I just had my eyebrows waxed the other day and realized I have never reviewed. I have been going to Alexis for a couple of years now. My eyebrows look great every time. The waxing itself is not painful. She is so pleasant and has great stories to share every time. A bonus is you can bring your kid if necessary. read more

I love my eyebrows! She did a fabulous job, she took her time with care. I will be returning for sure! read more

A Smooth Start - I love my eyebrows. She did a excellent job!!! - Makeup Artists Near Me - San Jose, California

Alexis is soooo good! It's so easy to book with her and she does the best work! I got a lash lift last week and my natural lashes have never looked so good! I live outside of CA but have gone to her when I am back in town and she doesn't disappoint. Would def recommend to anyone!! read more

I'm a girl that's all the eyebrows and eyes. If those two are on fleek, then I'm A-OK. No other make-up or excess product on my face needed! So, naturally, I take care of my brows by filling them in daily and getting them threaded once every month or two. However, I was interested in something that would make my morning more efficient and quick to get me out of the door. I was doing some research online about eyebrow microblading and tinting, and I stumbled across A Smooth Start, who's run by Alexis. I booked an appointment online on her website (which is pretty intuitive, by the way, yay!) for a Saturday afternoon for eyebrow threading and tinting. Everything cost $25, which is affordable! Eyebrow tinting is essentially like dye that darkens your brows for a few weeks so that you don't have to fill them in daily. Alexis was so gentle, friendly, and prompt with her tinting and threading. It was really painless as well! The other places I go to tend to make me tear up from the pain and have me chanting to myself, "Beauty is pain, beauty is pain" while tears streak silently from my eyes. I will most definitely be coming back to Alexis for my eyebrow needs, especially because she's so close to where I live and so good at what she does? read more

This review is for Alexis' eyebrow extensions :)! I had never heard of eyebrow extensions before visiting Alexis, and I was totally intrigued. If you are curious about it - I highly recommend it. They look super natural and Alexis is a true pro. They only last several days, but are perfect for special occasions. See the photos! Alexis also matched the color of my hair perfectly :). read more

A Smooth Start - Eyebrow extensions (before) - Makeup Artists Near Me - San Jose, California

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I normally don't like to give place bad reviews but I felt people should be aware of what I went through. The appointment scheduling was simple online and easy to find in the heart of Willow Glen. Alexis was with another client while I was walking in. Waited no more than 5 mins. She was nice and friendly. Confirmed what I wanted to do then began. I wanted to tint my eyebrows. I never gotten it done before. I didn't know what to expect. I mean I did see a lot of pictures of people getting it done. So I thought it was nothing to it. The whole process took less than 10 mins. I was never advice on how to care for it before or after, only that it last 3 weeks. When I got home ( I only lived 5 mins away) I looked in the mirror and notices it was kind of red. Left it alone. 30 mins later it started feeling irritated. I was having an allergic reaction. I had to take Benadryl. It also started to get swollen. This reaction lasted for about 1 1/2 weeks. It was so itchy and dry. I was taking Benadryl every day and applying itchy cream. I wish she would have ask questions before we started but again I should've asked myself as well. Or even do a patch test. Lesson learn if they don't ask you the questions make sure you do. read more

Recently found out about eyebrow extensions and let me tell you.. FINALLY! No more tattooing, no more wasted time to perfect your eyebrows every morning, and no more fake drawn in looking eyebrows! Alexis is so amazing! Very welcoming and patient! I am such a perfectionist when it comes to my eyebrows, but Alexis exceeded all my expectations! I seriously am so in love and already have an appointment in two weeks for a fill! I'll include a photo so you can judge for yourself how amazing she is!! :) read more

A Smooth Start - Before - After - After with full face make up but NO eyebrow make up! All thanks to Alexis's magic! - Makeup Artists Near Me - San Jose, California

Very affordable. Awesome service! I'm glad I found this little hidden gem! Came here for a wax job and had an great experience! I went back and guys I wish I could have written another review of how awesome she is! But yelp only let's me write a review once so updating my last review. Alexis is thorough and a perfectionist! Very happy with the results :) read more

