Behind The Seen...BTS Organics – Skincare & Make up Studio

I’ve tried a number of estheticians before finding Pamela and she is the best! This was a lucky find through a groupon in 2013 and I’ve been coming to BTS ever since. I really appreciate Pamela’s continued dedication to her clients and her passion for skincare. She’s very thorough with the extractions and does a custom mask with her organic facials. I especially appreciate her knowledge of skincare — I ask a lot of questions and Pamela is always happy to answer them (what’s she’s using, what the various ingredients do for the skin, etc). The parking at her location in Westwood is super convenient too (at the Trader Joes across the street and just $ 2 with validation).

I highly recommend this place. Ever since my first visit, my skin was noticeably better. Each visit is slightly different as she really knows what your skin needs at that time. If you want better skin don’t hesitate to try this place out!

Pamela is really great at what she does. A few months ago, I broke out from a skin treatment right before my wedding and, horrified, knew I needed the help of a good facialist. I recalled how great my skin looked and felt after a facial at Behind The Seen a few years ago, called Pamela on VERY short notice, and she was squeeze in an appointment with me the next morning for an oxygen facial. My skin looked wonderful for my wedding, and I’ve been coming here for skin treatments since.
What impresses me most about Pamela is that she takes her TIME — she is extremely thorough with extractions and never rushes a facial. I trust her recommendations, as she is clearly an expert. I’ve been using her high-​quality, organic products and they are great too. Thanks for the wonderful care, Pamela!

I’ve been going to Pamela for over a year now.
Since that time, my skin has visibly improved. Gone are the major outbreaks and obvious blemishes.
Also, I’ve come to love not just the facial experience but also her products. I’ve been using the men’s moisturizer, the acne toner, the pads as well as the masks and eye cream.
As for the facial experience, you can join the loyalty club — for a small membership fee, you can get a discount for each service /​product purchased. It’s well worth it.

Pamela is sweet and very attentive. She really cares about her clients.

It’s really the full deal with Pamela. From the minute you enter this enchanted courtyard and then her serene environs, it begins. She is attentive, calm, experienced and thorough. She usually spends longer than an hour. It feels and seems like she has so many tools in her tool chest for skin care and a passion to share it gently. She crafts the face mask right there after looking at your skin, with natural powders of fruits and extracts. Her touch is heaven. I love her products which keep me going back. I’ve never been one for creams or foundation which leave my skin dry or sensitive. Her lightening cream did wonders for some sun damage and smells good. Her foundation is perfect for my skin. All natural and organic. I’ve received many facials and there’s an artistry and strong intent from Pamela to extend beauty in all its forms to her clients. No up selling. Really a special experience.
I did have chance to go to the other aesthecian in her building before she was fired. All the negative reviews were about that woman and her lack of attention were justified, unfortunately. It says a lot that my friends and I kept returning, taking turns with the bad one just to see Pamela and get facials at the same time though. Ha. Good news though, on my last visit last week, it was clear that other aesthecian had been let go. So you’re in great hands now!
Even though I’ve a fine facialist around the corner from me, I make special trips to Pamela. She’s that good and you’ll have an experience unlike any other.

I had a wonderful experience with the facial I received from Pamela. Gentle, thorough, relaxing and soothing. I was treated like royalty. My skin feels smooth and I bought the products to keep this youthful feel and look. I love this place and the service is excellent. Well worth the drive.

I went to Behind the Seen on a Groupon, and had great service from them. Pamela is great, and the shop is lovely and calming. You know sometimes with Groupon, businesses treat you like second class client. But not with Behind the Seen. They are patient, thorough, and I always feel extremely relaxed coming out of it. I will continue going back.

I started with a groupon deal and now I keep going in a regular basis for several months. Pamela is great!!! Every time she takes time (sometimes even 2 hours) to help me get rid of all the acne, really carefully and gently! The setting of this little place is very cozy, especially the bed! I love the natural products and the mask she makes every time with those natural ingredients. I have tried different groupon facial deals in different places before and decided to stick with Pamela! Really RECOMMEND!!!

