I've been going to Pearl for monthly facials since the beginning of this year (2018). My skin has not only been looking better and better aesthetically, but - more importantly - it FEELS vastly improved. I had actually decided to start treating myself to regular facials as time ticks closer and closer to my 30th birthday. However, quality facials performed by licensed and well-trained experts are hardly cheap; so it was extremely important to me to find someone who was not only knowledgeable, but who was also willing to provide a totally comprehensive and therapeutic experience. I called around to several higher-end salons and spas in the Peninsula/South Bay area to feel out pricing, the process, and get a sense of the various providers' attitudes. Pearl owns her own business, so the middlemen (no one picking up the phone or returning messages, impatient and snobbish receptionists, impossible scheduling) are completely cut out. She answers her own phone, calls back or texts within the same day of a message being left, and is extremely kind and articulate. You can tell she really cares about each individual she sees, and you never feel rushed or condescended to in her hands. Case in point ...
After our initial phone call, we set up an in-person consult that lasted for approximately an hour. She was even nice enough to let my mom come along in order to answer some additional questions at the last minute. No rushing or impatience at all, and she very thoroughly answered the questions I (we) had. After the consult, we jumped immediately into the facial. Although she charges for an hour, she is not stingy with her time, and our sessions have in the past run past the 1:05 hour mark without additional charge. I'm lucky enough to have good skin, with minimal problems (except for dryness and fatigue). Pearl has an option for the 1-hour customized facial, which is what I've been taking advantage of each session. When she says "customized", she really DOES mean customized. Each session for me has been slightly different, depending on my skin's needs. She also keeps abreast of current and newly developing trends, technologies, and therapies - and is generous in applying them as needed at no additional cost. Pearl is the first esthetician I've ever seen who never tries to upsell or push unnecessary add-ons to each session. She is just genuinely happy to share her knowledge and excitement over new products and techniques. She may recommend certain products or future therapies, but I've never felt pressured to spend any extra money, and will provide take-home samples if available.
Her space is extremely clean (take off your shoes before stepping onto the fabulously shaggy carpet), and all linens and towels are well-sanitized between each client (I should know - I always come in at 2 PM after she's just come back from a laundry run!). This is really important to me, because I've been to several other - admittedly cheaper - salons in Cupertino where towels have hair stuck in the velcro, and linens have foundation stains (I'm looking at you, a certain spa/salon on De Anza. Gross).
I also really appreciate how soothing and relaxing she makes the whole experience. I hate when massage therapists or estheticians force conversation and are loud during the entire session; for me it really ruins the experience. I want to relax (maybe nap) and be taken care of; I don't really need to know about the crazy drama in your life when I'm dead-tired (although I'm always happy to make friends outside of expensive treatment time). Pearl is really intuitive when it comes to this; she has a great sense of when chatting and small-talk is appreciated, and when I just want to close my eyes and not think. She is always polite, sincere, genuine, and gracious. This really is a customized and go-at-your-own-pace type of mental and aesthetic therapy.
For those who aren't really well-versed in the facial/spa arena, I will say that you may experience a bit of sticker shock initially. However, her prices are very comparable/competitive to other quality salons in the area, and I have never received such a personalized experience. I feel that Pearl genuinely wants to help her clients, and for me, she has. I've been to salons in Los Gatos, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Cupertino - and those were usually once-and-done type of deals. Pearl is the first person I really trust with my repeated business, and I can only hope that as her practice grows she will still find time to see me for my monthly treat :). read more