It was Valentine's Day and I completely forgot to schedule an appointment for an eyebrow/lip wax with my usual spot. I had a date with my sweetheart of 7 years that night, and I wasn't about to go feeling like trash. So, like any sane girl with a beauty emergency on their hands, I scoured the web. I mean it. I turned every rock, corner and ad over to find someone with availability. Understandably, I had a hard time finding *something* open (don't procrastinate -- LEARN FROM ME ) And then I stumbled upon "A Smooth Start". I nearly cried when I found Alexis had a spot at 12:35 that day, hahaha! So, how did it go? Quick. It went quick. Alexis is so easy to talk to -- she could get all her clients to join in on the conversation -- easy to talk to. You don't even notice your lip is hurting from the waxing (sensitive skin)! I loved the final results but I lamented that the usual redness on my cheeks made me look drunk. And then she hands me a bottle of some anti-redness serum and lets me use a bit. Y'all know how rare it is for an esthetician to offer you a sample of a product that has NOTHING to do with the service you got? (Ok, I used some of that serum on my waxed areas -- her recommendation, heh). Days later and my eyebrows are gorgeous as all get out! My lip is STILL satin soft, like it was waxed hours ago. The redness on my face has taken it down a couple of notches, but the difference is noticeable. Do yourself a favor, and go to Alexis and get yourself A Smooth Start. I 100% assure you that you will not regret it! read more

Alexis is legit and I went to her for lash extensions. She gives a lot of extra stuff to take home like cleaner and also gave me a sealer to help them last longer. She's really quick and efficient, and I could tell from the first time I met her we had very similar personalities and like how she can multitask. I'm going to try the last lift and tint as I've seen great results and it looks great but more natural. Highly recommend!! read more

How is this my first review of Alexis? Seems impossible! Alexis has been doing my lashes every 3 weeks for I don't even know how long! She is a godsend!!! No joke! I travel from the North Bay every 3 weeks to see her! Her place is always clean and she always greats with a smile! I've had lashes, facials, eye brow waxing (and she threads to blend them...um, hi! awesome!!) and she's done full on makeup for several events! She literally does it all and then goes above and beyond!!! read more

Love my lash lift and tint ! Use to do lash extensions elsewhere before and missed not having long lashes. I started getting lash lift and tint and it's super low maintenance and lasts for 5-6 weeks. I'm a fan! No need to wear mascara unless I want super dramatic lashes! read more

I came in when the owner was occupied with other clients. She was quick and efficient, but felt a bit weird. She was very chatty throughout with me and 4 other women in there. It was just weird and not relaxing. read more

Alexis is so fantastically amazing, I can't recommend her enough. I've had a few bad experiences with getting my makeup done at other salons/ places (and don't wear makeup every day) and I was nervous about getting it done for my wedding. I did a makeup trial with Alexis and knew RIGHT AWAY as she was putting make up on that I found my match--someone I'd be comfortable with on the big day. The makeup felt light, like I didn't even have anything on, but looked fantastic. I looked and felt like me, just enhanced! :) She even did my wedding hair (but doesn't normally do hair as part of her standard services so talk to her beforehand) and it was SO beautiful. On the wedding day, she showed up early, kept everyone on schedule, and the mood light and fun. I can't thank her enough for how important it was for me to feel like myself and she NAILED it. My mom, mother in law, and bestie got hair/makeup done by her and all loved their look. Luckily, she has a studio that offers other beauty services, and I can't wait to continue seeing her after the wedding.. :) read more

Alexis is AMAZING!!! I met Alexis about 7 years ago when she worked at Benefit in Los Gatos. After my very first appointment with her I knew she would be my go-to-girl for all of my waxing and makeup needs. She is super sweet and personable. Once you meet her you'll instantly feel at ease and comfortable. Alexis is the only person I will see for a Brazilian wax. I've tried going to other people in the past and they don't measure up to her - at all. She quickly and painlessly gets all of the hair and never leaves excess wax on me. My eyebrows are practically non-existent. Alexis has helped me tremendously with tinting them and adding eyebrow extensions. I'm always blown away at the difference it makes on me. Just for fun I also get eyelash extensions which I absolutely LOVE!! Trust me when I say you should make an appointment to see her. You won't want to see anyone else after you meet her!! I'm a lifetime client and I will follow her where ever she may go! read more

