskincare.com). There are a wide range of treatments available, including sea-inspired body wraps, customized facials, waxing, lash extensions and make up application. Be sure to follow Doran's Facebook page and blog for lots of great beauty tips and updates. She will address any of your skincare concerns or needs with the upmost professionalism and care. I can't wait to return to Doran's beauty sanctuary.

This little shop is the cutest! The owner is very sweet and friendly. I wanted to come in and buy…read morethe whole store. Shop sells Californian made products from bath/ shower bombs, candles, kitchen soap, and so much more. I'd love to come back and visit the store front again.

Sadly, I live too far away to visit the retail space, but I have taken advantage of Hollister Soap…read moreHouse's website. To start with, the website is easy to navigate, clean and professional. I placed an order for three different kinds of soap, bath bombs and the soap savers. Shipping was reasonable and it arrived here WAY faster than I expected. I purchased ahead for Mother's Day (after having already tried several different soaps myself- I highly recommend Fred & Ginger. It's my favorite!) Everything arrived beautifully packaged and the scents are to DIE FOR. These are going to make excellent "spa" baskets for my mother and mother in law. Sometimes you just need to treat yourself, and Hollister Soap House is my favorite way to take care of me- and to share that pampering with friends and family!

Amanda is the best! My wedding plans changed last minute and we decided to have a destination…read moreelopement instead of the large wedding planned. I found Amanda and she was a lifesaver. Since I did not live in the area, I didn't get a chance to do a trial and was a little worried. On the day of, Amanda arrived right on time and was so sweet and friendly that I forgot about any concerns I had! The makeup that she did was absolutely stunning and the best I have ever experienced. Do not hesitate to book with Amanda she will take such good care of you! She even helped my fiancé out who is bald and had a terrible tan line from wearing a hat that needed to be covered up. You couldn't even tell when she was done!

I cannot rave enough about Amanda and Beauty by AWR!…read more Coming from Los Angeles, I knew I had a tough task ahead of me finding someone young and talented who could do my makeup for my wedding in Carmel. After being referred by a friend - I was so happy to have found her! Not only is she super sweet, professional and wonderful to work with, she did the most amazing job on my makeup for my bridal shower and wedding! She uses great products and my makeup lasted from mid morning (10am) until later that night as the wedding ended. You can see our wedding here for photos of my makeup: http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2014/07/winery-wedding-inspiration-david-kepner-photography.html

What a treat to discover this incredibly cool store today. It's such an uplifting little place,…read morefilled with natural light, clean, attractively minimalist displays, and friendly vibes. And there are such wonderful natural products from shampoo and conditioner to face and body wash, to shaving/beard care, safe household cleansers, and more, all in bulk so you can refill yourself, or use one the the nice complementary jars available free. Owner Jackie is warm and welcoming. I really admire what she is doing, and how much plastic packaging waste our beautiful ocean has been spared since she has been in business! Living amongst the amazing natural beauty of Monterey Bay makes environmentalists out of many of us locals, and the Green Directive is playing our song!

Great place to refill necessary products. Need more places like this where the owner is so…read morepassionate about helping the environment. Good products.

Bought the Sexy Vanilla from Tom Ford & appreciates the two women, associates, with all their…read moreknowledge & advice helping me narrow my choices down. Plus, ended up buying more from online: Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait 70 mL! Both are incredible quality & scents, yet so different from one another. Highly recommend both & so much more to get in the future. Loved this location & loved how their sales taxes is less than my city of Santa Cruz & over The Hill in San Jose.

I HIGHLY recommend this gem in Carmel!! Lisa and Shanna…read morewere SO awesome to us. We walked in and immediately Lisa was this beautiful, warm and welcoming associate who dropped everything that she was doing to assist us. My husband had heard of Cos Bar ALL the way in Paso Robles, and had spoken of coming here for years!! He had a lot of questions about the perfumes and colognes that were being sold there, and again, Lisa and Shanna were on it! I don't know what everybody's talking about with rude associates, that's not true at all!! I hate when people do that... I mean, to each their own but the atmosphere in here was so professional. I think that can't be true, and I'm very honest if I feel there's a chance of that. There's not here. We had questions about the makeup for my daughter as well, and Lisa related to being a parent while helping me choose colors for a 13 year old - which matched and looked great! Our daughter ended up buying some Charlotte Tilbury lipstick and gloss. We purchased a really nice cologne and were gifted a COOL red bag full of goodies!! They were also very patient with my son who hung around too, we all felt so welcome there. It lived up to the expectation we had to visit, but it's a special thanks to Lisa and Shanna for the hospitality!! Great reps, great experience... we will be back!! Thank you!!

I love Teri's facials!!! Teri nurtures the skin so that you come away not only feeling relaxed from…read morethe lovely environment, the fabulous neck, back and hand massage but your skin feels like it got the most thorough and effective treatment ever!! I typically come away from facials feeling slightly disappointed. Every single treatment Teri has given me has been top notch and a complete skin rejuvenation. Thank you, Teri!!

I went for my annual facial today with Teri and was once again thrilled with what she does. My face…read morefeels and looks younger and smoother and I feel relaxed after the great neck massage. Her products are soothing and feel great on my face. She often has something new that she has just learned to try on my and always with great results. Teri is not only a wonder with facials she is a genuinely nice, interesting and fun person! We talk but there's also relaxing silence. I have decided to adjust my budget and go at least twice a year!

I received an amazing facial; the room felt cozy, and I was recommended great products for my skin.read more

I had an incredible facial with Kathryn. As a guy who usually just washes his face and calls it…read moregood, this was a game-changer. She made me feel completely taken care of and taught me how to actually care for my skin. I left feeling refreshed, bought a couple of products she recommended, and days later my skin is still glowing--my wife noticed right away! Highly recommend Kathryn, especially to other men. You won't regret it.