I went here to get my lashes dyed (yeah when you have blonde hair it looks like you have no lashes) they staff was so nice and accommodating. The woman who did it, I believe Ava was her name, gently applied the tint without burning me! This has never happened before. I may not be here for make up, but I work at a salon across the street and I will def send my clients here! And I'll be back to check out the facials! read more

Excellent beauty studio and Angelina has an artistic touch for shaping eyebrows. I lovely boutique and an attractive salon environment, as well as offering a full portfolio of services. read more

This was not my best experience with make-up. First of all, when I booked the appointment, it was supposed to be with Kimara (the hubby purchased a lesson on Gilt). When I arrived at the appointment I was told that Kimara was unavailable that day and they didn't realize that was who the appointment was supposed to be with. They offered another artist, but we paid more for a lesson with Kimara not with one of her artists. I ended up rescheduling for two weeks later. The salon is very nice and welcoming. It is also very clean. Kimara was about 10 minutes late but to be fair, transit was a bit of a mess due to Hurricane Sandy. I had a cup of coffee while waiting. The lesson with Kimara felt very rushed with minimal chit chat. Honestly I was less than thrilled with the results. The make-up job was not customized to me, it looked like someone looked up in a make-up book what a brunette with brown eyes and fair skin should wear. The concealer she used under my eyes wasn't subtle in natural light - I looked like a raccoon. I ran into a friend on the way home and the look of horror on her face and the "what did you do to yourself" spoke volumes!! Made me think twice about the lipstick purchase I just made (which was VERY expensive - and I wear Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Guerlain make-up and this was right up there in price). To be fair, she did teach me how to properly apply eyeshadow (wouldn't use the colors she suggested) and explained how my skin tone was neutral as opposed to a warm or a cool, which was also useful. The free set of brushes included with the lesson are of superior quality. read more

Kimara Ahnert studio is a great place to have your makeup done for a special event. Our makeup artist was kind, patient, and creative. Linnea is a true artist! read more

I didn't come to the store for makeup services, but I stopped in to shop their merchandise because I saw so many cute makeup bags and accessories in the window. In fact, this review is only getting 2 stars (instead of 1) because of those cute things. As I was walking down the street I saw a set of travel makeup brushes in their window that I was very interested in purchasing so I went into the store. I travel a lot and always need cute makeup and toiletry bags so I saw many things that I was interested in buying. However, as I browsed around the store for several minutes (about 15 I think) I started to notice that none of the salespeople were offering help, and the ones who did circulate near me almost avoided eye contact. I didn't think much of it until other women walked into the store and were greeted with much more enthusiasm and offers of help. I decided to try and put that aside, and approached the main checkout counter. I was happy to see that the travel makeup brushes I was looking for were sitting in a bowl on this counter. I picked them up, and looked at them for a few more minutes. There were 3 women behind the counter and not one of them during that whole time looked at me or asked me if I needed help. Finally I said to one of them "excuse me, how much are these travel brushes?" -- she glanced briefly at me and then went immediately back to what she was looking at on the counter as she said "$95" -- and never looked up again. She was clearly not interested in helping me, nor selling me the product. Additionally, I was extremely put off by the unequal level of service given to me compared to the other customers in the store at the same time. I hate to put this into the category of snobby and elitist Upper East Side service -- but there it will need to go. I never plan to set foot in this business again and would suggest that others who either don't know the sales associates personally, haven't been there before, or aren't dressed the way the sales people think that someone who might purchase something should be dressed (I was dressed pretty casually in jeans and sneakers because of what I was doing that day) avoid it too. read more

I went for a facial with Natalia and it was amazing. We discussed my skin concerns and regimen first and she tailored the entire facial based on my specific needs and avoided products that I'm allergic too. The experience was wonderfully relaxing and my skin looks amazing. I came all the way in from CT for this facial and I will definitely be back. read more

I came here for a makeup lesson/application. The studio is nice and filled with some adorable merchandise. Kimara was sweet but seemed very rushed throughout the process. I feel like this is a great idea for a teenager or someone who's new to makeup. She used a kit that she uses on everyone, which means the colors weren't personalized to me, and she didn't comment on face shape, eye shape, etc. Overall I feel like I could do my makeup better myself. But on the positive side, I didn't really break out from any of the products (and I have sensitive skin), and almost all of the lashes she applied stayed on the next day! read more

