Magnolia Beauty Spa

Magnolia Spa is the best, plain and simple. The service and treatments (waxing, mani-pedis, facials) are excellent. But I think the most amazing thing is that, after going there for four years, I've never had a bad experience. Sometimes in NYC, you've feel like you've found "your" place, and then all of a sudden it loses it's magic.

Not Magnolia! The waxing is so good that a dear friend of mine -- who happens to be an esthetician -- and I were both talking about how much we loved going to this great little place for Brazilians... and realized we both went to Magnolia! I've sent several friends, and they've loved it, too. The ladies give awesome tips on how to maintain great skin in-between waxes.

And the mani-pedis! I started treating myself to getting them regularly (which is totally affordable, since the pedicures last forever), and ever since I've had people commenting on my nails, asking me where I get them done. Monica does the most beautiful French manicure. Even my boyfriend comments on how great they look, and how they keep looking great all week!

My mom lives in Westchester, but now prefers to get treatments at Magnolia (and she's gone everywhere), after I set her up with a facial, and she said it was the best she'd ever had. I feel the same way. The products are lovely, but its the hands-on work that makes the difference. Gentle, thorough extractions, and a face massage leave you glowing.

If I sound totally over-the-top, oh well! It's how I feel. Every member of the staff is gracious and accommodating, with both their clients and each other. I often find spas awkward and impersonal. Magnolia, small and tucked away, doesn't have the space for huge showers, etc. Instead, it feels like the female equivalent of a barbershop in the 1950's: incredibly dependable and consistent, but also warm and friendly, where the staff takes the time to get to know you, and care about you, individually.

Magnolia Spa has a wonderful, experienced staff, and a great range of treatments, and they always make the effort to make you feel comfortable. Which, (let's face it) when someone's waxing your lady bits, is extremely rare indeed. If you want to treat yourself, go to Magnolia.

Pros: Brazilian, Mani-Pedi, Facial, Awesome Staff

Posted 10/26/09

From the looks of it, there is no such person that had this type of treatment (body scrub and a facial). I'm a manager at Magnolia and I have every record to my views. It?s really hard to believe that you didn't get this treatment. In Magnolia, our place is tiny but we give the best service to each one of our customers. Each and one of us have 15 years or more of experience.
We only work by appointments only! It?s impossible you were waiting for 20 minutes to go in for your facial and then waiting an extra 10 minutes. If you are late for your appointment, then you would have to reschedule or we try our best to serve you. We make our times best for our workers and customers so no one has to wait...especially 20 minutes! In our place, the cell phones have to be turned off when you come inside Magnolia. We can't always control each and one of our customers to turn them off because we are busy serving others.
We use EMINENCE(organic products) Masks that have to stay on for 20 minutes so I have no clue how the hell you got those 10 minutes from. If you want to write a bad review, at least get your facts straight and tell the truth. Stop making up things that aren't even true. If you are trying to scare away our customers, then it isn't working.
From our experience, the "better" spas you suggest, we know how they really are. Just because those fancy spas are huge and have more staff, doesn't mean you will get better service. That is the reason we don't work anymore in those big fancy spas. We work in a small, comfy, relaxed environment to help and serve our customers with the best quality. This is why were here for 8 years and have our regular customers and await more new customers that will be pleased.

Posted 10/21/09

I recently visited Magnolia Spa for a spa week special and got a facial, body scrub and massage. From the get-go, I was asked to get there on time and then was made to wait about 20 minutes. This place is so tiny that people who had to get by me actually had to almost step over me. I was finally set up for my facial and put into a very small room, overflowing with products. Not to mention that the walls are so thin here that you can hear everything going on outside: the phone ringing and conversations outside the room - not the most tranquil environment to get away from it all.

After I sat in there about 10 minutes, someone actually came in. This was more akin to sitting in the doctors office than it was getting a relaxing treatment. The facial itself was okay but it certainly wasn't anything special. It felt like there wasn't much care to the quality of the experience and the needs of my skin. When I was waiting for face masks to dry my "esthetician" left for 10 minutes at a time and even once left the door open. However, she did take great care in removing all my blackheads and was really diligent about it.

The body scrub and massage felt like it was given by someone inexperienced. Again, there wasn't much thought about the quality of the experience for the customer. It felt rushed and not given much care. It didn't get the impression that this person had any experience in massage and what I received was more of a "rub-down" than anything else.

