MiniLuxe Newton

I have been three times now and I think if you book at an «off» time, it’s a really nice experience. If you are there on the weekend or in the late afternoon, you get to enjoy all the pushy Newton ladies… I had a mani with Minh most recently and she was great. I have a bad habit of biting my nails and she was super sweet trying to shape what little I have and put some special pepper-​flavored polish on so I wouldn’t bite! I had my brows waxed too — maybe a little overzealous but so far, I am pretty happy. I think the lady who did them was named Maria and she was lovely and sweet. I had a pedi there before, too, and it’s definitely more relaxing at the cheaper places where they have the fun massage chairs. Nice job on my toes though… Overall — it’s a clean and pleasant location.

Booked a 45minute signature pedicure for a Saturday afternoon. It was packed when I arrived so I had to wait about 10minutes for my appointment. The technician then proceeded to give me a very basic pedi lasting no more than 25min. When I told her I booked the 45min one, not the 30min mini pedi, she told me yes she knew but it was short because my feet were «already clean». So apparently if you want to get what you pay for, you have to be in dire shape? She also said her next client had arrived to which I pointed out once again that I made a reservation for a 45min one — but apparently none of this interaction was her fault. My feet were «too clean» and the massage is «only 1min per leg» and her next client was here. So ridiculous.
I told the front desk I would not be paying for the longer pedi given the service I received and they changed it. Even still, I will not be going back.

Clean and bright, polish selection is just alright. WAY overpriced services. To have a decent pedicure you have to purchase all the add ons. I’d rather give my money to a little local salon that is just as clean and gives you all the add ons included. I do like the idea of booking online though. Also their pedicure chairs are not massage chairs and frankly not that comfortable. Really disappointed.

Linda and Rahel are outstanding professionals. They take their time and perform the service to perfection. I love them both! If you want a great pedicure or gel manicure they are both amazing!

I’ve come to this location twice and I’ve been to the one on VFW parkway once. I had a much better experience at the VFW parkway location compared to this one. The most recent trip to this miniluxe I arrived 15 minutes early since I had things to do after. They apologized and said they would be a few minutes later than the scheduled time. I am annoyed because the last time I came in here they were 20 minutes late and I knew I could not wait 20 minutes again this time so I asked how long would it actually be. They said 5 minutes but it was more like 10. I don’t understand why you make appointments you clearly cannot keep. Every pedicure seat was taken. So my pedicure was great but my manicure was terrible! I got a gel mani. At one point the girl said «I don’t know why the gel is not sticking to your nail». Seriously? She seemed miserable and like she did not want to be there at all. Anyways my nail chipped after a day which is ridiculous for gel nails.
This place is too expensive and doesn’t do a good enough job for me to return.

I like coming to MiniLuxe-it’s bright and cheerful here and people are very friendly.
Today I had a pedicure with LuLu — she was great! My feet feel soft and pretty. And I love the new color that she recommended.
Alla

As as an elite reviewer for Unilocal and a Personal Concierge, lot of people ask me where I go for beauty services, where I eat and what stores I like etc. Miniluxe is my go to place for nail and brow care. I highly recommend Claudia, she has been doing my brows for years she is excellent – she does both waxing and tweezer shaping. I followed her from Maria Russo and was delighted when she came to Miniluxe years ago. If you want to save money you can buy packages on services. All the nail techs are excellent. I want to especially recommend Rahel. Rahel is nurturing and a great listener in addition to her stellar skills in giving manicures and pedis. This place is clean and welcoming, with no attitude, just a fabulous respite from stress.

I went 3 times at Chestnut Hill location and I didn’t like, then some friend told me to try the Newton location … So I got my pedicure and manicure done, the pedicure the girl did a great job but the manicure, was a different girl … She did a great job in my cuticles but the nail polish was awful. Make so thick and start to peel off the same day. I didn’t have time to go back to fix it.

My first visit to Miniluxe was subpar at best. I checked in with the front desk with my appointment time, and was pleasantly surprised that I was taken early. Then the pedicurist proceeded to ask me if I’ve had a mini-​pedicure before. I told her that I was booked for a signature pedicure, and then she proceeded to say that she only had 30 minutes and could only do the mini and that they must have made a mistake at the desk. So, what was I supposed to do? So I obliged to the mini.
Then the front desk person said that there were two people with the same name, and so my person left me in the seat with a half filled tub of water to do the other person’s mini.
My regularly scheduIed pedicurist started at the scheduled time, but didn’t introduce herself before she started. The massage portion of the signature pedicure wasn’t much of a massage, just some rubbing of lotion on my legs. There is residual polish on my skin.
The chairs are not adjustable and I found them slightly uncomfortable. Also, their dryers are elevated, (you have to get up onto a bar seat and then carefully place your feet in the dryer hole) and I feel that it makes it easier to ruin one’s fresh pedicure. (none of these are good for a short person).
I don’t think I’ll be returning to miniluxe. The service and the final product was disappointing.

I’m not quite sure how my manicure qualified as a spa manicure. Yes, the manicurist was very pleasant but this manicure was no spa manicure. I would say a manicure here is a step above the average nail salon in Brookline. My manicurist was a bit more gentle with removing my gels than the place I usually go to in Brookline where they practically hack and saw the gel off in two seconds.
I also enjoyed the lemon scented lotion and the display of beauty products. I probably won’t be back unless its a social engagement… not worth the price. Also the seating is super cramped which also takes away from the supposedly spa like atmosphere. I had to keep moving and shifting to allow for other clients and manicurists to sit beside me. I also noticed the pedicure chairs do not recline or have massage features which is my favorite part of a pedi besides the massage. Its a mid-​end nail salon with high end prices… it is what it is. If its worth it to you… go for it!

