I'm still a loyal client after 4 years and many facials. I can confidently say at this point that Raissa is WORTH IT. Love the quality of her work, her work ethic, her willingness to be there and answer questions, her business honesty, professionalism, her kindness...Raissa truly values her clients and her work, and it shows. That may mean that it's difficult to get an appointment as a new client because she wants to make sure she has enough time for her existing clients, but it's worth waiting for if you have the time. P.S. It's also worth splurging on the Diamond Dermafile once in awhile. read more

I've struggled with acne and scars for years. I finally decided enough is enough and I made an appointment with Raissa for a facial. My first treatment with her was everything I expected plus more. Ive already had a total of 3 treatments with her and I see a huge difference in the texture and look of my skin. She really knows her stuff. Personally I ask her to customize what she believes is best for my face. I am forever grateful for everything she has done for me externally and internally. She is truly a diamond in the rough. read more

7 -21-15 Waited for over 7 months to book an appointment and still waiting. Don't know what to say, just speechless. 7-22-15 Indeed it has taken beyond 7 months. I applied to be on the wait list during October 2014. Seeing now that it is July 22, 2015. It has hit the 10th month mark and quite possibly it will well go over a year. Based on your comments, new clients are suppose to chase after your assistant and check in on their wait list number. However, it would make more sense if your assistant sent out an email every 1-3 months to say, "Hi here's where you are...." and it is more reasonable if the wait time is 6 months maximum. Secondly, you should not include the wait list in your mass emails because when we see your holiday packages and specials, we are assuming we have an opportunity to purchase them. Thinking all of this over, I realized Yelp is not useful for businesses that are already strong such as yours. Yelp is more useful for those who are just starting out. Here's what I've decided: You get 1 star for writing back, 1 star for explaining things to me, and 1 star for standing by your values. You lost 1 star for expecting new clientele to be able to wait up to 1.5 years. And you lost 1 star for implying that those who reach out to your assistant to find out where they are on the wait list are patient whereas those who complain such as myself are impatient. Here is a business suggestion: hire someone that you believe has strong capabilities such as yourself, train her well, monitor her, and help her grow. Open up and share your skills. 10/12/17 Two years later. Still heard nothing from her assistant. I guess she was so offended by my review that I got deleted from the waitlist! read more

After ONE treatment with Raissa my skin looks dramatically better. I had accepted that the rolling acne scars on my face would always be on my face to some degree and was just hoping for a 50% improvement. My acne scars were not that deep but they were visible in lighting situations and I always used to shy away from bright lights in the bathroom mirror because of the indentations and discoloration. I only took photographs from certain angles. I had about 10 different consultations with various dermatologists, including the creator of the Fraxel laser. Justifiably, none of them wanted to make any guarentees as to how much my face would improve. Even though the procedures cost big bucks: 2, 000- 4, 000 dollars. They also warned me that because my skin is olive they was a risk for permanent sun sensitivity and hyperpigmentation. I went to Raissa because of her reviews and everything said about her is absolutely true. Should she ever rename her business, it could be called, "The Acne Whisperer." Upon meeting her and telling her my concerns, she said, "No problem." I was flabbergasted and just a tinge concerned about her confidence after having seen so many other professionals. She did a facial and chemical peel. The very next day my skin looked better! It flaked for a couple of days but not nearly as badly as I expected. When Raissa followed up with me, she said that I could come back in free of charge since she had been conservative with the peel as well as to contact her if I had any pimples come up and she would extract them free of charge. This is UNHEARD of. Any other aesthetician or dermatologist would have said that the next visit they would be more aggressive with the next peel (which I would have to pay for). Raissa cares! A lot of derms and aestheticians do not understand the gravity of how depressing and frustrating acne can be. She also has the philosophy that there is no necessity to go through a process where your skin gets worse before it gets better. At 29, I am no longer patient with that process. I want to enjoy my skin before I have to start worrying about wrinkles. I even feel comfortable going without makeup because she gave me an excellent tinted sunscreen. She did not try to push any products on me and even suggested the very economical Cetaphil. From now on I will drive up once a month from San Diego to see Raissa. I even now have the faith that I can have flawless skin! read more