Thankfully I was paying spa week prices and I had I paid a penny more, would have left beyond disappointed. This isn't the type of place where you get services done. Perhaps for a mani/pedi it might be okay but the inexperience of the staff is obvious for any type of treatment. It's tempting to try new places and get specials but better to spend the money and get a quality experience by staff that knows what they're doing.

Posted 10/16/09

I cannot belieeeeeve I just spent $50 on a mani/pedi in BROOKLYN!!! AND... she didn't even massage my hands or feet!! That is the price of an EXPENSIVE spa in Manhattan, where you soak your toes in a nice salt bath, and get a decent foot and calf rub... but NONE of the above. A regular old mani/pedi... FIFTY DOLLARS!! I will never return. I hope you don't either. GO to Grand Relax on Grand and Havemeyer for a friendlier experience for half the price, which includes a decent massage!

Posted 07/01/09

I went to Magnolia salon for BRAZILIAN wax and the entire experience was great! I went in and was done in about 10-15 minutes and it was the most painless wax I have ever had.Gosha was quick and thorough Gosha was super friendly and nice to talk to Iwon't get may brazilian waxed anywhere else but MAGNOLIA+GOSHA!!!!.

Pros: PERFECT EVERYTHING!!!

Posted 04/02/09

I have been visiting this little spa for 4 years. Once I moved away from Brooklyn to DC for 15 months. I tried to find a facial spa as good as Magnolia.... i couldn't. Every time I visited NYC I would book a facial. Now I'm living around the corner and feel very lucky!! I go in for the facial with extractions. I make sure I mention how important extractions are to me every time. I always leave happy and refreshed. I even give my friends gift certificates as gifts to my little secret spa. I'm going today.

Pros: ask for extraction

Cons: none for me

Posted 03/19/09

If you've ever had a Brazilian you know its not an easy experience!!! After having a horrible and discriminating experience at Diva Nails near West 4th I searched all over Brooklyn for a Spa that would make me feel comfortable and by chance I stumbled upon Magnolia. It may be small but they make you feel as if your their only client. Gosha is the best! She gives the best Brazilian and she's professional and kind! Quick, Clean and Painless!!!!!

Pros: Staff is courteous and Gosha is the best waxer in Brooklyn!!!

Cons: Parking

Posted 01/18/09

I went in for a brazilian and the waxer left a lot of wax on my kooch and didn't seem to care when I brought it up before leaving. No appologies or anything! She wasn't the most friendly either. I've had a lot of waxes in my day and nobody has ever left me in such a state of disorder! Other than that they seemed to have a large selection of nail polish and the place seemed clean.

Posted 11/13/08

I have considered getting waxed many times, but have always chickened out.

I picked this spot mainly because it was the first place I called that seemed pleasant on the phone AND seemed reasonably priced.

I was a little worried that they'd try to upsell me to the fancier Brazilian, but they didn't - I got the $37 version.

Okay, I'm not going to lie...it HURT. But I had expected it to be SO bad, that it seemed okay. And the woman talked me through it - warned me when it was going to be the worst and did it very quickly. I really appreciate it when people talk me through things I'm not entirely comfortable with!

The place is tiny and not fancy, but it's clean and the people are very friendly...

Pros: Friendly, fast, not outrageously priced

Cons: Small, not a cushy "spa" type place

Posted 08/12/08

I've been on the never-ending searchfor a great waxing place that is afforable. Finally found it! Sabina does an amazing job with brazillian bikini waxes. She is FAST, clean, does a fantactic job without having to go over the same spot more than once (we know how much fun that can be, right ladies?) ANd she's friendly and comfortable to be around. The space is a bit small, but the def. make the most of it. And at $37 for a brazillian, you can't beat it. Finally found my spot!

Pros: Great waxing job, affordable, friendly

Cons: small space, had to wait w/an appointment

Posted 08/10/08

This was my first spa experience in Brooklyn as I just moved from Atlanta. I chose Magnolia because they offered the microdermabrasion service at a good price ($80 where most NY spas advertised around $120) and could fit me in on the same day I called. The place is very small, but was still OK. Sabina was very good and I enjoyed the service with her (excellent face massage techniques and I liked the organic products from Hungary.) Monika did a decent manicure and pedicure for me, pretty solid work. This is a no-frills sort of place, definitely not a luxury spa experience, but good for someone who wants a quick service and a decent price.

