Essence Nail Spa

Essence has easily become my favorite place to go and get pampered. I discovered this salon a few months ago when I was looking around for someone who could do lash extensions. When searching I was skeptical since I’ve had a few unsatisfactory experiences but I decided to come see Kimmy and I’m SO happy I did.
I have short straight asian lashes and my lash artist before Kimmy used to always tell me my lash goals were unrealistic and I had to settle for what she did. She was wrong cause every time I come to get my lashes filled by Kimmy, I leave with full aaaaamazing looking lashes. If any of you girls are considering lash extensions, I would highly suggest getting them here!

I was going to go on vacation to Las Vegas and I had never had lashes extensions done before. I decided to give it a try because I didn’t want to have to deal with the hassle of putting on false lashes for the entire weekend. I was pleasantly surprised!!! Kimmy did an excellent job. I was so relaxed I actually fell asleep while she was working on me. My lashes lasted through the whole trip and pool parties. I’d treat myself to eye lash extensions more often. Thankfully these things last for 3 weeks… thank you so much Kimmy! I have received so many compliments on them, they’re full yet natural looking!

Really want to get my nails done and I was really surprised that they were open on a Sunday I walked in one of the nail tech told me that it would be only a couple of minutes but ended up waiting 15 minutes. I told her I would be back later when I came back she told me to come back because there were too busy to take me in. Ok after back and forth 3x I finally got in. I went in and got a deluxe pedicure and a shellac manicure and added a calluses treatment for $ 5 because the nail tech said I would have smooth feet which I needed. I thought everything went fine until I got to my car I noticed that the nail polish on all my toes were all messed up and the calluses on my heel were worse than when I walked in. I was pissed. Call them as soon as I got home and let them know that all the paint my toenails for Musta got a pic of the phone tell me to go ahead and come back in the can redo everything. This was already late in the evening and the fact that I had to go back the fourth time really irritated me. I’m not sure if they need better lighting in the salon so they can see what they’re doing but that’s just not acceptable how my toes looked. And the fact that I paid $ 40 for a pedicure I expect it to look good.

They always do such a great job on my pedicures here! They have always easily accommodated me when I walk in (I never make appointments) and do a thorough and beautiful job and my toes, taking the extra time to really work on tough areas like cuticles and filing. They are clean, friendly, and not too expensive. A great place to check out!

There’s a part of me that doesn’t even want to write this review because I don’t want her to get too busy. But Nina is seriously the best I have found locally in a long time. I usually hop from place to place and try new spots on a whim, but I will be consistently be going back to Essence to see Nina because of the way she does my pedicures. They’re perfect every time, and last beyond what I’m used to! So happy to have found her.

I’ve been here before and had a great pedicure so I don’t know what the heck happened this Saturday but I will never come back. I got a pedicure and a gel manicure. My pedicure was very painful and when I flinched the woman kept saying «oh, you’re sensitive.» Um, no, you’re cutting me. I’ve had so many pedicures and never flinch in pain like that. The polish job on my feet left pretty big strips of unpainted nail on the sides. My gel manicure is the worst I’ve ever had. My pictures will explain it all. One nail has a crack in it. It cracked after an hour and I was doing nothing but sitting in a salon chair getting my hair done. It needs another coat, as you can see through in some areas. So sloppy. The edges look like garbage. Pissed it’s gel and I have to live with it it for a little while. I should have demanded my money back but I had an event to attend and didn’t want to take the time. They weren’t even busy, almost nobody was in there so being rushed wasn’t a reason. It looks like I did my own nails! Ugh, I’m so frustrated!

Nothing elegant about this place at all.
It’s one thing to clean up cuticles and to buff nails, but the majority of the appointment was literally cutting off my flesh. I left with bleeding cuticles.
My nails were not yet dry when the towel was rubbed over them, taking off some of the polish. It was touched up begrudgingly and she even had the nerve to say that I should have said something sooner… You mean the long streak of nail polish on the white towel wasn’t clue enough?
If you are a masochist looking for a bad paint job, then maybe this is the place for you. Otherwise, there are plenty of great salons in Willow Glen. Give any of them a try!

Wow… not the best manicure experience.
I’ve been here three times. The first time was great — I really liked the atmosphere, how quiet it was, and the spa music playing in the background. The second time, Kim, the owner, was pretty rough, but did a good job in the end. Today, however, was a different experience altogether.
First, because all the manicure tables were in use, I was ushered to a pedicure chair. Half of the manicure was done there, and then, when a manicure station opened up, I was placed there. The cuticle work was a nightmare. She made me bleed the first time around, and then placed a powder-​like substance on it (that stung like crazy) to stop the bleeding. After it stopped, the blood had pooled around the nail bed, at which time she pulled the scab off with the cuticle tool. At first I thought the blood was leftover paint from Halloween, but alas, this was not the case. There were multiple fingers that bled, some of which she was less aggressive with. Now, when I wash my hands, nail bed starts bleeding profusely.
I then had to pay the full price for the manicure. Not appropriate. At all.
All I’ve got to say is that I better not get an infection.

My one and only nail spot! I’m a regular along with my mom and sister. I’ve had regular, gel and acrylic nails — always look amazing. Very clean and cute salon. Everyone takes their time to make sure you walk out with even, pretty nails (vs. experiences elsewhere where you’re rushed through and left with non-​filed, unfinished-​looking nails — yuck).
I recently had eyelash extensions done for my wedding — and Kimi did a beautiful job! I hadn’t had them done before, so after listening to my ideal look, she chose a few different lengths for a natural, lush look and explained the process along the way to make sure I was comfortable. So glad I got them!
Lots of love for this salon!

