The best thing I've done in the past month was book a facial with Zachary at Tainted. Seriously a rejuvenating, completely relaxing experience at a totally reasonable price point. The studio is a complete oasis in Hartford and they've even got a new designated spa room tucked away beyond the funky vintage-chic makeup and hair bar. They're also the only studio that uses the Skin Inc tri-light technology, a REALLY cool spa-grade device with three different lights that treats acne, calms sensitive skin, and focuses on anti-aging. Paired with a soothing space, light music, enticing aromatherapy, and a lovely cup of tea, this was the most amazing 45 minutes of the week. I need to do some serious rebudgeting to trade happy hours for regularly scheduled spa facials! read more

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Tainted Inc was founded by Andrea, Alyssa, and Zachary, as a response to the existing, "tainted" makeup industry that capitalizes on the insecurities of their customers. They believed there needs to be a paradigm shift, so the goal of this team is to bring out the natural beauty of anyone who enters their studio - without ever pushing products. In addition to these honorable founding ideals, they're also a socially conscious small business that's both involved and invested in the local community. Last summer, Andrea and Apoman were the makeup artists for the six ladies in my bridal party, my mother, and myself, as well as their beautifully vintage-decorated studio as the getting ready location for the morning of the wedding. One of my primary concerns was choosing a makeup team who knew how to work with the particularities of Asian features, but the ethnically diverse team has an equally diverse portfolio of experience and the individual artists bring their own natural creativity and personal flair. They were even flexible enough to accommodate my request for cruelty-free makeup. I couldn't have been happier with the results! Most of all, I was impressed by their professionalism, attention to detail, and very reasonable pricing. Based on my day-of experience as well as the trial a couple months beforehand, they were by far one of the easiest vendors with whom I worked and I have absolutely no regrets about my decision to book with them. Since then, I've been a regular in the studio. I was never one for waxing, but my monthly visits to Bea have been a gamechanger for my brows. Occasionally I'll also treat myself to mini-facials with Zachary, which makes my face super happy since he's basically a skin whisperer. Next up on my list is to sign up for some makeup lessons! read more

What is Tainted you ask? Tainted Inc is more than just a group of make-up artists. The girls here embody the positivity and energy that Hartford seems to so desperately lack. Through a variety of classes and events, Tainted Inc offers up many avenues to get involved and be in the know. Make-up workshops, yoga, dance classes, make-up bag overhauls, artist training, body-paint tutorials -- come experience the culture and and talent of CT artists. Having moved to their new location on Arbor Street, parking is easy, and the new space is gorgeous. Stop by for a cup of tea, have an engaging conversation with the Tainted Team; whatever your steez whatever your style, come chill with and learn about what some of CT's most passionate and dedicated locals have to offer! M: 12-8pm T: By appointment W-F: 12-8pm Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: By appointment read more

I was lucky enough to join the Elite group on a combination event that included candle light meditation followed by expressive movement called BodyTalk. First off, driving into any major city I get a little anxious because of all the traffic and difficulty finding the right parking lot closest to where you need to go, but rest assured that is not an issue here! It's right off the highway and they have their own parking lot!! It's in a beautiful older building with an easy to find entrance. Upon entering the doors you can immediately feel yourself unwinding because the atmosphere is just so calming- dim lighting, candles and small alters set up around the studio truly set the stage for what was about to take place. Andrea was up first- she was amazing to talk to before the class with such a wealth of knowledge and this great easy going energy. She said some LOA related comments on how they acquired the studio that really resonated with me and is such a perfect example of what positive thinking can do. She walked us through a ritualistic candlelight meditation process, including the meaning of each step and the significance of each item that was used in the process. As someone who has only ever meditated with the help of an app, I found it to be so much more inspiring with her guidance. As that portion of the event concluded it was time for Alyssa to take over- and take over she did! She has such a vibrant personality that encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and really express yourself- because they don't call it expressive movement for nothin people! During the class she had us loosen up by shaking it all out and walking us through some basic movements, followed by prompts of recent feelings that we have been experiencing that we provided at the beginning of the event. This gave us an idea of how to read each others body language for each emotion as well as how to recognize these emotions in yourself and how to change up how you're feeling through movement. She stressed that what matters is how you feel, not how you think you look through this class and I was grateful for every reminder of that- I have never been accused of being graceful and that night was no different!! This was a new experience for me and although it took me miles away from my comfort zone I was thankful for the experience because I still walked away from it feeling great. They have so many more intriguing classes that have caught my eye, like the fire meditation and the burlesque- I'll be keeping an eye out on the schedule to find some that work for me but there is no doubt it is worth the trip in every way. Can't wait to come back with some friends and try something new and exciting! read more

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I had the pleasure of having my makeup done this evening by the talented staff of Tainted Inc. for my role as Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz. They did an amazing job! I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a makeup ARTIST because they do just that: they use your face as a canvas and turn you into a work of art! I am a Justice of the Peace and will definitely be recommending them for future bridal parties. Thank you! read more

Tainted Inc. was incredible as they assisted with make up in a recent local production of the Wiz. They were timely, focused, had great communication and were friendly and courteous. This production would have not been as successful without them. Very talented and professional. I am also very impressed by their dedication to community, particularly the arts community as they readily and willingly take on partnerships with other organizations locally. read more

This is an amazing place full of beautiful people. No matter if your in a bad mood, these people can cheer you up and have you back to yourself. I love this place so much ! They are also family friendly. read more