Relaxed setting. The pedicure was great and she spent time really massaging my feet and paying attention to places that needed it more. And not watching the door or time. All while we chatted about our kids. I felt like I was visiting with an old friend, not someone I just met. Then we headed back for a face wax. It's not something to look forward to. But I can say Kate chooses her products well and the wax was as gentle as getting waxed can be. I really felt like I was pampered by the end of my two treatments. To top it off, her prices are reasonable! I'm only up in the area every few weeks, but she's going to be on my places to go. The wait will be worth it! Thank you Kate!!! Can't wait for my next appointmemt. read more

Kate is so sweet and she understood what I wanted for my brows. So happy with the results. Very cute studio, highly recommend.

Best leg wax I ever had. Next trying her facials. Easy to book online and delightful experience.

Had the best experience here. I had to come in for a last minute Brazilian while visiting Tahoe and Kate did an outstanding job. She knew exactly what she was doing and overall the process was enjoyable (crazy right?!). I wish she was based in NYC - I would be a client for life! read more

This review is long overdue, but Kate is AMAZING. Not only does she give amazing facials that work wonders for your skin, but she also takes the time to teach you about your skin, and how the products she uses at the salon, and you use at home, are helping it. I had moderate acne before coming to Kate, and now through regular facials about once a month, Rhonda Allison products purchased through Kate that I use at home, and learning about my skin from Kate, my breakouts are few and far between. She seriously is a miracle worker!! Also one of the sweetest most genuine people out there. Do yourself a favor and make an appointment with Kate!!! You won't regret it. read more

I got carded 4 hours after coming here. I'm a 34yo woman who hasn't been carded in ages. So that's the best endorsement of all. On top of the wonderful lasting effects of the facial this was the most relaxing and restorative experience. I have spent way more in San Francisco for a lot less. A must do every time I'm in Tahoe. read more

I love going to Luminous Skin Studio. It's my one stop shop for everything that keeps me looking fresh and vibrant. Kate is excellent at her job, knowledgeable about her services and products, and fun to chat with. I started booking eyebrow maintenance and brow and lash tinting. I eventually moved on to nano needling, facials, and manicures. Kate is excellent at everything she does. I used to get redness and swelling for a day after nano needling before I started going to Kate. Now my skins looks fresh and clean all the time. She does extractions that are super helpful with the facials, and she always knows exactly what my skin needs. I use her product line on my face now too. I also get my nails done by her. Before Kate started doing my nails, I could never grow them out. They would always chip and break. Not anymore. My nails always looks amazing! She shapes them well and they are longer and stronger than ever before. Her prices are extremely reasonable too. I always look forward to visiting Kate. We have great conversations and she's a friendly down to earth person. I always leave feeling like I just visited with my bestie or my sister. I can't say enough wonderful things about Kate and Luminous Skin Studio. Just book with her! You'll never need to go anywhere else. read more

AAAH i can't believe i waited so long to write my review!! first off, kate is AMAZING. i went back in late april to be hairless before EDC weekend in May and omg---who knew a Brazilian wax would be so pleasant. i mean, granted it did hurt like a bitch but man she had me laughing in the midst of it all who else is gonna make you laugh while your pubes are being ripped out?? she's awesome lol!! not only that but she made me feel as comfortable as i could be given that situation and that was my main concern. i'm gonna book my next wax soon before i'm off to vegas for my 21st--12/10 would recommend. if you're getting waxed anywhere in tahoe, this is the place! p.s. kate i am so so sorry it took me so long to write my review you're the best read more

I've been going to Katrina for facials since April and I cannot imagine where I'd be without her. She has completely transformed my skin which was once overcome with acne :( and now, move over, clear skin ahead! I have tried everything, multiple dermatologists (including renowned derms in SF bay area), medication, almost considered accutane(thank god I didn't), but really, with following my gut and finding an esthetician that ALSO believes that the key to good skin is just simply proper nutrition, the right products, and a great facial once a month, I KNEW I had found my match. Katrina is no BS, she really knows what works and what doesn't (avoiding weird and wasteful beauty fads and products) and she is also concerned with your overall health mentioning ways to alter your diet a little for a huge change in your skin. She knows the tips and tricks, the ins and outs, and she'll kick your skins arse into gear. Your problematic skin doesn't stand a chance!! read more

