"I also went in for the $29 Lifebooker green tea mani/pedi deal, and after reading some of the reviews here, I was a bit worried. But I actually had a perfectly pleasant experience at Yin.
Yes, when I called to book the appointment they reminded me to bring cash to tip and to tip on the full amount (not the special deal), which is definitely rude and presumptuous. I don't mind tipping generously when I've had great service somewhere, but it should be my decision how much to give. But this is not the first salon/spa I've been to that's been like this about tipping.
When I arrived for my mani/pedi the receptionist (hostess? whatever) was very friendly and helped me pick out my colors, of which I thought there were plenty of choices (including the deep purple I got on my toes). The woman who did my mani/pedi was nice and very thorough and I never felt rushed (I was their last appointment of the day, which probably helped).
The green tea foot soak was relaxing and smelled good, and she was very generous with the other products she used on me. I know someone else complained that they didn't clean the foot baths after her pedicure, but I actually witnessed them scrubbing down the foot bath I used after I was done.
It's true that they don't have you soak your hands for the manicure, which was a bit odd. But she used plenty of other skin-softening, exfoliating, and moisturizing products, and did a great job on my nails. All in all I was very happy with the experience. Would it be worth the full $125 price they're touting? No way. But $29 plus a $20 tip was totally worth it."
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