Cosmetic Boutique Opens up in Wilton

There’s a new cosmetics shop and esthetic/medical spa that has opened in Wilton, and the owner says that while the services it offers are unique, it’s the special level of customer service and care at The Cosmetic Boutique that sets it apart.

Owner Susan Keane, a three-year cancer survivor, opened her three Cosmetic Boutiques in part to help all women—especially those fighting serious illnesses like cancer—feel and look their best.

The newest location in Plaza joins Keane’s other stores in New Canaan and Chappaqua, NY.

“We get a lot of customers who come in and you can tell something is bothering them,” says Keane.

"I had a customer a few months ago, and she was just like, ‘I just found out, I have to go into surgery, and it’s cancer.’ I can talk to them, I’ve been there, I know what they’re going through. And they come back, they’re loyal customers. They tell me how they’re doing, I can tell them what to expect, and what to look for. It’s a nice relationship.” 

As for the kinds of spa services the Cosmetic Boutique offers, Keane describes the varied list: “Anywhere from laser hair removal, photo rejuvenation, TCA peels, facials, hydrofacials—we’re one of only two places in CT to offer this special kind of facial with microdermabrasion done with a serum. And we offer a lot of organic services and products, and that’s because of my background [as a] cancer survivor.”

Kean explains that she’s very particular about the items she carries for sale or uses in the services they offer.

“We bring in products that are not harmful, that are actually good for you. Even our air-brush tanning—it’s 100 percent organic. Brown sugar and honey are the two main ingredients, it doesn’t turn anybody orange. Our hydrofacial is totally organic. Most of the products are organic or natural with no parabens.*"

Keane has made sure that the Boutique is staffed by health professionals, including manager Melissa Caruso, a Wilton resident who is an RN, and Dr. Elan Singer, a plastic surgeon who is in the Wilton location every other Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

“I won’t use a dermatologist for injectibles or things like that. Dr. Singer is here, he does all the clearances for laser hair removal, for the photo-rejuvenations.”

For customers who want something more cosmetic and less medical, there are several makeup lines and beauty products in stock, including Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy, an organic line called Bare Essentials, and lines from two celebrity makeup artists—Eve Pearl and Julie Hewett. Keane says they’re welcoming to individuals and groups, like wedding parties or girls nights out, alike.

Perhaps the defining feature of the Boutique is their signature décor; Keane says she gets compliments all the time on the brown sponge-painted faux finish, and it’s something she’s especially proud of as she did it herself.

“That was basically something I did in order to get the use of my arm back [after surgeries and cancer treatments]. After my third surgery, in order to regain the use of my right arm back, I had to push my arm up—otherwise I would have lost [the use of] it. So when anybody comes in and asks, ‘Oh it’s so pretty, it’s so beautiful, what made you think of decorating like this?’ I tell them, ‘That was my physical therapy I did in order to get my arm back.’”

[*ed. note: chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals]