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Reviews & Testimonials

What keeps me coming to Skin Essentials?  Pure and simple…BECAUSE IT WORKS!

Judy Hans (Sweigart)

After my first visit with Julie, I was hooked!  She explained every technique, product, and regime in detail to what would be best suited for my individual skin.  Like an artist with an open canvas, my unique regime is designed with me in mind.  When family or friends comment on my glowing skin, the feeling is PRICELESS!  Thank you Skin Essentials, I am a client for life!

Laurial Berkheimer

I am pleased to refer Julie and Skin Essentials.  I have been patronizing Skin Essentials almost from the day Julie opened her doors.  I particularly enjoy my facials and Micro Dermabrasian.  I am convinced that my skin is much healthier and less lined because of these regular treatments.  Because I am an avid swimmer and scuba diver, I was intrigued by the permanent make-up offered at Skin Essentials.  I have been extremely pleased with the results.  Julie and her staff are very caring, helpful and dedicated to their clients.  I consider Skin Essentials to be the best Medical Spa in the area.

Catherine Dishion

I’m a 33 year old woman that has struggled with a low self-esteem due to a condition I was born with. I was born with my two middle toes stuck together (webbed) on both feet. My parents never acted as if there was something wrong with my webbed toes, so I thought nothing of it being a child until I showed my second grade class my feet. The children began to call me “duck feet,” and other names. I remember the moment when I felt different from the other children and “weird.” The feelings of not being good enough went on well through my life. My parents took me to two different podiatrists, who told me that the procedure to split the toes was too complicated. They would have to take skin from another area on my body in order to sew the split, leaving heavy scarring. I became very self conscious of my feet, not wearing open toed shoes and constantly hiding my feet if in a situation where I had to take off my shoes. I actually believe the quality of life was impaired by making decisions around showing my feet.

My father used to tell me to use a pen to draw a line between my toes so it looked as if they were separated. It was not the same, I knew they were connected. I wouldn’t wear sandals, so I’d have to plan my outfits around my shoes. I would avoid pool parties, shoeless events. As I grew older, intimacy became a problem not wanting to expose my feet. My mother is a patient of Dr. Adam Lowenstein, Montecito Ca. I asked him one day about my feet, thinking that in 2009, there was some type of surgery that would be available. He reminded me that the recovery period from that type of surgery would be long and intense, so he suggested that I see Julie Phillips owner of Skin Essentials, Montecito Ca, to cosmetically tattoo a line between my toes. Being an adult and knowing that there are people that are far worse off than me, it was time to inquire about a more realistic option. I decided it was time to check it out. I made a consultation appointment with Julie, and was very happy when I left. She was very kind and understanding, as well as eager to do the job. I agreed and had the procedure done. It was painless and Julie made sure I was comfortable. I am writing this nine days later and they look great. They look like they are separated and they healed fast. I can’t wait to buy a pair of flip flops and wear them around town!

–Thank you Julie!

When Julie ran a Mother’s Day Special featuring her signature facial I decided to try it, even though I had never had a facial before. Wow! I am now officially hooked. I immediately saw the difference. I’ll be back!
Julie Padfield

I came to Julie at Skin Essentials after much research; seeking someone to do permanent makeup and having it done right. Her name came up so much I knew I was in the right place.
After having my eye brows and liner done I was amazed how much it changed my look and the ease of getting out of the house in a moments notice. It is a special moment now when I wake up and look in the mirror. It isn’t vanity, it is comforting. A little blush, gloss and voila.
Of course after starting a simple skin regimen of taking better care of my skin, I then took the next step. I began treating myself to lovely facials and peels, learning about all the wonderful serums and treatments and what is best for my skin. The results were humbling; my brown spots disappeared.
I took the final step and began having botox, juvederm and everything else Skin Essentials offered to get rid of the “tired/frowny” look and it worked wonders. My regular expressions are no longer misinterpreted. No more, “You look sick/tired/upset . . .”
All the information and expertise that Julie has shared have kept me on a long term regimen to have a more youthful appearance that keeps my skin healthy and has surely put off more invasive procedures.
I have received so many complements on my skin that I keep a stack of Julie’s business cards so all my friends can have what I do. Please see my before and after photos. I intentionally made some of the expressions to display what my furrows and lines expressed to others. I no longer convey that look. My photos are near the bottom of the before and after page. See before and after photos.

I am a walking advertisement. I love her seminars; she explains all that happens to our skin and just what we need to do to fight the

anti-aging process. It is worth it; just a consultation will provide you with so many options, even a timetable. Believe me and believe in yourself.”