I am very pleased with this place and intend to return.
Initially, I refused to go because their prices are so high, but then I read this article:
There’s been some buzz recently about how nail techs are paid very little and treated very badly. I realized that there is a reason why manis and pedis come so cheap at other places, and I wanted to visit a salon where the employees were treated fairly.
I will say first off, that I had a pedicure about 3 weeks ago and it still looks brand new. The technician spent a solid 40 minutes on my feet and it shows. The paint job is phenomenal. She was a sweet, happy seeming person who clearly cared about the job she was doing. I never felt like there were secret conversations going on that may or may not have to do with me (which is always my pet peeve/​phobia at nail salons). In fact, everyone there seemed professional and happy to be there, which was really nice.
The salon itself is very nice and clean and modern, though I sort of wish the pedicure seats were more cushy. I don’t think they had massage ability. Also, there weren’t a ton of magazines available. And, even though I had registered for an appointment, I had to wait 15 minutes, which wasn’t cool.
It was fun to look at all of the fun stuff they had for sale — hair stuff, nail stuff, makeup, flip flops, etc.
I also like the ability to reserve an appointment online… although the online portal could be improved. It’s kind of confusing at times.
All in all, it was a very positive and quality experience and I’d totally recommend checking it out.

Perhaps for others, but this is not the salon for me.

The manicurist was lovely, but overall the price is far too high and I had the absolute WORST gel manicure– it chipped and peeled in less than 1 week! The manicure was clearly applied incorrectly.
I work in healthcare and only ever get gal manis so that they last when I wash my hands many times during the day. I went in to Miniluxe with a 3.5 week old gel manicure that was in better shape than theirs after only 1 week. Ended up paying an additional $ 10 to have them removed at my usual salon 1 week later.
I e-​mailed the company and received no response after 1 week.
They also charge for gel removal even when they are doing a new gel mani and I’m fairly sure they charged more for the LED lights– I’ve never heard of any salon charging for either of those things! They also never gave me an itemization of the price or told me how much additional the gel, removal, or LED would be.
Unacceptable prices and customer service.
I would recommend Aer Nailbar over Miniluxe hands down– lower prices, more skilled staff, and far better set-​up.

I went to MiniLuxe for a gel manicure last week in anticipation of a destination wedding I was heading to. I got the manicure on Monday and by Tuesday night one of my nails was bubbled and peeling off, unfortunately I had a 6am flight. So, I got to spend my vacation in Mexico with one nail missing. Hardly a serious problem, but at the price I paid, I would have expected a lot more.
I called to complain (also this was the first time I have EVER experienced gel coming off within 24 hours) and they offered me a touch up, which is not really helpful given I didn’t get back in town until 8 days later. After being transferred to 3 individuals, I was offered 20% off my next service.
I had been anticipating this trip and planning for it for weeks, everything else was perfect, minus my bad manicure. 20% is a nice gesture, but I don’t think I’ll be going back.

They say they take walk ins. I drove all the way here for them to tell me they are booked for the next 3 hours. Really not a reliable place to go.

Fastest Brazilian wax of all time. Able to fit me in on a moment’s notice. Great location. Super clean and well-​run establishment.
A bit pricey, but definitely my go-​to when I’m in the area and pressed for time.
Note that you can’t tip on your cards here — be sure to bring cash or check.

I typically burn when I even look at wax, so starting somewhere with a new waxer is a scary process for me. However, I’ve seen Claudia twice now, and I can’t be happier. She listened to my concerns and was quick, professional, and did a wonderful job with both my eyebrows and upper lip. The facial waxing is done at a brow bar so the wax is kept at a safe temperature, which I definitely appreciate. She worked off of my existing brow lines which I liked, too. Would definitely recommend the waxing services here!
I also have gotten two pedicures here and have been impressed with the cleanliness and efficiency of the staff. The pedicures were relaxing, sanitary, and perfectly done. Again, very impressed and I’ve gotten hundreds of pedicures in my life :)

I went a while back and Emma was my technician and she was amazing (and I don’t normally Unilocal about much)! Paid great attention to detail and her massage was great! Tried to get in with her this week but, for time I needed, she was not available so I ended up with David! What a sweetheart! He pays great attention to detail like Emma and I dig that kind of consistency.
This place is clean! I do, however, wish that mini luxe as a whole would drop the 30 second massage thing and make me as the customer feel more loved but I understand the business and «add ons». Even 2 mins each foot is still pretty quick for the business and makes people feel like they are «walkin on sunshine whoaaa» (especially if they have Emma and David massaging because they are great!)

I walked in on a whim for a lunchtime mani and was set up with Nancy. Nancy is a doll! She is so pleasant and talented and sweet! She made a great suggestion for my nails and now I can’t stop getting compliments on how awesome they look!
The atmosphere is pleasing and the ambiance was perfect for midday relaxation!

This is the best location out of all Miniluxe locations. Spacious and beautiful! Perfect for a little treat. Make an appointment, they usually get very busy. One star off because there is no parking and meters are only one hour. Got a $ 25 ticket today, annoying but my nails look nice!
One thing to note about all Miniluxes too– I would advise against add on services. I’ve tried extended massage, callus treatments etc and honestly haven’t noticed any difference compared to regular mani/​pedi (they are pampering enough already at Miniluxe as they are, much better than at cheap places) so save some $$$