UPDATE:
Pamela fired Nora, the esthetician who gave me my «facial» and offered a free facial to make up for the horrible experience.
I was going to change this review to 3 stars to reflect this but then got a message chastising me for writing this review in the first place. Aaaaand critiquing the review.
This place actually deserves zero stars. I didn’t even bother with all the terrible things in my original review because it was so long:
–after I spent much time explaining how my skin is ultra sensitive due to the pregnancy, even to steam, Nora tried to get me to do microdermabrasion without indicating it was an extra service. (I got a facial six days earlier, get them every month, and am blessed with good skin — I didn’t need this)
–the «custom» mask I received was not custom as my sister received the exact same batch after me. Not the same ingredients blended again; the exact same batch.
–the mask smelled terrible. You must be doing something wrong if you manage to make organic food product smell terrible.
Pamela likes to say that things would have been different if I had her… which just means my brother would have been knowingly subject to a crappy facial.
–I indicated I was pregnant in the form I filled out and even said something about it out loud. Pamela, without reading the intake forms, had already decided she wasn’t taking me.
–reading other reviews around the same time, I see that I am not the first to be subject to a terrible facial and even worse follow up! Pamela knew that her employee wasn’t up to par and her solution is to keep some customers away? Hardly good business practice.
–Pamela came down while she was with another client, my brother. We started at the same time, had the same service, but he wasn’t done for another 30 mins. Hmmm.
The level of customer service and professionalism is really disappointing. I would never recommend this place to anyone.
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Worst facial ever.
Let me add some perspective by saying I get a facial every month and when I’m on vacation (like now) I’ll splurge on one or two so I’ve been to a variety of places.
Ushered into the first room and directed to get under the blankets. At no time are the pillows or blankets adjusted… and they know I’m pregnant which usually elicits a bit extra care.
Begin with 5 mins of coconut oil massage. 10 mins of steam… pointed at my neck initially because she just left the room. And left again after she «adjusted» the steam (I just ended up doing it myself since she was busy doing something not involving a facial).
5 mins of extraction. Then a mask because she needed to leave the room for another 15 mins. Quick clean up and some moisturizer and I was basically kicked out of the room. No help to even get my fat pregnant belly into an upright position!
So I paid $ 95 to have someone not touch me for 45 mins.
I literally had a better, cheaper, longer, and organic facial six days ago.
With so many places to go in LA for this sort of thing, this place is very disappointing.

In a nutshell, I received the worst facial of all my born days here. I chose the place because Unilocal made it seem promising. I definitely should have picked up on the fact that all the positive reviews are from people who received facials from Pamela and acted accordingly.
First off, the woman who did my facial showed up twenty minutes late to the appointment. Which actually was the least bothersome part of my morning. At first, I had really high hopes. The place looks clean and inviting, and the woman was pleasant. Everything seemed standard, and the facial began.
Once the steam machine turned on, the woman left the room and began a phone call. It sounded business-​related, but even after it ended I was left there long enough to realize that the steam smelled a bit like mildew and I was getting really uncomfortable. By the time the machine shut off I was still laying there, scrunched down at the bottom of the bed to get the steam out of my face so I could breathe. And she still had not returned.
When she finally walked back into the space, she slathered me down with a jar of Trader Joe’s coconut oil and started extractions with her fingernails and a piece of tissue. No gloves, no tools. I even asked her if she was planning on using either, since my skin was being ungracefully stretched and pulled all over the place. No such luck. It was something I could have asked the high school version of myself to do.
By the time the customized mask was on, I was just waiting for the ordeal to end. Even then, she walked out of the room and I was left hanging for way too long. I eventually gave up and called her over to get everything off my face so I could escape.
Definitely no intention of returning here. Walked out infinitely more stressed out than I had entered. Based on the other reviews it seems like you should make sure you book Pamela if you want a better experience.

