Cristina has moved, she is now on 1720 NW Lovejoy, I will try to update that in the info part. Her new place is great, she is in an Eco-Friendly building right in the heart of things. As always is was fun coming here today, even if it was for an eyebrow wax. She has started to use more than one type of wax, which made it interesting. I urge people to go here, she is great. read more

I usually go to DragonTree for facials, but I had a deal for Isabell Blackwell so I scheduled a visit after a week-long camping trip thinking that between that and the change of weather, my face could use a boost. Cristine was very gracious about me being 15 minutes late for the appointment, and we agreed to just cut it short instead of rescheduling. That was nice. However, the experience itself was neither relaxing or refreshing. I'm used to near-silence during facials and that was not the case this time. The office is just that - an office, with little spa-like ambiance, and she was a bit chatty compared to other people who've given me facials. I'm used to people asking me what types of cleansers and makeup I use, and that was not the case. I'm also used to people asking if I'm allergic to anything (I'm not, but she didn't ask). At the end of the facial she used this seaweed mask on my face, which smelled awful (but I'm sure was very nutritious for my skin), and covered my face with an uncomfortable aluminum foil tent (!) while the mask set. Instead of stepping out of the room while this was doing its thing, she sat in the room and read a magazine (or something). It was an awkward experience. Sorry, DragonTree. I'll never do that to you again. read more

So the facial I got was very relaxing and for a Groupon it wasn't horrible. However, there were a few things that made me rate her services so low. First, she showed up late to my appointment and when she did show up she had not set up the room yet. So my appointment started a good 20 minutes late. I wasn't in a rush though so i didn't mind, I just assumed that would mean she would go an hour from the time we started. That was not the case however, so my facial was really only 40 minutes long which was a let down. Also, for the last part of the facial she put this awesome mask on but then just sat there as it dried for a good 10 minutes. I questioned wether she was still in the room or not and just figured she could Atleast be massaging my arms or legs like I have gotten with precious facials. All in all it wasn't bad but just wouldn't rate her customer service very well. read more

I don't even know how to begin telling you how incredible Cristina is. As pretty much everyone knows, an important person like this is hard to find - someone who is trustworthy and thorough and you are completely comfortable with (in some of the most uncomfortable situations - hello!??). After coming home to Portland from living in CA, I thought it was going to be impossible to find someone like her. But - TADA! Enter Cristina. Cristina is the perfect mix of old school, let's get it done and do it well, and everything that's fresh and new (i.e. "you HAVE to try this new lotion/wax/oil/etc. I discovered.") She is passionate about the industry as well as her clients, and that is apparent in everything from her meticulous work (a must) to her flexibility with her schedule (I have definitely called her last minute, in a bind, and she makes time - that NEVER happened to me before). For everything from eyebrow waxes, to brazillians, to facials, I will always send all of my friends to my favorite waxing guru. In this industry, she is the perfect mix of everything I loved about CA and everything I love about Portland. read more

Love the facial of the month! Christina is very nice and attentive. Never a reaction to any of the products used.

Cristina is a talented delightful person. Her knowledge of esthetics is excellent and her enthusiasm is wonderful. Also great wax. Glad I discovered her! read more

Cristina at Isabel Blackwell is the best for waxing and facials! I got extremely lucky 9 years ago when I cold-called the salon she was working at for an appointment. Her results were awesome and she was so incredibly skilled and knowledgeable. Through 9 YEARS of facials and waxes, Cristina has given me the best advice about skin care and used the latest industry techniques and products. Cristina is completely reliable and efficient, and has the best bedside manner, HANDS DOWN, of any hair stylist, aesthetician, doctor, lawyer or counselor I've ever met. It takes a special combination of expertise, openness, humor, discretion and warmth of spirit to be as great as Cristina is at what she does. Make an appointment, you won't be disappointed! read more

