Loved it! These students are more informative and professional than years of experience veterans & they're widely discounted because it's a school. What's not to like? Here's just a quick overview of this fabulous facility: 1) innovations implemented such as high-frequency treatment 2) fresh menu with plenty services 3) very useful estheticians who love to share information 4) clinical grade formulas suitable for all ethnicities 5) careful and considerate of products, hygiene, and time My esthetician performed the vitamin c peel and added the electrode wand to my service. I've had multiple peels and not one time has it been added to my neck. The face and neck have the same thickness and usually the same shade. It makes sense for the neck to be an area apart of the peel but it's not a norm. It is great they include the neck in the peel service! My service: The peel has a robust gas-like smell, but it's not an aggressive peel. The esthetician was cautious of the number of strokes in one area and time; this is very important! She was very concerned not to burn me. She created a vaseline barrier around sensitive areas such as my nostrils, eyes, brow bone, lips, so there was less intensity to my senses with this precaution. She activated the peel with water and lightly placed a thin clothe damped with water to initiate it. After just a minute or so it was removed. Following my peel was the oxygenating high-frequency treatment for congested skin and dehydrated skin. There was a mesh covered on my skin; I imagine for hygiene purposes and possibly the strength of the currents, so there was no direct contact with my face. Afterwards, she added the marine mask which she briefly massaged into my skin although it is naturally deep penetrating. I appreciated this gesture. She kept on the mask while she moved down to my shoulders. She then performed a decollete massage and the oil smoothed on my skin like butter on hot toast. She was very skilled in working on my shoulders and neck. I enjoyed this much-needed facial, and they've won me over. I'm excited about my next trip in the coming weeks. I give this joint a solid 4.5 stars! Improvements: The Q-tip incident, ahhh... don't double dip, you can cross contaminate! It slipped the esthetician's mind. The moisturizer feels heavier than it looks. Actually, it looks like a satin finish worn. There's no shine, no dryness; I have a beautiful glow... I'm split on how I feel about this moisturizer. read more

The Spa at ESI - Single room - Day Spas Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

While staying at a 5 Star Hotel & Spa in Buckhead, I was planning out my the following day's activities. Shopping at Lenox was first on my list. Then I discovered a beautiful ad for a spa within this oases. I made a reservation online for treatment and that's when the magic began. Upon my arrival I was greeted quickly with such a warm welcome. After registering, I was quickly taken back to begin my treatment. I started with an eyebrows wax; Amazing! Everything was clean and sterile. Each step was explained and questions asked to ensure my comfort. I've had many treatments, however I've never been so educated. I truly thank the two young ladies who took excellent care of me and wished the continued success in their careers read more

I would definitely give this place 5 stars! This was my first time at the this place for an oxygen facial .i purchased a groupon without much expectation. But i was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the service. My Esthetician (Brittany) took her time to understand my concerns and worked her magic.she also did a mini massage of my shoulders and hand while the mask was put on. I must say she has some magical hands. There were 2 cleansers, an exfoliant with an activator, a marine mask, serum and sealed with a moisturizer. I was told that hey don't support tipping as it is essentially an institution, for the service i got i wanted to give her a hearty tip.:) The prices are very reasonable and everyone is very courteous and friendly. Definitely planning another appointment already! read more

I went for signature meni-pedi...it was a pathetic experience...the student who was giving me the service looked super sleepy and tired...she did not do anything with my pedicure and manicure...she just applied the exfoliation cream and wrapped my hands n feet...she did not remove callus from my feet neither did she do any massage and same with hands...just applied moisturizer and nail polish. It was a horrible experience and I will not recommend anyone to go to this place for manicure and pedicure. read more

I recently purchased a groupon for three basic facials at ESI. It was a really good deal and I was super happy with my first facial. My student in training esthetician for my first facial was Ashleigh and she was beyond amazing. She took her time to look over my skin, gave me massages from my shoulders to my feet and also make sure to do some extractions. With Ashleigh giving me a meticulous facial, it took her around 90 minutes to complete the first session. That is what I call service. My appointment was very easy to book. I called in and the front desk girl was very helpful and she let me know that on Wednesday and Thursday, they are open to 8pm at night. I made my appointment for 6:30 pm and when I checked in, i did not wait long for Ashleigh to see me at all. Overall, I would highly recommend ESI. read more

