Lucid Skin Studio

Amy is like a *glittery glamorous* fair godmother!!! My skin loves her right now. I came in today for a Facial, Lash Tint & Eyebrow Wax. She has a fabulous personality, made my skin great & gave good product recommendations. I’ll be back!!!

9 months later and I’m happy to say my skin has never looked better! I almost never wear makeup now and my confidence is the highest it’s ever been!

Is this place even open anymore? I bought a three pack of facials and had used two of them. I’ve tried calling and emailing with no response/​dial tone, so I guess that means I’m SOL on the last one. Studio was small but cute/​quaint, if not difficult to find. Facials were good, but my skin would break out every time (this hasn’t happened with other facials). She was very sweet but also a bit chatty, which made it difficult to relax. Wanted to give them 3 – 4 stars since it was such a good deal and a generally nice place, but they’re more deserving of 2 now since they’ve fallen off the face of the earth and can’t manage any of their previously happy customers.

Amy is spectacular. She’s very laid back and excellent at what she does. I’m not interested in going anywhere else. And I’ll continue to buy wash and moisturizer from her-​her products have no smell and are super gentle. The best, hands down.

I bought a groupon deal for Amy at lucid skin studio & am so pleased I did because her facials are amazing! She really takes her time prepping your skin for the extractions, extracting, and then applying various creams and toners afterwards. Also included was a really nice light arm and back massage which is very relaxing. The whole experience is comfortable and pretty pain-​less. I would recommend amy to anybody!

Update:
As of 4 – 5 months later, my skin is entirely clear, which it has never been in my whole adult life. Amy knows the protocol to get acne cleared up and I will recommend her acne treatment régime to anyone who wants to get clear.
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I started with the 3 appointment groupon and my skin has been getting clear of adult acne while seeing Amy E on a regular basis. About 5 months ago, I went off the pill and my skin started breaking out like it never has before, although I’ve been acne prone my whole adult life. Before coming to Amy, I assumed that there was little that I could do since my acne was entirely hormonal but since I’ve been having regular extractions and using the products properly, my skin has gotten nearly clear and probably will get entirely clear in the next couple of months, which has never happened before.
I found Amy to be very knowledgeable on the subject of acne treatment and the fact that my skin has been rapidly clearing up is proof that she knows what she is talking about. She knows the correct products to use, how often and can troubleshoot issues such as dryness as they arise. I did a lot of reading about acne causes and treatments online and I’ve tried out different products but I was never successful in clearing up my acne. I use the protocol suggested religiously and have found the combination of the products and the treatments (extractions, peels, etc) to really work to clear up my adult acne, which I didn’t think was possible. Thank you Amy!
Also, pro tip: I’ve always been able to find a parking spot on the street just before the studio, there’s usually a good gap one block up.

I have to share a mixed review. I’ve done a bunch of facials at various places (haven’t found the right place yet) but was excited for the groupon deal and to meet Amy. The reviews on Unilocal speak for themselves. The facial experience itself was great.
However…
I 100% agree with VF’s review after (and everyone’s skin is different, of course). I was dismayed to find bumps under my skin where they were not there previously, a day or two after the facial. The bumps were mostly around my chin and jawline but some on my forehead as well. I was also unhappy with two areas on my face that turned into darker scabs — one on my nose, one on my cheek — that remained for a couple weeks. The one on my nose, thank goodness, eventually went away but the one on my cheek has faded into a lighter brown on my skin. I suppose that one is permanent.
All said, I did use her very generous samples that she gave me at the end of the appointment for a week or two. One of them, a facial cream, had some odd sharp small particles in them (similar to exfoliating particles) that were unpleasant and difficult to pick out until rubbed on the skin. I decided to discontinue use of all the samples after I called to find out the ingredients and didn’t get a call back.
I share this only because I would have wanted to know (and wish I had seen VF’s review before I went).

Serene studio space and garden, very high quality natural skincare, capable, gentle and compassionate care.

UPDATE: it is now almost a month since this occurred and despite more attempts to contact this place I still haven’t been able to!
I booked online and received a reminder the day before my appointment for my hour long facial. I took the day off work because my job can be very stressful and I had looked forward to getting this facial since I booked. I showed up 15 minutes early and pressed the door switch for Lucid Skin Studio. At 11:00am– my exact appointment time, I decided to call to see what was happening and no one picked up. I called again at 11:10 and wrote an email form my phone in the waiting area. I left at 11:30 very sad and disappointed. I called and emailed multiple times since then and haven’t heard anything back. My day off of relaxing was not relaxing at all.

Made and appointment online after purchasing the Groupon facial deal. Note for newcomers: go at least 15 minutes early to find parking and figure out the suite location.
Upon meeting Amy, she quickly dove into why I was there, my concerns, what my current skincare products were, and her recommendations on how I can improve my skin. This is above what I’ve experienced! Not only did I get my amazing facial (best I’ve ever had BTW), but she even have me additional information on how to reduce my breakouts, with no pressure on purchasing any of her products. Also, I have never had my face heal from a facial so quickly! Within an hour, the redness had already died down tremendously!
Thank you Amy! I’ll definitely be coming back!

