Albina’SPA

Absolutely worst experience. I went in for a laser hair removal treatment and she burned my skin and insisted my skin was having a natural reaction. My dermatologist told me to never return again. Beware!!!

I’ve been going to Albina for about 5 years now and while I don’t do a deep-​pore extraction facial every month, I do them at least twice or three times a year. Despite the painful extraction, I still go back because I know my face is rid of any white heads and accumulated dead cells. My face is reddish on some spots and my nose peels after two days but afterwards it glows. I always get compliments of how youthful and radiant my face looks! Albina is not for the weak or faint at heart and I keep going back to her for maintenance purposes because my skin is acne prone and I like the results after the deep-​pore extraction facial.

I’m doing my eyelashes in this place more than a year. Albina always very nice and professional. Great place, would recommend to visit.

Had a groupon or something for laser hair removal, and even after 3 – 4 painful sessions, it barely worked. After my last session, ALL of my skin was BURNED. Took about a week to heal properly. I’ve been going somewhere else since then, and I now recognize how awful Albina was. Not recommended.

I used to go to Albina for facials, and she was decent. I never really saw a true improvement of my skin, but I didn’t have any of the horror stories that other Unilocalers have listed. My skin is tricky so it’s not really her fault it didn’t improve.
Unfortunately, earlier this year I decided to go in for laser hair removal (armpits).
After 3 good sessions (hair was growing much slower, and not a terribly painful experience), I went back for my fourth time. It was probably going to be the last time because it seemed like I was having a good result (up to then).
At the last session she apparently turned the laser up to its highest setting and basically burned the sh*t out of my armpits. It was incredibly painful and I had scabbing for over 2 weeks, and to make it worse, all the hair returned growing just as fast as ever after this last session.
At $ 45 a session + a $ 10 tip in cash each time, I feel like a complete sucker.
Waste of time, money, and unnecessary pain. I will never go back and I would not recommend anyone else go here.

I had a Living Social Deal for laser hair removal. When I made the appointment, I indicated the two areas I wanted lasered. When I arrived, I was told I had to stick to one area (not two areas, as I requested). I asked if I could pay extra to have two areas lasered, but Albina said it wouldn’t be successful and offered no other solution. I felt both Albina and the woman who did the actual service were rude and abrupt. I have to go back for serveral follow up appointments and I’m dreading it because of their poor customer service and rushed style. I’ll post later to indicate if the actual laser treatment is successful (it takes several sessions).

Bait and switch Groupon crap. Droped $ 100 on a package, then was told I needed an additional $ 50. I’m like, Ummm… ok, but there was no chance of a refund and I traveled far. Anyhow, I needed to «come back,» but she was close for the whole month of August. Literally WASTED $ 150 here. Plus, it’s in this weird, Being John Malcovich style building.

I went to Albina for laser hair removal with groupon. Albina was able to give me an appointment at a convenient time, very quickly. Sometimes places that participate in these promotions only allow a limited number of appointments and/​or reserve the worst time slots for them.
I had already had 6 treatments on the same area at another facility with absolutely no results. And the other facility was very heavy on the pressure to sell me a package to continue those useless treatments.
My experience with Albina was completely different. Not only has she provided very significant hair reduction in only 2 treatments, she has explained the whole process to me well, has been professional and gentle. The treatment itself is not without discomfort, but her down to earth and no-​nonsense demeanor have made the experience bearable. She also doesn’t use any of the high pressure sales tactics that other places do. She just provides a good service and I think that speaks for itself.
I would not hesitate to return for additional services.

