I'm going to be in a wedding soon, that means lots of pictures in a dress "lovingly" selected by the bride. The only thing to do to maximize the situation is to get a facial, so your glowing face detracts from the David's bridal ensemble. Recently I've been super busy at work, so I kind of dropped the ball on scheduling at one of my usual spots, so I decided to give Nola's a try. The basic facial is $75, and it lasts about 70 minutes. For an extra $10, you can add on a peel. They're closed on Monday and Sunday. Scheduling was pretty easy. I called and left a message, and was called back within 24 hours, and they scheduled an appointment without demanding a credit card. Cool! Once you walk in, it's hard to believe you're only a few steps from the hustle and bustle of Grand Ave. The treatment rooms are on the small side, but they're nicely decorated with drapey fabric. I forgot to get the name of my facialist, but she was VERY MELLOW. They do NOT push product like some other places. Everything they used smelled really good. It was so soothing she thought I had fallen asleep. Now here's why they only get 4 stars. I got extractions - part of why I get facials, I want a professional to squeeze the gunk out. Well, I think she left the peel on some of the extracted areas too long. I generally have some puffiness or redness immediately after a facial, but within a few days I am glowing and happy. This time I ended up with one little spot that just can't be covered by makeup. I am praying that it resolves itself before picture time. I will revise my review after a few more days of recovery. I will probably go back here, because the overall experience was great. I ran into a friend about 30 minutes later, and she couldn't tell I had just gotten a facial, which was cool. The prices for waxing are within the range of other nice places in the Bay, but more expensive than the back room of a nail shop. read more

Stephanie is *nothing* if she's not thorough. Except maybe a perfectionist. And an obsessive-compulsive. Not only does she own and run this local business, she's charming, friendly, and sends out a total "at ease" vibe. This last quality is especially important if you're considering getting a bikini wax. (Ahem, see above.) I had a very positive experience despite some minor confusion about what's meant by "extended bikini" versus "brazilian" (which she cleared up before we started and ensured I felt comfortable paying for what I had anticipated when I walked in the door) and my expectations about how long the whole thing should take (I also got my legs done). I left feeling well-attended to and tropical-vacation-ready! I highly recommend checking this place out. (P.S. I might have taken off a star for the cute, but somewhat warn decor, but I hear there are near-future plans to refurbish, so I'll keep it in, in good faith.) read more

I was a walk-in customer once, to get my lashes and brows dyed. Stephanie did the best brow-shaping I have ever had....and I've had a lot, I tell you. They were PERFECT. She also showed me a little trick of enhancing them with makeup. They looked awesome for a month. Then I went to book an appointment online and read the definition of a BomSHele: "Jeans, Blouses, Stylish T-Shirts, Stiletto's, Skirts and Dresses are a must. BomSheles work hard to never be caught without her hair, nails, and makeup in proper condition." Sigh. And double sigh. None of the above description fits me. Basically I am a bum, and the only reason I bother to get my eyebrows done is that if I do, I feel good to go without makeup for weeks. Now that I know there's an "image" that comes with these awesome services, I just can't bring myself to book. Is it because I am stubbornly proud of my happy-go-lucky way, or am I intimidated by the gorgeous and ever competent Stephanie who thinks I ought to be walking around twisting my cankles in stilettos? Both. But would I recommend the services to others? Unequivocally, YES. She's the best. read more

So Nola's never quite got me that same dewey just-shagged look that I received from swankier spots in SF, but it's a block away, at least thirty bucks cheaper, and they generally do a decent job with the extractions. The staff changed pretty regularly, so I never got a sense of consistency in what they were doing and why. Nice ladies, though, really convenient, and they always had availability. Nola's was bought out this fall '07 and is now BomShele. The facials are still good enough, but they are definitely pushing the products hard core. More than the products, they *really* want you to get your brows done. Stephanie and Shirley are really sweet and seem to know what they're doing, but be prepared to defend your choices in skin care product and to possibly part ways with some facial hair. read more

OK, so i needed to get a wax...a Brazilian...plus eyebrows..so I'm looking for somewhere clean, quiet an within a price range that wont break the budget...so i come across BomShele...an i call....I speak with Stephanie an immediately her calm pleasant professional demeanor is evident..she only has one more appointment an i snatch it up...lol upon arrival, the building is unassuming...so i make it to BomShele an the relaxing quiet ambiance is perfect. Stephanie is an AWESOME waxer eyebrows to down below was handled with care an professionalism. I recommend BomShele for all your waxing needs...it was as AWESOME experience an I will see Stephanie in 3 weeks..lol the YELP discount is GREAT also!!!! read more