I began composing this review in my head from the moment I left yesterday– this is the BEST facial I’ve ever had. My appointment was her last on a Friday evening after a long week at work with my acne prone skin looking like a mess. I arrived early and loved the ambience and space as soon as I stepped in. Just the space demonstrates her knowledge of skin and acne, from the books, to the bountiful ingredients for custom face masks… not to mention gluten free cookies.
I found her through a groupon and am so happy I did. She gave me the most thorough extractions — which is a lot of work with my acne prone skin-​and worked hard to give me the best treatment. I purchased the deep cleansing facial but she ended up giving me the deep cleansing acne one, which is more time consuming and expensive, because she wanted to give me what I needed. This is something I truly appreciate.
After the super thorough extractions (usually people rush mine because there are so many), she makes me a CUSTOM mask using a variety of ingredients from her lovely collection. I love learning what is good for my skin and the different properties. She told me about why she selected each one. While the mask worked it’s magic, she gave me extra to bring home and then offered me a chakra balancing treatment or a shiatsu massage (she also studied Chinese medicine). I took the chakra balancing. I love how she talked me through what each one meant and answered my endless questions.
I thought it was over after the mask and toning — but wait, now I get an acupressure face massage?!
My appointment was only supposed to be an hour, but afterwards she told me about her skin care line — I bought the toner and am excited to try more products when my wallet allows– and then showed me her makeup line that is supposed to HELP your acne and offer coverage. I had to go out after and had come to terms that I couldn’t put on makeup, but she gave me a free sample and even applied it thoroughly on my face, utilizing her years of expertise teaching in makeup school. I’ll probably have to get stock in this product. Beam me up, I’m in heaven.
My facial began around 630, but took the time and I enjoyed her company so much I didn’t even leave until 830 or so.
I need facials every month which is costly, but she offers wonderful plans with an annual fee and discounted facial treatment that I am going to follow up with.
I can’t express how lovely Pamela is as a person and how impressed I am with her wealth of knowledge. Do yourself a favor and go to her. Thank you Pamela!!! You rock.

I don’t have facials often, but when I do Behind the Seen is my SPA of choice. I love its cozy and clean premises. Pamela is a very welcoming, diligent, and knowledgeable esthetician. She doesn’t try to push her products. What I really like is that masks and scrubs are organic and custom made. After treatment, she gives leftover facial mask to take home with you.
Overall, a holistic and very enjoyable experience. Highly recommended!!!

I have to say, my experience with Pamela was absolutely fantastic.
I bought the Groupon deal for 3 deep cleansing organic facials — the price was extremely discounted at a really good value.
When I got to the salon, Pam interviewed me about my skin and created a customized mask from ingredients they have on display in the waiting room. I really enjoyed reading the descriptions of each organic ingredient and what it’s best used for. Pam knew every ingredient inside out and is clearly an expert in her field.
I happened to come in on a day that was not busy, and even though the service is supposed to last 45 min to an hour, Pam spent TWO HOURS with me! She really cared about doing a good job for me, and she absolutely did. My skin was glowing for days, and in much better condition than when I came in. She also gave me the leftovers of the mask that she created and told me to use it a few days later. That really helped my skin, too, bc sometimes after a facial you need a little tuneup. She didn’t charge me extra, even though she gave me a hefty portion of a really good product, customized for my skin.
I really appreciated Pam’s work and would absolutely recommend her services. She was also very sweet and cares about her clients. :)

Popped my facial cherry at Behind The Seen! Wasn’t sure what to expect but Pamela, the owner, took very good care of me. Before starting the procedure, Pamela thoroughly explained the procedure step-​by-​step and products she would be using.
Pros:
–Yes, ambiance is wonderful – cozy, warm and relaxing
–Pamela is very thorough with what she does (procedure was supposed to last 45 – 60 minutes, as noted on Groupon, but I stayed there from 4:30 pm –6:30 pm)
–In the last 10 – 15 minutes of your facial, you can choose to receive a massage while your facial mask sets on your face (free of charge!). I received the most relaxing arm, shoulder and neck massage. I’m getting sleepy just thinking about it…
Cons:
–I expected my skin to shine bright like a diamond, but… it’s alright. Pamela said I’d love the results in about 2 days, so maybe I have to wait another day. We’ll see~
Parking wasn’t too bad – was able to find street parking in front of the studio ($ 1/​hr)
Thanks to Groupon for hooking it up!

