Marilyn Jaeger Skincare Studio

I am soooooo confused as to how Marilyn Jaeger Skin Care studio has recieved such rave reviews thus far. I have been getting brazilian waxes for about 6 years. In that 6 years I have lived in 7 cities and been to 7 different salons for this procedure and I can safely say that hands down no contest I recieved the WORST Brazilian wax i have EVER gotten in my ENTIRE life at this salon. Although the staff was quite friendly and attentive (thus the one star) the cost was outrageous and the waxing could be described as nothing better than a hack job. I would estimate that about 75% of the hairs were broken as opposed to pull out completely. When I left the salon my skin was red and rough as though I had shaved it 3 days prior. Upon closer inspection I realized that about 5% of the hairs had been missed completely. And whoever says that this salon does a nearly painless brazilian is out of their mind. I have had much much less painful experiences than this one. All in all I would have to say a free shave in the shower not only would have yeilded better results but would have saved me $90. Quite frankly I wouldn't return if you paid me.

Pros: friendly staff

Cons: Overpriced, completely unsatisfactory service

Posted 06/22/08

Ok so I have been going to Marilyn for the past year and let me tell u that she is one of the best brazillian waxer in SF! she is super friendly and has great memory (actually remembered details of my life..even when I see her once every 2 or 3 months! ) she is super fast n yet very detailed especially in getting rid of ingrown hair! she is truly one of the BEST! and let me tell you that it is ALMOST PAINLESS to get a brazillian done with her!! c'mon no waxing is ever painless but with her ALMOST is the word. Also, all the girls that answers the phone are super friendly and very helpful to your needs. Whenever I am late they never told me to go back home but instead they would penciled me in to see Marilyn in less than 15 min! I know that its a drag sometimes to actually missed an appointment and pay for the full amount but really time is money and we as the customers should be considerate enough to realize that there would be OTHER LADIES in the waiting list dying to be in the appointment book. So try Marilyn for yourself n you would never be disappointed =)

Pros: Fast, detailed and Almost Painless Brazillian Wax, plus super friendly people and the "Potion" is one amazing product!

Cons: Parking could be hard..so give extra 15 min before your appointment time

Posted 05/25/08

I'll admit it - I have been keeping this place under wraps until now. It was hard enough to get an appointment without telling all of San Francisco how great it is. But I'm moving, so the cat's out of the bag!

I've been going to see Marilyn and her girls for more than two years. Its one of those rare place where it doesn't matter who you see- they are all friendly, make me feel comfortable, and do a good job. I've had facials and a variety of waxes. I used to only want places that use hard wax, but the ladies at MJ's are quick and the strip wax is never a problem. I never feel rushed, even when I arrive ten minutes late and they should just tell me off and make me reschedule.

Some previous reviewers say that the Spa doesn't feel fancy enough... I happen to like that it feels comfortable and homey - I'm never intimidated and it doesn't lend itself to feeling like they only tend to the elite. Everything is always clean and professional - but its the kind of place where the appointment ends with a hug. I love going!

Pros: Friendly staff, comfortable rooms & lobby are not sterile, quick waxing but attention to detail

Cons: Parking around Laurel Heights is touch and go - no nearby garage

Posted 05/12/08

I was impressed by the creative apartment-style spa and the tasty champagne. Massage was OK, compared to places of similar pricing I would say a little below par, and they are very high pressure when it comes to sales, for example they insist on using essential oils during the massage that cost an extra $10, i figured they'd include it in the massage, not charge even more for a milliliter of essential oils. Then the Brazilian wax..OMG! The girl who did it (brunette) was very aggressive and made me feel really uncomfortable, she laughed at me for crying and did it very slowly and painfully, for 65$! Even the cheapest salon like Richmond nails in the Richmond dist or Belle Beauty Salon on 7th and Cali, did a cleaner and faster job than her! Then when I was practically bleeding from her services and ready to pay, the girls at the front desk pressured me into buying a "potion" for your "area" that is supposed to heal you up...it burned and made me feel like I had poured 70% vodka on my privates..any old baby powder would have done the trick rather than that! all in all, the place terrifies me! I know they're going for a high class target market, but they need to pick up the services and find better professionals, particularly in the waxing department!