My eye brows are very important to me. Yours would be very important to you too if you grew up being called "Bert" because your brows had crippling separation anxiety. I'm sure the pain of elementary school ridiculing has sent Stephanie many a customer. And I'm glad that our lowered self esteem isn't all for naught since its keeping a lady as lovely, professional, and meticulous as Stephanie in business. She did an incredible job on my brows. She scheduled my appointment in even though she was supposed to be closed, and then was super gracious when she realized that I couldn't get an eye brow wax because I use Retin-A on my face, which could result in my delicate eye skin being ripped clear off! So she spent like over half an hour plucking my brows by hand. She took me from the Brooke Shields power brow to a sexier stream lined look. I love it. BomeShele's the best. read more

Stephanie is back in the bay and I couldn't be happier. I go to her for my Almost brazilians and the occasional brow shaping. She is talented. She gets five stars her skillful eye and hand, high quality products and services, her professional and personable demeanor. Her digs are simple and understated (one room in Grand Lake) but the high level of comfort you experience is due to Stephanie's aura. I can't wait til the budget increases, because trust and believe that "facials" will be added to my list of regular services. read more

in my lifetime, i have gotten 3 brazillian waxes.... my experience at BomShele was by far the most supreme! This place has a great ambiance, is sensitive to those girly needs, very knowledgeable about the services they offer, and yet down to earth if you are a new-comer to getting brazillians. i highly recommend bomshele! read more

I called Stephanie in a panic on Friday afternoon in need of service for Saturday. She mentioned that she was closed on Saturday to celebrate her birthday. (All in favor of that!) Unfortunately, my event at which my who-ha would see daylight was on Saturday so I needed quick help. Stephanie called me back and agreed to give me an appointment at 6pm! Score! The experience was quite lovely. She has a very relaxing demeanor and put me at ease immediately. The brazilian was perfection! (and painless). Loves her. Will definitely be back. read more

Best brow sculpting ever. I love this place. They just opened up in a new location in Oakland but I have been following Stephanie for years. I trust no one else with my eyebrows. The few times I have tried other places over the years have ended badly. Stephanie knows just how to shape my eyebrows to flatter my face. Even after I moved across the bridge I wouldn't leave her. That long drive and bridge toll are totally worth it. read more

This isn't a review on the work but the customer service. I just got off the phone with the owner who called me in her free time to to handle my appointment. Unfortunately I couldn't do the appointment today but she was lovely and made me feel like my business was still wanted. I think customer service is always important but taking a few minutes to reach out to customers while on vacation goes far with me. I look forward to working with them one day once the holidays are over. read more

Stephanie really knows brows! I've been going to Stephanie for a few years now and even when I've strayed, I always come back. Her sculpting is top notch! read more

Wow! I just called this place and yes they are closed...but I was very impressed that they answered the phone and were very helpful even after hours. Can't wait to go and try out their magic...great customer service read more

I liked it better when it was Nola. The people were so much nicer and more openly. Sure they change the prices on some of the product, but something feels odd everytime I go in there, it doesn't feel right. It seems like it is always empty, like noone goes there. The owners says the business is good, but where is everyone at. read more

If you want your eyebrows shaped, there is no better place to than to Stephanie at Bomshele-- she is a perfectionist to create that perfect brow. I am SOLD!!! read more

I have had my brows done by various people and Stephanie took my brows to a whole new level. WOW. It is clear she had excellent training and mastered the art while in L.A. Beauty and perfection. If you want incredible brows- go see Stephanie. She is a wonderful lady and business person, so it is very pleasurable to work with her. read more

I've been a customer for a few years now and have always had an awesome experience. She is a master eyebrow sculptor lol. I'm hairy and have always wanted to get the Brazilian so I needed to find someone whom I could feel comfortable and get my waxing in a clean professional atmosphere. Stephanie is that and then some!! She is very flexible and understanding of your needs. I particularly use her products like scrub scrubs, shower gels, and her glosses are the best and last forever. Of course you can go to a nail shop for these services but for me, I choose BomShele for my spa like experience. read more

