Can't say enough good things about Cynthia and her treatments. She is caring and empathetic and provides deeply relaxing and effective treatments. Of the 5 friends I've sent her way, all 5 have given rave reviews. I'm a big fan of her face wash and custom-blended moisturizers, but there's never any pressure to buy anything. read more

I had the most amazing facial with Cynthia today. This is the second facial I've had with her, and I cannot say enough good things, thank you she is compassionate and caring, and she also is an excellent aesthetician and understands skin. She's very knowledgeable about skin products and uses innovative techniques so you get the best facial experience. read more

Best facial I've ever had. Cynthia (the owner) was very professional and warm when it came to addressing my skin concerns. After I had a full understanding of what to expect I could fully relax and let her work her magic There is a deep consideration to the art of relaxation through heat, cold, aromatherapy, massage techniques, and the sequence of everything. This is not just a normal facial. The heated bed and arm massage makes this a feel like a whole body treatment. The intention behind this experience and understanding of simply what feels amazing is at a level no other service is matching. Especially for the price. I had a more extraction focused session but the prep beforehand and intentionality of every step along with her actual technique made the process as comfortable as it possibly could be. Then once that was out of the way I was essentially engulfed in special hot and cold techniques and revitalizing sensations. I am already so happy with the results and feel amazing. I cannot recommend this place enough. A beautiful experience, thank you. read more

Cynthia is so kind, knowledgeable, and amazing at what she does! She really puts in the time and effort into understanding your skin goals/concerns and getting to know you as a person. I always leave feeling refreshed and my skin glowing! read more

A facial at Illuminata is a treat but, for me, it has become a necessary treat. While Cynthia is on leave, I've scheduled my appointments with Lana. An extended facial with Cynthia or Lana is exactly what I need just about every 6 weeks! I'm not even sure of all the things they do to my face but it always feels amazing. Some things I do remember are the hot stones followed by the cool stones. They feel glorious. Cynthia explained what the stones do for my skin but it was so long ago that I either forgot or I just trust them so much to do what my skin needs that I just lay down in the warm bed and let them work their magic. The massages with the treatment ALWAYS make me feel so relaxed. I've drifted off to dream land a time or two during those ministrations on my hand, neck and shoulders. And I love the attention they give to the décolletage. Most facials I've had before tended to forget that area but at Illuminata that extra attention makes my skin glow and appear younger overall. read more

I came here for the first time last weekend for a signature facial, and Natalie was amazing! They have all of the necessary COVID protocols in place (HEPA filters, windows open, triple mask/ shield), so I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. I've been really stressed lately and I planned a super relaxing afternoon - Natalie absolutely delivered on that! From the music to all of the calming smells and massage, I left feeling so good and my skin glowing! She even gave me a sample of the face wash, which I am OBSESSED WITH. I need to go back and buy a full-size! read more

Cynthia is very sweet and down to earth. She gives great facials and great skin advice. So relaxing and feels so cleansing.

When you go out there in the world, you want to put your best face forward. You want your personality to shine. But if the only thing that's shining lately is your forehead and the only accessory you've been wearing is that huge zit on your chin, it's time to take matters into your own hands. Scheduling an appointment online is easy and will require your credit card info to hold your appointment. This is needed because Illuminata is a small business and can't afford to have broken appointments at the last minute. It's a bit tricky finding this place since they don't officially have their own space, in fact, they share a building with other offices. But the small room is tastefully decorated, warm and inviting. Lana welcomed me with a big smile. I loved her strong, steady hands efficiently getting out those pesky pimples and blackheads! She gave me extra time under the steam which I appreciated because that's my favorite part of a facial! If you have the time and money, opt for the extended facial, you can choose to get extra 15 mins of extractions or massage. You should totally do the extra massage part! This was my first time doing a hot stone massage and boy, I was treated like a princess. The heat from the stones relaxes the muscles from deep within. She'll put the stones on strategic places on your back, leave them there for a couple of minutes while massaging your arms and hands. Then she replaces them with cold stones. It is unbelievable! I can't wait to schedule another facial here, heck, I'd do it for the massage alone! read more

I had a great treatment with Cynthia this weekend. Highly recommend. What did I like. She has a lovely manner that really put me at ease as soon as I arrived. I felt relaxed straightaway - and I really needed some relaxation. She had time set aside to discuss my skin so we chatted about that before the treatment started. In fact she didn't chat once the treatment started which I loved. But I'm sure you can chat if you prefer that! I was warm and comfy and felt totally at peace. This was one of the best treatments I've had in terms of how my skin looked and felt and how I felt. read more

