Daydream Holistic

Daydream Holistic is a one-person studio at 2118 El Camino Real, Studio #23, in Santa Clara, open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Owner Aubrey Williams opened it as a private space for facials and sugaring. Before that, she worked with CAP Beauty in Los Angeles after becoming an esthetician, then moved to the Bay Area in 2019 and worked at Sugar Spa in Mountain View.

Bespoke Facials run 60 or 90 minutes and blend connective tissue massage, lymphatic drainage massage, microcurrent and LED light therapy, with the techniques chosen for each client. Every facial starts with a questionnaire and a hands-on skin analysis, and new clients can book a free 30-minute consultation before their first facial. The studio describes its microcurrent work as clinically proven to boost collagen and elastin production; that is the studio's own claim.

Sugaring removes hair using a paste of sugar, water and lemon, and according to the studio it is gentler on the skin than waxing. Hair should be about a quarter inch long before a session, and the studio recommends returning every four to six weeks for upkeep. Sugaring is not performed over broken skin, cuts, stitches, recent incisions or sunburn. Clients who have used Accutane within the past six months are advised against it. The studio says it has not been trained to perform Brazilian and bikini sugaring safely on all body types, so those services are restricted. Brazilian work is not offered to men, though male clients can book body hair removal and facials.

Before a facial, clients are asked to stop exfoliating for one week, and those with conditions such as cold sores, rashes, recent facial surgery or active cancers are asked to consult a doctor first. Before sugaring, chemical exfoliants and retinol should be stopped on the treatment area for one week. Rescheduling to another time on the same day does not waive the 50 percent cancellation fee. Aubrey answers questions and adjusts for client needs by email, including questions about sugaring and skincare.

The studio offers a number of free facials each month to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, AAPI, undocumented, disabled and financially hardship community members, booked through a waitlist. It describes itself as LGBTQIA+ friendly and a safe space for all clients. The treatment room is private and enclosed, though reaching the bathroom means walking through public hallways. Clients who wear hijabs or observe modesty practices can be accommodated with the private room.

Skincare is built around supporting the skin's protective barrier and its microbiome, without asking clients to keep to strict home routines.

A small, private, enclosed treatment room inside a shared studio building.