Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion.
-Author unknown
Karina Kara is an experienced esthetician (facialist), certified Reiki practitioner and massage therapist. She is a graduate of Western Beauty College (LA), The Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing (LA) and the American Reiki Academy.
By incorporating body and energy work, pressure point massage and aromatherapy, hot stone therapy and soothing music, the facial experience transcends the typical and becomes a restorative meditation. Skin, body, mind and spirit all receive special treatment in Karina’s expert and compassionate hands.
Karina’s commitment to creating an experience that nourishes the skin as well as the soul brings a depth and harmony to her facials that is as unique as it is essential. These qualities have made Karina an integral part of the LA yoga community. She provides services to students and teachers from Silver Lake Yoga, Yoga House in Pasadena, City Yoga, Glendale Yoga, Liberation Yoga and Yoga Works Larchmont.
I've always had pretty acne prone skin from the time I was a teenager till now (almost) mid 20's. I constantly switched products, looking for the one cleanser/mask/exfoliator that I was destined to use, but to no avail =(
This all changed last February when I decided to give myself a bday present by getting a facial! After doing a yelp search, I found Karina. Although she didn't have many reviews at the time, everyone seemed to love her so I decided to give her a try. From the moment I walked into her place, I felt at ease. Karina is warm, genuine, and down to earth. She understands that not everyone is rolling in dough, so she didn't try to pressure me into buying expensive products, though she did make recommendations.
Since I've started going to Karina once a month for a facial, and switched my skincare products to ones that she recommended (these new products were actually CHEAPER than the products I was using) my skin has transformed. Family, friends, and the boyfriend have commented on how clear and translucent my skin is! I can't even describe how much I owe to her expertise because now I don't need to wear ANY foundation, concealer, or powder, my skin is just THAT good. I've been going to her for 5 months now, and I can honestly say this was the best beauty investment I have made in my life. If you are looking for personable, talented facialist, I implore you to try Karina!
Deanna L. 08/2010
I love Karina! I have been going to her for many years and I will continue to do so. She really knows her stuff and your face will show the results of her expertise. There have been times, usually between jobs, when I try to care for my skin on my own, but boy do I see a difference and always come back. In addition, Karina is the easiest person to talk to so the treatments go by in no time.
Cynthia G. 07/1020
In one word Karina is AMAZING!
She is so knowledgeable and
obviously loves her craft. Karina is magical with her touch and caring
in personality. There is something about having a facialist that is
both personable and uses natural products that can make your skin glow.
I have had skin problems on and off since college and now Karina is
helping me to make my skin perfect. She is very up front and honest and
lets you know off the bat that beautiful skin takes time. It is an
investment in one's self. And let me tell you, a few appointments later
and I am already looking and feeling better. I am now confident in my
skin and complexion knowing that Karina is looking after it. I highly
recommend her to you ladies and gentleman because she is wonderful!
Lauren R. 06/2010
Have you ever had an experience that left your touched and glowing inside and outside. Well, if you haven't I urge you to meet Karina.
Karina left me informative, glowing and simply happier. She introduced me to my first facial with ease, technique and experience. Honestly, i don't know much about the human skin or facials. But i know your suppose to feel brand new and beautiful after a facial, and thats how i felt. I have some summer trips coming up and i will be making more appointments with Karina. I want everyone to know about her but then again i want to keep her as my little beauty secret.
Joanna B. 05/072010
Karina, thank you so much for my facial and massage! My skin looks and feels AMAZING! I was floating on air after the session. I am definitely spreading the word about you! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
Brittany Wilkerson May 2010
Karina! Karina! Karina! I can NOT stop singing her praises.
I've
gotten a few facials in LA, but hadn't found a good fit, until now. I
am not a person that wants a facial to relax, I want a facial to
improve my skin!