Pros: pretty studio, good champagne

Cons: pushy staff that sells,sells,sells, and AWFUL waxing

Posted 10/04/07

I have been several times (to the College Ave Salon)... I have had a facial, brow waxing, brow tinting and eyelash tinting. Everytime, I have had AMAZING service!! The staff is wonderful, the building is BEAUTIFUL and the atmosphere is great. I get complemented on my brows all the time and LOVE telling people about the salon.

And also, I don't understand why people would complain about the parking, because it is so easy to find spots. The salon is close to a neighborhood with no parking time limit!

Pros: Well trained, professional

Cons: n/a

Posted 05/29/07

Ok ladies,if you want to get beauty-fided,enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and be in the hands of professionals- Marilyn Jaegar Skin Care is for you!!
I have been going Marilyn Jaegar for ten years and she and her staff are amazing,cutting edge skin care professionals. Marilyn has created a wonderful atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
So what are you waiting for??? Call then today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros: If I had 100 Thumbs they all woul be up! THUMBS UP

Cons: NONE!

Posted 05/15/07

Marilyn hosted 30 of my graduate school classmates at her new Berkeley location on College at Broadway. The venue was perfect for our group, and the staff was organized, friendly, and extremely accommodating. I would highly recommend hosting bachelorette, office, or any other parties here for a day of relaxation and a pay-as-you-go menu of services for you and your guests.

I got a gel peel performed by Marilyn herself and she made the experience relaxing, rejuvenating, and informative. I plan to return to Marilyn for a series of peels to work on my long-time struggle with acne. I actually believe that she will be able to help and I know I'll feel like I'm getting my money's worth.

Go to Marilyn today!

Posted 05/15/07

Marilyn Jaeger rocks... I have been going to her salon for many years and she always provides the best quality service... Not only is she amazing but she also carries the best products, I love her "Spot less" product to mention just one... You will not be disapointed if you visit her spa... Enjoy!

Pros: Great neighborhood ambience

Posted 05/06/07

I went to check out this place because of all the "raving reviews" and overall it wasn't a great experience nor was it bad. My brazilian wax was fast, but they use only soft wax which tends to be harsher in the "sensitive areas". I prefer places that use hard wax in the more delicate areas since it feels less painful. The room was nice, but I felt like I was in an old rickety house. It didn't feel very spa to me. I've had a lot of brazilians and I've experienced ones that took about the same amount of time, but were less painful.

Pros: fast brazilian wax

Cons: ambiance, soft wax only for brazilians, parking can be difficult

Posted 05/01/07

I've been going traveling from Sacramento for appointments with Marilyn for facials and waxing since at least 1999 and have become a loyal fan. After living in Manhattan and San Francisco in the past and trying out different spas, Marilyn comes out on top as the best. I get compliments on my brows and people think I look less than half my age. I've been faithfully using the products Marilyn recommends to keep my skin looking great, and using them at home is like an extension of the spa experience. I have no desire to try other spas for facials or waxing, even when I'm on vacation, or back in Manhattan. I've also had heavenly massages and manicures and pedicures that lasted by the friendly staff. Overall, Marilyn is extraordinary--giving, generous, involved in her own charity, thoughtful, customer-service oriented, and it is evident in the details and overall spa culture that she cares about her clients.

Pros: High quality services, pampering, skill level, products, ambience

Cons: None

Posted 04/27/07

Marilyn Jaeger Skincare is a true relaxation haven. I always enjoy my services and the staff when visiting. Everyone always seems so kind and willing to answer questions about products. Marilyn Jaeger has really made the spa experience a benefit to the tired, overworked, everyday person. Thanks!

Posted 04/26/07

Having a service done at this laurel height location is like taking a mini vacation. The staff is friendly and professional. They always do a beautiful job on my eyebrow. Make an appointment today.

Posted 04/06/07

I want to share this wonderful place with everyone. They are the best at doing brazalian wax, almost painless. The place is so adorable and girly.