The Review is for Lash Extensions at Albina’s
I got the Tuesdays Deal ($ 50 for 30 eyelash extensions on each eye).
You think you are getting a deal…$ 120 dollar extensions for $ 50. This is so they can increase their customer base right? NO… what you are getting is what you pay for… a $ 50 service, if that…
I have to admit they were very friendly with their offers of water/​glass of wine, nice smiles etc. …but they totally lacked experience in the actual service. I’m not a picky person, nor am I a complainer but this experience was one of those moments where you wish you could just get up after 2 minutes of being on the table.
Not sure what was the worse part but this was my experience:
1. They moved about 2 months ago but failed to tell anyone. The person at their OLD address on 60^th st told me the new address of the place on 61^st… when i mentioned it to them they said yes they moved… no apologies…
2. I got my lashes done by a (*cari?*) and albina was doing a girl’s lashes next to me. To clean the eyelid, they rubbed «rubbing alcohol» on our eyes… OMG … It burned!!! Granted the burning subsided after a minute it just seemed WRONG that that would be the way to clean off an eyelid (i had no makeup or mascara on…). The girl next to me who I didnt know was really mad as well!
3. The girl who was doing my eyelashes had VERY shaky hands… and she had to use leverage with her fingers by putting them on my forehead, cheeks, nose, and in one instance she put the side of her hands directly on my lips then apologized. And she’s a smoker for sure since her fingers reeked of tobacco!
4. After the extensions were put on… she used a tweezer to «separate the lashes»…but it felt like she was ripping out my eyelashes ONE BY ONE… I had to stop her on this one as my eyes were tearing from the pain!
5. The lashes were a so so job…(as in I could probably have done them better myself) and she left the room immediately to eat (she was so busy I guess she didnt have a chance to eat lunch?)
6. I came outside to the «reception area» to pay to witness *cari shoveling shrimp fried rice into her mouth… classy joint eh?
7. The girl at the register told me she didnt have change for a $ 20 dollar bill at 6 pm really? No tens, fives, singles… nothing… (I wanted to leave $ 15 for tip… tho in hindsight that was WAY too much!) In principal there was NO way I was leaving $ 20…
So I asked if I could charge the $ 15…and the girl said sure but we have to charge you tax … $ 15 plus NY tax is $ 19…(SAY WHAT?!?)
I’m no finance guru but what kind of math is that? I had to pull out my calculator to show her that $ 15 plus tax is not $ 19 but $ 16 something…
Yep so in summary… unless you want to find yourself in a lawsuit where something goes wrong due to untrained ppl touching your precious eyes/lashes…stay away !

I don’t have any particular skin problems and rarely have time for a facial but I made an exception and bought a coupon for one at Albina Spa. I had no trouble booking an appointment and she called me back to make sure I knew she had moved to a nearby address. She was extremely personable and took the time to talk to me and to address any concerns. The best part of the experience was a wonderful massage of neck, arms and shoulders.

I had gotten a deal on KGB from my boyfriend so I did not check out the place on Unilocal before I went, so it was not before I had already been at Albina’s SPA and wanted to write a review that I was choked by what I saw on the reviews. It was NOT the experience I had had with Albina at all.
I got an european facial and got the whole deal and it took about an hour and 10 minutes. She took her time and the result was amazing. I knew I had some skin issues because I had not had a facial for a while and I have very fair skin which means that it is super sensitive and Albina took that into account from the second I stepped through the door.
As the facial in itself was amazing, especially the final result, I was not so happy about the first phone contact I had with her. She was making some changes regarding her SPA so she did not have time, which was okay, and she told me whe would call me back when she had time within the first two weeks of the new year. It did not happen. I had to call her up and when I got there her new office was not finished, only the room in which I got my treatment. She had worned me ahead of time so I was not too worried about it.
I think I went there without any expectations and that might have made my experience much better than had I reaad the reviews before I went.

Should’ve heeded the Unilocal reviews!
Came here with my friend for Spa Week… we both got the Hot Stone Massage. I thought, 60 minutes for $ 50 seemed a bargain…
It’s a tiny space up on the second floor… looks like there was a barber’s area out front? Maybe that’s where the facials are done. As for the massage, the masseuse (Valentine?) ran out of hot stones at one part, the strokes were often painful where they shouldn’t have been (there was digging into the bones), she did some really weird thing to my neck that made me nervous, and to boot, the whole thing ended at 50 minutes and I was hustled out of the room. My friend was already out in the waiting area, so I guess that massage was even shorter.
Just as well I guess… friend and I both had ridiculously sore necks the next day, which only got better after another 1 – 2 days. At least there was no permanent damage?