So, after a rough month of my fairly normal
skin going crazy, I knew it needed some professional help, Now! Karina
didn't have many reviews, but the ones she has were great (apparently
she was listed under several names on Yelp and lost many of her
reviews). I took my chances and gave her a call, and booked an
appointment for the next day.
On my way, I got a little lost,
but was able to Call Karina, who made sure I made it there and easily
found parking. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived at the
large apartment building, but once
I walked up the stairs and entered her home, I was blown away! Her home is so warm and calm, I immediately felt at ease.
I
could tell that Karina was all about skin. She accessed my skin and
found my problems without me even having to tell her, then customized
my facial to meet my needs. This woman doesn't just want to pamper you
for the moment, she wants to teach you how to improve and maintain your
skin! She lets you know what she's doing and what you need to do at
home.
We went over my current regimen, and she said some of my
current products were good but I should consider changing a few also.
Don't worry there is no hard sell. She recommended about five
products for me, almost afraid to ask the total (you know the feeling)
I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable it all was (thank god it
wasn't suggested for me to start a $400 dollar facial regimen). I felt
Karina was very honest and definitely didn't try to push some
overpriced products on me like some of the spas i've been to.
Don't
worry, this facial is still very relaxing. Karina did some energy work
and used hot stones. It was a great experience! I left feeling good
and uplifted!
I
have been going to Karina every five weeks since I moved to Los Angeles
over seven years ago. I cannot even count the number of times that I
have been complimented on my skin. As someone who does not wear make-up
on a regular basis, it is very important to me that my skin look good.
I believe that the credit lies solely with Karina.
I spent six
months living in Paris a few years ago, and during that time, I
insisted my husband bring me products from Karina when he visited. She
was the last appointment I made before I left, and the first place I
stopped upon my return.
Last year, I spent six weeks backpacking
in Asia, and returned with the worst skin I have ever suffered from in
my life. I went to Karina in tears. She went straight to work, and for
the next six months or so, I went every four weeks until my skin was
clear again.
I doubt that I will ever move far from Los
Angeles, because the idea of trying to find someone who is even half as
good as Karina leaves me cold. I cannot stress how highly I recommend
her!
I have been seeing Karina for over six years! She took wonderful care of my skin before my wedding and continues to keep my face nice and clean. She is wonderful facialist and human being. I promise you will love your experience:)
Ana Q. March 2010
Dear Kara, your facials are truly holistic. Your energy is very joyful and healing. So glad to have found you and thank you for sharing so much information with us.
I have been seeing Karina for facials for about 8 years. Before I came to her, my skin was in such poor condition that it was a detraction from my appearance. The improvement began from the first treatment on and I started getting compliments after only the third treatment! I have problem skin and plenty of stress, but no one would believe that anymore, looking at my skin now. Yay Karina! Because of her treatments, I can leave the house without makeup and still be confident in my appearance and attractive to others!
Marie Cassidy
I
came to Karina with problem skin. I needed help! I had stopped seeing
my dermatologist and started breaking out. I found her through one of
her clients--and am so happy that she is my facialist! My skin looks
AMAZING! I get a ton of compliments, and am very happy with the
present and future of my skin health. I learned a lot about how what
you do on the inside--what you eat, drink, etc.--impacts your skin
health. She is very experienced--the results prove it--and she knows
so much about skin health from the inside out. She taught me what
foods to eat, what to avoid, and even what tea to drink to deal with
digestive issues that show up on my skin. Her gentle hands and
knowledge about how to care for MY specific skin has hugely improved
not only outer appearance, but also my inner health and well being. I
don't stress about my skin anymore. Just going to see her makes me
happy and feel at peace. I HIGHLY recommend her--she will become not
only your facialist, but skin advocate, health advocate, and great
friend!
She is also the facialist to all the Yogis and Yoginis
in Los Angeles! Yoga students and teachers from Silverlake to the
Westside. You can imagine what all that sweating does to your
skin---and she makes them look beautiful! She is also very
complimentary to the holistic lifestyle--she uses products that are not
only good for you, your skin, but also the planet.