A very happy lifetime client,

Debra Uyesaka

You can do a lot of things at home, but there is no substitute for a professional facial. Julie has been managing my Rosacea for several years. I am so thankful for her knowledge in this area!
Vicky MacGregor

People have a comprehensive salon resource right in the Upper Village.  While I was having my awesome facial, Julie noticed a suspicious lesion, and suggested I see the dermatologist.  Now I’m scheduled to have a basal cell cancer surgically removed.  Since Julie worked for a dermatologist for several years, she was able to identify this problem and send me in the proper direction. At Skin Essentials, you can choose from a melange of outstanding services and , at the same time, be assured that the health of your skin is of primary concern.  

Nan C. Carlson

Follow up from Nan:  Dearest Julie, Dr. Chapple did a fantastic job and said I should have seen YOU sooner!  I am forever grateful for your marvelous services.  

I have had extensive skin damage from prednisone use. Julie introduced me to the Environ Body Kit and the results have been amazing! It has strengthened my skin and made me less likely to bruise so easily. Thank you Environ and Julie at Skin Essentials!
Barbara Smith

In August of this year, Julie was giving me a facial when she mentioned that a mole on my face looked somewhat “suspicious” under the magnifying glass. She suggested that I might want to call my dermatologist to have her check it out. The doctor took a biopsy and it came back as a possible melanoma. After two more opinions, and 3 more pathologist reports it was determined that it was a pre-melanoma and should be excised. I had a surgeon remove the mole and all margins have been declared clear. However, if it had not been for Julie’s observation, I would never have bothered with it which could have had serious results later on. I owe Julie a big thank you for her professionalism and her excellent observations.
Gloria V

Every time I go see Julie for a facial, I feel amazing during and afterward. I love the products she uses. Everything feels clean and really works. My daughter, my sister, my mom and I are huge fans. I only wish I lived there so I could come every month!

Dana Arthurs

I have been a Skin Essentials client for over 20 years.  People tell me my skin looks great and I give Julie Phillips total credit.  She carries the most powerful and up to date products which I use at home for maintenance in between facials and I love the natural looking eyeliner and brows she tattooed – keeps me from spending time in front of the mirror!    All I can say is congratulations to you and Frank for building and staying the course through some very tough times.  You have always been the perfect professional thru thick and thin.  As your client I’ve always appreciated the medical approach you take to skin care and feel very well cared for.  As your friend, well you are a great person – beautiful on the inside as well as the outside.

Jane Habermann

People often tell me I look younger than my age.  My explanation is “SKIN” and “JULIE!”  Julie has cared for my skin for over 20 years. She is the best when it comes to facials, permanent makeup, and product recommendations.

Sylvia Hamilton

I never used product or treated myself to facials.  When I met Julie, the first question she asked me was “what is your routine for taking care of your skin?”  My answer, “I let the shower water wash it, and at night I brush my teeth.  In other words, I do nothing.”  Well, little did I know 3 years later, I would be getting facials monthly, washing my face 2-3 times a day, and using products (yes plural!).  People are so amazed how good my skin looks.  I am so thankful a friend introduced me to Julie and so is my face!!!

D’Arcy C ornwall 

I wanted to let you you know that working with you at Skin Essentials is a great luxury and always a wonderful experience  Not only are you the very best at what you do artistically, but a perfectionist, technically speaking, and a warm caring person.  It can take years to find someone who you can rave about and trust in the beauty business.  I guess I got lucky.  Thank you Julie!

Lynn Groff 

What keeps me coming back….Julie’s great knowledge about skin care and skin products;  the latest equipment for all the latest treatment to keep your skin young and beautiful; constantly looking for the new and improved; best product lines for around the clock skin care; friendly and competent personnel; looking to the future with offerings like DNA preservation and conference on health.  GREAT PLACE TO GO!  

Claire Liboiron

Simply put, I keep coming to Skin Essentials due to what Julie has been able to do for my skin.  She does wonders – not to mention it is relaxing, and I look forward to each visit.  

Marsha Gomez

Ann’s lymphatic treatments really helped decrease the swelling in my knee that lingered after knee surgery.  My knee rehab progressed much more quickly after reduction in swelling.  

MK from Montecito

I am so pleased with the results of my lymphatic massage treatments with Ann Dougan.  After the first six weeks of treatment, the difference in my digestive system and my sleep patterns has been so beneficial to my body.  I feel so much better than I have felt in a long time.  A further benefit is that I have been able to stay free of a cold and flu so far this season, and I am having fewer migraine headaches, so my immune system is better.  I signed up for the six sessions this time once a month, and I can tell that my body is ready for a treatment when the month has passed.  Than you Ann for making such a difference in how my body feels.  

Charmaine Rogers