WORST PLACE EVER.
It doesn’t even deserve a star. This place is a absolute joke. I can’t believe after the years I’ve used Unilocal restaurant recommendations my first post is a complaint about a «spa» (used loosely) place.
I had the same awful experience as Karin L. on ⁹⁄₂₀ post except i had patches of scabbing on both sides of my face. My appt was on ⁹⁄₂₀ 6pm using the kgddeals coupon. right after the facial i could not tell from the darkness of the room that i had a layer of skin off, it looked like slight redness from what Albina was saying.
As soon as i got home, i noticed my face is clustered with scabs as if a layer of skin was removed. i could not believe it and was so mortified that i decided to take a day off from work. i can deal with acne but not scabs/​scar all over. its been 3days and I’m still hiding it with my hair.
I went back to show her what she did to me today ⁹⁄₂₃ and she claims that the scabbing is normal and it will go away after it heals. No shit! scabs does go away after awhile but its not suppose to happen in patches after a facial in the first place.
She refused to offer any compensation and kept arguing her point. She even went as far to say, here’s my license number go file a complaint. unbelievable!
I believe i wasted my energy and in the commotion i forgot to ask for my tax and tip back. fortunately, kgb deals are very responsible and has offered a refund.
She swears i won’t scar from this, well she better be right. otherwise, she will not hear the end of it.

Came here for the spa week special of a 60 minute facial for $ 50 dollars. The place was small. The receptionist was friendly and offered me either tea, water, or wine. Albina quickly took me to the room soon after my appointment time. She was friendly and nice. I did have a huge zit on my chin that was not ready to be pop yet, and she convinced me that I should get it popped. It was sooo painful as she was trying to squeeze out the not ready. The area was black, and red for days after that. The overall experience was ok. Would i go back and pay a regular price facial there? probably not.

avoid avoid avoid avoid avoid avoid avoid avoid avoid. This place is appalling. And I hadn’t even gotten anything done!
Firstly read the reviews– already too many people have complained Albina is budget. She doesn’t use high quality products, the space is miniscule (she doesn’t even own the whole loft) — and this «spa» seems to be make the luxury experience of spa-​going a joke. I had booked an appt with Albina to do the eyelash extension for Spa Week– why not for $ 50? I outreached to Nas and Ro about this who both warned me to stay far away! I heeded their advice– your eyes are precious and you don’t want them in the wrong hands.
Here’s where my anger comes in– Albina called me to remind me of my appointment– she called me twice actually (because the first time she forgot to mention that I shouldn’t wear any mascara) — and when I called her back (WELL before 24 hours) to cancel, she goes «Did you know there was a 48 hour cancellation fee?». Um No. That wasn’t mentioned anywhere when I signed up, and also– who has ever heard of a 48 hour cancellation fee? I booked the appt less than 48 hours ago! It sounds like she just made that up on the spot to con me into going along with her scary procedures — I was not having it. So naturally, I started raising hell about how I would have «considered» rescheduling (partially because I was feeling ill this week) but that I feel it’s incredibly unfair to charge me any cancellation fees because I was told to give my card number to hold the reservation only. Clearly that idea flew out the window– I’m never booking here again nor would I recommend it. I can’t imagine how she treats her other clients and prospective clients but I hope no one else experiences any of her unprofessional surprises.
She told me that I wouldn’t be charged after hearing how upset I was– we’ll see about that.

I had a really wonderful deep tissue massage with George during Spa Week’s price. The entire place smelled pleasant without being overbearing. The spa was cute and I loved the massage room with the exposed wood and very cool ceiling. The oils they used had a faint smell that reminded me of coconut and this too was not at all overbearing. A really great massage and I would go back in a second!

The place itself is cute — very small and simple. I wouldn’t come here if you want the whole spa experience, though. There’s no bathrobe-​and-​slippers time with wine and candles and that crap (not a big fan of that).
I went here for the deep pore cleansing facial, which I should have realized wouldn’t be the most relaxing experience. Albina mentally declared war on my face and at one point I literally started crying because she was so ruthless (she felt pretty bad about that). I know she just wanted to help and she had good intentions, but I think she was too rough on my skin. I am really, really glad I didn’t run into anyone I knew on the train ride home because I looked like a leper. It’s two days after now and I’m still pretty red, but we’ll see how it looks in a few more days.
All in all, this was an okay place. I don’t think I would come back here because I don’t think Albina quite understood how to treat my skin, but her other more relaxing treatments are probably a good time.