I highly recommend nola's. I've been twice now for brazilian waxing and the esthetician really does a great job and is professional. I had a bad experience at another place in san francisco before coming here; luckily i found this place! read more

My week long birthday extravaganza has finally ended! It was an amazing birthday beginning with my first-ever facial from Stephanie at BomShele. I usually treat myself to their Brow Sculpting service (which is amazing). I started seeing Stephanie by chance in October '06 and am so lucky to have a perfectionist in my neighborhood! I have not been THIS happy with my brows since I relocated. For my birthday however, I wanted to do something even more special. I treated myself to a Paul Scerri facial, which was truly decadent. For over an hour I was cleansed without towels, scrubbed with minimal stinging, and extracted with minimal redness. The room was quiet, the music was perfect, and the table was comfy. On the outside of my facial I received the lymph node drainage and heated gloves with a hand softening treatment. Do's: wear easy to remove clothes; I chose sweat pants. Use the restroom right before the facial; you will need to use it after the drainage. Drink lots of water. Dont's: wear your contacts; I didn't and was happy. Get the lymph node drainage if you are sensitive to exposure of your dcolletage/arms/or breasts; I wish: they had a heated blanket in addition to the gloves. In all, it was worth the money and made the day so relaxing. Cheers! read more

Stephanie is the Brows Diva! She has been doing my brows since 2001, and I have NEVER been to anyone as good as she is...not at The Claremont, BeneFit, or any other uuber-fancy S.F. swank-beauty bar. At my wedding this past summer at Sonoma Mission Inn, Stephanie and her mother Shirley did the make up and brows of my entire wedding party and Our Moms, and we looked FABULOUS. There was no one else I would have though of trusting. She does painstaking work, she's very professional, and takes her time to make sure we ladies great. I was not a Brow Gal until I met Stephanie, and now I would never go anywhere else. She also turned my skin around by recommending some beneficial products that I now use religiously. read more

I started going to Nola's more than a year ago and LOVED the people there. It was a great facial spot. Since then, it has become BomShele. I have never been so impressed by such a smooth transition between owners. Stephanie (new owner) even had a good-bye event! Amazingly friendly people! Since then, I have had a facial, which was hardcore. I'm more of a "let's relax" kinda person, but Stephanie's extractions are for real! I'm not saying that I have the best skin, but I have never had such a thorough facial - EVER! As for the comment about pushing product, I'm not quite sure about that. I mean, I did buy a cleanser after my facial, but I LOVE IT! I have really sensitive, but dry skin and the only thing has not dried my skin out is Cetaphil, which is great, but the stuff Stephanie suggested has really kept my skin moisturized. Also, I am totally with everyone re: Stephanie's eyebrow shaping skills. WOW! She's the best. I have gone EVERYWHERE! She is the best, no contest. The other thing I love about Stephanie is she's real flexible - i.e. I called her at 5pm on Valentine's Day and she squeezed me in! The only reason I didn't give BomShele 5 stars is because I know that it is still coming into its own. Check out the website! BomShele offers a ton of services and specials: http://www.bomshele.com. read more

If you are concerned about having SCABS on your face after getting a wax or facial , DO NOT COME HERE. Simply put, after waxing my upper lip and having a "mini" facial, I had 4 SCABS on my upper lip, that I did not have before then. Not only did they look terrible, but they HURT even after 5 days, and were still visible after 5 days. Right after the facial, I saw the open wounds around my lip and told the owner, who also happened to be the person who did both procedures. She said," That's normal, they'll scab up and go away in a few days". Who wants to walk around with painful scabs? Avoid getting them in the 1st place (if you go here to get your lip waxed or a facial you run that risk). SO DON'T GO TO BOMSHELE, UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE "EXPLODED WITH SCABS" !! read more

I used to Go here when it was called Nola's...then Bomshele came around....I really miss the staff at Nola's!!! Okay Stephanie is nice but jeez is she pushy and fake! I made an appointment with Stephanie and when I got there she said "Shirley" would take care of me! WTF!!! When I make an appt I expect that person! Its NEVER clean there, and the excuse of "they are going to do big things" I'm sooo over! They dang near doubled their prices and for what??? So everyone else that has said its the BEST! Whatever! Okay, she's nice, okay, she does good brows...but what about the 80% of what's important??? ...NOLA'S come back :( Oh and for the person that said they always changed staff...in the 2 years I went there I saw 2 different people! the other was a new esthetician! read more