Posted 04/05/07

Marilyn Jaeger Skin Care absolutely gives THE best brazilian wax a girl (or guy!!) can get. Marilyn (and her staff-especially Elizabeth) is the fastest, kindest and best brazilian waxer in the world-and I feel like I have the authority to say that! I have had brazilian's in many salons around the city (and country) and now will NEVER go any where else. Her staff is friendly, proffesional, efficient and consistent. The place is cozy and clean. Absolutely top notch.

Pros: Thumbs way way up!

Cons: Zero.

Posted 04/03/07

Totally painless and quick, super-friendly service. Plus, Marilyn gave me a free bottle of her "spotless" potion and it works like a charm.

Pros: sevice and ambiance

Posted 03/16/07

I have homes in both New York and San Francisco but I always wait until I'm back in SF to have my eyebrows done by the master of eyebrow waxing in the United States - Marilyn Jaeger. Marilyn is renowned amongst a certain set - specifically the bicoastal jetset. She's precise, painless and quick. I can't speak about her Brazilian waxes because I'm a guy but if they're as painless as her eyebrows I may just have to try one!

Pros: Fast, painless, expert service, great value

Cons: Small waiting room

Posted 03/16/07

If you live in San francisco, you must give marilyn jaeger's salon a try! I use to live in San Francisco, and would visit Marilyn Jaeger every month for my brazilian wax, like clock work! It's true what they say about not knowing what you've got till it's gone! I just moved back to Europe about 2 months ago, and have not been able to find a salon that even comes close to hers!!!
I went for a brazilian wax here only to be reminded of how painful they use to be. I don't know if it is the wax she uses, or the technique she has, or the fact that she is so fast and efficient at it (probably a combination of all), but you wont find anyone to compare her to. It's just not as painful as everywhere else I've been. She makes you feel really comfotable too! First thing I do when I go back to SF for a vacation is book an appointment with her! Miss you Marilyn!!!

Pros: Marilyn, fast and efficient

Posted 11/05/06

The pedicure that I received at Marilyn Jaeger was the worst ever. My friend and I were so excited to get our pedicures. We got to the spa and had 2 glasses of Sangria (very tasty). Then we get this pedicure from this woman who starts telling us the rights and wrongs about our feet. Not to brag, but we have pretty nice feet and have been getting them done for years and years. Then we ask for French and she tells us "NO". What? We are paying for this dog gone pedicure and we want French. She proceeds to tell us that she does not believe in French because is not classic. We sat in a desk chair with our feet in her lap. Our feet never went into a basin, bowl, tub, etc. of water. What type of S*** is that. She sprayed our feet with a water bottle, pushed back the cuticles, took off the nail polished, cut the cuticle, and then painted them. AWFUL!!!!!! She talked the whole time about her life and then wanted to pick out our own colors. I do not recommend getting a pedi there. The massage was pretty good. Not the best, but it was okay.............

Pros: The SANGRIA

Cons: THE DOG GONE PEDICURES

Posted 09/18/06

I found this place through citysearch about 6 months ago. I went in for a bikini wax, as well as an eyebrow wax. I was amazed a Marilyn's skill in both waxes. She even got me hooked on the brazilian wax. It wasn't as painful as everyone I know had said it was, and it was over in a couple minutes (I've had waxes before that last more than 30 minutes!!!). I returned a month later and was put in the hands of another waxer. Just as good. I'm pretty sure every waxer at Marilyn skincare is fabulous because I've been going every month and I've never had a problem with any of them. Keep it up ladies!!!
I also like the lobby area and the ladies that work behind the reception counter. They love to strike up a conversation and they always make sure to offer you a glass of sangria or tea before your appointment. I like being able to sit by the window and unwind a bit. So much better than being stuffed in a small dimly lit waiting area, like some of the other spas i've been too.
Make sure you book your waxing appointments well in advance though (at least a couple weeks, more if you want an appointment with Marilyn). Especially around holidays and in the summer.

Pros: Waxing

Cons: Location (something closer to the finacial district would be nice!)