I've been to see Alexis three times now--once for a full set of extensions, a little touch up, and then a fill about 3 weeks later. It was a little tricky getting an appointment at the get-go--appointments are made via text only (as far as I know?)--but I am so glad I decided to see her for my extensions! Her pricing is very reasonable compared to some other places I have been to in the past, and she does a really awesome job! I was a little nervous the first time because she put on my full set in about 45 minutes, and the last time I had my first set elsewhere it took nearly 2 hours, but my lashes look natural, and they feel great. She's also very personable and easy to talk to, which makes lying on a table for 45 minutes go by a lot faster! read more

A Smooth Start - Loving my new lashes! Alexis is the best :) - Makeup Artists Near Me - San Jose, California

Alexis is hands down the best out there. I've been going to lash lifts + tints with her for years now and they last so long. She is truly the best. So friendly & so attentive. I wouldn't go to anyone else! read more

I got the most beautiful eyelash extensions today at Smooth Start. They look fabulous and I couldn't be happier. I am a Curvy woman and I was nervous at first about being comfortable in her room and on her table, but she moved the table out and made the room comfortable for me. I tend to be a little anxious in small spaces, but Alexis was super awesome about helping me relax and get comfy. She does eyebrow extensions, eyelash extensions, skin care and waxing, too. Super easy to find her right off of Lincoln next door to the CVS. Affordable and great customer service. Her eyelashes look like a million dollars. Thank you, Alexis. read more

Where to even begin? I had been going to another gal for about 6 months- then my mom got really sick and I had to leave town for 6 weeks. When I returned I was in need of a full set as time and Tears had taken care of all my lashes. My gal from before wasn't able to do a full set for another 6 weeks!! Ahhh!!! So I asked around and was told by a few folks about Alexis. She got me in two days later. Did a great job and I've been with her ever since. Flash forward to MAy 20 2016. I had a fill appointment with Alexis at 4 pm that day. That night, at 10 PM my mom passed away. Why is this relevant? Well, my mom died 5 hours after my appointment ended. An appointment for a service which states " don't get your lashes wet for 24 hours". Well, that's literally ALL I did for 2 weeks. I have never cried harder and more frequently in my life... And I actually didn't give two craps about my lashes- but lo and behold... Those suckers held up under the WORST of conditions. I teach hot Pilates, and other sweaty fitness classes, so my lashes are being put to the test all of the time. But nothing like when my mom passed. If you are looking for natural looking lashes (pretty) that will stand up to ANYTHING, you've found your girl. read more

A Smooth Start - No mascara !!!! Wheeee - Makeup Artists Near Me - San Jose, California

Just had my first ever eyelash extensions applied by Alexis and oh my god, are they gorgeous!! She did such an amazing job on them and my brow wax/tint as well. She really is exceptional at what she does, I would definitely recommend her to any and all who I know that are interested in try lash extensions. She makes you feel super comfortable with her friendly demeanour and her space is styled super cute! PS - I had trouble finding her location initially and walked into lash allure by accident, who were pretty rude when I asked for Alexis. So her spot is located on the second floor!! read more

Alexis is amazing! I recently decided to get eyelash extensions for the first time and went to 2 different places (one for the original set and a fill from another place) in Willow Glenn before discovering that Alexis did lashes. I should have gone to her from the start. The other 2 places did a poor job but Alexis got it JUST RIGHT! My lashes look great now thanks to Alexis! read more

Alexis is amazing in more ways than one. I have been seeing Alexis for over 7 years for my waxing. It's hard to find someone you can trust, I'm so happy to have found someone like Alexis. I only trust her when it comes down to it. She's quick and always finds time to get me in. From eyebrow waxing to Brazilian to makeup, it's a one stop shop. If your ever looking for wedding makeup and hair we got you covered. We have worked many weddings together and they couldn't have gone smoother. Definitely check her out. read more

