I have been looking for a great spa on South Beach that wasn't extremely over-priced, that wasn't too over the top, and that actually made me want to come back. Well, after years of searching, I found it with Ellie's Skin Care and Wax Studio (wrongly named Wax Station here on CitySearch).
I will admit, I didn't have the highest expectations. It's very easy to miss, and is right on 17th st. across from the gas station (after all, I figured, how good can a place be when it's under a sign that says FaceMakeup Spa?) It turns out that Ellie bought the FaceMaker Spa, and is in the process of renaming it!
I went in (after getting a coffee a half a block away at Epicure), and was very pleasantly surprised. The spa is beautiful. It has powder blue walls that are very relaxing. Everything is brand new in the space--it is sparce and very clean an uncluttered. I was really impressed.
Esteban welcomed me into the cozy space and quietly offered me some tea or lemon iced water. After about five minutes, Ellie came in. She has a great energy, is very sweet and caring. I was immediately won over.
About the services. I am in the skincare industry, so I am VERY picky. Ellie was amazing. She evidently has over 20 years of experience in waxing and as a facialist. I have acne prone, oily skin, and she gave me a microderm (LOVE), acne facial (with extractions), and an eyebrow wax. I couldn't be happier. My skin already looks 10 times better (no joke).
She also did not push products on me (I can't say that for Bliss at the W), which I HATE! She made a couple of suggestions, but when I said ""no thanks"" that was it.
If you are looking for a serious facial on South Beach that is a REAL facial, run to Ellie's Skin Care and Wax Studio.
They also perform full body waxing, makeup services (with an all natural makeup line), massage, and she says they are soon getting a nail specialist.
I have gone back four times, and have always gotten this amazing service.
--a lifetime fan!!!
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