Pros: Good product line, nice microdermabrasion service at decent price

Cons: Very, very small space & not able to provide a luxury spa experience

Posted 06/30/08

WOW!!! What an amazing place.Its atmosphere is great the staff are wonderful and fun to be around.I came to get my wax done,I was a little nervous,because it was my first brazilian.But the lady Gosia took me in right away.She was kind and funny.Her work was fast and clean! will definetly be comming here for my waxes

Posted 06/24/08

I just checked this out an find it pretty weird that any criticism of this spa is met with so much contradiction and assertions that the reviews are coming from competitors. I also find it weird that so many of the positive reviews sound like they are written with the same grammar and adjectives used by the spa itself. Ahem. This comes across as very orchastrated to me and makes me distrust the good reviews. Now I will probably be denounced as a competitor... watch! As a prospective customer, I find that constructive criticism that isn't always argued with makes the good reviews seem more legitimate.

Posted 06/09/08

I was a bit skeptical at first, you hear such horror stories about facials gone bad . Well this facial experience was awesome! as soon as I walked through the door I was greeted with a smile and escorted to a private room. Sabina, explained each step in her soft voice, I was so relaxed I really didn't want the facial to be over.

Pros: Quick! No wait time (I'm very impatient)

Cons: Small place

Posted 02/26/08

I came here for waxing-- wonderful service--and when Roshi noticed my poor complexion, she urged me to come back for a facial. She was right about what an improvement I would see! I had an organic facial and an herbal peel. After one treatment I saw an amazing difference in my skin. Sabina took time and care with my face, and she was so sweet! I will definitely come back for follow up treatments.

Pros: kind, friendly, knowledgable staff

Cons: small space- a little claustrophobic

Posted 12/30/07

when I did my first nail-job at the magnolia, I knew that it's gonna be my place.
I'm the customer of Monika who makes great manicure and pedicure, You can always depend on her, she helps you pick the color that matches your style(it's raelly incredible) and makes you feel important and relax. She's also veeeeery funny (and other girls too). Every time when I'm there I got so much fun that I don't know when my 2 hours are gone. I want also say something about Malgosia who makes my eyebrows - Oh my God - she so gentle.(if want to have a natural looking eyebrow- go to her).
I really love that place, girls are really nice and friendly, and makes you feel like at home.
So if you want to have a great time and professional job done - go to magnolia,
(they have free candys too :))

Posted 09/12/07

Some of these reviews are pretty bad so I was a bit scared going here but was pleasantly surprised.
I had Margaret who gave a very very good facial. She talked to me about my skin which has been quite bad lately, and was very non-judgmental and quite understanding. She gave me great advice about how to take care of my skin, and gave a detailed facial.
The spa was a bit noisy since it is very small and I cannot speak for any of the other staff or services but I will be back for more facials and asking for her. It was only $75 for and 1 1/2 hours. Can't beat that!

Pros: Margaret. Value. Products used.

Cons: Very small and a little noisy.

Posted 09/10/07

I had one of the worst facials ever here. They rushed me through, did 2 out of the 3 masks that were listed on the descripition and no extractions. The massage was underwhelming. I asked why I hadn't got the treatments I had paid for and they told me that it was a language barrier between them and their webmaster responsible for posting their services. Give me a break.

Pros: in the neighborhood, cheap

Cons: services not completed, noisy

Posted 08/29/07

My husband gave me a gift certificate to your spa as a Mother?s Day gift. (Blooming Magnolia) I was so excited to go. I recently used it and I was very unhappy. First I started with the full body massage. The girl that gave me the massaged did a great job but I was not relaxed all. Your company phones were too loud. I could not here the nature sounds in the room because of all the talking and laughing from your other employees that were outside the room. (That was the worse part). I was then asked to get dress fully dress so I get my manicure and pedicure. The equipment that the nail technician used on me was neither clean nor sterilized. I was asked to return into the room where I was first in to do my facial. I had to remove my clothes again, when that should have been the second thing done after the massage was given to me. I told my husband this was the worst spa I have ever been too. I have been to other spas in the city and there were great and calming. My husband thought since we live in Brooklyn it would a good idea to go somewhere in the area. He thought Magnolia Spa, it being so pricey would be a good place for me to go and relax, but he was wrong. THIS SPA NEEDS TO ALL BE ON THE SAME PAGE AND MAKE THE CUSTOMER THEIR #1 PROIORTY!!!