Aside from being a little difficult to get a reach of, Alexis is an outstanding professional! I came in looking for an eyebrow extension procedure and after removing my existing coat of brow make up and examining what little appeared to be left she explained to me that I would be better off opting for an eyebrow tinting since my hair was too fine to actually hold onto the extensions for their intended period of time. I really appreciated her being upfront and honest with me instead of pushing a more expensive service, which she easily could have. This proves to me that she truly has the clients best interest in mind. Also, the tinting with Alexis took twice as long as it has ever before for me at the previous salon that I used to visit, but that's only because she has an eye for perfection and pays great attention to detail. Alexis made sure each section of my sparsely spaced eyebrows was evenly tinted and matched, which in comparison made me feel like all my previous tinting experiences were entirely half assed and rushed out the door. The results of her efforts completely exceeded my expectations. Her cozy office is a little difficult to spot off the bat but once you find it you'll regularly be back for more. Alexis is incredibly knowledgeable about what she does and a genuinely welcoming and funny person. Such a hidden gem! read more

I adore Alexis! Making an appointment is convenient (she texts you, I mean - who has time for phone calls nowadays lol). Actual lash extension process was pain free and under an hour. Since it was my first time I got the classic set of natural lashes and I love them. They last anywhere from 3-6 weeks depending on how well you take care of them. Her appointment dates fill fast! Plus, she is a licensed esthetician! Too legit, too legit to quit. She's super sweet & personable. Love her. read more

I found Alexis on Yelp when I was looking for a makeup artist to do my makeup for my engagement photos. I loved my makeup so much for my engagement photos that I decided to book her for my wedding. I am so happy I did. She did an amazing job on me and my bridesmaids, and she is very fun and personable too! She also had a great recommendation for a hairstylist that she has done a lot of weddings with in the past. They traveled together and work great together as a team! She also does great lash extensions! I would recommend her for all your makeup needs! read more

I first came here a year and a half ago for eyelash extensions and eyebrow extensions for my wedding. Best decision I ever made!

Alexis did an amazing job on my lashes! It's been years since I've had extensions and decided it was time to try them out again. I am absolutely in love with the way they turned out!! Alexis was so sweet and we chatted the whole time as if we had known each other for years. I would definitely recommend A Smooth Start!! read more

Alexis is amazing at what she does. I walk into her spa looking dead and walk out looking alive and vibrant. I recommend her for lash extensions, brows (especially her tint and wax combo), and... well, she's amazing at everything! If I ever get married, I will make sure Alexis is my makeup artist. read more

Alexis is awesome!! Thank you for making my eyes pop with my eyelash extensions, she really takes the time for her clients and goes the extra mile for us!! I love waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror, i'm almost complete. So happy for your new place, well deserved. See you soon! Steph read more

As I was preparing for my wedding and coordinating my teams to help, I immediately though of Alexis for make-up. She was excited to help and was a crucial person for me. She did an amazing job on my makeup for my engagement photos. Even helped me pick out my outfits. In the month leading up to my wedding, we did eyelash extensions. This was my first time and she was so gentle and made a typical uncomfortable situation enjoyable. She is hilarious and really makes you enjoy your time in her studio. We did a touch up a couple days before the wedding as well as mine and my mother's eyebrows. She must be using magical wax. It was not hot and did not even hurt, and I had the best results ever. I always break out when I get waxed elsewhere. Not one reaction to the wax she used. It was amazing. On the day of my wedding, Alexis arrived bright and early to do 8 women's makeup. She made all of us look and feel beautiful. Our ages ranged from 27 years old to 89. She can do it all! It was such a joy to have someone with great experience/knowledge and personality to share in wedding day preparation. She helped ease a possible stressful time. I don't even have a Yelp account, I am using my father's so I can write a review, which is how much I recommend Alexis. Thank you Alexis. -Victoria read more

I have gone here twice for eyebrow extensions and I have come out feeling so wonderful every time! I am amazed at how she can build an eyebrow off of virtually nothing because my eyebrows are so sparse. Not only does it look great, but it is SO affordable! Alexis is also so nice and funny making the entire experience a good time, as if you needed more reason to come here. On top of this, if there is a service she doesn't provide, she has great recommendations for where you could go! I'm so excited to get my makeup done here later this month! read more

