CARA STUDIOS
Skincare Studio- Brow Bar
Welcome to CARA Studios
Award-Winning Facials in La Jolla
Healthy skin begins with feeling truly cared for.
At CARA Studios, every facial is thoughtfully customized to meet your skin exactly where it is today. Whether you’re looking to calm sensitive skin, clear acne, soften signs of aging, or simply unwind, our goal is to create an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, confident, and genuinely cared for.
Founded by award-winning esthetician Cara Paymaster, CARA Studios blends advanced corrective skincare with relaxing, hands-on techniques inspired by training throughout the United States and Paris. Every treatment combines results-driven ingredients with sculpting massage, restorative touch, and personalized care—because we believe healthy skin should never come at the expense of comfort.
After nearly 20 years in the industry, Cara has been honored as San Diego Magazine’s Best Esthetician 2026 and was nominated by multiple publications for seven consecutive years, including San Diego Magazine, San Diego Reader, Dermascope, and La Jolla Living.
Whether it’s your first facial or you’ve been with us for years, we’re honored you’ve found us.
We can’t wait to welcome you into the studio.
ABOUT
Hello Gorgeous!
Since starting out in 2007, my focus has been to match each client with the right combination of home care and "above maintenance" services to help them look and feel their best, with stress relief and relaxation being just as important.
Born in Missouri (Midwest manners ya'll!) I spent 7 years of my career at the most luxurious day spa in St. Louis before moving to San Diego in 2015 and opening my studio in North Park in 2019. I expanded to the beautiful La Jolla Village with a team in August of 2024. We then expanded to a central, satellite location in Mission Hills in August of 2026.
I treat all skin types and conditions and have certifications and advanced training with numerous skincare brands.
I have an Acne certification from Face Reality and also an
Acne Detectives certification from Canada.
I curate safe treatments for multicultural skin types with training from Joelle Lee (hello Michelle Obama's esthetician!).
I have advanced training for scar revision and anti-aging concerns with Procell Therapies Microchanneling.
Careful education for safe peeling with PCA Skin, Face Reality, Environ Skincare and Korean brands through our amazing Korean skincare distributor and educator.
I traveled to Paris to learn Buccal Massage, where the technique was created. I am also a Level 1 trained Sculptural Face Lifting therapist by world renowned Yakov Gershkovich. I also have a certification in myofascial release massage or better known as "Skin Rolling".
I also understand Oncology Safe skincare as I have studied the needs of cancer patients for over a decade and worked with PCA Skincare to provide their Oncology Skincare Kits to young adult cancer patients at no cost. I have educated my team on the unique needs of oncology safe treatments.
I founded and operated a Young Adult-focused cancer non-profit to provide financial support and mental health awareness for the underrepresented age group. This was a profound and rewarding decade of my life, while also working full time in a medical spa.
Our facials are mindful and nurturing to help you feel calm and more balanced as stress relief is significant in healing skin.
I hope you will visit this little place of calm I have created for you.
SERVICES
FACIALS & CHEMICAL PEELS
Cara, with her team, Madison and Cynthia, begin your facials with a calming ritual to relax your mind before your treatment.
Each skincare service will be customized to your needs and is organized by time or specialty. If you don't know where to start, book
The FACIAL.
Environ Medical Grade Skincare
IsClincial Skincare
Monastery Made
Korean Skincare- KrX and Dermathod
Glymed+
We are all Face Reality Acne Certified
Level 1 Sculptural Face Lifting Method by Yakov Gershkovich
Paris, France
Lymphatic Drainage and Rejuvenating Massage Certification
from Via Skincare Los Angeles
Buccal Massage Certifications
CELLSTORY by request
PCA Peel Certified Professional
Pregnancy and Oncology Safe Facials
Procell Therapies Micro-Channeling
Dermaplaning
MicroCurrent
Nanoinfusion
Celluma LED Light Therapy
WAXING
Facial Waxing, Tinting, Korean Lash Lifts, and Brow Laminations Available
Celeste is our skilled licensed esthetician who joined us from
Benefit Cosmetics upon their closing after decades in the village.
Visit the menu for more details.
CONTACT
Appointments Only
Text or Email for Gift Certificates
909 Prospect St STE 100E
La Jolla, CA 92037
The entrance faces Fay Ave
Street Parking Only
Paid lot options are below ($10-20) and across the street ($5).
Text Preferred 619.415.9608