Real skincare advice from someone licensed, honest, and actually looking at your skin.
A virtual consultation that fits into your actual life — no spa visit, no babysitter, no guessing. Just a real conversation with a Maryland-licensed esthetician, built around what you already own.
Book a consultationFrom booking to your routine plan
Book & complete your intake
Tell me about your skin, routine, and goals; submit a few photos.
I review before we meet
So your session is focused, not exploratory.
We talk, live, on video
60 minutes, one-on-one.
You leave with a plan
A written routine you can actually follow.
Three reasons this is different
Licensed, not just "into skincare"
Every recommendation stays inside professional scope — grounded, credentialed advice, not a guess.
Built around what you own
Before we talk about what to add, we look at what's already in your routine. No list of 12 products you don't need.
Real time, real attention
Your intake and photos are reviewed in advance, so your session is spent solving, not explaining from scratch.
Built for real life, not a spa schedule
Busy moms
You know your skin needs attention, but a monthly facial isn't realistic right now. A 60-minute video call from your couch is.
The overwhelmed
Ten tabs open, three different opinions, a bathroom counter full of half-used products. You need one clear answer, not more options.
Starting over
Bad reaction, new skin concern, or just tired of guessing. You want someone licensed to actually look and tell you what's true.
Ready when you are
One consultation, one written plan, no pressure to buy anything you don't need.
Book a consultationShop My Product Recommendations
Affiliate link — see Affiliate Disclosure in Legal.
Someone who's actually looked at your skin
Licensed Limited Esthetician, State of Maryland • Cortiva Institute, Glen Burnie
I'm Paige Whitman, a licensed esthetician based in Calvert County, Maryland. I started Bare Theory because I wanted to actually get to know the people I work with — not just sell them products, but understand their skin, their life, and what's realistic for them. Skincare has always felt personal to me, and I wanted to bring that kind of real connection to people from wherever they are.
I became an esthetician because I love watching women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Helping someone get healthier skin is only half of it — the other half is what happens when they look in the mirror and actually like what they see.
I'm also a mom, so I understand how hectic life gets. Not everyone can get to a spa for a facial once a month, and they shouldn't have to in order to get real advice from someone with a professional background. That's exactly why Bare Theory is virtual — so that kind of guidance can fit into your life, not the other way around.
Bare Theory is built for people who are a little overwhelmed — by choice, by conflicting advice, by a bathroom counter that's gotten out of control. Busy moms. People starting over after a bad reaction. Anyone who wants a real answer instead of another recommendation from someone who's never seen their skin.
Bare Theory consultations are cosmetic and educational — not medical. If something in our conversation looks like it needs a dermatologist's attention, I'll tell you directly and point you there. That's not a limitation, it's the whole point of working with someone licensed: you get someone who knows exactly where her expertise ends.
My approach:
- — Real conversation first, product talk second
- — Recommendations that fit your actual budget, not an upsell
- — Honesty about what's outside my scope, every time
- — A written plan you can actually follow, not just remember
Consultations built to actually help
Initial Consultation
- Pre-session review of your intake form and photos
- 60 minute live video consultation
- Assessment of your current routine — what's working, what isn't
- A personalized, written AM/PM routine plan
- Product recommendations that fit your budget
- A written shopping list for easy ordering, if you're building a new routine
Full payment collected at booking. See Cancellation Policy in Legal.
Follow Up
- 45 minute live video consultation
- Full re-evaluation of your skin and routine
- Updated, personalized AM/PM routine plan
- Adjusted recommendations as your skin changes
For returning clients who've completed an Initial Consultation.
Focus Session
A focused 30-minute session for a deep dive into one concern:
- Acne & breakouts
- Aging & fine lines
- Texture
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sensitivity & barrier repair
Quick Check-In
- 15 minute live video check-in
- Review of how current products are working
- Quick adjustments to your routine
- No new intake form required
For returning clients who've completed an Initial Consultation.