I visited Amy’s studio after purchasing a Groupon as I was looking to find new options in Oakland.
It took me 15-​minutes to find parking (this area is ALWAYS busy; leave at least 15-​minutes to find a spot) and was a few minutes late, but Amy was pleasant and accommodating. The studio is in a quiet location hidden from the main street. The interior is kempt and well lit.
Amy has the most gentle touch I have ever experienced from an esthetician. She has nearly 20 years of experience and is knowledgeable. We had a nice discussion about makeup, my cleaning routine, and my history of facials.
Amy also provided samples I just began to use. So far, no reaction except a little dryness which I usually what happens when I introduce something new like a scrub.
The night of my facial tiny white heads developed on a few pores where Amy had performed extractions. The next morning they were still there, so I just popped them with tissue, applied rubbing alcohol and thought nothing of it.
Since then I have developed dark spots on the areas of the extractions, as well as, two underskin white heads. I imagine these things happened because my skin is not used to manual extractions as this does not happen when I am extracted with a tool from my usual esthetician.
Despite this, my face absolutely felt much smoother after her facial and after the use of two of her products (a cleanser and scrub). I recommend you give her a try and judge for yourself.
NOTE: I have photos of my skin reactions, but for some reason, I am not allowed to attach them here :(

I had a facial with Amy after buying a groupon deal. It was amazing. I left feeling so dewy and awesome. Also, she did a lot of extractions and my face looks great only an hour later (I’ve had facials that have left me really red and splotchy) and it didn’t hurt. I’m totally going to go back again.

Just had my second facial with Amy– she is seriously talented. My skin is glowing and gorgeous, she does great extractions with no redness afterwards and throws in a lot of wonderful massage while the steamer is doing its thing. She is a warm and lovely person and a facial with her is a very relaxing and luxurious experience.

Unresponsive Owner!
I just don’t get all the raving reviews for this business. The owner of this business doesn’t bother to check or clear her voice mailbox and doesn’t respond to text messages. I purchased a Groupon deal for this business and have been trying to reach the owner for more than two weeks. I cannot leave a voice mail as the mailbox is full. I sent her text messages and got one response that she was «on vacation» and would «return on Wednesday.» That was ten days ago and I have yet to hear back from her even after I sent her another text a week ago asking her to follow up with me. This is an atrocious display of bad customer service, especially if you are trying to get new customers! I am assuming that is why she did the Groupon deal in the first place. Hint to the owner: If you are going on vacation, don’t start a Groupon deal and leave town and not attend to the new customers that are going to be calling you! Since I cannot even get into the door, I cannot assess her skin care services but from the utter lack of customer service thus far, I don’t think I would be interested in dealing further with such an unresponsive business owner. I will be contacting Groupon’s customer service to get my money back!

I used to see an esthetician who I love dearly in SF, but since I live and work in Oakland/​Berkeley, I really wanted someone closer. And I wanted someone for extractions because every once in a while, I get a stubborn whiteheads that refuse to budge! I Unilocaled «extraction» and found Amy. I bought a Unilocal deal and went in. We hit it off right away and I really liked her. She extracted my stubborn white heads and told me it would be red at first. I went home and the following day, redness turned to scabs, and I freaked because my skin is sensitive and when I get a scar, it stays and stays forever. But an amazing thing happened, my scabs fell in away in couple of days and my skin was flawless. Since then, I’ve been seeing her regularly to extract, clean up my brows, and catch up. She does an amazing job with extractions. In fact, I need to go see her now because another whitehead popped up.

I almost don’t want to review and keep any as my secret but seriously she’s awesome and knows what she’s doing.

I had a facial with Amy 3 weeks ago in her new space on Piedmont Ave. I read all the previous Unilocal reviews before booking and I can confirm that Amy is a very talented lady who takes wonderful care of your skin.
The space is small but there is really no need for it to be any larger, it’s in a lovely quiet calm location with plenty of street parking around.
I’m booking again — Amy is now my regular go to for some TLC

Amy is amazing and talented esthetician her facials are the best!

Lucid Skin Studio takes form in a quaint, cute room on Piedmont Ave. This place is in a green Victorian, in the back and upstairs ( Unilocal sticker on the door). The area is small yet efficient and cozy. It’s quiet and relaxing because the room is in the back. You’re immediately welcomed by Amy. She’s very personable, willing to answer any questions you have with an easy smile. Great personality! I came here for a brow design and did not walk away disappointed! She does a good job of accentuating the shape you already have and makes sure you like your new look before you leave. :)

What can you say about Amy except that she is THE BEST!
I have been going to Lucid Skin for over a year now and feel confident in sending friends and family there because I know that they will get the best service for a great deal. Not only is Amy warm and friendly but she will make your brows look amazing! I am constantly changing my hair color (when I first went to her it was blue, then grey, blonde, purple, now red) and Amy always knows just how to tint my brows to make them work with my hair color and complexion.
I am so happy that I found her through Unilocal and can’t imagine going to anyone else :) Thanks Amy!