Hot (and cold) stone massage for your face! I used to get regular facials back when I was living in my hometown of La La Land, and boy, there were nothing like this. Instead of being full of painful extractions that left me hiding behind bug-eyed sunglasses and running to my car on the way out lest someone see me, my facial with Lana at Illuminata was the most relaxing facial ever. And the relaxation showed... temporarily, at least. My face was dewy and glowy the rest of the day. My undereye circles were miraculously gone. I was estastic... at least until the next day. I definitely don't have sensitive skin, and I haven't had a negative reaction to any facial products prior to this. However, this facial seems to have brought back an adolescent problem: pimples. Luckily, the bumps are tiny and probably unnoticeable to other people, but that was a side effect I haven't seen before. Lana is really sweet, and the treatment was really relaxing. However, having to walk around with small itchy bumps on my face for a few weeks is no small matter. (Couldn't resist the wordplay!) read more

I'm sincerely cringing as I write this review. How I dearly wanted to be singing the praises of Illuminata from rooftops, party because Tori was one of the sweetest individuals. Alas, we're taking facials, and I was sadly disappointed with mine. The products Tori used seemed fantastic and felt great. I thought for sure I would walk out with glowing skin. I'm sad to note that many weeks later my skin never attained that dewy fresh faced look. In fact the facial made absolutely no difference in my skin clarity. I also thought the massage portion was pretty skimpy and not very relaxing. In fact at one point she placed warm stones underneath my back to "relax" those tense muscles. Unfortunately it turned out to be downright uncomfortable. As much as I love the idea of going to a smaller "spa", I would have rather paid more for a lux spa experience and a glowing visage. read more

This review is way overdue. I have been going to Natalie for facials at Illuminata for the past 8 years (time flies!) I am originally from Paris, France, and upon moving here, tried out several different facial providers across San Francisco. I tend to be picky about skincare and mindful of ingredients. Natalie is hands-down the most incredible facial provider out there. Here are a couple highlights of what makes her amazing : - She is great at what she does / her technique is unparalleled . I always come out of her office glowing and rejuvenated. - She is an amazing listener and has no other agenda than making you feel and look great. I am always impressed how much she remembers everything I tell her and truly cares in every detail to deliver on my skin care goals - The products she uses are very high-quality feel and smell natural and delicious. - She never pushes any products on me. On the contrary she just gives me free samples from time to time! - the massages and relaxation techniques that go with the facial are to die for! No spoilers but hot stones are involved - She is an all-around friendly, lovely lady and is wonderful to speak with. Ladies, if you're looking for a great facialist in San Francisco, you can go with your eyes closed. I've had the privilege of trying many fancy spas (including the flagship Guerlain spa in Paris and others in Asia), and I can say without hesitation that Natalie is the best out there. Thank you for supporting me for so many years! read more

I came here in December 2019 (I was planning on coming back, but Covid!), and Natalie was the esthetician that did my facial. Words cannot explain how amazing she was. This was my first facial and I was a bit nervous, but Natalie is amazing at building rapport and making you feel comfortable. I personally have sensitive, combination skin. Products from First Aid Beauty, CeraVe, and similar products have caused eczema in the past. So going into this facial, i was pretty worried about how my face might react. However, the products they used weren't irritating to my skin. Not to mention, the hot stone massage was amazing. I've gotten many warnings about possible scarring from the extractions. I fortunately did not experience any such thing, and had many compliments days after. (And a bit of shock that there was a lack of scarring.) So overall I spent $120, which sounds like a lot, but Natalie was very transparent with me about how many times a year I would actually need to come in for a facial. Which is 4x less than I expected. They really do care about you and your skin here, so definitely come here for your next facial! read more

Natalie is amazing. I mean, simply amazing. Like, really, really good. I got the classic facial and I left feeling beautiful, which never happens after a facial (normally, I am a pink goblin hiding under a bridge). None of the products irritated me and the extractions were through and effective. God bless Natalie. read more

Can't say enough good things about Cynthia! My experience is extraordinary. She is the kindest, most assuring, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. Happy to say I will be a regular and returning customer. Thank you so much!:) read more