Not really worth the money. I've gotten many facials since coming here and this place lacks in quality in comparison. She spends a whole lot of time chatting which can be distracting and make it seem as if you're getting a productive session, but actually it is not productive because she uses the very minimum of each products and does not massage them enough to allow full absorption. Furthermore, I bought a package deal with I think 5 sessions and each and every one of them she had been late for...and she's never apologetic. The second time she was late I asked if she could please please please be on time for the next one because I am going during lunch break...she agreed but that didn't happen. I just hope this review isn't going to be deleted by yelp. read more

Yeah, I'm a guy and I get facials; deal with it, Bitches. Never been to anyone else and don't plan on doing so. Raissa's the best: paints stuff on, picks stuff out, prods you with a buzzy stick and bang, you're good to go. Face like a baby's ass and who doesn't love babies' asses? read more

5 stars is an understatement. Raissa deserves 10 stars for the miraculous work that she performs on the skin. I am 24 years now, and I've had severe cystic acne all over my face - on my forehead, chin, and cheeks - since high school. For 10 years, I have not seen a single clear spot on my troubled skin. I've always had low self-image and I'd walk around school with my head held down, fearing what people would think of me. I've tried EVERYTHING and nothing has ever worked for me. I've been on Accutane TWICE; I did photodynamic therapy (which was useless); I tried every possible cream you could think of (Murad, Proactive, Revive, etc); and I took a variety of antibiotics. I've seen countless dermatologists and facialists, but now I can stop looking for solutions because fortunately, I've discovered my angel - Raissa. I found Raissa 2 months ago through buywithme.com and went in for the Priori peel. (Note: I'm very skeptical with each facialist that I see for the first time because of the many bad experiences that I've had.) I told Raissa about my problem and she seemed very genuine and excited about helping me. First of all, she didn't push to sell her products like other facialists would, which showed me a lot about her honesty. Secondly, she explained her own experience with her past acne problems, which helped me relate to her and made me feel more comfortable. She recommended that I do 3 Breakout Buster facials to maintain control of my skin and clear up the acne and acne scars. Before making any decision, I wanted to see first how well my skin responded to her facial. I noticed that my skin did not flare up after and was calm even after the extractions. The redness subsided and my skin seemed healthier and moisturized. Because of her genuineness and enthusiasm for wanting to take up the challenge of clearing up my skin, I decided to follow her skincare method and went for the 3 Breakout Buster facials. I'm so glad I entrusted Raissa with my skin because after just 1 Breakout Buster, I really noticed a drastic improvement in my skin tone. The Breakout Buster peel doesn't irritate or inflame the skin because it is a blended peel that neutralizes itself. I'm surprised to see that my skin was not red at all even with all the peeling and flaking that occurred. My skin is clearly breaking out less than before, which is something I've never seen before (because new pimples used to literally pop up every single day). I'm absolutely amazed at the results and I want to thank Raissa for changing my self-confidence and self-esteem after just 1 peel. Yes, after just one Breakout Buster, I feel like my life has changed and I'm no longer stressed out or frustrated about my acne. I can't wait for my second and third Breakout Buster facials because I truly believe that she is going to heal me inside and out. After the facial series, I know I will be able to hold my head up again and walk around with confidence. I will update again after the series is done :) read more

I was on the wait list for a while now and finally had my first treatment today! Raissa is extremely knowledgeable and I had a comprehensive consultation. My appointment started right on time and she was extremely communicative! I had a very relaxing treatment and my skin instantly looked better post treatment. I'm thrilled to now be an existing client of hers! I really appreciate that she is thoughtful about scheduling new patients and it's a testament to her craft that she has such loyal clients. Definitely worth the wait! I'll be back again soon! read more

Raissa is the best esthetician I have ever been to! After some bad experiences with facials, I thought I would just give up on them altogether. Then comes my wedding and I realized I should really do something about my skin. After reading all these great reviews about Raissa, I decided to give facials another try. Here I am, 3 facials later with Raissa and I am one happy customer! I got the Diamond Dermafile this last time and I saw results instantly. My complexion is smoother and much more even than before. One word of advice is if you want to see results then go once a month, I waited too long this last time and I really regret doing that now. She also offers peels and other more advanced services. If you want to just try her out then book the basic All Business facial just so she can evaluate your skin and give you advice on what to do the next time :) read more

