Violet Skin Boutique

05/22/08

nothing special

by nunyahbiz at Citysearch

I have never written a review on this site but I felt like I needed to on this one. I went to Violet a few months ago and I have to say that I was pretty disappointed. That being said there are some good things about it such as the location and I didn't experience rude staff like some of the other reviewers have mentioned but all in all, there is nothing special about Violet in my opinion. The space is under street level and looks like a cramped Beacon Hill apartment that was hastily decorated but there is nothing glamours or soothing about it. I felt more like I was at friends house for an old school "beauty night". I got one of the scrubs which was fine but again, I wasn't all that impressed and didn't feel like it was worth the money. I could have gone to Sephora, bought one of their scrubs and done the same thing myself. I also did one of the facials and it was okay, but again, nothing special. I am not a spa snob or anything and I go probably more than the regular gal but it isn't a weekly occurence but when I go I am not afraid to spend the money to get special treatment or to feel totally relaxed when I leave...not the case here. My adivce would be to go somewhere else..I like Melt.

• Pros: convenient spot and accomodated me last minute
• Cons: ambiance and treatments were average or below

09/17/09

The place for facials

by anag19 at Citysearch

The 5 star reviews and best facial awards you see on citysearch are for good reason. I have had a number of facilists and thi place by far is the best. My skin has finally found it's heaven. These ladies are extremely professional, yet unpretentious. They made me feel totally comfortable, and the results have been amazing!

Every single penny: worth it. I love that they don't push products. Get a couple of facials and you will be asking them what you need to maintain your beautiful, new skin. A few weeks after the deep pore cleaning facial it looked so good I wanted to stop by the office just to show it off. I was so excited and so grateful.

It's your responsibility to keep up your skin care. However, you should definitely leave deep maintenance to the pros to get and keep you on the right track. This is the place.

• Pros: professional, attention to detail
• Cons: none

09/16/09

When sheets and towels are bad, they go here when they die

by healthywoman at Citysearch

They should make more of an effort, especially in this economy. There is no special cache about stained and threadbare linens, overpriced product made with cheap ingredients, overworked and exploited staff and snotty, out of touch management. This place is appalling.

• Pros: employment security for OSHA inspectors
• Cons: where to start?

08/25/09

I love this place!

by alima12 at Citysearch

I have been going to Violet for years now, and each time I see her I'm more pleased than the previous visit. Her inviting manor sets you at ease as soon as you walk into her beautiful boutique. My skin has made a dramatic improvement since I began using her natural products and now I can't imagine using anything else. Her pricing is more than reasonable considering the results you achieve here. Her products are heavenly & facials are always luxury with a lot of massage and candles in the room. And yet you see results immediately after your service since they mix masks right before applying them on you. Her staff is wonderful and catering and space is gorgeous. What a treat!

• Pros: products, skill
• Cons: none

08/24/09

Theme in 5-Star Reviews....

by PJB10224165 at Citysearch

I purchased a gift certificate from this place as a gift, because I saw their Best of Boston awards and I was in a hurry. After I left I began to have second thoughts, as I wasn't impressed with what I had seen in their Newbury Street dungeon.

So decided to do some research and see if my concerns about quality were well founded. I've been reading the reviews here and noticed that Violet gets a lot of 5 and 1 star reviews, which is odd. Going a step further I looked into reviews posted by the 5 star reviewers... I did see one that had reviewed another place, but that was it. Looks like the owner or an employee is pumping up their stats....

Long story short, I'd rather not chance sending anyone here, there are too many other good options out there.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Phony reviews

04/10/09

true expert

by karin1975 at Citysearch

I've been to many different spas and this is above and beyond, the best I've experienced. I found Violet while searching for organic, pure products.Aside from the beautiful, soothing atmosphere, what brings me back each time is the professionalism and the attention to detail. I have very high expectations when it comes to my skin service, and every time I get a great facial and my skin keeps getting better. I have recently noticed some eczema on my face and was shocked at the results after trying Violet’s natural remedies. She is a true expert, I highly recommend.

• Pros: staff, professionalism, attention to detail, products
• Cons: none

04/09/09

Bad customer service all around

by jo247 at Citysearch

I went to Violet for a facial becauuse I had a gift certificate, which was what I told Violet herself when I got in the room. The first thing she said to me was that I couldn't just come to her once; I had to come once a month, use her products and have consultations with her. I almost started laughing because she was being so pushy, so soon. Her extractions were quite painful and I almost jumped out of the bed at one point. During the facial, she pretty much told me that my eyebrows were terrible and that I also needed to see her to have them fixed. Sweet, right? At the end, I came out and she had one of every product lined up on the counter, thinking maybe I would buy them? I got super overwhelmed and said no thank you. My face felt smoother after but was definitely left with some marks which she told me would clear up with the spot corrector, which she made to seem like was free. In closing, I agree with the reviewer that commented on the "cat smell!"

03/02/09

great waxing experience

by pao23 at Citysearch

I was very reluctant going in after a few "traumatic" experiences, and was pleasantly surprised how fast and painless my wax was. The wax they use is specially designed for sensitive skin like mine. And I loved violet organic products used after the wax to soothe my skin - very refreshing. Decor of the spa was very relaxing and staff was friendly and professional, I am definitely coming back.

03/02/09

Unbelievable results

by athena9 at Citysearch

I have been going to Violet boutique/Brookline for regular facials for the past 4 months, and the dramatic improvement in my skin is unbelievable! For years, I have had problem skin, and have tried everything and have found that anything that keeps me from breaking out usually dries out my skin. The facials here, along with the own natural skin care line, have worked miracles on my face, and I strongly recommend them to everyone, especially those of us that weren?t blessed with perfect skin. Unlike many places I went to in the past their really care about the results and it shows.

• Pros: natural products, facials, staff
• Cons: hard to get an appointment

03/02/09

Spectacular facials!

by luc23 at Citysearch

I went to Violet location in Coolidge corner branch for a facial on Saturday and enjoyed it to the fullest extent. The spa is beautiful and serene and It was my first facial and they really made the experience enjoyable. At first I was hesitant because I'm particular about what I put on my face, but the outcome was unbelievable. The esthetician was very skilled and friendly, talked to me throughout the facial and let me know what exactly she was doing. She gave me the most relaxing face, neck and shoulder massage and my skin was glowing at the end. The experience was therapeutic and relaxing. I will definitely return.

• Pros: skilled staff, products
• Cons: none

03/01/09

Don't believe the hype

by tiny89dancer at Citysearch

I was very excited to go to Violet's after all the rave reviews I'd heard but unfortunately had the worst waxing experience of my life here. The receptionist was rude to start. As I lay on the table getting wax poured on me the woman in the room next to me was screaming in pain. The woman waxing me apologized and promised not to do the same to me but barely kept her promise. I've never had someone pull the strips off so slowly....ouch ouch ouch. I'd have put up with the pain if it had been for precision sake but she waxed me all uneven. Don't believe the hype.