The absolute best experience I've ever had at a spa. Even though you're in a clinic setting that's open and even though the other girls kept interrupting us because they were holding a "class" I still enjoyed myself. I would definitely recommend holding classes elsewhere than you hold the clientele. I should be allowed to laugh with my technician in peace without someone busting in while my Vagina is revealed...... but wanna know why I'm still giving it 5 stars??? BECAUSE MY GIRLS WERE FREAKING AWESOME and the front desk beautiful black girl was amazing too. I will definitely return for my girls but when they leave I don't think I'll return. read more

The Spa at ESI - Day Spas Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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A few months ago, I had purchased a Loclly deal - $15 for $30 worth of waxing services - at the Spa at Elaine Sterling Institute. Although I had never heard of the place, I had some Loclly credits to use, read some reviews for the Elaine Sterling Institute on Yelp, and thought that was a great deal for waxing services since they offer them at affordable prices. Per their website, here is a listing of the ten waxing services they offer along with prices: Eye Brow Shaping $10 Lip $5 Chin $5 Cheeks\Sideburns $10 Full Face $20 Legs 1\2 $15 Full $30 Arms 1\2 $12 Full $24 Underarm $12 Back\Chest $30 Bikini $20 So why and how are these waxing services so affordable? It's because they're performed by esthetician students! I guess some people may be uncomfortable about getting beauty services done by students, but I had no problem with it. I called about two weeks before I was tentatively planning to get some waxing services done. Since I wasn't sure exactly what day I wanted to go in, I asked how far in advance they recommend making an appointment. They said I could make an appointment just a few days in advance. Sure enough, I called two days prior to the day I wanted to go in, and I was able to book an appointment for 2 pm on a Thursday afternoon. Although you can schedule an appointment via their website, I didn't do so since it didn't work through my Firefox browser. Since I was going to be a first-time customer, I was informed to arrive about 15 minutes prior to my appointment time so that I can fill out some paperwork in the waiting room. There was a consent form for waxing services (to confirm understanding of the risks and possible side effects of waxing) and a brief medical history questionnaire, and it actually did take about 15 minutes to complete and sign them. Once I was done with the forms, an esthetician student, Shureen - who came out promptly at 2 pm - reviewed the paperwork, asked me some questions, confirmed my understanding of the consent form, and signed them before taking me to the back to begin my waxing session. For a $30 value, I was able to get three of the above waxing services done. I decided to get the Eyebrow Shaping along with two other services. I was surprised that two students worked on me at the same time, I guess to be more efficient. One of them, Jacque, waxed and tweezed my eyebrows while the other, Shureen, worked on two other areas. I had informed Jacque that it was my first time ever getting my eyebrows professionally shaped since I had always done them myself. She was friendly, patient, and extremely detailed about ensuring that both brows ended up looking as even as possible, and that I was happy with the results. I loved it! Shureen also did a great job with the other two areas. Jacque used hard wax for my eyebrows because she said it's best for delicate and sensitive skin, and Shureen used hard wax for one area and soft wax for another. Although both were so sweet and did a wonderful job, I did notice some fine, stray hairs that I had to tweeze myself when I got home. (I totally don't blame them, though, because those fine hairs are the toughest to wax/tweeze!) Overall, the Spa at Elaine Sterling Institute gets 4.5 stars for their fast and easy appointment booking process (via phone or online), beginning the appointment right on time, friendly and professional esthetician students, and great prices for beauty services. In addition to the waxing services, they also offer facials, clinical treatments, skin treatments, chemical peels, body treatments, eyelash/eyebrow tinting, and makeup application. If I am in need of any of the above services in the future, I wouldn't hesitate to return! Thanks so much, Jacque and Shureen!!! =) [Review 140 of 366] read more