Posted 08/20/06

I received a gift certificate for a pedicure 6 months ago, and finally was able to use it. However, the pedicure menu has completely changed- they longer offer the various luxurious peducures included on their website (no princess pedicure, latte pedicure, etc), and do not use the lovely throne-like cushioned seats. Instead, they have one pedicurist who conducts a very business-like pedicure and provides heavy scoldings for not taking care of one's feet while you sit in a chair with your feet in her lap. This was far from a relaxing pedicure, and though she did a nice job of cleaning up my feet and nails, I left feeling more stressed than when I arrived. (She also does not believe in nail polish, so don't go if you're looking to walk away with pretty red toenails)

As a final note, a friend and I went together, and had sequential appointments, but were very sharply told we were not allowed to sit in the room while the other was having her nails done because it would be "too distracting". While I can understand why this may be true, again, it felt entirely inappropriate to be scolded. I will never return for a pedicure.

Pros: Lovely waiting area, friendly reception staff

Cons: Awful pedicure

Posted 08/06/06

I had a gift certificate for a manicure & pedicure, and had never been here before. But I was disappointed by the Manicure & Pedicure. There was no pampering, no soaking, not even a little foot or hand massage. The woman was nice and chatty, but the service was just average. I guess they don't even use those nice cushioned throne-like sofas in the room, where you would be able to get your feet soaked, etc. I would think about going back for another service, but not for a mani/pedi.

Pros: Staff are nice, and you get wine while you wait.

Cons: parking

Posted 08/03/06

I've never been so pampered in my life! Massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, wax, everything! Even the waiting room was a treat!

The Brazilian wax is a must, though. Quick and as pain-free as possible, Sharon not only gives you an excellent result but her warm nature takes away all awkward feelings normally accustomed to "waxes of the nether".

If you're taking your car, you may have some parking problems, so I would recommend taking a bus. There's a stop not a block away from the spa.

Pros: Everything!

Posted 07/29/06

I went to many spas searching for the best brazilian and for a place that was a bit closer to home, I live in SSF. My search ended w/ me back at Marilyn's, they just can't be beat. I've been to three different people at Marilyn's and each were the most friendly and most thorough. My latest was with Sharon and I highly recommend her. I've had brazilians w/ both hard and soft wax, Marilyn's uses soft strip wax and I find it more painless than w/ hard wax. Also, the prices are very reasonable, and if you want to go BARE, they do it at Marilyn's. I was unhappy that other locations didn't wax "front and back". The phone staff are curteous and friendly when booking appts., and the rest of the staff is great as well. The atmosphere is the most cozy and welcoming than that of the many other spas I went to, and it's nice that they have flavored water and wine while you wait. I've never had to park more than a block away either, there's almost always parking on the cross street, Sacramento. Also, the hours are flexible. If you've never gotten a brazilian, you should definitely have your first experience be at Marilyn's! I also can't wait for my first facial there. MARILYN'S IS A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND!

Pros: Hours, atmosphere, staff

Cons: parking isn't the easiest, but worth it.

Posted 07/23/06

After having facials in other SF day spas over the past five years, I would have to say this was the best facial I have had!!

Monica was so friendly and helpful, when I called to set up my appointment.

I really loved the treatment itself. The massage was heavenly and Carla did a wonderful job on all aspects of the facial. I appreciated that she was very gentle with my sensitive skin. I am so happy at how pretty my skin looks- not blotchy at all.

I am just so happy to share my positive experience. I hope to come back soon for a massage.

Cons: parking is not the easiest in the neighborhood -meters or search for parking...

Posted 07/20/06

I have gone to MJ many times and every visit the service has been top notch. The atmosphere is comfortable and every staff member is warm and professional.

Posted 06/24/06

I saw Marilyn 3 times for brow design and tint and overall I was disappointed. The first time I got hives that lasted a week (never gotten hives in my life). The brows were shaped too natural and bushy for me so the next time I asked her to thin them out a little. I dont think she really did because a couple days later I couldnt even tell that I got them shaped. She didnt even cut the long hairs that grow up. I hate overplucked, thin brows but Marilyn does brows that are at the other extreme. Plus one of the staff charged me the wrong amount on my credit card and after I told her she made kind of a big deal out of it and it turns out she thought the price was something other than it was. Maybe she was charging everyone wrong!