FAQ
Is this medical advice?
No. Bare Theory provides cosmetic and educational skincare guidance from a licensed esthetician — not a diagnosis, treatment, or substitute for a dermatologist.
What if I'm not in Maryland?
Right now, Bare Theory only accepts clients who are physically located in Maryland at the time of their consultation. This is a licensing requirement, not a preference — I'm working on the steps to responsibly serve other states, and this page will be updated the moment that's true.
What happens after the consultation?
You'll receive a written routine plan by email — your AM/PM steps, product categories, and specific recommendations tailored to your budget.
Do you sell products directly?
No — I don't hold inventory or ship anything myself. Some recommendations include affiliate links; this never affects what I recommend.
Will you help me actually order the products?
Yes. If you're building a new routine after your Initial Consultation, I'll write out a clear shopping list with the exact products so ordering through my GlyMed+ retail link is simple — no guessing what to search for.
How much does it cost, and when do I pay?
$75, paid in full at the time of booking — this secures your appointment.
What do I need for the video call?
A stable internet connection, a device with a camera, and a private, well-lit space. We meet over Google Meet — no account or download required. Your link is included in your booking confirmation.
Can I ask about a diagnosed skin condition?
I can talk about day-to-day care, but diagnosing or treating a medical condition is outside what an esthetician is licensed to do. I'll ask for dermatologist clearance first, and may decline or pause a consultation if a medical concern is outside my scope.
Terms, Disclaimer & Privacy
Terms of Service
Effective Date: August 23, 2026
Acceptance of Terms
By booking a consultation, using baretheoryesthetics.com, or submitting an intake form, you agree to these Terms of Service, the Disclaimer & Client Consent, and the Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use Bare Theory's services.
Eligibility
Bare Theory's services are intended for adults (18+) who are physically located in Maryland at the time of consultation. By booking, you confirm that you meet both requirements.
Description of Services
Bare Theory provides virtual, one-on-one skincare consultations delivered by a Maryland-licensed Limited Esthetician, for cosmetic and educational purposes only, as described in the Disclaimer & Client Consent. Services are limited to what is authorized under that license and do not include medical diagnosis or treatment.
Booking & Payment
- Full payment is collected at the time of booking through Bare Theory's third-party booking and payment platform (currently PocketSuite, which uses Stripe to process payments).
- Bare Theory does not store your full payment card details.
- Prices are as listed on the website or booking page at the time of booking and are subject to change for future bookings, but not for consultations already booked and paid.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- Consultations rescheduled or canceled with at least 24 hours' notice are eligible for a full refund or free rebooking.
- Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled consultation, and no-shows, are non-refundable.
- Bare Theory reserves the right to reschedule a consultation due to illness, technical failure, or other circumstances beyond its control (see Force Majeure below); in that case, you will be offered a full refund or free rebooking, your choice.
Intellectual Property
All content Bare Theory provides — including written routine plans, educational materials, website content, and branding — is the intellectual property of Bare Theory and is provided for your personal, individual use only. You may not resell, redistribute, or publicly share Bare Theory's written materials without prior written permission.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some product recommendations Bare Theory provides include affiliate links. Bare Theory may earn a commission on purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence which products are recommended — recommendations are based on your skin, not on commission rates.
Client Conduct
You agree to provide accurate, complete information during intake and consultation, and to use Bare Theory's services and website lawfully and respectfully. Bare Theory reserves the right to decline service or end a consultation early in cases of abusive, threatening, or inappropriate conduct, without refund in cases of client misconduct.
No Warranties
Bare Theory's services and recommendations are provided "as is" and in good faith, based on the information you provide. Bare Theory makes no guarantee of specific results from any recommendation, routine, or product.