You have to give it a shot! Loved it today. The happy feet is a must. I almost fell asleep. Here's some tips: Bring cash! You can't tip your technicians. Plan to be there awhile and eat ahead of time. Other than that I highly recommend. I only knock off a star because I couldn't tip. read more

Got a Facial by the tech, Lindze. She was extremely friendly and attentive, especially when I mentioned how sensitive my skin was. My only reason I gave 4 and not 5 stars is you need to bring cash to Tip. When I return I'll make sure to request Lindze (and I suggest you do to) and give her a double tip. read more

Interesting place. I had a Happy Feet experience and my feet were not very happy. My technician was sweet, kind, adorable, professional and I was her 1st client ever. She needs more training. I needed more focus on pressure points. I'll try it again! Very clean, very affordable. read more

We had such a great time. The girl's loved being pampered and it was a great start to her Birthday Weekend. All of the ladies were professional and great at what they do. We will definitely be back. read more

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I had the loveliest, gentle facialist at the spa today. LaTorea has a lovely way about her, soothing touch and caring attitude. I have been coming here for 5 years - Elaine Sterling has maintained high standards for students and staff and really appreciate client patronage. LaTorea is the kindest and sweetest aesthetician - she will treat you like a real princess... read more

Loved it! It was so soothing and relaxing, I got the Elaine sterling facial and Melissa did my facial. No pain at all! made my skin so fresh and rejuvenated. Can't wait to come back in a month. read more

I love going to the Elaine Sterling Institute. The people who work here are all very professional and friendly and they offer a great variety of services at a great price-point. The last student, Carla, who gave me a papaya enzyme facial was simply amazing. I will definitely be back here for more services. read more

Going into this I knew the services would be performed by students. I have definitely taken that into account, but I think the real issue is with the facilities themselves. 1. Back treatment: That was the most uncomfortable massage/treatment table that I have ever been on. The table was concave, so when you lay on your stomach you are bending in the wrong direction. On top on that, my girl put a roll under my knees that forced me to bend even more in the wrong direction. It was painful to lay on the table for an hour. The treatment itself was fine, although the girl barely used any pressure during the scrub and massage portion, even after I directed her to use more pressure, and where I wanted it. 2. Pedicure: The tools that they used did not come out of an autoclave for sterilization! I was surprised that the pedicure was just done at a bench seat, not the standard pedicure chairs. There wasn't running water connected to the bench. The girl did not clip any of the dead skin from my nails, and she pummiced my heels so gently that they aren't any softer than they were before. She also skipped the foot/leg massage. The color selection was pitiful - maybe 40 colors, all shades of red or pink, no good metallics or neutrals. 3. Gel Manicure: Again, tools had not been sterilized. There were 12 Hello Kitty colors to chose from. She did not clip my cuticles or prepare them at all, just went straight to the manicure. The UV machine was pitiful. It was not a professional model that had a timer or a tap to start. It was so small that my fingers and thumbs had to be cured separately while my girl set a timer that I had to pay attention to. At the end of the session the paint was not even, but I left anyways because I was not going to get a good result without taking it all off and starting again. She offered to do a hand massage at the end, but I just wanted to get out of there! We were there for 3.5 hours for those 3 treatments. At the end I couldn't get out of there fast enough. As a public school teacher, I understand the importance of giving people time to learn and practice, however I think the students need more time before they take clients. I also think that the spa itself needs to upgrade it's supplies - better beds, better cleaning procedures for the nail instruments, and a real gel manicure set up if they are going to offer it. read more