I still see Alexis twice a month and always walk away happy. In addition to providing wonderful services, Alexis is also very positive. I often receive compliments on her lash work. She keeps my brows in line. With reasonable rates and great service - there's no down side. I highly recommend her. read more

I considered myself very lucky to have had Alexis as my make-up artist for my wedding day. Finding quality people can be really tricky, but I thankfully did not have to worry here. A professional who is highly skilled (not to mention super friendly), Alexis created my dream wedding day results. And I'm pretty sure I handed her a tough case: two religious ceremonies with two wildly different looks, and all on the same day. No easy feat. Alexis was cool, calm, and collected on this long day as she magically transformed me to match both my colorful sari and my cream wedding dress. Both looks were perfection and I truly felt beautiful on my wedding day, no matter what color dress I was wearing. Alexis is amazing and I'll be going to her for my future needs. If you need a talented make-up artist that will make you feel gorgeous, you're in the right spot. Thank you so much Alexis! read more

I've been going to Alexis for years and she's the best! When it comes to waxing, she totally puts you at ease with her sweet personality and sense of humor. She's quick, efficient and best of all when it comes to waxing--pretty much painless. I can't think of anyone else who I'd trust with my china. read more

Alexis is absolutely amazing!! She makes the entire eyelash extension process personable, professional, and fun. After coming from a lash studio that did a rough job, I was super excited to have this experience and to gain beautiful lash extensions. I'll definitely be back! read more

A Smooth Start - Ignore that dorky smile and look at those lashes! - Makeup Artists Near Me - San Jose, California

Let me start off with this I WILL NEVER EVER go to anyone else EVER. Alexis is hands down one of the best estheticians I have ever met she has saved my brows and does phenomenal lash extensions and my real lashes aren't damaged at all I love her. The costumer service she provides is what really puts her over the top she will find a way to either fit you in or accommodate you better. I have recommended friends to come to her and they love her work, she also listens to what you want and explains what it is that she's going to do and how to care for your new cute lashes or brows afterwards. (Also she lets you relax in the quiet or talk up a storm and vent if you need it which I do LOL). If you are thinking to go to some else for your lashes or brow needs think twice because she's honestly the best for price and service. read more

Alexis is seriously the best!!! She does my eyebrow/bikini waxing as well as my eyelash extensions. Alexis does an amazing job at all three. I always get compliments on my lashes and eyebrows! She is fast, sweet, funny, professional and honest. Plus she always adjusts to my schedule and fits me in even if it's last minute. Her studio is so cute and clean. Do your self a favor and book an appointment with Alexis, you'll be so glad you did read more

I never got my brows done before, but my friend found this place so I thought I would give it a try. I never got the chance to ask for her name, but she did a phenomenal job! I was nervous at first since like I said, I never got my eyebrows done before, and I have a pretty low tolerance for pain. But honestly, it was almost painless. She tinted, shaped, and waxed my friend's and my eyebrows. And I have to say, the waxing felt nice haha! She was very gentle and carefully, and not only that, she was extremely friendly. Plus it only took about 30 minutes for the both of us. The only thing I would point out is that the tint wasn't too dark. You know it got tinted, but it wasn't as dark as I would like. But nevertheless, I will be definitely coming back with my friend again! Goodbye ugly brows! read more

I am very excited to be the first review and first "official client" of Alexis at A Smooth Start. I've been going to her for years for brow/lash tinting and waxing- no one else does it quite like her (trust me, I've tried). I will be working closely with her over the next year to do my makeup for all my wedding related events and have no doubt in my mind that she is the very best out there for the job. Alexis never disappoints! Not to mention, she's cute as a button and very sweet- makes for a very comfortable visit every time! read more

Alexis does THE BEST BROWS EVER. No need to look further, your brows will be perfectly shaped and trimmed by Alexis you'll wonder where she has been your whole life... Her waxing studio is right next to CVS off Lincoln and has ample parking. It is very clean and simply decorated. Alexis is very professional, clean, and quick. She has a good eye and always makes your brows symmetrical. read more