Guys, Raissa lives up to the hype. It took quite some time for me to get in, but I'm glad I waited, because Raissa is fantastic. I've been to see her twice, and have a 3rd appointment coming up. She is very thorough, tailors what she's doing to your skin, and damn if you don't look nice and glowy afterward (okay maybe not right after, but the next day your skin will thank you). I've been to a few places that are heavy product pushers, Raissa doesn't work that way. She asked me on the first visit what products I use and approved of them. She made a recommendation to add something, but it wasn't even an item she sold. Raissa is a great conversationalist, so the time passes quickly. For me that's great, as I get a little impatient laying on a table for an hour+. Oh, and for those of you waiting to get in, as soon as you do scheduling followups are easy. You've got to appreciate a business owner who will turn down new clients to ensure her existing ones can get in! read more

Love love love Raissa! Finally a local trusty facialist I can rely on. When I got out for facials, it's important for me to find someone that can do things I can't do myself at home. Raissa is an expert at extractions and this I exactly why I go out for facials. I hate going to those fancy hotel spa places where they just smother your face with lotions, creams, gels, masks or whatever and call it a facial, then charge you an arm and a leg. Raissa knows what she is doing and does a hell of a good job perform thorough extractions. I hear her peels are amazing too. I will try those one day. I've been coming to Raissa for maybe a bit over half a year now and love her. I always snag a deal by buying the packs. Put yourself on the waiting list and hope you'll get in soon. Your face will thank you! read more

i've been seeing raissa for Years!!! she knows what she's doing. i have been battling acne for years and i fee so much better and clean after visiting her. read more

Raissa is God sent! *angel voices in the background* What I noticed about her is her practicality. She handles everything with such ease! I walked in for a consultation, distressed at the severity of my face at the time. But that didn't seem to phase her. During my treatment, she didn't congest my face with a variety of different products. My session with her was so simple it made me wonder..."that's it"? But the simplicity of her procedure definitely demonstrated it's magical wonders. When I saw the results after just one session, I was more than satisfied. After getting the Breakbuster treatment, I assumed I would be walking out very red. However, when I looked in the mirror, I looked perfectly normal-- even after all the extractions and the peel! It took me a whole week to peel (so if you get this done, make sure you schedule yourself properly. I started peeling the 3rd,4th and 5th day). Wearing makeup over it made it more dry and visible but I had no choice. Midweek into my peel, all the deep cysts underneath my skin boiled up ready to be extracted. The beauty of Raissa's sessions? Her followups are completely FREE!! yes, FREE!! I came for the followup and Raissa went over my face with such precision. That following weekend, my face was great. I was so ecstatic to see my face clear for the first time in a long time. My pores shrunk. My makeup went on so nicely. My oil production lessened. And most importantly, my pimples were gone! I was astounded at what one Breakbuster session did for my face. My face did however go for a drastic turn AFTER that weekend. Probably due to lack of sleep, poor diet and lots of alcohol intake from a long weekend in Vegas. My face was very irritated. I was frantic and called Raissa. Sadly, she had no availability until one week later! I went bezerk and started searching for other estheticians around my area because I needed to see one as soon as possible. I panicked and my hysteria led me to a bad decision. I chose a ripoff esthetician and invested in something that didn't even work. During my process with the other horrible esthetician, I still emailed and texted Raissa. She still took the time to respond, console, and advise me... all the while I was temporarily going to another esthetician! This just portrays how kind and genuine Raissa is. Raissa gives me a sense of serenity-- a feeling no one can influence on me when my face decides it wants to start a population of it's own. I text or email Raissa my concern and just by a couple sentences of her uplifting words "don't stress" or her knowledgeable advice on proper care, I instantly feel alleviated. Oh! Can't forget how speedy she is when she responds. She's wonderful at getting back to me asap. She stands firm by her credible reputation as a reliable esthetician. Can't wait to book my second appt with her. THANK YOU RAISSA=) read more

Raissa is the best. I have been going to her for the past 6 years. What I like best about her is she never pressure me to buy any beauty products. She will recommend stuff only when you ask for her opinion. I love her so much. She is the most genuine, caring and dedicated individual. Scheduling for visit is never a problem to me because she will open up her schedule when she deems necessary. I no longer has to waste my money on the most hype and expensive products out there because Raissa has taken care of my skin from inside out read more