I've been going to Elaine Sterling Spa for the past few years (driving sometimes up to forty minutes to get there) and thought it was about time to share my experiences and tips, even if it means outing my secret favorite budget friendly spa: Environment: * Marked parking for spa guests just popped up a few months ago, right near the door, with additional parking about thirty feet away. Very convenient! * Entrance of spa area has undergone a few redecorating attempts over the past few years, each one an improvement on the previous. It's nice to see the spa come into its' own and embrace their growth. * Since it is a school, you will likely be sharing a room with other clients. Taking this into consideration, there are private changing areas in each room and curtains dividing each client. The rooms are divided by treatment, so if you won't be getting a facial in the same room someone is receiving a spray tan or wax, just others who are receiving facial treatments. There are a few private rooms for facials, so if the idea of sharing the room makes you nervous, you can always see if one is available. Sharing a room has never been a problem for me and I usually forget that other people are around. All the facial rooms have a very spa-like feel. * All the nail treatments have been moved downstairs and the areas they're in are in need of redecorating. I think the nail program (just started in 2013) took off and they're trying to play catch up with decorating what was previously a student-only area. I'm really excited to see what they do with the nail treatment areas! * The whole building is impeccably clean and everything is kept very sanitary. In fact, I learned the local nail salon I use to frequent wasn't keeping up with state requirements (eeek!) based on the practices at Elaine Sterling Spa. * The students are dressed in scrubs and have always made me feel at ease. They are incredibly professional and all the students that I've had services with maintain a professional air throughout the services. I've never had a bad reaction or experience. The teachers have always been polite and insure that each service is done correctly, with the best products to fit your skin. * Every time I call to make an appointment (you can also make one through their website) Britney cracks me up. She is great at remembering clients and preferences. I couldn't imagine the place without her. Nail Service Treatments: * Happy Feet ($40/hr, I used a voucher from Groupon): This might be the one service I haven't absolutely loved. The pressure was off and the student accidently went out of order. I could tell the student was a little stressed. I brought my mother with me to talk wedding planning (people are much more generous during a foot massage) and she absolutely loved it! I think I may have to try it again in the future with a different student! * Spa Pedicure ($18): My mother always gets this service and thinks it's an amazing value for the price. * Gel Manicure ($10) and Gel Pedicure ($12): Where else in the Atlanta area can you get a $10 gel manicure that lasts between a week-and-a-half and two weeks? Or a $12 gel pedicure that lasts up to three weeks? Some students have been better than others; my current favorite is (I can't believe I'm forgetting her name, I'll edit and add it after my next visit) a young women who has a passion for creative and decorative nails. She is so passionate and a perfectionist. I have the feeling she's going to go far. The gel treatments are dry, so that's something I definitely had to get use to (I do miss that hot foot soak before the polish), but for the price, it's an absolutely amazing value. * I haven't tried it yet, but I want to do a hot stone add on to my next pedicure. It only costs $6 and I love hot stones! Facial Treatments: * European: These are my go to! I use Candle Spas, so it's only $19 for each facial and they are the best value I've found! I have combination oily/dry skin that's a pain, but I always leave my facials with my pores clear and my skin feeling balanced. My current favorites for facials are Jill and Cassie! They've helped me clear up my skin for my upcoming wedding (I've been going every three weeks) and helped me develop a skin care regiment that incorporates some of my old standards with Elaine Sterling products. My skin has never looked better. * Microdermabrasion and Oxygen Treatment (about $55): I received both during the same appointment, so unfortunately I can't review them separately, but I was shocked at the results! The little lines beside my eyes were all but gone and my fore(or five)head wrinkles were much less noticeable. It's a week later and I still see the results. The Oxygen Treatment was interesting and it tickled. I plan on getting another microdermabrasion in a few months, but pair it with a Vitamin C Peel instead. Tips: * Students don't receive compensation for treatments, so the tip is the only money they see. read more

Please understand that this is a SCHOOL & not a SPA. Service is horrible. My sheets had skin and oil from previous clientele which is extremely unsanitary ! Microderm machine = a waste , doesn't exfoliate anything but causes abrasions. Great price=Horrible servicing. Students will have conversations with u during your facial and advise u that they wouldnt recommend coming there either I've been there twice FYI. I won't be back. Please understand that quality over quantity is always better. read more

AMAZING experience! Ask for Renee when getting a facial. She was incredible and I booked another appointment after her wonderful treatement.