I bought a Gilt certificate for a make-up application, lesson, and brush set with an artist (i.e., not the one with Kimara herself). When I arrived, I was offered something to drink and told that my instructor would be right with me. My instructor was Anita, and she was really nice. I explained that I didn't use a lot of make-up, hadn't been wearing it for very long, and wasn't all that sure that I knew what I was doing. Anita worked with the make-up I had brought, but also used house products to supplement mine as needed. I really appreciated the fact that she didn't push me AT ALL to buy products from the studio. Ultimately, I did buy a few things -- which I doubt I would have done if she had done the up-sell that I had expected. She showed me how to apply each product and helped me try each myself. (E.g., she would put liner on one eye and explain, then have me do the same to the other eye.) She also showed me variations to use for day vs. night. At the end, she marked down all the make-up choices and brush choices on a face chart. The only thing that surprised me was that on Anita's calendar, my appointment was shown as blocking out 1-1/4 hours, but it didn't last that long. I didn't feel as if I had been rushed out, and perhaps it went faster because I didn't have as many questions as the average person and/or preferred a very natural/light make-up application to something fancier. Best of all, I got a lot of compliments on my appearance at the party I went to that night. read more

Kimara is hands-down the best makeup artist for events and special photos. The salon is lovely. The other makeup artists who work with her are also excellent. We have never had a bad experience. My daughters and I have been coming to her for everything from proms to wedding and everything in between. I know how to do my own makeup. I worked in fashion for many years. But there are times when you just need something special. This is that place! And we have always been treated well. Even when not buying more than a new lipgloss. I don't get the bad news reviews at all. read more

I'm not sure why there are so many negative reviews? I've been getting my makeup done here for years now and have had a pleasant experience every single time! I buy the vouchers every time from gilt and they are awesome! Melissa is a great makeup artist!!! I highly recommend her :) read more

This review is for the makeup lesson with KIMARA AHNERT I got a GILT deal for makeup with Kimara Ahnert and it was a treat !! I think its very imp to go with specific concerns in sessions like these instead of just going to get your makeup done. I walked in here with a truck load of makeup on my face and walked out with a dewy face ! Kimara was very patient in hearing my concerns and helped me choose the right shades of foundations with the different types of concealers and showed the difference on my skin. During the session I also LEARNT how to apply eye shadows to suit the time of day and to bring out different effects which were literally eye opening. Having some one there to The whole thing was later written down on face profile sheet which contains products used (in order) ,eye shadows, highlighting& contouring w/ blush on your face along with the brushes& techniques used for each component. A brush set was included in the deal and its quite convenient , The quality of brushes are quite good. Her line of cosmetics are impressive and NO I did not end up walking out of there with pushed products but am a huge fan of her eye primer and BB cream. Would recommend this to anyone having concerns with makeup. Makes a great gift for a friend, roommate or sister (who constantly asks you to do her eyes) ! read more

Went here on a recommendation, was told Kimara is "THE eyebrow fixer". My friend and I were both displeased with our completely uneven brows. From far away our brows look ok, but not like we just dropped $80 each for a professional grooming. Will not be a repeat customer. read more

Scheduled a make up lesson with Kimara. Incredibly rushed, she spent about 10 minutes with me, not customized at all. It was very obvious she was just interested in finshing. When I expressed concerns about the colors, she simply brushed them off. Saw some friends after, they were horrified. There was no "lesson" component, and she couldn't be bothered to write down what she used. Very high pressure sales after. The worse use of $300 and 10 dollars in a very, very long time. I have never had a worse experience with a service in my life. read more

I really enjoy this place. Natalia handles all of my services. Generally, I just get facials, waxing and purchase my facial products here. The boutique is lovely and always seems to be pretty busy. If you are in need of coffee or water, beverages will be provided free of charge, which is really nice. The prices are a bit above average, but it's expected given the UES location. My only negatives relate to the front desk staff. I'm not always greeted or acknowledged when I walk in and up to the desk. I really don't like to stand around while the front desk clerk plays on their iPhone. Also, my appointments have been wrong on several occasions. It's a shame because most of my visits average $250 and I can always go some place else to be treated better for that price. Overall, I think this is a great place for the services that I mentioned. Natalia is super professional and really sweet. She's the only reason that I still come to this place after so many years. Ticket No: 0000058189 read more

My skin had a horrible reaction to the oxygen facial. Rash, itchy, bubbly face - all in time for Mother's Day weekend. I called them up and explained what happened .. also sent a picture. While it wasn't their fault that my skin reacted this way, the way I see it is that I paid $195 (plus tip) to look horrible on an important weekend. More importantly, they did nothing to rectify the situation. No apology, no refund, nothing. They would rather lose a customer than keep one happy. I won't go there again. read more