I had eyelash extensions from Albina’s during spa week. It was a good deal and figured why not? I’ve never done the false lashes on my own as I’m afraid I would somehow botch it up.
Albina was very nice. It took about 45 minutes to get my extensions done. The initial results were pretty good. It’s not as dramatic as I thought it would be or if you were to do your own false lashes. The lashes did bother me the first day as I had to get used to longer lashes and the lashes seemed hard. I just thought it was the glue. Days went by and I just could not get used to the lashes. It was hard and when I rub my eyes, it felt like the lashes were poking into my lids.
The lashes are supposed to last a couple weeks. A couple days with it, the lashes started getting clumped together. One of the clumps started drooping down so it was not lined up with the other lashes. I had my first clump of lashes fall off probably a little after a week from getting it. A couple days later, I decided to take it out myself by breaking down the glue with my nails and «ripping» it off. No major casualties though. I lost about 10 natural lashes doing that.
I don’t know if it’s because it’s spa week, so the lashes used were of lower quality, but if you are someone that puts on the false lashes already, I’d stick with it because you would be disappointed with the lack of the dramatic effect with lash extensions.

If anyone REALLY knows me, they would know how much I am into beauty.
A lot of my past clients and friends have done eye lash extensions, so I have always been curious to see how they would look on me.
I told L about it and L and so naturally L wanted to come and join me.
This spa is super duper extra small, she only owns half of the loft. Albina is very nice but my problem is if you are going to do something like lash extensions…
I believe you should be more thorough.
Whenever I get a service done, generally the person will advise «What to know» before your treatment.
Albina never advise anything, instead L and I have to do our own research.
I went there bare faced without a single curl to my lashes, otherwise the life of your lashes will be shortened.
It’s pretty important to advise your clients these information but Albina failed in that department.
Albina first puts on this solution to prep your eye area for the glue. It burned the living out of my left eye, so throughout the session my left eye was very bothersome. Soon Albina was snipping away the lashes and I seriously felt a sharp dagger to my right eye. So now my right eye is matching my left eye — they are both tearing and Albina commented how sensitive I am.
I am sorry but I know beauty is pain and I go through a lot of it, but to be that careless around someone’s eye area…
I have a problem with that.
Albina ended up having to put on the lashes with my eyes slightly opened. When I looked at my new found lashes, I was extremely disappointed. It’s not what I imagined it to be and plus she didn’t put it close enough to my own lashes. The lashes were also put on crooked, I can do a better job than her but too bad I don’t have the supplies.
I went out and I told L and my other friend C that I feel it’s not perfect.
L goes in while C and I chatted in the waiting area but since the place is so small… we were told we had to whisper to each other.
I think L’s turned out better than mine, because she has a heavy eyelid and so it covers any imperfection. As for me, she could have put the E in effort and fix the crookedness.
Conclusion: L and I both would never do it again!

I was referred here by 2 friends that both enjoyed the spa. It is run by Albina herself and she shares the space with a French hair stylist (different company name though). The front area is occupied by said stylist, but the back is where Albina has her spa room. She offers massages, facials, waxing, electrolysis and more (check the website for all her services).
This is not really your typical spa that fills up a huge space and has many people working under the same roof. However, this honestly was the most personal experience I’ve had for a facial, with the exception of the place I went to for 10 years in San Francisco (and where my mom went for years before that… hard to compete).
Albina is so friendly and I was running about 20 minutes late to my appointment. Surprisingly, I arrived and she said to just relax and she offered me a glass of wine and said to take a few minutes before we started. We chatted about her background and mine and got to know each other a little bit.
I went there for a facial and she spent about 90 minutes with me. The cost was $ 110 (including tax), which I think is about a 10% discount to her listed prices. In her brochure, she offers discount packages for combined services, and I am the second person that I know of that offers discounts for first time services.
The room that I had the facial in was in the back and had exposed brick walls and one window. She had curtains across the windows, played very calming music and lit a candle. I felt so relaxed… until she started the extraction process. As any woman (or man) knows that gets facials regularly, this is the most uncomfortable part of the process, so suffice it to say that when it hurts, it usually means she is really helping you out. She was very thorough and even helped a particular problem spot I had. In addition, she gave me a full massage on my arms and upper chest and back. I was in heaven. And the mask she gave me was cooling and felt perfect.
I would definitely go back to Albina. She runs this studio on her own and is new to that set up, but has been an aesthetician for 10 years at other spas. Major thumbs up for anyone looking for a new place to get a facial… and one that you feel like you could go back to again and again. As a sidenote, she doesn’t give you that uncomfortable question at the end of asking if you’d like to include a tip or anything. And she doesn’t try to sell you a bunch of expensive skin care products either, which I feel like every single other place I’ve gone for a facial tries to do, despite their honest intentions.
Last thing — the redness after the facial and extraction wasn’t too bad and my face healed very quickly. I was very pleased. Definitely going back!