Limitation of Liability
Bare Theory's total liability for any claim arising from these Terms or its services is limited to the amount you paid for the specific consultation giving rise to the claim, except where such a limitation is unenforceable under Maryland law (for example, in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, where this cap does not apply). Bare Theory is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
Indemnification
You agree to hold Bare Theory harmless from claims, damages, or expenses arising from your provision of inaccurate or incomplete information, or your independent decisions to use products or alter routines contrary to Bare Theory's specific written guidance. This indemnification does not apply to claims arising from Bare Theory's own negligence or error.
Termination
Bare Theory may suspend or terminate a client relationship at its discretion, including for violations of these Terms. You may stop using Bare Theory's services at any time; any consultations already paid for remain subject to the Cancellation & Refund Policy above.
Force Majeure
Bare Theory is not liable for delays or inability to perform services due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including technology outages, illness, severe weather, or other events preventing a scheduled virtual consultation. Affected appointments will be rescheduled or refunded per the Cancellation & Refund Policy above.
Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by Maryland and U.S. law. Any dispute will first be addressed through direct, good-faith communication between you and Bare Theory for 30 days before either party pursues formal legal action. Any such action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Maryland. Claims must be brought individually, not as part of a class, consolidated, or representative action.
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
Entire Agreement
These Terms of Service, together with the Disclaimer & Client Consent and Privacy Policy, represent the entire understanding between you and Bare Theory, and supersede any prior agreements on this subject. Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
Changes to These Terms
Bare Theory may update these Terms as its business practices evolve. The effective date at the top will reflect the most recent revision. Continued use of Bare Theory's services after a change constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
Contact
Questions about these Terms can be sent to hello@baretheoryesthetics.com.
Disclaimer & Client Consent
Effective Date: August 23, 2026
Cosmetic & Educational Purpose
Bare Theory provides virtual skin care consultations for cosmetic and educational purposes only. Services are limited to general skin assessment, routine education, and non-prescription product recommendations, delivered by a Maryland-licensed Limited Esthetician.
These consultations do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and do not replace evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed physician, dermatologist, or other qualified health care provider. If you have a medical skin condition or concern, please consult a physician or dermatologist directly.
Scope of Practice
Services are provided within the scope of practice authorized for a Maryland Limited Esthetician license. This scope does not include diagnosing skin diseases or conditions (including but not limited to eczema, rosacea, cystic acne, or other dermatological conditions), prescribing treatment, or recommending or describing any service, product, or procedure outside that authorized scope — including peels beyond superficial/epidermal level, injectables, or devices that penetrate below the epidermis.
If, during a consultation, a concern appears to fall outside this scope, Bare Theory will recommend you seek evaluation from a licensed dermatologist or physician rather than provide guidance on it.
Product Recommendations
Product recommendations are based on the information and photos you provide and reflect general skin care guidance, not a guarantee of results. Individual skin response varies. You are responsible for reviewing ingredient lists for your own allergies or sensitivities, and it's recommended you patch-test any new product before full use.
Bare Theory is not responsible for adverse reactions to products the client purchases and uses on their own initiative, outside of Bare Theory's specific recommendation, or for outcomes resulting from a client's decision to deviate from, modify, or discontinue a recommended routine without consultation. For products Bare Theory does specifically recommend, that guidance is covered under Bare Theory's professional liability insurance (see "Limitation of Liability" below) — recommendations are professional guidance based on the information provided at the time of consultation, not a guarantee of a specific result, and not a substitute for monitoring your own skin's individual response.
Photos & Personal Information
By submitting your intake form, you consent to Bare Theory collecting and securely storing the photos and information you provide, for the sole purpose of preparing for and conducting your consultation. This information will not be shared with third parties outside what's needed to deliver your consultation, and will be retained only as long as necessary for your care and business recordkeeping. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
Limitation of Liability
Bare Theory provides recommendations in good faith based on the information you provide. Bare Theory is not liable for outcomes resulting from incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the client, independent product purchases, or use of recommendations outside their intended guidance.