Love this place! I get my pedi and lashes done here. First time I did my lashes kimmy was very kind and gentle she explain everything and she took the time to listen and understand what I wanted done. I know once I sit in the chair and dip my toes in the warm water I know my toes are going to look great and I’m going to feel great. Kimmy has always been so kind and friendly she never rushes and does a great job as well as the rest of the team

After a ‘meh’ pedicure and prematurely peeling gel manicure at my usual place, I decided to try Essence. I went for a regular manicure to see what they were all about.
It’s small and cute, with nice, calming music and a generally tranquil atmosphere. They have a lot of colors to choose from, and everyone was very nice. I was highly upsold on a gel manicure, but kept with a regular manicure. I am happy overall, and will give them a try for the works very soon.

I might come back here another time… but only during cool weather. They didn’t have air conditioning on when I came and the workers seemed miserable (and it was reasonable that they did, it was warm… not the nail technicians’ fault, presumably). They did have snacks and drinks for their business anniversary.
The facilities are quite pretty. I really like the ceiling. I really hope, though, with this weather that they actually have air conditioning on for their workers otherwise that is not very considerate.

I find some of these reviews hard to imagine. I have never seen Kimmie being rude to anyone in the salon or otherwise. Now, if you ask me if she is busy, she is and I assume that this has been misconstrued as rudeness.
I have been a lash client of Kimmie’s since well before she opened Essence Nail Salon. She is professional and accommodating and I think she does a great job of fitting people in even in a pinch. I don’t know the other ladies in the salon; however, they all seem very industrious and I really don’t see any of them talking loudly to each other as you experience in so many other salons. It is clean and cute and usually very busy.
I would definitely recommend the salon and I do!

Eh, went here another time and of course the owner ignored me yet again, it was the same song and dance as last time, she engaged with everyone but me. Whatever, over her.
I went on a Sunday and a lady that recently started working there did my shellac manicure. She did a terrible job, I had to ask her to redo certain nails several times. I didn’t want to tip her as much as the lady who did my flawless pedicure which I mentioned to the receptionist. For whatever reason she accidentally undercharged me a few bucks and in front of both nail technicians she asked me to break down the split. «Tip which one less?» *points to newbie*
It was so awkward that I just made her split the tip ⁵⁰⁄₅₀.
I think it’s time to say goodbye to this salon, what a shame, as I loved the décor and feel of this place.
Oh well, to the left to the left.

Attentive! Clean! Friendly! They took their time and i may return.
I looked around while in sanjose, i chose this place to take off my acrylic and she did decent. My nails underneath were long and strong but she destroyed my nails during the take off so i left with super short nails
But she was clean and nice.

I finally got an eyebrow waxing over the weekend along with a gel manicure. I was more than happy with the manicure, but not pleased with the waxing. The woman burned my eyelids & I didn’t realize it until after I came home. Now waxing normally stings a bit afterward, but I noticed my skin was burning. After I got home & looked in the mirror I saw the burn marks. Be careful if you decide to get waxed here.

This is my favorite nail spa of all times it’s literally a one stop shop I get my eyelash extensions, nails, pedicure, and eyebrows done here… Everyone’s work is beautifully done and The workspace is immaculate… If you’re looking for a classy upscale nail spa with the reasonable prices this is the place
Thanks for my eyelash extension Kimmy I love it!

I came here because my hubby Jeff made me an appointment after hearing me complain about stressing out. I needed to relax. I am very picky when it comes to nail salons. I’m so happy Jeff found this place for me!
They are very gentle and take their time. Jeff made me an appointment for 645 pm and they close at 7pm. They happily sat me even after I was 5min late.
They don’t rush and take good care of your cuticles. The paint job is good as well. Everything is clean and updated. They don’t talk to each other in a different language like most salons. Well stocked with OPI and Essie polishes. They play soothing sounds instead of ratchet music or edm.
If you’re going to spend money on your nails, you won’t be disappointed here. Lynn did my toes and Helen did my nails. Personally, I liked Helen. She was sweet and professional. Lynn didn’t speak much but does a good job. I will be asking for Helen from now on.
It’s downtown so parking can be hectic.

I called Essence (Kimmy to be exact) to see if she can fit an eyelash extension last minute and I was in luck! WHAT A TOTAL GEM! Cute nail salon place in Willow Glen that felt serene was soon as you walked through the door. Very busy but you can tell that all the customers were relaxed and happy. I waited about 10 mins for Kimmy to finish her other client before she brought me to the back. What was even better, she was running a promo on eyelash extensions!
We talked about what kind of lashes I wanted (long and lush) since I was going to be on a cruise for a week and they were going to be in water a lot. She told me she would make them look as long and natural as possible but still very pretty.
An hour and a half later, my eyelashes were beautiful! She gave me brushes to keep them in shape the whole week and they were in tip top shape when I returned from my cruise on day 8! I LOVE THEM!
She did such a great job, was so gentle and her customer service and mannerisms are just awesome!
I’m glad I found such a gem! Thanks for the awesome lashes Kimmy!

Came here to get a mani pedi and eyebrow wax. The pedi was nice and Thuy, my nail artist, was very friendly.
Next, I got the wax which only took about 10 minutes! But it was a job well done in a short amount of time.
After she did my eyebrows, Thuy went on to give me my manicure. I wanted a dark purple for fall season, and she put it on very nicely. But, once I was finished she said she would do a design for me. I was hesitant at first, as I’ve only had bad experiences with designs, but I LOVED what she did with my ring finger nails! Super cute and fun. Will definitely come back!