As a newbie to waxing and facials, Christina was SO wonderful explaining the process to me and making me feel at ease with every step of my appointment (even with what I needed to do at home for upkeep and care). With my return visits, I always feel known and listened to - she never makes assumptions about what I want done and listens to my current needs. All in all, Christina is great and I totally recommend her whether you are new to the services or are a knowledgable discerning client. I am all around impressed with her and her services! read more

Cristina is experienced, knowledgable, and so fun to be around. She makes getting a facial relaxing, and fun. I had a amazing facial, and walked away in a semi coma. Must try. I felt like we were besties when I left! read more

Christina is amazing! She's knowledgeable, with 17 years of experience, super professional, trustworthy, and just makes you feel so relaxed and comfortable. Shes fantastic at her job. You'll literally feel like you're best friends after your first visit. Love this lady! read more

This was my first facial in a long time. I grabbed a deal off Living Social & called a few weeks before it expired to make an appointment. Cristina's place is a little difficult to find. In a converted apartment building in the Pearl. Still new to Oregon so still getting use to downtown. Cristina was nice & met me downstairs to ensure I found the place. The entire facial experience from beginning to end was amazing & relaxing. Exactly what I was looking for. At some point I may have even fell asleep. Cristina was very friendly & gave me plenty of tips to keep my skin looking fresh & healthy. I will definitely be back & will recommend Cristina to my friends! read more

Christina is the best, truly. Always on time, always concise and really seems to love all her clients. Her service is on point and she has a way of keeping you at ease and making you laugh while you may be getting some not-always-so-pleasant hair removal done. I recommend Christina to my friends and everyone I know has had only positive experiences with her. read more

Cristina is out of this world good. I love being pampered and value feeling comfortable. You'll feel both with Cristina! I had a customized facial last night and all of her products are all natural and you can feel the difference! I didn't walk out of there feeling oily and full of chemicals - instead I felt renewed and cleansed. Her leg and arm and neck massages.....DIVINE! Oh and to top it off, she's simply a beautiful person with a kind and giving heart. I won't go anywhere else. read more

Christina is an expert with intuitive experience! Wonderful facial :) Thank you Christina... Exactly what I needed! Relaxing, therapeutic & rejuvenating. Comfortable atmosphere, easy scheduling online. Highly recommend Christina! read more

This was not a good facial! I've had many in all different cities and spas, this was hardly a treat for me. I did the "facial of the month"; after cleansing and a very quick head/neck rub the honey mask was applied. I had the mask on for at least 25 minutes. The esthetician sat in a chair and waited instead of massaging arms, legs, hands, or shoulders as all previous estheticians have done. There was very little time and effort made for this treatment. After all that my skin didn't even look refreshed, very disappointed. I would have been better off applying a mask myself at home. read more

Coming in to Isabel Blackwell for my first ever Brazilian wax I was nervous and did not know what to expect. Christina was very friendly and knew just the right things to do and say to make me as comfortable as possible. And the results were great! The space was very comfortable and private. I would recommend anyone going for their first or 100th waxing experience to give Isabel Blackwell LLC a call. read more

Christina is so amazing! She is intuitive, calming, kind, grounded, not to mention brilliant when it comes to skincare. I try and see her at least once a month for a facial (and have been seeing her consistently since April), and her services never disappoint. Her studio is so relaxing, and I always leave feeling pampered, grounded, and rejuvenated. She's highly professional, always on time, just incredible! Treat yourself this month, and get a facial from Christina. (It should be noted that I loooove facials and Christina's facials are hands-down the best facials I've ever had!) read more

Loved Christina! She was funny, sweet and knowledgable. My skin was sad and needing attention when I went in and felt so great when I left. I absolutely recommend you find her little place near the Pearl District and give her a try. I'll be back, next time I'm in town from Seattle. read more

Wonderful experience. i loved Cristina's personality, she was quite friendly and wanted to get to know me:) Then, once she started the facial, it was incredibly relaxing. She gave a wonderful heading, neck, and foot massage! I left feeling so relaxed!!!! I already booked my next appointment. ps. the decor was so cute and inviting! read more

