Illusions

i just wanted to leave a note to say how wonderful the group is at Illusions Day Spa. i've been going there for a couple of years now and i've never been disappointed. you can get just about anything taken care of there. if you need your nails done or an up-do, or if you just need to relax and have a stone massage. personalized care, they know your name and you will leave smiling. Pros: parking Cons: you might miss it the first time more

I've driven by this salon hundreds of times and never noticed it - - until a friend told me her daughter was using the Illusions "team" for her wedding. Wow! They have a gal there named Kelley (I think) who is a GENIUS at updos and formal hair styles - in addition to her terrific track record of updos, she evidently also does highlights really well (everyone says "highlights are her specialty"!). They will come to the wedding site and do hair and makeup right there so you won't mess things up in the interim before you walk down the aisle. My friend and her daughter were REALLY happy! I decided to give the place a try myself. They offer facials and "touch therapy" (which translates to massage) in a variety of methods. How did I never hear about this place?! They are FANTASTIC!! The facials are the best I've ever had, and their stone massage is to die for. I've had lots of trouble sleeping since the advent of that Incredible Womens' Bonus called "menopause." (That's a whole other subject - - how did women get all the yucky aspects of aging, huh?) Anyway, after the stone massage I was the Original Limp Noodle. I slept like the dead for 9 hours! Evidently the staff really keeps up on all the latest techniques in massage and skin products - - it's pretty reassuring. Plus, they have this line of body treatment products called JustEEnought that I can't live without. The Body Wash is really, really awesome; it feels clean and leaves your skin soft, plus it's not too overpowering as far as the scent. They also have a body lotion and a scrub that are completely natural and SUCH A DEAL!!!! I mean, maybe they're too small to gouge people, but I say, get it while you can. It's FABULOUS; I'm addicted. Try it and you'll know what I mean. Illusions is just south of Marine Avenue in Manhattan Beach (just north of Rubio's) (2100 N. Sepulveda Blvd.). Look carefully or you'll miss it - and a great deal also! Cheers! Treeky Pros: Lots of knowledge in a small independent business. Cons: Hard to see driving by! more

The family-like collective of stylists is friendly and chatty but the work they do is not dependable. I have curly hair and a lot of straight-haired stylists had no idea what to do with it. There is a black guy named Rodney or Randy or something who is great with curly hair though. I also tried to remove black dye from my naturally blond hair once and a stylist, who later admitted she had no idea what she was doing, tried to bleach my entire head to remove the dye. Terrifying. My mom and sister have had good experiences there and if you are not getting major work done (like I had my hair styled for a dance there, but no cutting), Illusions is acceptable. Pros: fun environment Cons: not dependable quality more

I went to Illusions once, and though my hair color was a little orange-looking, it eventually mellowed out. I went back a second time, and left with roots. When I called back to complain that my roots weren't covered, the stylist totally blew me off and told me that I looked beautiful. If you go, make sure your hair is EXACTLY how you want it when you leave...they won't give you the time of day to correct any mistakes. Pros: Parking Cons: Service more

I scheduled a 55 minute aromatherapy massage--needing just a pick-me-up from a rough year. Wow! It was sooo great! My massage with Dana was amazing-followed by a luxurious shower and a nice long retreat into the steam room. All the little "extras" made me feel so well taken care of. I will certainly be going again. The only suggestion I have is that they should have a separate entrance for the spa--instead of walking through the salon to get to the spa side. Pros: relaxing, attention to detail, not expensive Cons: hard to find more

Right in my own backyard...the expertise, service, and attention to detail are fabulous! The staff is so knowledgeable, and everyone is willing and enthusiastic. It seemed they had anticipated my every need. My facial was truly excellent, and SO luxurious I didn't want it to end! Do yourself a favor and make an appointment! Pros: Very friendly, Easy access/parking, Affordable LUXURY! more

I had a wonderful time! My life is very busy and I needed someone to take care of me for a change. The staff at Illusions took great care of me. I highly recommend them. Pros: good parking, easy to find, they run on time more