This place is definitely a gem in the City! I heard about Illuminata through Daily Candy sometime last year, and finally got around to making an appointment earlier this week. Along with the good reviews here on Yelp, I was pretty confident that I would have a good experience -- and it was!! Cynthia is pleasant, easy to talk to, and opens the floor up for questions after discussing your skin history and what your concerns are. As an intro, I got the signature facial. The massage was soothing, and I love the sensations of the different cleansers, masks and washes with wonderful scents of lavender, orange, etc. Some of the products were cool to soothe the skin and others were warmed to comfort. Lovely!! I highly recommend this place, and I will be back when my skin needs more TLC! Thanks, Cynthia! read more

Cynthia is my GIRL. I love coming to Illuminata. As a skincare enthusiast and someone who has struggled with acne, I care a lot about my skin. I've been getting facials for 12 years--so I'm quite discerning. I get facials every 4 weeks with Cynthia. I love her approach to facials--it's about customization, personalization and education. I learn so much from Cynthia on natural skincare and maintaining beautiful skin. Her space is beautiful and very convenient. I always love coming to see her. I highly recommend Cynthia! read more

I've been to Illuminata a number of times over the years and every single time I walk away thinking that was the best facial I've ever had!! Natalie is brilliant, she's kind, she's thoughtful and she keeps getting better at her job. read more

I wait to do my shopping and pampering until I'm in Asia: - I would get nightly massages from a masseuse who does housecalls. - Mani-pedi in the comfort of my own home in Manila while sipping ice cold pineapple juice. - Herbal massage at Wat Po Temple in Thailand while the sun was setting down. Totally unforgettable experience!! - Getting a haircut from a popular stylist who just cut the hair of the movie celebrity sitting right next to me. -- Shoppings and more shoppings in Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Manila! And I am nowhere near wealthy! These are all totally affordable even for a 9-6 American worker like me. The fees are so dirt-cheap they're obscene! Don't get me wrong--Asian countries, even a poor 3rd world country like the Philippines--boast of thousand dollar spas with the million-dollar tropical views that can compete with the luxuries of US and Europe. But why pay American prices when in Asia, right? And I can't expect to pay Asian prices here in the US, either. That's why I wait until I go back to my annual trip to Asia (except I haven't gone in 2 years) to be treated like princess. But I couldn't wait anymore, my skin needed TLC and pampering but do not know where to go. Thanks to fellow Yelpers who wrote reviews about ILLUMINATA. I followed their lead and got an appointment with Cynthia for an Extended Facial. It was the best facial I ever had in my life! And the massage just turned me into a HUMAN JELLO. Illuminata's is located at a flat on Valencia. It Is classic with hardwood floors and simple/clean-line furnishing Pottery-Barn style. Clean but not sterile, serene and very conducive to relaxing and falling asleep. The background nature sounds were very soothing all throughout the whole hour and half session. Cynthia herself made me feel very at ease. She is friendly but professional. She knew about her stuff without sounding like lecturing during the whole process. She recommended some products but never pushed them on me. She just gave me a sample to take home. The facial procecure started in a private and cozy room. She asked me to take my clothes off after she left the room and get under the the soft covers that felt like a down comforter. She covered my eyes but did not dry out my contacts and proceeded to give me massages on my face, neck and shoulders. She used hot and cold lotions. The sensations made me want to go into a deeeep sleeep but felt too nice that I wanted to stay alert. That was the relaxing part. The extraction part (taking the oil out of the skin with an instrument) hurted a little but it was not so bad. Cynthia has a nice touch. More massages and finished the session with a light head massage. I just melted and light as feather after everything. My skin felt softer. She never rushed me to get up. Cynthia is so great that the fee for getting such relaxing treatment was worth every dollar. It was pricey but I will be back for more! There's no price for your health and well-being. http://illuminatasf.com/services.html I recommend you book your appointment soon. Cynthia is so popular that you have to wait your turn for a month and a half. Believe me she is worth the wait! 4.5 Stars. I'll save the .5 for my next visit! read more

A facial with Cynthia is just what my stressed-out, broken-out, jacked-up skin needed. After she was done applying her fabulous potions and laboring over my pores, my face looked at least 50 percent less scary than when I walked in. Miraculous! The results alone would have made me happy, but Cynthia also went all out with adding tons of blissful massage to the treatment. At one point she put hot stones under my shoulders, and later she massaged cold stones across my face, which felt amazing. Her studio is pretty and relaxing, and Cynthia has a wonderfully mellow and kind presence. I can tell that she loves her work, and truly cares about making her clients happy. In addition, I feel good supporting a new small business, rather than giving money to some corporate med-spa. As I left Cynthia's and headed down Valencia with my dewy face, a sweet old man told me that I had nice tits. This proves that the benefits of Cynthia's facials extend far beyond your visage, and will cause beauty to emanate from every part of your being. After my next treatment, I'm hoping to get some attention for the beauty radiating from my ass. read more