Isabel is one class act and incredible at her job. Ok so the inside of the building is not the Plaza but her room is beautiful . I can't stand when people buy a Groupon deal and then fuss with decor. Isabel has been doing facials for 20 years. I came in with a skin reaction and not only did she calm it down but she gave me a regime to do at home. I can't say enough about her integrity . She is a small business one person operation but one of the best facials I've ever had....don't listen to the naysayers just try her out ..... read more

I thought this was an amazing facial. Mine included a spectacular massage and I enjoyed every minute of it. I felt really comfortable, warm and taken care of. I'm going back. Definitely. read more

Cristina is fabulous! Every facial I have received has been wonderful. She is very outgoing and is always giving me tips and tricks on how to better my skin. I have followed her advice and my occasional breakouts have completely stopped. The location is a bit funky but who cares when you are there for your skin. She knows her stuff and is worth every penny. read more

About a year ago I had a terrific facial from Christina, the aesthetician at Isabel Blackwell. The atmosphere was calming, she was patient, soothing in her touch. She used a number of different potions and lotions to clean, exfoliate, tone, enrich, moisturize. It was a wonderful experience, and I was glad I went. So, when a friend gave me a Groupon for a return visit I was delighted. Unfortunately my more recent experience was a huge disappointment. Christina seemed distracted and rushed. Her touch was rough and brusque. She ran through her usual routine, but It was a perfunctory experience. I wish she hadn't run her hands, covered first in oil, and then lotion, through my hair, with no thought to my need to look professionally put together after I left her salon. (It was done before I registered that she was doing it.) I left with wild and crazy hair, feeling harried and frazzled. As a Groupon member myself I see that she's seen a ton of people through Groupon in the past months, and I'm wondering if she's gotten more into an assembly line mindset. Because I know she can give an excellent facial it might be fair to try her again when there's some distance from the Groupon onslaught. read more

WOW!! That was my first reaction to the facial I got today. I was very relaxed and comfortable in her care and my skin has never looked or felt better. She makes you feel like her only client and pays very close attention to your specific needs. I highly recommend her for any skincare service you need! read more

Christina is the best! I bought a Groupon where I got to see her twice for a facial, and will be going back for the girl time! She really cares about the ppl she works with and gives good health advice. She is very knowledgable and studied about the biological aspects of what she does. She could tell I was deeply dehydrated from my skin, and explained how without tons of water the skin becomes more of an excretion organ. Highly recommended! read more

Cristina is AMAZING! Her facials are as therapeutic as a full-body massage. She washed the stress of my Monday away wonderfully. I can't wait to make another appointment! read more

Where can I start? I LOVE this lady! I have been going to Cristina for almost two years now. She is the best WAX GRAU I have ever been to. I will never forget the first time I came to her I was so nervous and worried. She talked me through it and we laughed and joked about what she was doing. It really made me feel at ease. I can say now when I go it's a breeze! I look forward to our dates! I love the time we get together. I strongly recommend her to everyone! She's the greatest!!!!!! read more

Cristina is a gift - a pure gift. My daughter and I got Cristina's special facial of the month today and it was amazing. You get message on your arms, hands, shoulders, and feet to boot!! - nothing beats it. My weekend is complete - highly recommend!! read more

I have had many facials and took advantage of the Groupon. Christina was fine and polite but, I was not impressed at all with the product and the lack of information about what she was putting on me and I left there not hydrated at all.She should of asked about my skin and what I use. I felt like I was going to a bargain place. I would not recommend based on better experiences and also she should not wait for a mask to dry without massaging all over. She sat down it was short and unsatsfying and the location very confusing once you arrive and I am a city girl. read more