This place is amazing! Very cute, eclectic, and relaxing hidden gem right in the heart of Old Town Pasadena. I was tired of wearing tons of make up to cover super tired skin, tons of old scarring, and other things heavy make up needed to cover up so I saw Raissa...Literally after the first peel I saw a major difference, after 2 more treatments EVERYONE was shocked how fast my skin started to turn around to look smooth, even tone, and overall so much better...She is the best in what she does. I love her for making me feel comfortable, and delivering real results PLUS she doesn't sell you a bunch of junk you DONT need. She tells you the truth...oh also if you need a late appointment just call cause she makes miracles happen... =) read more

I know this is repetitive...but Raissa really is the best! I've been coming to her for over a year now and my results are great all the time. She does care and wants to get the best results for you without trying to sell you unnecessary products or services. She even follows up with an e-mail after my peel or facial to make sure everything went fine. read more

Raissa is truly THE BEST. I was on the waiting list for over 3 months and it was so worth the wait. I tried for over a year to clear up an ongoing breakout and nothing was really working, not even retin-A, until Raissa helped. She treats me like a friend and has on multiple occasions gone out of her way to fit me into her schedule. THANK YOU, RAISSA! I recommend the All Business and the Work A-Lift. I have sensitive skin and my skin is never inflamed the next day. read more

I just had an hour long phone conversation with a good friend who did her very first facial at another location. She asked me, "the lady recommended this detox facial and this this this to me? What do you think? Have you heard of them?" I told her that doing facials is like getting a massage. You pretty much have to try in order to see if it suits you. Well, except for facials, there is a percentage of risk involved. Yes, there are much cheaper facials that are closer to my house. But personally, I still think higher pricing is still usually a better guarantee for good service. I've had bad experiences with places where they didn't accommodate their practices for my sensitive skin. As a person who gets paranoid easily, I need someone who knows what they're doing and be upfront about their stuff. This is what I told my friend, "I love Raissa because she's super straightforward about her work. She never sells me any products unless I ask. She will let me sample some stuff if she has it. I can text her about any skin-related problems and she'll get back to me. She tries her best to fit me in even on days when I thought I couldn't just because she's super busy. She's like a friend. A good friend who doesn't do b.s." As a teacher, I still have to book my appointments only on Fridays because it takes my face at least 3 days to heal and for me to go out. Does it stop me from coming? :) YES, as new clients, the wait may be crazy. But trust me, once you're in, you're in for life, my friend. read more

I agree with everything everyone else has posted....I found Raissa because of Yelp and all of the great reviews. I had my first facial with her last week (Breakout Buster and peel)....my skin, one week later, glows! The acne scars that I am concerned about (38 and breaking out like I'm 13!) are diminished!!! She is SO KNOWLEDGEABLE, uses the most advanced products, and is just a kind person. Super amazing, and I am now a new loyal customer. I have had facials monthly since I was 26....I have moved twice during that time and have only had two other people that I trust as much as her. I have been searching and searching for someone like her since I moved here 5 years ago....I finally found her!!! Go see Raissa!!! read more

She is too busy she is not taking any new clients to keep up the good job on her current client and she said sorry nicely I give 4 star for her professionalism even though I couldn't even get to meet her but the web site on line booking system sucks that's why i took 1 star out ;) read more

Raissa is amazing! She took care of me starting six months before a wedding. I started going regularly and she helped with a stubborn skin problem that even my dermatologist had given up trying to solve. My skin looked great for the wedding!!! As for her customer service, you can tell Raissa really cares about her clients and goes out of her way to make sure you're happy with your results. I also respect that she only takes new clients when she is sure she can give them the level of care and attention that they deserve. If it was in my budget, I'd go as often as I was before the wedding because my skin has never looked better! read more

I'm writing this review for a nice friendly personality and professional work, I was looking for a place to do a professional facial, not only for a place which you give your money and keep your clogs pores and black heads. When I read about Work face and body and how people recommended the great facial they had, I decided directly to book an appointment with Raissa, and I'm glad I did, first of all I appreciated how she stopped taking new customers for a few months to take a good care of the customers that she already has, which gives a great msg how she cares for the QUALITY not quantity. When I arrived to the place after three times of rescheduling my appointment and she was super understanding, she was very welcoming with her nice smile,nice and quite place, and finally I had my super great facial, I had the basic and I got a really nice skin without any black or white heads, she check every spot in my face, she was applying something on my eyes I thought it was only a protection for the eye area from the steam, but now I see this area is very bright. Before leaving I booked my next appointment. Keep going Raissa. read more