Bare Theory maintains professional liability insurance appropriate to its scope of practice as a Maryland-licensed Limited Esthetician, and confirms that this coverage extends to client reactions to products recommended during a consultation — even when Bare Theory does not sell those products directly. This disclaimer does not expand or waive any protections provided under that coverage, and nothing in this document is intended to limit a client's legal rights beyond what is permitted under Maryland law.
Out-of-State Clients
Bare Theory is operated by a Maryland-licensed Limited Esthetician. Bare Theory currently provides services only to clients physically located in Maryland at the time of consultation. Maryland residency is confirmed at intake, and verbally reconfirmed at the start of each live consultation before services begin. If Bare Theory begins accepting clients located in other states, this section will be updated to reflect verified compliance with that state's licensing, telehealth, or telepractice regulations for esthetic services — a generic acknowledgment is not, by itself, sufficient to establish that compliance.
Dispute Resolution
If a disagreement arises between you and Bare Theory relating to services or this agreement, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve it through direct, good-faith communication for a period of 30 days from when the concern is first raised in writing. If the matter is not resolved within that period, either party may pursue the dispute through any legally available remedy, including mediation, arbitration, or a Maryland court of competent jurisdiction.
Limitation of Remedies
If Bare Theory is found liable for any claim arising from its services, the client's remedy is limited to a refund of the fee paid for the specific consultation giving rise to the claim, except where such a limitation is unenforceable under Maryland law — for example, in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, where this cap does not apply.
Indemnification
You agree to hold Bare Theory harmless from claims, damages, or expenses arising from your provision of inaccurate or incomplete intake information, or from your independent decisions to use products or alter routines contrary to Bare Theory's specific written guidance. This indemnification does not apply to claims arising from Bare Theory's own negligence or error.
Assignment
This agreement is personal to you and may not be assigned or transferred without Bare Theory's written consent. Bare Theory may assign this agreement in connection with a sale or transfer of the business, with notice to active clients.
No Waiver
Bare Theory's failure to enforce any provision of this agreement at any time does not waive its right to enforce that provision later.
Electronic Signatures & Acceptance
Your acceptance of this Disclaimer & Client Consent — whether by electronic signature, checkbox, or continued use of Bare Theory's booking and intake process — is legally binding and has the same effect as a handwritten signature.
Force Majeure
Bare Theory is not liable for delays or inability to perform services due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including technology outages, illness, severe weather, or other events preventing a scheduled virtual consultation. Affected appointments will be rescheduled as soon as reasonably possible.
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: August 23, 2026
What Information We Collect
When you complete an intake form or book a consultation with Bare Theory, we collect:
- Contact information: name, email, phone number, general location (city/state)
- Skin and health-adjacent information you provide: skin type, concerns, sensitivities, current products, routine history, budget, and lifestyle answers from the intake form
- Photos: the skin photos you submit for your consultation
- Payment and booking information: processed directly by PocketSuite and its payment processor, Stripe — we do not store your full card details ourselves. Their own privacy practices apply to the data they process; see PocketSuite's and Stripe's privacy policies for details.
- Communication records: emails, messages, and consultation notes related to your service
Why We Collect It
We use this information solely to prepare for and conduct your virtual consultation, provide personalized skin care recommendations, communicate with you about your appointment and account, and maintain business records as required for our own recordkeeping and legal compliance. We do not use your information for purposes unrelated to providing your consultation, and we do not sell your personal information.
How We Store It
Your intake information and photos are stored using encrypted, cloud-based storage with restricted, password-protected access. Only Bare Theory's operator has access. We do not store this information in tools that are not built for sensitive data storage, and our storage practices are designed to meet a high-security standard appropriate to the sensitivity of skin photos and health-adjacent information — even though this information does not make Bare Theory a HIPAA-covered entity (see "Not a Medical Record" below).