Pros: refreshments, parking so-so

Cons: charged wrong amount, brow design

Posted 05/15/06

I have been to other places and trust me, Marilyn deserves her stellar reputation! This is the best place to go for eyebrows, brazilians, and facials... everything else. I recently got a gift certificate for a luxe facial at a very high-profile spa and was not only disappointed with the quality of the facial but the pressure I received to buy her products as well. It made me appreciate Marilyn and her exceptionally thoughtful and skilled estheticians who really take a genuine human interest in each of their clients.

Posted 05/07/06

I came cross this place through kron4 for their beauty bonaza and got a gift certificate for 50% off. Both me and my friend got a massage and it was awasome!!! Nadja was really good with her hand and very knowledge about different types of essential oil. In addtion, the staff are very friendly, decor is cozy and it feels like home. They have wine, cucumber water and various tea bags to chose from. While my friend was getting her massage, I sat in the lobby and read while drinking some nice hot tea. I will def. go back again!!

Pros: Staff, Massage

Cons: Parking, Far from where I live

Posted 04/03/06

Marilyn is THE BEST! There are only so many women that have seen the places that Marilyn has and my mother is one of them. I feel, like other women, totally confortable with her and her brazilian technique isnt painless perse but your so relaxed with catching up with one another time really does fly. You leave thinking, I should take that woman out for a beer.

Pros: Marilyn , Quick , Effortless

Cons: Parking

Posted 01/25/06

I had my first Bazillion done at the spa. Marilyn was so patient and so quick it was almost painless. Very professional a very good spirited person. Atmosphere is very relaxing. Really make you feel like you are at home. And the Staff is great. Oh and I like the Wine.

Pros: Not too Painful

Posted 01/25/06

Marilyn Jaeger Skincare Salon is the best! Marilyn has gone out of her way to make the Royal Treatment Facial a relaxing and luxurious experience. You haven't lived until you have had Marilyn do your brows!

She makes every client feel like they are the only person in the salon. Sharon's facials are awesome!

Posted 01/22/06

I just had a brazilian bikini wax done by Elizabeth, and it was great - she's awesome! Not only did she do a very thorough job (making sure she got everything and that it was even...always important), she made it almost painless and was very warm and friendly through the whole procedure. One of the great things about MJ Skinecare, they're open late so evening appointments are available. I highly recommend!

Posted 01/17/06

nadja, was an incredible massage person.....i've had many and she was awesome!

Posted 11/08/05

Marilyn is the best. Not only super skilled, but a good time (which is important when you're getting hair ripped out). I only trust my brows to her. Bikinis the best, too. Have lived in SF since 1989 and have tried the competition.

Posted 11/04/05

if you are looking for a _full_ brazillian this is not the place to go. Only one type of wax is used, (no hard waxes) and the staff is not used to this request. If you are looking for a quick bikini wax or another service in a heights location, go for it, they are nice and professional.

Pros: location, hours

Cons: not brazillian savvy

Posted 09/27/05

I went to Marilyn Jaeger for a brazillian wax due to the high rating on Citysearch. I found that they didn't do a thorough job at removing all the hair. Sure it's fast, sure it's not painful, but I would still prefer someone who can remove all the hair in the area.

Pros: Not too painful

Cons: Not thorough , Too Short of an Appt, Expensive

Posted 09/25/05

I've been going to Marilyn since before MJ skincare existed. There is no better place. My personal vice is the modified brazilian bikini wax which Marilyn makes bearable even during pregnancy!

Most recently I've had the best pedicure of my life - done by the talented Jane. I saw her about 10 days before I went on a month long vacation during which I was in pools, on beaches, walking everywhere and having my flip-flop exposed toes stepped on by both of my children. For 6 weeks my polish never chipped, flaked or lost its color and shine. I finally had to take it off when it started to grow out! Run, don't walk, and take advantage of all they have to offer!!

