Not a good experience…read more I don't write a lot of reviews. I tend to write them when an experience is either really amazing and I want people to know, or it's really not good and I don't want people to have that experience. For context, I've had a lot of facials in my life-- too many to count. I'm new to Victoria and can't get to my longtime facialist on the mainland for at least a few months, so I decided to try to find someone good in Victoria. I thought to try Emerald Day Spa because of all the good reviews and awards. I specifically booked an extraction facial. When I was asked by Parisa, the facialist, if I had any concerns or things I wanted her to know, I said I was there for extractions, most importantly. I asked if she could turn on the light so I could show her specifically what I wanted her to pay attention to. She said no, that she would look at my face when I was on the treatment table. This struck me as odd, because I can't look at my own face when I'm on the table, and how can I be sure that she's seeing what I need her to see?? Next, after I'd changed, she took forever to come back in. I started calling out, "Hello! I'm ready!" but she did not return for at least five minutes. It was bizarre and stressful. Then she asked if I was comfortable. The towel I was lying on was really old and rough, and I asked if she could remove it. But instead of just taking it off, she left again for another five minutes! Once again, I called out, "Hello! Hello!!" She finally came back in and I said, "Wow, that was a long time just to take away a towel." Then, she didn't remove the towel and instead put down a sheet. This was okay, but to lose ten minutes of my hour and fifteen minutes while I was lying there, cold, was weird and unpleasant, to say the least. When she got to the extractions, I again said that I wanted to show her what really needed extracting, but since I had no mirror and I was now lying down, I couldn't be sure that I was pointing to the right things. She told me she saw what I was talking about: white heads on my nose, an enlarged pore that gets really clogged, and most importantly, a very large white head by my ear that needed to be punctured, drained, and extracted. I repeatedly pointed it out to her. She started the extractions with a small machine, and then said she was missing something and left again! This time leaving the door open!! OMG. Any relaxation I'd achieved was torpedoed as I heard the people in the hall walking by, talking, and I worried that someone else would come in. Back to the facial... Like I said, I've had countless facials, and I know what extractions feel like. She was NOT doing extractions. She continued moving the little machine around my face. I'm sure it was doing something, but it was not getting out whiteheads, blackheads, etc. Then she got to the area with the very large blemish. She futzed around a bit with the machine, and then said, "It's all cleaned out." Well, let me tell you, the big blemish is still there, as are the white heads on my nose and the clogged pore. It's like she did NO EXTRACTIONS AT ALL. No joke. Now I need to find another facialist who can actually do the extractions, or make the trek to the mainland. And I'm out $183 for something that did not do what it said it would. Perhaps there are other treatments that are good. I'm guessing that with all the rave reviews, other folks have had good experiences. But let me tell you, an extraction facial with Parisa is not why this place is winning awards.

I am so pleased to give Emerald Day Spa an excellent rating. I have been a client there for the…read morepast 6 years and I cannot speak highly enough of the service provided. My aesthetician, Paulo, is charming company who is a perfectionist when it comes to skin care. The atmosphere is relaxing, friendly, and casual; the location at Cedar Hill and Hillside is conveniently located ....not downtown, but 5 minutes from my North Jubilee home. I would not consider going anywhere else! Keep up the excellent service; Emerald Day Spa is A real gem!

Got my first facial here the other day and my skin still feels smooth and refreshed! Such a…read morerelaxing experience with great skincare products (made on site I believe) and a helpful consultation to see what my skin needs. They provided me with excellent care and privacy for my first facial experience (at a good price). I left feeling amazing!

One of my favourite places in Fernwood is easily tonic Spa-tique! The owner Kate is wonderful at…read moreeverything from massages and facials to brow waxes. She also makes all the creams and toners etc herself! Stop in and see Kate or Hayley for all your pampering needs!

You advertise walkins but never available. At 11a I was asked to wait until 3pm. Nfw. Waste of…read moretime.

The esthetician that I see I absolutely adore…read more However, it is horribly managed and information from the staff is inconsistent - at best. Was told I can cancel the membership and all was good and I had one appointment left. then was told, no - I have to have one MORE appointment. Now I'm receiving emails saying I owe them month for another month. Apparently it has a new owner and it's gotten way worse. Will definitely look for a new place to get my services done, which makes me sad because I love the esthetician and I've been going to Foxy Box since they first opened on Fort Street.

Prior to seeing Anna at Iga's Laser and Electrolysis I had a very unsatisfactory experience with…read moreelectrolysis for removal of facial hair. However working with a more advanced method and a well planned strategy Anna achieved the results I hoped for, permanent hair removal still maintained two years after ending the treatment. Everyone I have dealt with at Iga's is professional, helpful and welcoming.