There are many things I love about Luminous. Kate is an experienced, talented and gracious esthetician, her space is clean, airy, and welcoming, and she provides tremendous value. I have never had such a wonderful foot massage, which was worth the price of the pedicure alone. That I now have beautifully soft feet and well-shaped nails is a plus. But that said the thing that sold me before I even set foot inside was the (wait for it) online scheduling tool she offers. This in South Lake Tahoe, a place that in many ways has not been quick to adopt technology. Many small businesses are just getting around to setting up a website, so an online scheduling tool is like the big city equivalent of a jet pack. That she honors the appointment is a further bonus (read: something else that is not always guaranteed in this community). Do note that Luminous is not your typical mani-pedi salon with multiple staff and those armchairs with the built in tubs (and sometimes painful automated 'massages'). Her space is less frenetic, much more relaxing, and really allows you to feel pampered. Which is what this sort of treatment really should be about! read more

Made an apt for eyebrows and lip waxing and ended up meeting Kate which was a treat! Service was awesome and ended up getting a couple of recommendations from her. If you're from out of town looking to get waxing done or looking for a place in this area, the studio is highly recommended. read more

I came here for makeup for my sister's wedding. Kate did an amazing job! She contoured and airbrushed my face so that I looked so much younger. She made me feel so beautiful! I would recommend her to anyone looking to get makeup done for any occasion. read more

Luminous Skin Studio - Skin Care Near Me - Gardnerville, Nevada

Kate provides big city quality and service in South Lake Tahoe. Amazing quality, service and value! ***** read more

The only place I go for wax as a local in Tahoe. She does an amazing, thorough job, makes you feel very relaxed and comfortable to the point of even falling asleep .. and I get everything from the waist down done!! Would definitely recommend and the prices are very fair. Her studio is clean and beautiful. Booking online is easy read more

I have had facials before which felt like an overpriced face wash. Not this one. She is a pro at getting your skin glowing, and includes a very relaxing arm massage. Kate is a excellent clinician, and extremity knowledgeable. She never pushed the products on me, eventually I ended up buying them and am very happy about the result. Kate's work is meticulous. read more

I have had many facials, many, and I must say that Katrina of Luminous Skin Studio is the most knowledgeable and skilled esthetician of any that I have been to. Her Rhonda Allison products are top-of-the-line professional grade while being as natural as they can be. So far she has given me a relaxing facial and the beginning of a series of face peels on two separate visits. Each time on her table, I felt completely at home and walked out feeling and looking like a million bucks! I can't wait to see the results after getting the whole series of peels, because after just one my face is looking so much more youthful and alive. Not only does Katrina ensure that I am comfortable and happy the whole time every time, she does some fancy massage moves on my face that feel AMAZING! When you get a facial with her, you will feel the skill and years of professional experience in her hands. Her services are top-notch while her prices are so very affordable for this middle-class gal. Thank you! Katrina's sanitation of her tools, products, and studio is impeccable, which is very important to me. If you are looking for an elegantly decorated, cozy, conveniently located, clean, quiet place to get a medical spa quality(an then some) facial with a seasoned professional using top-of-the-line products, Katrina is your gal! read more

Kate is the absolute best! Professional, personable, best facial, manicure, and waxing services. She knows that I have PTSD from my cuticles getting cut many times at pretty much every other salon in town so she has a tool to smooth out and buff down my cuticles without having to cut them--It's amazing, they look better and I can relax knowing that I'm not going to have to pay someone to cut me besides manicures she gives the BEST FACIALS! Carries high quality products to use in her regimen. She is also super flexible, and even though it is appointment only she does her best to fit you in if you're not great at planning ahead of time. Love this lady and plan to visit her very soon! read more

I first went to Kate a few weeks after having Basel Cell Carcinoma removed from my cheek under the eye. I was looking for anything to help the scar be less noticeable. She was very compassionate and understanding! She has helped me tremendously! It is now a year since my procedure and my scar is almost nonexistent! I am so grateful to her. I would and have recommend her to all my friends and family! read more

Got my nails done for an event. Katrina suggested a color that landed me great comments and compliments. I don't normally do anything to my nails and wasn't expecting anyone to notice, but they did and the color lasted and looked great. read more

Such a positive experience at Luminous! Kate is super flexible, highly experienced, friendly, and professional. I saw her bi-weekly for 12 weeks to treat cystic acne that came out of nowhere, and wishing I had before and after photos! Extremely happy with the results. I highly recommend you visit her! read more

It's hard to move to a new town and know who to trust when it comes to eyebrows. I can only trust them with the best! Katrina rocks, she also has the best facials and skin care products in town! read more

Hands down, the best. Super clean, very attentive and so relaxing. I've never received a facial better than I have here. I fall asleep almost every time. Worth the drive, fair prices and great products. I definitely recommend this place to everyone I know. read more