I love this place! I have had my makeup done here several times by some of their artists and they haven't disappointed yet! Elisa did my makeup for my birthday party and this girl is super talented when it comes to lashes. Simone did my makeup for my holiday party, I asked for smoky eyes but subtle and she nailed it! Rachel did my makeup for a lunch, I wanted it to look natural but fresh and she gave me a beautiful dewy look which made my skin look flawless. I am also completely obsessed with Kimara Ahnert's BB cream, it is the perfect base for everyday, it literally makes your skin glow. They also sell my favorite skin care brand Eminence Organic which is a plus. read more

This is hands-down the most fabulous make-up studio on the planet! I've been a customer of Kimara Ahnert Makeup Studio for three years now and I wouldn't think of buying makeup anywhere else. The products are gorgeous and the make-up artists are top-notch -- they even give spot-on color suggestions over the phone! I've had nothing but super-friendly and professional interactions with the staff; they definitely aim to please. Five stars all the way! read more

What a wonderful experience. I came home looking ten years younger after having my makeup done. I came home with items I chosee to purchase, with absolutely no pressure to buy a thing. It's a fantasy store too with such beautiful and tasteful selections. read more

I love, love, love this place. Anyone and everyone who is "in the know" about where to go for makeup, makeup application and related services knows to go here. Kimara is a NYC icon and she's the best. Not only are all of the services amazing but the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. They're all pros so if you can't see Kimara then feel confident seeing anyone else there. Plus, the actual products are hands down THE BEST. I have a drawer full of the various foundations, eyeshadows, lipglosses, lipliners and my absolute fave, her lipsticks. They also usually have cute gift items for you or someone else such as small makeup bags, etc. read more

Kimara is, in my opinion, the best makeup artist in NYC. I could not recommend her or her artists more: they literally can make you go from "blah" to gorgeous in less than an hour. I go to her for every special occasion and often wish I could get my makeup done there everyday! read more

The makeup is great (huge fan of the gel eyeliner). Facials are perfunctory but effective. The people at the front desk are uniformly unhelpful and annoying. The entire experience could be upgraded by new talent! True for last three years. Would get four stars save for them. read more

Staff at this salon does not honor the timing of appointments and some of the staff has attitude. After sitting and waiting for my appointment, I learned that no one had even told the artist about my arrival. The manager delivered my message and assured me that the artist was just finishing up and would only be two more minutes. Imagine my surprise when a while later, the artist arrived and told me, " I didn't even know you were here." She then continued assisting the previous client, so I left. read more

Melissa from Kimara Ahnert was my makeup artist for my wedding, and she did an amazing job! She really listened to what I wanted, and made me look and feel so natural on my wedding day. A few of my friends also got their makeup done by her that day, and their response was - 'she's awesome'. Melissa is just a pleasure to work with. Very personable and professional. She takes her time and is invested to making sure you are happy. I would highly recommend Melissa to anyone looking to have their makeup done! read more

I absolutely love this place and have been going here for a couple of years. It's a fabulous boutique with a relaxing ambience, incredible products, great service and a beautiful atmosphere. Kimara and her staff are the best, especially Lucille! She is so incredibly nice, knowledgable and helpful with trying to decide on products, even over the phone. The quality of the products can't be beat and I always love getting to stop in whenever I'm in NYC. I also order on their website which is super easy and they occasionally have surprise sales that can be 20 or 25% off of the regular price so definitely sign up for emails. (They won't send you a ton of them either) Honestly, it can't be beat and my favorite products are the mineral foundation, the plumping lip gloss especially Pink Sands, lipstick in the gorgeous and perfect for every occasion "Cupids Bow," and "Baroque" which is the most gorgeous waterproof eyeliner pencil color of green/gold/olive I've ever seen. I always make sure I have a couple of them in case I misplace one. If you get a chance, stop in and treat yourself. read more

I went here to get my legs waxed. Everyone there was very pleasant and accommodating. Liana did a great job and I was in and out of there in 15 minutes. read more

Great makeup lesson with Maria- this was exactly what i was looking for! I also had one of the Gilt vouchers, and i was very happy with the experience overall. I had a specific goal, and Maria worked with me to understand what I was trying to do, how much time I wanted to spend on various tasks, and how I could replicate my look at home. I was also very pleased that she focused on what I already had to understand what types of colors I like and how to use what already worked for me. I would definitely recommend for others looking to find a new look, and if I have an opportunity, I will go back to try other services. read more