In the event of a data breach affecting your information, Bare Theory will notify affected individuals in writing (by email or mail) without unreasonable delay, and in no case later than 45 days after discovery of the breach, consistent with the Maryland Personal Information Protection Act (MPIPA). If you reside in a different state, notice will instead follow that state's applicable breach notification timeline if it requires earlier notice.
How Long We Keep It
We retain client information and photos for 3 years from the date of your most recent consultation, after which it is permanently deleted from our systems, unless you request earlier deletion, or retention beyond 3 years is specifically required by a Maryland Board of Cosmetologists recordkeeping rule or an active legal obligation — in which case only the specific records subject to that requirement are retained, and only until that requirement is satisfied. Bare Theory tracks each client's file against this 3-year schedule and reviews records at least annually to confirm timely deletion.
Who Has Access
Your information is accessed only by Bare Theory's operator. We do not share your information with third parties, except service providers necessary to run the business — currently PocketSuite (booking and payment processing, which uses Stripe) and Netlify (website hosting) — each only receiving what's needed for their function, or if required by law. We never share your skin photos publicly or with any third party without your separate, explicit consent.
Photos & Marketing Use
Your submitted consultation photos are used only for your consultation and are never used in marketing, social media, or any public-facing content without your separate written consent. If Bare Theory ever asks to use your photos or testimonial publicly, this will be a distinct, opt-in request — not something bundled into standard intake consent.
Not a Medical Record
Bare Theory provides cosmetic skin care consulting, not medical treatment, and is not a HIPAA-covered entity. If you voluntarily share health-adjacent information as part of your intake, that information is treated with the high-security storage and access protections described above, but it is collected and used for skin care consultation purposes only — not as a medical record, and not shared with any medical provider on your behalf without your separate request.
Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
This policy is governed by Maryland and U.S. law. If you are located outside Maryland, be aware your information will be processed in the United States under U.S. and Maryland privacy standards. Any dispute arising from this policy will first be addressed through direct, good-faith communication between you and Bare Theory for 30 days before either party pursues formal legal action. Any such action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Maryland.
Definition of Confidential Information
For purposes of this policy, "confidential information" means any non-public information you provide to Bare Theory in connection with your consultation, including your intake responses, photos, and communications — excluding information that is already public or that you separately authorize Bare Theory to share.
No Class Actions
Any claim brought against Bare Theory must be brought individually, not as part of a class, consolidated, or representative action.
Your Rights
You may, at any time, request to access the information we hold about you, correct inaccurate information, or request deletion of your information and photos, subject to what we're required to retain for legal/business recordkeeping purposes. To make a request, contact hello@baretheoryesthetics.com.
Cookies & Website Data
Our website (baretheoryesthetics.com) is hosted on Netlify and does not currently use third-party advertising or tracking cookies. Our booking page is hosted separately by PocketSuite, which may use its own cookies or analytics tools as part of the booking and payment process — refer to PocketSuite's privacy policy for details on their practices. We do not use any tool to build advertising profiles based on your visit, and we do not currently respond to browser Do Not Track (DNT) signals because we do not engage in the type of cross-site tracking DNT is designed to address.
Children's Privacy
Bare Theory's services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18.
Severability
If any provision of this Privacy Policy is found to be unenforceable or invalid under applicable law, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
Entire Agreement; Counterparts; Headings
This Privacy Policy, together with the Disclaimer & Client Consent and Terms of Service, represents the entire understanding between you and Bare Theory regarding the collection and use of your information, and supersedes any prior agreements on this subject. Section headings in this policy are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. Where applicable, this policy and related documents may be executed or accepted in counterparts (e.g., separate electronic acceptances), each of which is treated as part of the same agreement.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy as our business practices evolve. The effective date at the top will reflect the most recent revision.
Contact
Questions about this policy or your data can be sent to hello@baretheoryesthetics.com.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some product recommendations include affiliate links. Bare Theory may earn a commission on purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. This never influences which products are recommended.