I first went to Isabel Blackwell a couple of years ago after purchasing a facial off of Living Social. I haven't gone anywhere since that visit! Cristina is fantastic and makes you feel as if you are the most special person in the world. I send all of my friends to her and they share the same feelings I do. She is also fantastic about follow up which I need because I am all over the place with my schedule. And her monthly emails are enough to love her and want her to be your best friend. And who doesn't want a best friend who can also give you an amazing facial. I has used several services and I can't say enough great things about each experience I have had. I also forgot to mention how reasonable her services are for the caliber of experience that you have. I will continue to recommend Isabel Blackwell and Cristina!!! read more

You will not find a better place to get a wax in PDX! Christina is extremely professional, always on time and never cancels appointments! More importantly, this is the place to go if you want to feel comfortable while getting waxed! Christina knows how to make you feel right at home with her great personality and sense of humor. I'm always satisfied when I leave her studio, I'm a customer for life!! read more

I have been to see Cristina every month for the past 9 years. I was referred to her after I had a Brazilian gone very wrong.. She is professional, skilled and genuinely cares about her clients. She creates a relaxing and enjoyable environment whether you're there for a facial or waxing. Once you try her you'll never look for another esthetician. Every experience ive had with Cristina has been outstanding. read more

Cristina gives the best Brazilian in the state! She makes you feel very comfortable and relaxed in a potentially uncomfortable situation! In fact I feel more comfortable with her then my gynecologist! She always makes you feel a little better after visiting her! She is a very kind and giving person! I highly recommend her!! She is the best!! read more

I have gone to many different people for facial, and every time I try different place it only makes me realize how good Christina is. Trust me, you can trust Christina. She is gentle, knowledgeable about skin and products that's out there, and her personality is amazing!! read more

I don't even know how to begin.. Christina is overall amazing she has the best personality and actually genuinely cares about her clients professionally and as if we are her best friends! I had the worst experience getting a Brazilian wax last year and swore I would never get one again.. Until my friend recommended Christina to me after she got a bikini wax from Christina. So I took my friends advice and scheduled an appointment with Christina. Her salon is adorable and love her welcoming decor! Of course I was nervous being first time since my awful experience! But not only did she welcome me with open arms she calmed my nerves and told me she would stop if I started feeling uncomfortable or was in pain! She did amazing was very accurate she wasn't rushing and she was gentle! That day she made me a client for life! I've been getting waxes from her on a regular basis! I can't wait to try her facials soon! I love her salon and she is amazing hands down! She loves what she does and she is defiantly amazing as a person! I would recommend her to anyone and everyone I know who needs waxing or facials! read more

Christina is top-notch fantastic! The facials are superb, and the waxing is great! Christina puts you at ease, especially (when you are doing a brazilian) and she is very professional!! I love her work and won't go anywhere else!! read more

I met Christina about 12 years ago and every facial and waxing I have had without her has left me lacking and searching for her again. I am so happy to have finally found her after all of these years. She is a artist when it comes to waxing and takes her craft with a passion and talent that is so lacking in the industry of beauty. I look forward to my waxing and facial appointments. And the added bonus is she has a personality to match her amazing talent. read more

Cristina at Isabel Blackwell has been my go-to aesthetician for almost 8 years now! She has a wealth of knowledge about skin and wellness, and is super talented at what she does. I would never go anywhere else for waxing. The prices are very reasonable and it's easy to schedule appointments. Look no further! read more

I have been going to Cristina for years now for my Brazilian waxing. She always does an amazing job. She makes sure that I am feeling relaxed and comfortable. I tend to have a low pain tolerance and have always had issues with waxing before. However, I experience the least amount of pain possible. She always makes sure to do a very quick but precise job. Customer service is the best. Her room is always very clean and organized! Will go back as long as I live in Portland. read more

After having my daughter my skin panicked and so did I. Luckily I found Cristina! I have been going to her regularly for over a year now and I couldnt be more pleased with my experience. She knows exactly what my skin needs every time and I always walk out feeling so refreshed and glowing! She is so kind and warm and makes you feel so appreciated for being there, even though its us who appreciate her and her amazing work! I wont go anywhere else :) read more