She has some
of the most reasonable prices for a facialist---and really takes her
time with you. I am so grateful for her! You will be, too!
Book an appointment with her. She's definitely a best kept secret I want to share
Writer December 2009
Karina is amazing. I came to her for the first time this week and she did a personalized regiment for my skin and really helped me with my troubled skin after a week shoot in the desert and years of using the wrong products. I'm so glad I stumbled upon her page on Yelp, I will never go to another facialist again, I'm so happy!!
Christina C December 2009
Ever walk into a place and feel like you've been sent straight to sacred ground? Karina's place is IT - it's a secret, don't tell anybody, keep it just between us "in the know folks". i was beat up - looked like a monster(it was halloween after all)from working 18+ hr days.I did the only thing that someone in my condition should do, which is call facials by karina. karina's approach to skincare is one that is sensitive, smart, and more than that- i swear to god, this darling is somehow connected to the "be better gods". not only will you walk out with supremely better skin than when you walk in - you will also benefit from her holistically applied knowledge and healing energy. after a wonderful facial, Karina gave me a reiki session that sent me straight into a euphoric out of body state. after our session, I awoke lighter, more relaxed, and more connected to all that matters, and to top it all off -with really lovely, glowing skin. if you want to look younger, feel better, and be in the presence of a facial care sensei, check out facials by karina. she'll educate you, won't lie to you, won't try to sell you products you don't need, all the while, giving you renewed self-confidence - what more could you ask for?
Ane Crabtree October 2009
TV Production
A facial by Karina is more than a facial. It is a spiritual, soulful experience. I am not exaggerating when I say that I feel refreshed and cleansed from deep within and that the fact that my face looks and feels 10 years younger must be not only because of what she does to my skin but the way her energy penetrates my entire being! The most amazing thing is that the effects of Karina last a long time! I look and feel like a new person for weeks. She is world class, unique and masterful and her heart is as big as they come.
Christine Burke
Owner/Director
Liberation Yoga
- Juliette Kurth, Owner of Silverlake Yoga
She has the hands of a healer and an artist, one hour on the table puts me in a new
dimension.
- Adrienne Tobin, Lyricist
Karina keeps my skin blemish free and camera-ready. I adore her.
- Ann Magnuson, Actress/Writer
Karina is the best for saving the sweaty face of a yoga teacher. She keeps me
glowing on the outside.
- Jeanne Heileman, Yoga Instructor
Karina is the kind of facialist you recommend to your close friends and family with a wink and implied, "Don't say I never did anything for you."
For facial newbies, there's something that no one explains to you when you start getting facial treatments and it's this: good skin takes time.
You have to shop around for a person that works for you and then you have to stick with them, experiment with treatments and finally find the right thing that works for you.
That being said, Karina took one look at my skin and put together some products for me that worked like a charm. My break outs subsided and my dryness was addressed.
Jessica Lopez
Fashion Designer
After moving to California from the East Coast, my face broke out all over- I tried Jurlique, ProActive, Fancy Doctors in Beverly Hills, topical creams, anti-biotics - nothing worked.
Then I met Karina. As soon as you walk in, you feel right at home. She looked at my skin and told me the truth. She said it was going to take some time and so discipline, but she was going to get my skin clean and looking greatt! And she did.
I see her once a month for cleanings and my skin has never looked better. Her products feel, smell and work great. (I couldn't stand the chemicals that dr's were prescribing) I finally feel like my face is in good hands - I don't stress about it!
She plays relaxing music, gives great massages, uses beatiful essential oils...the whole experience is wonderful!
Melissa Green
Performer, Music Entertainment
Karina's facials are a revelation -- not only good for the skin , but good for the soul. She uses 1st rate products and sells them, too, without pressure. I always leave with a smile.
Jody Blake
Entertainment Industries