Pros: staff, ambiance, comfort

Posted 09/15/05

i was treated so warmly when i went into marilyn jaeger's studio...both by marilyn and her support staff. that, in combination with the awesome waxing service (perfect brows) made me feel great. usually, when i walk into a salon, i feel sort of a hipper-than-thou attitude from the staff...not here. they are kind and caring, and have geniune smiles.

marilyn even took the time to assess my skin and recommend a skin care regime during my eyebrow wax! above and beyond...

i'm going back for a facial!

Posted 09/04/05

I have been looking for a great spa that offers full body massages in the local bay area for a LONG time! I finally found it. After traveling from Alameda to St. Helena for the last 3 years, I found her here at Marilyn Jaeger's SkinCare Spa, her name is Jen. She gives THE BEST massage yet! The atmosphere she created was very calm and soothing. She has an incredible ability to find the trouble spots before you can point them out. I was VERY, VERY pleased and HIGHLY recommend Jen as your masseuse of choice. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Posted 08/01/05

No one does it better than Marilyn and her staff. I swear that I have had waxes and facials by them all, and they are the best. The facials are luxurious and pampering, my skin has never looked better. If you want the fastest Brazilian wax on the planet, go to this spa!!

Posted 07/29/05

When I first went to Marilyn I had to tell everyone that it was my best salon experience ever. The staff is so professional, personable, experienced and they have excellent customer service. I was told Marilyn does the best eyebrow waxing/shaping and it's soooo true! I highly recommend you to try the salon out.

Posted 07/24/05

she does such an awesome job on brazilians, i wouldn't let anyone else do it! i've been going to her for a couple years now and the results are definetly worth the pain.

Posted 07/18/05

Marilyn does an amazing job with brows and brazilians! Plus she's super nice and makes the whole uncomfortable waxing thing go by quickly and as painless as possible. I only wish I could afford to hit up her spa more often! I've had brazilians done by other estheticians because it can be hard to get an appt with Marilyn and haven't been as satisfied but the staff is also really polite and I love the atmosphere there!

Pros: Marilyn!!

Cons: Too expensive for me!, Parking is tough

Posted 07/13/05

Marilyn is great - fast, efficient. I love what she does with my eyebrows. Her technique on the Brazillian is as quick and painless as that procedure can be. She's a great person - I love chatting with her.

Pros: Marilyn, Sangria

Posted 07/06/05

Without Marilyn Jaeger and her amazing staff, I'd be a mess. Everyone is ridiculously nice and attentive. I've traveled 45min each way from Berkeley for two years to see them. I mean you don't want just anyone sticking hot wax down there, do you? I feel like a pampered princess every time. Extremely luxurious and elegant. If you're going to wax, or get a pedicure, go to the best.

Pros: Peaceful, Luxurious, Relaxing

Posted 07/06/05

One trip to Marilyn Jaeger and you'll know why everyone raves about this spa! I'm a huge fan of Amanda for brows and brazillians but you can go to any one of the girls for excellent results. And yes, the brazillians are fast and virtually pain free! They offer late evening appointments and are very good about keeping an on-time schedule. The space is comfortable, stylish, and very very clean. There's no attitude here - everyone is nice, helpful, and fabulous!

Posted 07/04/05

Everything from the atmosphere to the knowledge and skill of Madeline combined to make this one of the best massages I have had. Most massages feel good while they are happenning, but days later I still fell relaxed in places I usually store up tension right away. I plan to go back for a series to work with her over time.

On another topic, Elizabeth shapes and tints my eyebrows so they are as pretty as can be without my having to do all that penciling in and stuff. I really like to visit here. Everyone is nice, with no snobby salon-type attituges that I have run across in the past.

Pros: Value for Quality, appointments on time, Not crowded

Cons: Parking is typical, Short notice hard

Posted 07/01/05

I have been to many spas in SF and this is by far the best. The staff is so kind and welcoming. In a situation that could be very intimidating (my first brazillian) the staff offered me a glass of wine and assured me everything would be ok. Much to my surprise everything was ok! I was in and out in under 20 minutes. I have since received facials, manicures and massages and every service has been stellar. Everytime I go, I feel like I am visiting some dear friends!

Pros: staff, value, cleanliness

Posted 06/30/05