Posted 07/05/07

I am an Esthetician, so believe me when I say my facial was great! I went during spa week and I had Sabina, she was great. I did not tell her I was and Esthetician... yet she did everything perfect! She got my a lot of my blackheads out, and I loved the Eminence product line...( organic products from Hungary). She included all the massages without jipping me (she could have b/c it was Spa Week so the facial was only $50)! I really liked the fact they gave you such a in depth facial even with the huge discount! I went to Glow Spa the week before, highly rated and it was HORRIBLE! All i can say is THANK YOU SABINA for the great facial, and i will be returning soon!! What a pleasant surprise!

Pros: Great treatment even though it was a discounted Facial... and that it had to end! Cozy!

Cons: That Spa week isn't every week! lol.

Posted 07/02/07

If you want to get a great facial or waxing I recommend Gosia. She's very gentle, professional and friendly. She knows what she's doing! Finally, I found someone I can trust. Keep up the good work.

Posted 05/24/07

Staff not too pleasant or friendly. The old manicurist is really nasty - she thinks she's a star too! They do know what they're doing ... in most cases, but make you feel like you're invading their private space. You will not feel welcome there. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK

Posted 04/21/07

I' ve never had such a great facial. Sabina did the best job by using organic masks, moisturizers,etc...I wish I could afford it everyday! Altough $75 bucks for a wonderful facial is not that much. Great pedicures and waxing. Try organic wax for painless brazilian I almost fall asleep during waxing.Staff always pleasant, nice and very friendly - working hard to satisfy everyone. Small place but can fit a lot of people. Highly recommended for quick wax, great facials, pleasant atmosphere. By the way call for appointment otherwise you might be disappointed.

Pros: service,staff,price

Cons: no parking

Posted 04/11/07

I love this place and tell all my friends who have similar good things to say about Magnolia. Their prices are great, and the staff are always nice. I haven't had a bad experience, and am sad to see some people have.

Pros: Prices, skills, not snobby

Cons: Small

Posted 04/03/07

Unfriendly staff, lack of professional customer service and many more reasons to stay away from!
I had an appoinment for a facial. Came on time, receptionist (50 going on 18) was having lunch and with a mouth full of food told me to sit and wait (by the way, if looks could kll, I would have been dead!!!). After 20 min I politely asked how much longer the wait would be and was told that they were very busy, so I would just have to wait. How long? She didn't know...After another 20 min of being ignored, I decided not to wait any longer and left. I can safely say I will never be back...

Posted 03/08/07

Although the staff is not very friendly I do think they do great waxing. And can always get you in pretty quickly.
I will always make the trip to magnolias because I know that i will have a good experience with them

Posted 01/12/07

Now, where shall I start? Maybe with the unfriendly staff that barely greeted me, or the unattentiveness while I watched the staff Pamper each other instead of paying customers. They were having DOWNTIME with tea and chatter.... and They were giving each other manicures while I sat watching in disbelief. This place makes you feel as though you are disturbing some king of Sorority club. When I wanted to express my disatisfaction, I was screamed at by a CONFRONTATIONAL, HOSTILE, ANGRY technician!!! If you want to be mistreated and spend some cash- Go on down to 124 Bedford Avenue!

NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 08/27/06

This was probably the worst waxing experience I have ever had. Granted, a Brazilian bikini wax is unpleasant, but the woman made it the worst possible experience. She didn't not bother to make me feel at ease in any way possible. She just continued to rip out the hair, not even bothering to stop when it was obvious that I was in pain.
DO NOT GO THERE FOR A WAXING!!!! The women there are way to abrassive to deal with any precious areas.

Posted 04/20/06

Magnolia has knowledgeable staff, pampering services, and affordable prices. Though tiny, they offer so many services and the staff knows their stuff. My skin looked great after my facial! Nice to be able to go somewhere in the neighborhood.

Pros: skilled staff, beauty treatments, prices

Posted 03/31/06

Great place to go for excellent facials and painless waxing. The staff is friendly, never pushy and there's no Williamsburg attitude in this lovely little spa.

Posted 11/24/03