I am a guy and was hesitant to get some hair removed. After phoning and being greeted warmly, I was…read moretold yes we do men! I came in for an consult (free). It is located in a medical building and has clean well lit office and rooms. Things were explained and my nervousness dissipated- what to expect, pre and post self care. I made a laser appointment, and the results are great- hair has been removed and it stays gone. If you are a guy and looking for hair removal- this is the p

I walked in with a photograph of what I wanted... An AI version so it wasn't difficult to see…read moreexactly what I was after. I have had long hair for most of my life, but at 65 --and as a "fresh" widow :*( I felt I needed a change. So I went for a page--boy... Stylish, short at the back; long at the front & shaggyedy bangs... I was introduced to a lovely Korean woman who spoke no English, however she gave me one of the best haircuts of my life. She was a perfectionist. She spent an hour and a half on my cut and beforehand massaged my scalp & neck so intensely & expertly that I was in ecstasy before the shampooing began (!) The cut was perfect... now I need to get back and I hope that my lovely nameless Korean stylist is still there....

Very professional salon friendly and there is even a sexy latina lady working there .I highly…read morerecommend this salon

Sammy has been my my 'go-to' nail tech for several months!! He has an eye for detail and always…read moredoes an excellent job! Can't recommend him enough.

I had my eye brows micro bladed by the owner of Laser Obsession. Ligaya MacDonald and it was the…read moreworst experience of my life. I felt like I was violated. I asked for brown pigment and ended up with black asymmetrical brows that I have had to live with. I have had laser treatments to help remove some of the pigment but will require more. When I asked for help to remove the black, Ligaya suggested lemon juice and water which burnt my skin and delayed healing. After consulting with a pico laser professional, I contacted Ligaya for information about the colours of pigment that were used but she refused to tell me. She stated could no longer give me information because I had consulted someone else about removing the black pigment. Very disappointed with the procedure and customer service. I hope to prevent anyone else from going through such a negative and horrible experience.

Brea was wonderful! She took care of me so well & I was very l happy with my trim for my curly-wavy…read morehair. She cuts with hair dry but washes, brushes out & blow dries before cutting. That's a bit different routine than some other hairdressers/barbers done for dry cutting with my hair in Edmonton but I'm happy with the results. Plus as my hair feels so healthy now, I'll be able to wait until I return to AB for my next hair appointment. This is a huge benefit for me being that it cost me more than I would pay in Edmonton (but that's the case for most things in BC). As for the actual location, it is in a converted house. Therefore the wash stations & actual cutting area is uniquely spread out & you get this cozy vibe. Also, no worries going cold in there. Not once did I feel like I wanted to ask for my scarf back. I do need to mention for those that require accessible entrance, this location has 4 steeps to reach inside. Thankfully it was a better day for mobility & that didn't set off a flare like stairs can for me. Also, when it's already dark outside (at this time of year that's before 5 pm), it's hard to see their sign or house number. If they had even a little solar light or some reflective strips on the sign, I would of noticed it the first two times I passed. I struck lucky when I parked (ahead of the bus stop) & was right outside the salon. There's decent amount of street parking options but under a time limit if you're right in front of the salon. So for these reasons, the review is only a 4 star. If it was purely on the trim & how much care Brea took for my situation, that would be well worth 6 stars. Note on the extra care: I appreciated that Brea keep checking throughout my appointment if I was doing ok. For me it's the little things like that which truly make it a god experience. Be it with the amount of pressure on the scalp for the wash, if brushing & blow drying was going ok & even how much I was able to bend/move my neck for washing/cutting. For those that have chronic pain, you'll get the challenge one has finding someone for a haircut or even a simple trim. Those that even do a decent job you hang onto in fear that chronic pain flares &/or migraine sensitivities would be triggered by someone unexpectedly trying to handle you thinking like anyone else that can enjoy a hair cut & that surely you want a "good scrub" even if you stress go lightly due to migraine pain & neck issues. So a lot of trust is given when finding someone new, including when trying a new salon that is also in a new city. Finding someone like Brea that tries to understand what one needs to be adjusted/prepared & asking questions frequently to reduce risk of a flare up or onset of symptoms, really is a game changer. I can confirm you get so much more out of the appointment for feeling well taken care of. It was more than being happy with a trim. That being said, Brea is only around for a short time before she's relocating to Calgary. So if you're a spoonie in AB, you've just gained a good one.

A very disappointing salon. The place is always freezing…read morecold with windows open in all rooms even in winter. Masks are still required. No food or drinks allowed. Outdated salon that is charging as much as a modern salon with all the perks, modern equipment, training and excellent service. I am never returning to this place.