First, Katrina is 40 and looks 25. Seriously. I want her skin. Which is why I will be back. I originally came in for a nail fill (nicely done btw), and a consult on my 47 year old sundamaged, hypo and hyper pigmented, but not toooo bad ?? skin. I chose luminous yesterday for the first time after reading all the reviews, including the filtered ones. I ended up with a corrective facial, and I confess, my skin looks fantastic. My issues aren't solved of course, but it looks better. In the fall, we are going to do a peel, and I will be on my way to having luminous skin like Katrina. Her place is immaculate and cute, and I ended up buying some of her organic products, which were part of my facial. I am thrilled to find an aesthetician in tahoe who is someone I would go to in the bay area. Highly recommend. read more

Kate is absolutely incredible! She is so professional and friendly and is so easy to book with. It's hard to find a place that makes waxing "quick and easy" but Kate is pretty dang good at it. She is awesome and very good at distracting you and making you comfortable. I won't go anywhere else from now on, she is fabulous! read more

Kate is very sweet & extremely knowledgeable. Her studio is clean, bright & pretty! I had a wonderful pedicure from her. I left very relaxed & my feet felt like a million bucks. I'm looking forward to trying out one of her peels. read more

I am more than happy that Yelp led me to Katrina and the services she has to offer! A few months ago I was experiencing the worst acne of my life yet, so I told myself something needs to be done! Instead of going to a dermatologist, I booked a consultation online which was super easy, and Katrina was courteous to allow enough time the same day for my first facial/treatment! Afterwards, she suggested I do a progressive facial, (of 6 visits) to get my skin under control. Personally, I think 6 90min. visits bi-monthly for $300 is an amazing deal! Not only did my stress melt away as soon as I stepped into her salon, but I noticed results week after week with all the customized chemical peels and exfoliations she applied to my troubled skin. Now after my final visit of the package, my skin is truly a night and day difference from the way it was a few months ago. My skin feels smoother, pores are cleaner, acne has diminished, friends are noticing, and I am beginning to be happy with my complexion once again. :) After trying the Rhonda Allison product kit she was so kind enough to provide on my first visit, I was sold. Her regimen really does work if you're diligent with it. I would recommend Luminous Skin studio to any one in need of a caring esthetician for ANY skin care needs! Including nail or massage services, even if you just feel like being pampered for a day. Thank you so much Kate! I can't wait to see you expand your business, and I'm looking forward to booking my next appointment in the near future :) read more

Such a great place, my wax was quick, painless, and Kate was a complete professional. This is my new home. Thanks Kate!!!

Katrina is a South Lake Tahoe professional! Her prices are fair and include what other nail salons add on, how refreshing it was to find this out! So far I have had one corrective facial and it was the best I have ever had. Katrina has the best products, comfortable setting and her knowledge and experience is extensive. To top it off, Katrina offers an on line scheduling service to book appointments. Look no further she is the best! read more

I have been getting facials here for quite a while. Kate is amazing. I wouldn't go anywhere else! The products are the best I have ever used. Kate also does Mani's and Pedi's. read more

"Katrina uses great products that are vegan and fresh. She believes in beauty from the inside out. Her knowledge of skin is amazing, as are her facials and waxing services. I also like to have her do my nails with gel, and they are the best I have ever had in the Tahoe area. " - DEW G. read more

Katrina's salon is CLEAN, quiet, and tranquil. I'm not one for having my pedi's and mani's done with ten other women sharing their drama with complete strangers. My 12 year old daughter and I had the salon all to ourselves along with her well-behaved lab, Doc. She was very sweet to my daughter. She did an amazing French manicure on my toes (she didn't charge extra like most salons do) and cleaned up my badly neglected finger nails. I vacation in Tahoe twice a year and will be back to Katrina's salon. I'm thinking of trying one of her "tropical" facials. So if you're picky about cleanliness and crowds Luminous is the place for you! read more

It's really hard to find a great waxer. Kate is not only incredibly lovely as a person but she is great at her job. My appointment with her was fast, virtually painless and set in a nice environment. Her studio is clean, cute and she uses natural and organic products which is a must for me. On top of that her prices are very fair. Highly recommended. Will be back! read more

I just had my second facial from Kate, the owner of Luminous. She is truly a sweetheart and dedicated to giving her clients great service. The air in Tahoe is so dry, it is a wonderful treat to have her condition, do extractions and moisturize my sun damaged skin! I wish I could come in for a facial with her more often! read more

I have been going to Katrina for over a year and I wouldn't go anywhere else! I have received several services from her and I have never been disappointed. I get my nails done and I love them! Also when I get waxing I don't have problems. I used to real out bad but never do with her. Also since going to her my skin has never looked better. She turned me on to a new line of skin care and have never looked back. I highly recommend her. She also always works with my long work days and is wonderful to talk to! read more