I have been going to Elaine Sterling for 3 years and have received highly consistent treatment at a good value. There is good reason this Spa continues to grow. read more

I had purchased a Living Social and went in on a Friday. I love the atmosphere and the spa is decorated so calming and beautiful, you would never know it is a school. The people at the desk were awesome , very professional and friendly. The young woman that did my facial was so amazing that I do not have room to write all the details! Her name is Regilynne but they call her Reg and she made my skin glow. She has a great gift of knowing people and skin! I have had many facials and laser type treatments but this was one of the best! My only complaint is that I wish I lived closer to this spa. It is well worth the money even without a groupon/living social! read more

Wow! My first ever facial & I feel amazing. Sarah was absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend her, as well as ESI. The affordability can't be beaten and the girls there are the sweetest read more

The students do a great job, but I have had difficulty making an appointment. My most recent visit I had to leave because I was not informed when I made my appointment I needed to not shave 24 hours prior to my pedicure. I then made an appointment for this Friday for a gel manicure and pedicure and was called 2 hours prior telling me they were unable to do both services due to time constraint. Very frustrating. read more

Had my Elaine Sterling facial with Shante Campbell today. 5 stars all around. She was professional and I thoroughly enjoyed my treatment. I even bought some products. If you go, ask for Shante! read more

Great place to get aesthetics (facials, peels, waxing) etc done on the cheap. I have only gone for facials, and they were excellent. the ladies were especially caring since I was pregnant, and they recc gentle and chemical free facials for me. They were great, but the spa atmosphere is lost when sharing a room with several other clients. Needs more privacy in that regard, but space seems to be an issue. read more

Great services for the price! I have had bikini wax and underarm wax done here. Felt very comfortable with the person doing the service. I plan to go back next month before my vacation for my next wax. Since these are students the prices are very reasonable. So go with that in mind, that these are students. read more

Years have gone by and I still use/ love my facials here. After a computer glitch, I had a complaint.... the customer service call I received was from Ms Sterling herself! WOW! Who gets that?? And the solution far exceeded my expectations. Thanks ESI, I will always be a fan! read more

I got there about 10 minutes early for my 10:30 appointment for a signature mani-pedi. The student came to get me and we went downstairs to the long bench and I spent at least two of the three plus hours that I was there getting a fumbling with the nail file and cleaning of the mistakes made pedicure. I asked three times for massaging of feet and lower legs. I got about a minute of lotion rubbed to just above my ankles. I had to ask for attention to heels. The poor kid didn't have a clue how to file a nail. There was no relaxing or pampering involved. Patient because it's a student learning but frustrated about wasting my time. Thankfully the instructor finally came to the rescue and took over the manicure. I told them I have never had a manicure without attention to cuticles and the instructor was clearly annoyed with the student. Again, I was there for between 3-3.5 hours and there was nothing enjoyable about my experience. And, to top it off, one of the toe polishes peeled off. I called to see when I could come in for repair and they only work Wed.-Saturday and can't accommodate me to work me in for a fix before I leave for vacation on Thursday. read more

I went to Spa at ESI for the Happy Feet massage, a special that was offered by Scoutmob. I was impressed by the reception area. Very pretty and welcoming. However, once I was taken to the "Fishbowl" room, the atmosphere certainly changed. There was nothing relaxing at all about this experience. The room bustled the whole time I was in there with attendants coming in to get water, empty water, deliver supplies, etc. My attendant was very sweet, but kept leaving to go get things that she needed. I had a 1:30 pm appointment; my actual massage started at 1:50 pm, 20 minutes late. However, it certainly ended on time. The massage itself was OK but short; the massage chair (more like a sophisticated lawn chair) was uncomfortable; and the one song that played continuously over-and-over was irritating. Overall, I'd rate this as a very poor experience. I had also requested a brow wax which was never done. But, I was so glad to leave ESI after the foot massage, I just went elsewhere for the wax. read more