The signature facial with Tori is TOP QUALITY. Simply put - Tori is amazeballs at what she does. I am beyond pleased with the results of my skin so far, but the overall experience left a lasting positive impact on my entire weekend. Not only is she highly likable but her warm genuine approach clearly reflects an authentic empathy she shares with her clients. She quite easily gained my trust by building an honest rapport and I realized, mid-facial - that when done properly - giving and receiving a facial can be a pretty intimate shared experience. It's like a mini-journey with a lot of twists and turns that demands ultimate vulnerability to a wide spectrum of both emotions and physical sensations. After all, we are essentially there to face our demons. I was able to really let go with her and relax enough to allow what needed to happen, just happen. It was therapeutic in more ways than just skin. The ability to soothe people in such a well-rounded way is truly a special talent. Tori is the total package. Tori utilizes an expertly skilled approach to guide your way through the emotional roller coaster that only a bad ass cathartic facial can take you on - and the completed experience will send you walking down Valencia with a big fucking smile on your face, sassy as hell, ready to paint the whole town red. :) read more

Such a great experience with Natalie. She was warm and welcoming. Took the time to ask me about my skin, and then explained all the steps she would be doing during the facial-- which was super helpful. The facial it self was good- throughout I felt so relaxed. I would give Natalie 11/10. read more

I went to Illuminata yesterday for my second time and both of my experiences were absolutely five stars. This time Natalie did my facial and she was fantastic! Made sure I was super comfortable and worked wonders on my skin. I appreciated how she explained everything she was doing as well as me giving me the details on the products she used. She made me laugh and gently pointed out some areas for improvement for my skin but didn't try to converse the whole time so I could really relax. That balance can be hard to find! My skin looks so much better today. I can't remember the name of the woman who did my facial back in December but she was equally lovely. I highly recommend Iluminata and I will definitely be back again soon read more

Ahhhhh...that is how I feel about the facial I received from Lana last night. I am a big believer in facials and try to get them somewhat regularly...and it was probably the most relaxing facial I have ever received. After a whirlwind of a day I showed up, rang the bell, was immediately greeted by Lana and her calm, lovely presence. After a few minutes of skin discussion she got started...Her approach was gentle but deliberate, thorough and attentive. The extractions process was quite bearable and felt therapeutic and almost even relaxing... The massage portion was fantastic... I enjoyed every moment of this experience. My skin is glowing. Thank you Lana! read more

Natalie did my facial this morning. She was super warm and welcoming and very professional. The office was clean and serene. Nathalie explained in detail all of the steps she was going to do for my treatment and described every product and what their benefit was. I have no complaints. I will be back for sure! Thanks again Natalie! read more

I had a great experience with Natalie. She is so sweet! This was my first facial and I was so excited to get one. She explained everything during the process and made me feel comfortable. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants a relaxing and pleasant experience. Highly recommend!!! read more

Just had my first facial done at Illuminata with Tori. I have to say I loved it. Loved it so much I am actually writing a review about it. I have been to a couple of facial places, but none that can amount to what I have experienced at Illuminata. First of all, the ambience was great! Nice lighting and soothing music to help you relax. Tori was very gentle and informative. She told me what type of tool she will be using to extract my blackheads. She even demonstrated how it will feel like when she is doing the extracting. (Note: if you do not like pain then you might not want to get a facial because the extraction part is the most painful part of the whole process). As for the other stuff, I loved the mixture of hot and cold applications to my face. After the extractions, Tori would put a warm towel on my face and then clean it up with a cold towel. Then she would apply some warm lotion and then cold lotion. It was shocking at times but definitely felt nice, especially because there is a little massage involved as well. One thing I definitely loved the most was the hot stones and the massaging of my shoulders as well as my arms. The last facial places I have been to never did that. Highly recommend this place and Tori!!! read more

