Honest Beauty

Honest Beauty was started by Cristina Palmeri, who owns the business and works as its acne specialist. The studio is organized around three areas: brow and lash work, paramedical tattooing, and a skincare program built around acne. The business lists Carla Gunn-Samson as its on-site Medical Director.

The acne program combines Face Reality clinical-grade products with a series of treatments about two weeks apart, with a goal of clear skin in roughly three to four months. The first visit usually includes a mild corrective peel with extractions. Clients who cannot have a peel can choose a gentle papaya enzyme treatment with steam and extractions instead. The program also treats subtype 2 rosacea and fungal folliculitis, and pitted scars are handled as a separate service. The initial product investment runs about $150 to $200, most products last roughly eight to twelve weeks, and treatments cost $100 or more after the first appointment. Clients must use only Face Reality products during the program and stop any prescription topicals two to four weeks beforehand.

Paramedical tattooing is one of the studio's main focuses. It covers areolas after breast reconstruction or surgery, including restoring the areola and nipple and camouflaging scars around the areola, along with scars from surgery, accidents or burns, stretch marks, solar leukoderma and vitiligo. Pigment is used to blend each area with the surrounding skin, and vitiligo work is typically done in sections of about 5 to 10 cm at a time. Clients who are pregnant or nursing, have active infections, active eczema or psoriasis, or keloid scarring are advised to see a doctor first, and anyone on blood thinners should check with a doctor before booking.

Brow services include microblading, which creates hair-like strokes along the natural brow shape. It is semi-permanent and typically lasts one to two years depending on skin type. The business describes its microblading as one of the best in the industry and uses a mild fine technique from Brazil. Brow laminations, tints and dyes are also available, along with lash lifts and tints and combined brow and lash bundles. Private parties can be hosted at the venue with customizable packages.

Retail and booking policies are clear. The studio describes itself as Connecticut's only K-Beauty specialist and imports its Korean skincare from Korea. A non-refundable deposit secures an appointment. Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice may forfeit the deposit and incur a 50% charge, and same-day cancellations and no-shows are charged in full. The remaining balance is due at the end of the service, and appointments remain unconfirmed until payment is received. Product sales are final. Insurance is not accepted, but a receipt is provided and an esthetician can complete a medical necessity form. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and a guardian must consent to treatment. A military discount is offered, but there is no family discount.

Pairs clinical-grade products with a structured run of treatments for acne, with a set schedule and a stated goal of clear skin in about three to four months.