I have been to MANY salons in the LA area and had been mostly disappointed with the quality of service… But that changed when I started coming to Behind the Seen for my facials. Pamela is the BEST. She is gentle, yet very thorough. I’ve never been one to purchase products from salons, but because of what I’ve experienced of Behind the Seen products during my facial treatments, I decided to give their line a try. Let me tell you, I am hooked! I use the toner, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, AND foundation! Love that their products are made of organic/​natural ingredients and actually WORK. My skin looks so much better now that I use BTS products :-)

This place really is such a hidden gem! I had Pamela for a facial and she was very thorough with the whole process – you can tell she’s an expert. I love that they use all organic products and that they are very gentle as I have very sensitive skin! Looking forward to my next appointment.

Pamela is great. I have many allergies and sensitives and she was able to a accommodate me. She is gentle, thorough and precise. She considers each clients’ specific skin type and concerns and creates individualized treatment plans to address all of your skin care needs. Oh, and it’s organic!!!

I had the opportunity to have a facial done at this salon and had a really great experience with the staff. The ambiance is fantastic, more like a tastefully appointed luxury home and less medical clinic. However, there seems to be some really cutting edge state of the art equipment available for those who need advanced skin care treatments.
I parked across the street at the Century City Mall under the restaurants and found it really easy to exit from the stairs to Santa Monica Blvd and cross at the cross walk to get to the salon. There’s also metered parking in front if you’re lucky.
I can’t imagine having had a better experience. Everyone was friendly and professional, the salon was immaculately clean and even smelled nice. Give it a try, I’m sure you’ll find yourself having a similar experience.

I convinced my boyfriend who was hesitant on getting another facial, let’s just say his previous experiences left him a little jaded. I saw a groupon deal and read many great reviews so I decided to buy it. Definitely was worth it!
There is no parking, so you would have to find street parking that is at least an hour or more. Definitely plan on avoiding busy times. The facial can take up to 1 hr.
Upon entering the salon you will notice it’s really quaint and cozy. There is a fireplace and comfy seating while you fill out some information.
My facial was done with Pam. Pam was so sweet, honest, and gentle. I had a organic deep cleansing facial and she suggested a micro-​dermabrasion which was a $ 25 add on. She customized my mask to my skin’s need. I had varies ingredients including coconut oil, pumpkin, green tea, etc for my mask. When she applied it on my face, it seriously smelled so good. Almost like a really yummy granola bar. She also massaged my arms.
My boyfriend’s facial was done by Nora. He is particularly sensitive and does not enjoy the extract part of the facial. When I was finished with my facial and asked him how his went, to my surprise he was completely relaxed and happy. He said this facial was the best facial yet! He really liked Nora and he also had micro-​dermabrasion done. He got a neck and arm massage, customized mask. He also purchased their organic cleanser.
Together we both enjoyed our facial experience at Behind the Seen with Pam and Nora!

I love this little spa! Also a bonus that it’s located very close to where I live. Very much a hidden gem, I came here after buying a Groupon for a facial. You have to be buzzed in, and the waiting area is very cozy and welcoming.
My facialist was Nora, and she was very knowledgeable and gentle on my skin. It was a pretty good facial, with a good amount of time spent on extractions (without my having to ask her to spend extra time on extractions). I also added an extra microdermabrasion since I figured I was getting a good deal with the Groupon anyway. My skin felt wonderful for days afterward! She also waxed my eyebrows, and did a great job — really gave them a nice arch shape that I am very happy with.
I will definitely be back!

I bought the groupon here a week ago and was really excited to learn that the location was walking distance from my home. I have to echo everyone else on here, Pamela’s demeanor and passion for what she does made for an exceptional experience. Some big pluses to mention — 1. Pamela was able to squeeze me in with just a few hours notice which made 2. her running behind no big deal because she puts so much time into each client to make sure they receive the perfect facial (myself included!) 3. All of her products are organic! 4. She really takes the time to get to know you and your skin so that way the facial is truly customized to your own skin. 5. As I write this its an hour later and my skin is still glowing!
And one final added bonus, check in on Unilocal while you are there and receive discounts on her services! This is one place you definitely should try!