Visits to Francesca are like mini vacations. It's almost unreal how relaxing her space and treatments are, and we're so lucky to have her in El Cerrito. I've always left her care feeling perfectly refreshed and renewed. All her products are super high quality but I haven't ever felt pressured into buying anything like I often do elsewhere...although I now have a growing collection of Botnia and other amazing items she's introduced me to. From the moment you step inside this little oasis, you're enveloped in a blanket of serenity, comfort, and beauty. You can tell that everything has been carefully and lovingly curated for your ultimate experience. Francesca's methods and knowledge are well-practiced and very evident; she has spent a lot of time honing her craft and it's obvious why she's always booked out so far in advance. I wholeheartedly agree with another client who wrote that what she provides is more of a form of therapy than anything else. I just wish I could see her more often! read more

I was shocked that I was told I'd have to pay $70 to reschedule my appt because I was 15 minutes late. (I accidentally took Arlington, forgetting that it's Colusa that goes to Fairmont, not Arlington; so I had to backtrack. In addition, it was very difficult for me to get away from work, as I work in a deadline-driven industry. This is why I also find it extremely inconvenient that this business is not open on weekends.) A facial is not something I would have purchased for myself, but this was a gift from my mom, who wanted me to experience a facial. This is why I especially wanted to experience the facial, not so much even for me, but because it meant something to my mom that I experience it. This being a 65-minute appointment that cost a lot at $150, being 15 minutes late would have left 50 minutes. I asked if she could do a shortened facial. (In my mind, that would have been plenty because this was something I have never experienced and didn't even know if I would like it.) But she said she would only be able to "put some cream on my face." She would neither agree to a shortened facial nor to rescheduling my appt without the steep charge of $70. Well, this seemed outrageous to me, so I was very angry but I did not lunge at her, as she wrote in a previous reply to an earlier review. That simply isn't true. The most upsetting thing was that she acted like the Queen of No from the moment I walked into the shop. UPDATE (4/12/25): For Francesca to state that I lunged at her is a flat-out lie. In addition, in her reply she is putting words in my mouth in many cases. Just one example: She wrote that I said that I didn't want a facial. What I in fact said was that "I would not have scheduled a facial for myself." That is not the same thing. Further, she states in her reply that "shortening a 65 minute treatment by *more than 15 minutes* is not something [she] is comfortable doing." If that is the case, then had she agreed upon my arrival at 15 minutes late to do a shortened facial, she could have proceeded with that right away, and we would not have have gotten to the "11:37" that she refers to. But no, the "Queen of No" wouldn't hear of doing anything to accommodate me, even as a first-time customer. She mentions that she texted me at 10 minutes after my appointment time but that I didn't reply. Well, of course I couldn't reply. If she had read my review she would have understood that I was driving at that time. She would have read that I said I accidentally took Arlington instead of Colusa and had to backtrack. But of course no leeway can be given even to a first-time customer who is not familiar with her location. After all, she is the Queen of No. Prospective customers may also be interested to know something else that I bet Francesca would not want them to know. That is that she illegally posted my photo on her company Instagram page, a photo for which I own the copyright. I had to ask Instagram to take it down, which they promptly did. And I can prove it. read more

The only place I will go for brows and facial. I have very sensitive skin and Francesca very thoughtfully selects the products she uses. The space is beautiful and comforting. You leave feeling new glowing and pampered. read more

Getting a facial from Francesca is like being reborn. Every part of the experience from the beautifully designed treatment room, to the cozy sheets on the warm bed, to her soft voice, simply melts the world away. It's otherworldly and best left to experience. Cannot recommend more highly, I'm still on a cloud! read more

Francesca is the best. I've gone to her for both facials and lash tinting and had wonderful experiences every time. Incredibly relaxing (I even started dozing off once, which I never do) and she does everything with great care. When I had appointments while I was pregnant, she tailored my experience to ensure every product she used was pregnancy-safe and made sure I was comfortable on the table. I only wish she wasn't so popular since she's often booked out far in advance! read more

Facials with Francesca are the loveliest, most delightful form of self care imaginable. I treat myself to a facial 3 or 4 times a year and my skin and soul are so happy every time. read more

Francesca is absolutely amazing - I've had facial treatments in London, New York and India, and this was by far the best I've ever had. From the calming, empowering and gorgeous aesthetic of her studio to the luxurious, tailored and downright delicious treatments - this place is an absolute gem - I can't wait to go back! read more

What a dream! I'm so happy that I happened to noticed Born + Borrowed on a inconspicuous corner in El Cerrito as I was driving by a couple weeks ago. I rarely receive facials and it was way better than I ever imagined. The space is both stunning and soothing with a holistic experience to match. Francesca is thorough, patient, and so generous with her knowledge--it was like therapy for my skin and even a little bit for my soul. I also love that Francesca uses natural, sustainable products and the way she's consciously designed the Born + Borrowed experience from start to finish. You leave her feeling like you glow from the inside out. read more

Of all the treatments I've had in my life, inclusive of exotic beachside massages, Francesca's holistic facial is BY FAR. BY.FAR. the most wonderful and relaxing treatment I've had. She is magic. Her products are magic. Her space is magic. The value is beyond reason (honestly I think she should charge more!). Every tiny detail about the experience is well designed, infused with love, and unbelievably refreshing. read more

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The best. Francesca is wonderful and I do love a facial massage; a visit to Opalene makes everything smooth and lovely for days. Everything.