This place is extremely worth the price! Natalie, the lady who gave me my facial, was really kind and made sure everything felt good. She told me when the scrubs, mask would feel a little tingly or a little painful and always asked if they were bearable. She was a also really good at giving massages and she only talked when I started the conversation so i didn't feel obligated to talk and could just relax. I recommend Illuminata to anyone who want clearer, softer and glowing skin. read more

i agree with the good reviews written here about cynthia. The whole experience is more than just a facial. i was complete relaxed by the time i got done (even with the extractions), and my face was glowing, and soft. You can see that cynthia put meticulous thought into everything that goes on, and I can't think of anything she could have done to improve my experience. Cynthia also sneaks in lavender aromatherapy with cool breeze, which feels euphoric with the tiny warm stones she uses to massage the face. also, try the face wash she recommends. its a gel that's applied dry and it's the only wash i've tried that does an amazing job of cleaning without the dry-out effect. read more

I've been to Illuminata for 3 facials with Tori now and gosh... I don't know how it could get any better than this! I have been suffering from mild-medium acne for 3 years now and have tried everything from chemical peels to prescription topical medication. None of those have compared to how my face feels and looks after a facial with Tori. I'm hooked! Also, Tori recommended the illuminata exfoliator and I decided to give it a try. I was ACTUALLY impressed with the way it made my skin feel afterwards. I couldn't believe how dewy and smooth my skin could look and feel. Thanks to Tori I'm well on my way to not having to wear any face make up. read more

I just visited Tori over the weekend for my first facial and it was spectacular. It's true I have no other facial experiences to compare this with, but I would imagine a great session to be just like the one I had. I decided to try this place out due to other Yelper reviews and the current special with Tori for a 60 minute session for $75. Thank you Yelpers for another great find! Tori was very calm and zen when I met her. The room I entered had peaceful music playing in the background and the room and sheets were clean. For 60 minutes, Tori massaged my face and neck, cleansed, creamed, extrapolated (not painful at all), and used hot and cold stones and towels on my face. It was all very soothing and hydrating. I told Tori that the recent cold weather was taking a toll on my face and that my skin was very sensitive. She was very gentle through the whole process. I would highly recommend this place! It was just so soothing and my skin still feels wonderful days later. I will be coming back here again soon! Thanks again Tori! read more

This was a delightful experience from start to finish. I wasn't expecting to enjoy myself so much, mostly because facials are usually so painful and I find myself put off by the faux-medical terminology and hush-hush atmosphere. I usually feel so relieved when they're over, and I never say much during the experience itself. It's embarrassing having someone look at your skin with a gigantic mirror! Well, I found myself transformed into a regular chatterbox with Cynthia. I think it's because I felt so at ease, and because it didn't hurt that much, and because I could tell this was what she was born to do. I absolutely LOVE being around people who are doing what they were born to do, who love their work SO much that it just comes out in every detail. She has a very genuine and approachable way about her that made me feel comfortable and safe. I started this review a month ago and then forgot to finish it, but my skin is still looking good (thanks to lots of sunscreen, her special scrub, and her moisturizer--which I bought because I needed some, and not because she told me to, which she didn't)... Can't wait until my next visit! read more

Haven't wrote a review in years but I must now, after the best facial - ever. Thank you, Lana! read more

I don't see how Illuminata can get less than FIVE STARS!! Cynthia is a total sweetheart. We need more people like her in this world. I was a facial newbie and decided to give em' a try. Plus, my friends always had flawless, acne-free skin, and I felt like the ugly duckling next to them. I pretty much gave up on all the skincare products I bought ranging from drugstore to high end brands like Shiseido, Clinique, and Lancome. Nothing worked on my face (and I dread wearing foundation everyday...) I knew I had to seek professional help. Illuminata was the first thing that popped up when I searched for "facials" in my neighborhood---and the kajillion 5-star reviews convinced me to make my first appointment conveniently online. Cynthia started off with a skin consultation and ended with a skin care recommendation. She really took the time to explain everything clearly. I had no idea that I had dehydrated and oily skin at the same time! Cynthia was certainly skilled. She was super gentle and I enjoyed the cleanser, enzyme, mask, and moisturizer she put on my face. They all smelled so luscious! I asked Cynthia to explain each step, but I unintentionally dozed off due to the warm, scented lavender cloths. Moreover, the music was so peaceful and tranquil. During the consultation, she told me to use a cleanser that was sulfate-free...but I didn't own any. But, because Cynthia was extremely kind, she gave me samples of the tea tree oil cleanser and SPF-free night moisturizer. It's her own organic line, which just shows how talented she is. Already, my skin has been improving a week after the facial and I am determined to purchase Illuminata's cleanser and moisturizer because of the great results. See you soon, Cynthia! read more

