SUGARED + BRONZED (Union Square) — Local services in New York

When I first heard of S + B , I thought it would be one of those overpriced, overrated salons so I wrote it off. Something compelled me to go on their website (after a bad sugaring experience at another salon) and I the first thing that floored me were the price points. $39 membership for Brazilian sugaring? $39 for airbrush. I'd been paying $65 plus tip for years for an inconsistent spray tan that more often than not came out with splotchy hands and a lot of hours spent googling how to remove tan streaks. I decided to make an airbrush appointment and was so impressed with the experience and the outcome. They have such a meticulous way of spraying and they really sculpt you as you go, asking you to lift your heels to sculpt your calves, flex your arms to get some definition in your arms... I've tried all levels of tan at this point, they've all come out fantastic. I've never had an issue with streaks or stained hands. The color is always natural, never orange and lasts. I've tried both the Express and Standard solution, and while I prefer Express for the convenience of getting to shower sooner, the Standard comes out just as natural and at the color I desire. S + B seems to frequently run promotions for free tanning services with trainees, and after taking advantage of the free tan about 6-7 times now, I honestly can never tell the difference between a trainees tan and a professionals tan... the solution and the application is that great. This airbrush is the biggest steal in Manhattan. The only "negative" experience I had when coming to tan, is that I came in for a free airbrush, expecting to get the express solution. When I got there, they said only standard solution was allowed on that particular day. I was unable to get the standard applied due to scheduling for that day, and after expressing this, they honored it. I use the term "negative" loosely because it was a miscommunication and they ended up giving me the express like I had originally desired, but I will say it's a very busy place, they have lots of staff, and after all I'm coming in for a freebie, so it was gracious of them to let this particular one slide considering. Because of that experience, I've been on top of calling them to ask if both solution types will be available on the day of the free session, just to make sure it doesn't happen again. But again... hardly negative...because they gave me what I had wanted and they didn't really fuss over it. As for the sugaring, I do the Brazilian with Kelly. She's so quick, I think my record for one appointment was 7 minutes?? If you're curious if it hurts, yes, its uncomfortable..pop some Advil before, but you'll survive. Especially with Kelly. She's fast and talkative so she gets your mind off of it. And at $39 a month for the Brazilian if you do the membership, it's a steal. Results have always been great. After only 4 times, it looks like I got laser removal. Hair grows in really fine and I don't mind it between appointments because its sparse and thin. This place truly exceeded my expectations, I'm a very happy customer, and can't believe I almost passed...

Update: do not get a membership with S&B. It’s really not worth the $ and the headaches. I’ve been going to S&B for years and was convinced to get a membership a year ago to save $. However due to travel, other reasons I paused my membership and was told I could use sessions during the paused period so I don’t end up with a bunch of sessions I’ll never use. However- I learned after multiple emails with CS that if you miss one month, you will keep banking services and not be able to use them if you pause your services. They allow you to pause a month+ but I was told multiple times when I pause my membership- I’d be able to use it during the frozen period. Now I have 3 sessions and was told just use them on other services. So I will no longer continue services with S&B after misinformation on the membership and convincing me to pause my membership (when I could have used my sessions) when I was traveling/away I would have made time to NOT have so many sessions rolling over. And, if I don’t use my benefits pre-end of month, you lose them. To be told ‘it’s in the fine print’ is such a weird thing to say to a client AFTER pausing & trying to use services. What’s the point of being in a membership and being loyal for years? I truly wouldn’t be complaining unless this is what I was told & convinced it would be what it would by staff.

Below is how I felt about S&B 10 months ago. I really thought for a loyal member + someone who was totally convinced by staff this was the policy, after I called to confirm, that this is how I’m ending my services with S&B.

Old review: I’ve been going to S&B for years and love the staff! They are amazing and everyone there is so nice and does a great job. A must for a wax alternative...

The facilities are extremely clean and well organized. I was unfortunately late for my appointment and the staff was extremely accommodating in fitting me in - excellent service. I had never gotten sugaring before and have 4 positive comments on the experience:1) Initially I was confused / in discomfort as the process and feel of sugaring vs. normal wax is completely different. My aesthetician (very sad I didn't catch her name but want to call back and ask!!) sensed my initial confusion and explained everything about the sugar process to me so I wasn't in any discomfort.2) my aesthetician was an efficiency QUEEN - I was absolutely shocked that she got all the hair of my bikini area off in only a few nearly painless pulls.3) I really enjoyed her approach/manners- she wasn't talking off my ear, but provided some distraction, conversation and was very sweet and helpful with breathing techniques to minimize discomfort!4) I was absolutely shocked at how good my skin looked after - no red angry dots, no peaking hairs, no need to tweeze, no cuts/bleeding and redness and sensitivity lasted only an hour or two instead of the hot wax full recovery day. Week later still no sign of prickles!Overall would 100% recommend this team for first time hair removal clients and regulars alike for an efficient and high...