Just WOW. Deeply relaxing and beautiful touch. Francesca goes way past skin deep treatment. She deftly uses her botanical alchemy to leave you feeling renewed, uplifted and beautiful. I drove away adding her name to my 'aging with grace' list of healthcare providers. Yes, healthcare. Her facials are the very best kind of good medicine for the skin and soul. read more

Finding Francesca years ago after moving to the Bay Area was such a treat. She is a true gem, she makes you feel like a million bucks, while being so graceful. It's actually soothing to be waxd by her. She's the sweetest person on earth which makes it all that much better. I'm so glad your back! read more

Opal Skincare is the very best with owner Francesca who has done and continues to trim my thick eyebrows and shaping them exquisitely. She is very friendly and upbeat, and makes the process of shaping my eyebrows comfy and also keeps their natural look. Yesterday she did a beautiful job and I am very fortunate to have found her. Her new shop is lovely too, very peaceful and serene. HIGHLY RECOMMEND again. read more

I've had many, many facials over the years and I can honestly say that Francesca is the best. No spa offers the comfort of hers and the attention to details that Francesca pays. She's truly an "expert" in her field. No one does brow shaping as well as she does and I've tried them all. What I really love about Francesca is that a session is not just about pampering, it's about your skin and making the best of it. She's a fountain of knowledge. She's also just a wonderful person and has the ability to make you feel like you are her very best friend. read more

She's back! Hands down the best facials and waxing in the bay. Make an appointment today, you won't regret it.

This rave review is long overdue; I hesitated because it is one of those amazing secrets that you want to share but don't want to become so popular that you can't get in. Francesca is simply the best. I have highly sensitive skin and have gone running from other spas with my face on fire. Francesca is the only person I have seen, where I not only don't have any reaction but leave feeling amazing and start getting compliments about my glow same day. Everything about her approach from service, products, declining gratuity is all thoughtfully designed to make you feel really good. I highly recommend her for brow, facial and products. Top notch business. read more

Was totally curious about having a vegetable-based dye applied to eyelashes as an alternative to wearing mascara, and let me tell you, it is awesome!! I don't think i'll ever wear crappy chemical mascara again! Francesca, the owner of Shimmer, is a pro--you get that right away. Her treatment room is really relaxing, the table is super comfortable, and she talks you through your treatment. The whole process felt luxurious. I was even treated to a mini hand-massage while the dye was setting. Also, I wear contacts and had no issues whatsoever the entire time. It's been about 3 weeks since the treatment, and my lashes are still darker-- this may be in part because the tips of my lashes are naturally light. I like, too, that she can customize how dark you go with the dye. Definitely going back. Thanks, Francesca! read more

Francesca is a treasure. Her presence and her way of making you feel deeply cared fo is deeply restorative. I have mature and sensitive skin and Francesca's custom facial is renewing. My skin is radiant and I feel pampered. Her products are of the highest quality and if I could give this review 10 stars, I would. read more

At her core, Francesca is a healer. She loves what she does and it shows. Each time I see her, I'm greeted with a warm smile and a hug. She then escorts me to her beautiful and cozy treatment room and that's where the real pampering begins. I always feel so taken care of in her presence. I used to consider facials with Francesca to be a luxury, but I have reframed them as therapy because it's less about the skincare (don't get me wrong -- the skincare is fabulous) and more about the total body relaxation. I'm the type of person who runs a little on the anxious side, and Francesca has a special gift in helping me calm my frazzled nervous system. The beauty industry is full of people who make money by leading people (especially women) to feel bad about themselves. Francesca is the opposite -- she's all about highlighting natural beauty and take a very minimalist approach to products, make-up, etc. She doesn't even make recommendations on products she sells unless I specifically ask. And, even then, she never pushes. I trust her recommendations, knowing she tries every thing out herself before selling to customers. Plus, she's committed to environmental stewardship and supporting women-owned businesses. I wish I could give more than five stars because she truly is THAT amazing. read more

Francesca is the best. I was a client when she had her business in Benicia and was so glad when she reopened at her new location. It's worth the drive! read more

Francesca is absolutely the best waxer I have ever had! I know that this is extremely positive, but it is totally accurate. She has such a light touch that you hardly notice that hair is being pulled from your body, even in sensitive areas! Plus, you feel relaxed and special just being there. The color and decor are smart and welcoming. read more

Francesca is amazing! She has a calming, sweet demeanor that instantly relaxes away my stress. She has set up her space to be quiet and serene. (As a bonus, her table is wide enough so that your hands can rest comfortably beside you and not fall off the side.) She uses exquisitely smelling products that feel so good on my skin. She uses every minute of her time with you for your benefit--a lot of aestheticians will put steam on you and then leave the room for 20 minutes. Not Francesca! She uses the times when masks are drying (she doesn't use steam) to give hand and foot massages--HEAVEN!! She even gives "product" recommendations that are thing you can find in your kitchen (e.g. sugar scrubs and oil cleansers) for healthy and radiant skin the natural way. I will DEFINITELY go back whenever I want to treat myself to 75 minutes of bliss! read more