As a guy, I've been complimented for my clear skin, and its not due to good genes. Thanks to the years of facial care from Raissa Reed. She uses high quality products and equipment, and it feels like you just got a top-notch service for a reasonable rate. Very courteous and professional. Looking forward to the next session. read more

You will not find a better place to go for your skin care needs than here. Raissa is great. She is very dedicated to helping your skin look the best it can. I have had two chemical peels done by her, and my skin looks so much better. The first time I went in for the peel my skin didn't peel from it, but she was eager to see me right away so she could help me get the results I wanted. She is also just a fun, sweet person to talk too. So I recommend going to see her ASAP! read more

WOW! I received a glo facial from Raissa Reed and my skin looks and feel so smooth, soft and of course its glowing. Raissa was so awesome, she explained the entire process to me and made me feel very comfortable and confident. Te building she works in is very Zen like creating a much mire relaxing environment. Loved every moment and will go see Raissa again and again! read more

Raissa is awesome! She really takes care of your skin and wants you to look your best. She is super easy to communicate with and you can get a hold of her easily by e-mail or text. During my first appointment with her she promised me that she would make my skin look better and she did it. We had a few consultations in between my sessions and each time she assured me my skin would improve. I thought I would be all better in one session, but I guess good things come to those who wait! Go see her :) read more

this review is long overdue! I love Raissa!! She really cares about her clients. If you have troubled skin (or just wants a facial) and want quality service and results you should see Raissa. I suggest that if you are able to make an appointment with her to really keep it and show up. Her schedule really gets busy. Worth every penny!!! read more

Raissa is Top Notch! There are only two people that I would ever let touch my face and Raissa is one of them! I love it when she goes in and gets the gunk out of those pores. Many people either skip that part or end up applying to much pressure and break the skin. But she is an expert and she knows it. No clog scares her. The price is so worth it! She doesn't end your session until she is happy with the results! read more

I use yelp for everything, but I never take the time to write reviews. (sorry, I'm a busy woman and selfish yelper) I had to spend the time to give Raissa 5 stars because she's just that impressive. read more

Raissa is the best! She's the only one I trust with my skin. I would definitely recommend anyone to go to her. My whole family pretty much goes to her because she's seriously the best at what she does. I used to get a lot of random breakouts but thanks to her breakout buster treatment and amazing work, my skin is the best I've ever seen it. She's super nice, accommodating, and thorough. I also purchased face powder from her...she took the time to cleanse my face and apply it for me so I could see what it looked like. And even gladly exchanged it with no problem when I wanted a different shade. Not only that, but she always replies to emails and texts if you have any questions. read more

I have been with her for a year now. She is seriously the best!!! I first found her through buywithme.com; I have been with her every since then. She only recommend what's suitable for your skin type, and will not try to sell you anything. I live in Westwood, and she is the only esthetician I goes to. I really LOVE how she has online booking; since I am a visual person, it makes booking so much easier. The only down side is that she is booked up weeks at a time; therefore, no last minute booking. lol :D read more

After reading all of the highly rated reviews, I thought I'd give Raissa a try. I've never had a facial before and have heard some awful stories before of facials gone wrong. However, as a someone who has had lifelong mild/severe acne, I was looking for something other than over-the-counter acne products which it seemed I would need to use the rest of my life. The products worked at times and not at other times, but had an overall drying effect on my skin. The fact that many reviewers said that Raissa didn't push products or services and was really easy to talk to, made me decide to try her. I've been to her 3 times now. At the first visit she made me feel comfortable and thoroughly answered all of my questions and concerns. My acne breakouts are less and when they do happen, clear up much quicker. I have used the free followup session once, and Raissa was very accommodating. I would certainly recommend Raissa to anyone who has adult acne or other skin concerns. She is very knowledgeable and provides excellent customer service! read more

Raissa is fantastic and her beautiful little oasis inside the Cote d'Azur is serene and dreamy. She not only made my skin luminous and clean, she is great company - fabulous personality and incredibly knowledgable about skin and the science behind it (and the products that make it look its best). The best facial/facial experience I've ever had! read more

I live in Chicago but visit LA quite often for business....and when I do I must say I always visit Raissa. In order to be your best to have to feel your best, and for one with sensitive skin Raissa keeps my 30 year old self feeling like I'm 25, or 26. In the windy city our skin gets really dry so it takes more than just applying some over the counter treatment. I talk to Raissa virtually all the time & she's by far been an excellent consultant/skin therapist. She's honest, professional, and is certainly the best at what she does. Give her a visit, ok!? read more

Raissa is one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. First time I met her I felt like I had known her for years. She makes you feel so comfortable, calm and very relaxed. Her facials are wonderful as well. The whole experience is five stars. If you are a client of hers and need to see her soon she will make a point to let you know as soon as possible if there is a cancellation. She has done this for me on numerous occasions and it just shows how important her clients are to her. read more

I have had issues with my skin for years. I've seen many estheticians along with dermatologists, and nothing has come close to what Raissa can do. She is life-changing. read more

Raissa is an amazing human. Okay, so I would (and possibly will!) give 5 stars, but I haven't actually had any treatments from Raissa or WORK! Yet, I feel fully confident in my 4 stars for her EXCELLENT customer service and helpfulness. Let me explain. I found Raissa through Yelp's great reviews. I contacted her about getting a peel before my upcoming wedding (in Sept). She was all booked until after my wedding, but emailed me detailed advice about which peels would be good for my issues and which ones to avoid (because my wedding is so soon!). THEN, I mentioned that I was looking for an eyelash extension provider in Pasadena. Even though she doesn't perform lash treatments, she asked several of her clients for referrals and forwarded me all their info (in several friendly emails), so I could have lots of options! I am blown away. I've never had someone be so attentive to me when I haven't even been a customer yet. She has no guarantee that I'll ever go to her, so she has nothing to gain, but is still being so helpful and nice! Astounding. Can't wait to go in after I get back from my honeymoon. ;] Thank you Raissa! read more

Raissa rules. Everyone who reviews her knows it, but I can't help but also concur. She is personable, awesome, thorough and is the only person to actually have done something to clear up my skin. I'm in my thirties and have had acne on and off since I was a teenager. It's not been terrible all the time, but it can get that way especially when I'm stressed. I'm getting married this year and I finally decided I had to be more proactive and get a handle on my complexion. Speaking of which, Proactiv did not work for me. It was too drying. I've tried everything -- Retin A, all the antibiotics, weird Asian products like the laser bling bling, everything. Not only did Raissa clear me up, she also got me on a regimen to keep me clear. The best part is that she did this by SIMPLIFYING my routine and recommending products that work for me. Right now I just use cleanser, moisturizer and sunblock. That's it. She is amazing. She just knows what she is doing, has personal experience, is ALWAYS checking in on me, fast to respond to all communication, and is super conscientious about what she does. If you've been feeling frustrated about your skin, you need to see her. Yes, it may take a month to see her because she's totally booked, but just do it now. You will appreciate it in a month. Just trust me. read more

Yes yes yes. My skin is problematic in every way possible, and I thought I could never be happy. Then I followed the yelp reviews to this place. You will never ever need anyone or anything to touch your face ever again. I honestly consider moving back home from new york city just because I miss the care, attention and results I got from this place. Coast to coast, there is no place like WORK. You need to understand why people call Raissa the acne whisperer. read more

Raissa is a "Skin Whisperer". I have sensitive skin and I notice other Estheticians have the same approach to all skin types: cleanse skin, steam it, exfoliate it, extract the gunk out, then pat some cream and voila! you're done, next customer please. When Estheticians work on my face, I worry because not only do I get puffy and red... my skin stays red for days (longest: 1 week). Raissa took what I said about my skin to heart and used products that were mild and calming. When it came time for the extraction, she was honest, if she wasn't going to extract something from a pore, then she would tell me and explain the reasons why (she got everything though!!) I got the "All Business" and I am really impressed by how familiar she was with all skin types. When I got to the car, I flipped down the mirror and was amazed that she removed every nasty, oily, dirty black head! So happy! Side note: her profile picture doesn't really do her justice, she is really youthful and pretty in person. I was surprised how much younger she looked compared to the photo and she is funny, too. I will definitely be returning! read more