I do the radio frequency sessions and they are great... with the new machine, I can tell the difference in one session. The only advise I would give is to make sure they cleanse your face before and especially after the session which not all of them do. Prices are a little more aligned with retail but still cheaper. Great value! read more

I am a client at the spa at ESI. It is my go to place for the things that I would not pay for otherwise. I was able to get all of my treatments from the same girl, right up until she graduated. I tell everyone who is interested to at least try thema before they go spend a forutne at a retail spa. The receptionest is very professional, they keep good records, and I trust them. One last thing.. the clinicians aren't allowed to accept tips. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is because they don't really have good dressing rooms. That's it. Try them. read more

The owner is a prude and money hungry walks around and acts like she's above everyone if you are interested in services here in the spa please come yes as a student no I've never seen so many unprofessional instructors especially a old lady named Mrs de she actually tells you no to help and treats students in an unprofessional way students feel like they are in high school & a work release program bc of the way they treat u & talk to you very rude you can be a minute late and get sent home they do have some very good instructors they are always out of products and you have to use Elaine sterling products that everyone knows aren't good bc they break your face out bc she wants money the disrespect from staff obviously comes from her she set the standard as a current student here I can speak for myself and others please look at other options read more

I decided to give this place a try after seeing it on a friend's timeline. I started with waxing since the results are easier to achieve. Let's just say, this is my new hidden gem in Sandy Springs. Demi did a wonderful job! I liked her excitement as well as her attention to detail. I'm looking forward to my next visit which will probably be a chemical peel. I will update after that visit....stay tuned! read more

I had a Emerald's & Ice Facial today done by Kelly. It was absolutely wonderful. Kelly did a fantastic job and I will be back for more treatments. read more

The best kept secret in sandy springs! ESI is an accredited school for Estheticians with world class instruction...that is why they can offer their services for a fraction of what day spas and med spas can. The facility is clean, relaxing and the students who perform the services are top notch. I have had spa treatments all over the country and ESI is on par with them. Yes, there are treatment rooms with multiple beds but there is plenty of privacy and with the soft music and the lowered voice of your esthetician you quickly feel like you are in your own little world. The equipment used on my triactive facials is the same as the high priced offerings. The beds have clean sheets and blankets and you receive a gown wrap, and to refute the comment below, you undress to your own level of comfort. Bottom line...a treat for yourself and the only thing like it in Atlanta! read more

Beautiful spa, great service and prices. I got a European facial and microdermabrasion treatment. My technician, Tiara was amazing. She analyzed my skin and recommended what treatments would best benefit it. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. I will definitely be returning to this spa! read more

I had only had a few facials in my life, never saw a difference, except the red marks where they squeezed too hard. Then I had a facial at ESI and left glowing & relaxed! Then I bought a package! I have had a couple different kinds, both excellent. I think maybe they try harder when they are students!! read more

In a couple weeks I'll be going on a cruise so my partner and I wanted a little freshening up. This place was great. The atmosphere was very relaxing the employees and students were very professional. Your services are performed by students, but having been a client at other Spa schools, these ladies were pure professional. I got the European facial and a back wax. The services were done very well with enough confidence that you felt you were with a professional. I will definitely return and suggest it to others. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. Great service and prices. And online booking! Afraid to tell you more because if it gets too popular, i might not get appointments as easy. ;) read more

They signed my cell phone # up in an automatic notification service without my permission ~ which in turn puts that number into all kinds of sales databases. And I'd only called in asking questions and left a voice mail with my number to call back, I'm not even their customer. Not cool at all. read more

There are times when you absolutely need to have a pampered day. A relaxed visit to the Spa. You want to enjoy your treatments in a relaxed environment, but you don't want to spend a fortune. I visited The Spa At Elaine Sterling Institute in Sandy Spring and had such an experience. I enjoyed a Collagen Facial with a Microdermabrasion add-on. My therapist Lauren C did a phenomenal job. I saw a big difference with one treatment. My skin felt and looked beautiful. It was my first visit to this Spa, but it will not be my last. The therapists are students, but from the front desk to the end of my visit everyone was very professional. read more