Part of me wants to keep Cynthia as a secret....but I do want to say she gives one amazing facial. There'a a lot of attention to detail...some details I want gone. :) I never feel like the treatments are too much...they're just right. The extractions are great too....she's got skills. I leave there with glowing skin. And she gives amazing arm, neck, and shoulder massages! She also will customize skin care products for your skin. read more

Let me just say this to start, I'm still feeling relaxed and my face is still glowing... Cynthia is amazing. It is pretty much as simple as that. I've gone to 3 different facialists (is that a word?) in the city and this was BY FAR my best experience. Cynthia takes time to get to know you, your concerns about your skins, and what you're hoping to accomplish through treatment. Great start. The facial itself is supremely relaxing AND effective. She even throws in an arm and back massage while she's waiting for the serums/masks, etc...to do their job. She offered to either tell me what was going on, or just let me relax through the whole process, which was a nice touch. She mixes state of the art equipment with eastern touches, like hot and cold stones. She's also really good at extractions, the best and most thorough I've ever had. After the facial she does a debrief with you about your skin, including her suggestions for improvement. She doesn't push her product at all, but if you're interested, she has great stuff to share! Can't wait to go back in 2 months :) read more

Today was my first visit to Illuminata Skin Care. I recently moved to San Francisco and chose this place because of the great reviews on Yelp. I am mid forties and have always battled acne and skin issues so I've been having facials for years. I am so delighted to say I am very happy about my visit with Natalie Crane, esthetician. Natalie took the time to discuss my needs before we got started. She tailored my facial to my specific needs and explained the process along the way. She gave me a fabulous neck, arm, head and hand massage. I particularly liked the hot and cold stones she applied. And she paid particular attention to ensuring my pores were open before extraction. Being new to San Francisco she also recommended a chiropractor, Dr. Barbara Berkeley. I feel the price was very fair. The location looks like an entry to a home. The space was clean and peaceful. I prefer this intimate setting compared to the big spas that rotate you around like cattle. This is the real deal if you want a great facial without a bunch of fru fru. The table was warm with soft linen and a soft blanket. I have made my next appointment and look forward to my next visit. May 2017. Update. I have been getting facials every five weeks from Natalie since I started coming here in November 2016. I am very happy with the services at Illuminata and continue to highly recommend this Spa. With a very busy schedule Illuminata is easy to work with in changing my appointment around to meet my hectic work schedule. And I continue to get great recommendations for services around the San Francisco area. The review you'll read from Sara B. absolutely do not reflect Natalie's services. Try it out! read more

She is definitely as good as it gets. Affordable, nice, personable, amazing service, amazing products. I don't even know how to begin yelping her cause she's just so good from the moment you make an appt online (so easy), the moment you step all the way to the moment you leave. She has a different touch, it makes you feel soo relaxed and my skin have definitely looked and IS better since I found Illuminata. If I can come see her every week, I would :) Let's just say I 4 of my girlfriends are converted now too. Aaah just typing this review reminds me that I need to make an appt. lol. read more

I know, I know.. another 5 star review. But I HAVE TO... Cynthia knows her facials. She reads my mind, knows exactly what feels good and delivers every time. Plus, she is so kind, sweet, funny, honest and professional. And attends to every detail. And after I leave, my face feels and looks different. Better. Healthier. I will never go to another facial place as long as Cynthia is in SF. But the waiting list is looooong cause she is so damn good. read more

This review is for my first appt with Jodi. Jodi was sweet and seemed knowledgeable and after the facial I thought it was great, but it has since made a turn for a "meh" experience. I have battled some really bad acne growing up and have had many facials and other skincare treatments (for both medical and spa purposes) and this was just OK. The night of my facial, I actually ended up having to do some self extractions on my face. I'm not sure if Jodi didn't get to them all because there was enough time or what, but I felt I shouldn't have had to do another facial at home the day I got one. I wanted to follow Jodi's advice about my cheeks being red by exfoliating less and using my strong acne medication only on my T-zone. After 2 weeks I've begun to breakout on my cheeks which hasn't happened for years. Overall I had a good experience during the facial and a bad experience afterward. I'm scheduled to get another facial at another place this week and will be getting the meticulous extractions my skin needs. If I were to go back to Illuminata, I would try to get an appt with Cynthia judging by the reviews posted about her so far. read more