I've been seing Gabrielle for about 1.5 years now and am always impressed at how current and passionate she is about her work. I've had a handful of facials previously but moving to a place with constant sun exposure, wearing sunscreen everyday mixed with sweat (especially at the beach) and worrying about aging and good skin care, I decided to get facials on a more regular basis. I found Gabrielle through fellow Yelpers (THANKS) and spoke to Gabrielle on the phone prior to coming in. Considering the type of facials she provides, her pricing is impeccable! She prices the facial based on the time she spends with you rather than the services she's actually providing. In addition, each facial is so hand-tailored to your own personal needs and skin issues that you feel like you're really getting the best for YOUR face!
She's located in a small little row of boutiques off Fay Avenue in La Jolla but you feel like you're entering a little spa cocoon. She makes it very warm, cozy and comfortable. Parking is mainly street so keep in mind on certain days or busy hours, it can be more difficult to find. For me, Gabrielle always starts off by washing and cleaning the face. She has a very gentle and relaxing touch. While steaming we then move to extractions. The minor critique I'd have is she is pretty aggressive with her extractions which is surprising considering how delicate she is with the cleaning/washing portion. Extractions are never really comfortable but with previous estheticians, it's been less painful. I'm not sure if it's the technique she uses or perhaps my skin has changed. Maybe things are just much deeper with all the sunscreen/sweat and sun exposure. Regardless, I'm happy she does them and really cleans my skin and takes care of it well! Gabrielle has alot of advanced techniques, ones I've never heard. She's used a bacteria zapper on my face after extractions to prevent bacteria growth on my face after the "trauma" of cleaning it. She's also used a water-pulsing technique that essentially pulses water into your face which cools the face, adds oxygen and makes the skin really supple again. I just tried my first non-chemical peel which was very painless and really wasn't a peel. It's a type of peel that just penetrates into the skin, straight to the dermis to create the cell turnover to regenerate new skin. She definitely keeps track of what is best for your skin during different times of year and always discusses your current home regimen to help you maintain on your own. Another thing I greatly appreciate is that Gabrielle does not push any particular products on you. I tell her what skincare line I'm using, and she'll research it herself if she doesn't know it and help you figure out what is best for your skin, your comfort and your budget.
Gabrielle constantly stays up-to-date with latest techniques, does alot of personal education, and really prides herself in trying to provide the best techniques possible to her clients providing a highly customized facial for each person and their needs. She recently added a very prestigous skincare line from France, Ginot to her current regimen which is also available for purchase. She has over 10 years of experience and whenever I leave her place, I always feel like I'm starting off with an amazing clean palate of skin that's glowing and radiant, even with extractions! If you're looking for someone to really help your skin and keep you in great condition, whether it's just for an enjoyable,fun facial or for serious skin issues, Gabrielle is your girl! read more
