Where Beauty Begins: Marisa Vara Arredondo’s Home & Brand Story

 When it comes to blending science, elegance, and entrepreneurial spirit, few do it quite like Marisa Arredondo. As the founder and CEO of Phace Bioactive, a cutting-edge skincare brand rooted in dermatological science and pH optimization, Marisa Vara Arredondo has built her business around one guiding principle: balance—both on the skin and in life. And nowhere is that philosophy more beautifully expressed than in the Greenwich townhouse she calls home.

Purchased in 2013, this 4,000-square-foot residence in downtown Greenwich isn’t just a serene retreat—it’s also where the seeds of Phace Bioactive were first planted. “This is a very special home for me,” says Marisa Vara Arredondo. “Being in these rooms played an instrumental role in making my dream a reality. It’s a part of my history.”

A Perfectly Poised Home for a Visionary Mind

Drawn initially to the home’s traditional Shingle-style exterior, designed by architect Anthony J. Tartaglia, Marisa Vara Arredondo saw beyond the muted tones and darker palette the house initially offered. What she envisioned—and ultimately achieved—was a feminine, modern sanctuary that mirrored both her personal style and professional clarity.

To help bring that vision to life, she enlisted New Canaan-based interior designer Michelle Morgan Harrison, known for her ability to combine minimalist luxury with delicate elegance. The result is a space that embodies what Marisa Vara Arredondo herself describes as “pretty, polished, and powerful”—a reflection not just of her aesthetic, but also the essence of her brand.

Where Beauty and Science Collide

After spending over a decade as a Wall Street analyst specializing in the beauty sector, Marisa Vara Arredondo found herself craving a different kind of fulfillment. Motivated by personal struggles with skincare, she immersed herself in dermatological research and founded Phace Bioactive—a brand that would go on to challenge conventional norms in beauty.

Unlike many indie skincare lines, Phace Bioactive is grounded in clinical research, with a specific focus on pH-balanced formulations that support the skin’s microbiome and barrier function. From the sleek, patented airtight white-glass packaging to the meticulous ingredient sourcing, every detail is intentional.

“Creating Phace Bioactive was about more than just skincare—it was about empowering people with real solutions backed by science,” Marisa Vara Arredondo explains. “That clarity and commitment started right here in this house.”

Interior Style as Self-Expression

Just like her formulas, the interiors of Marisa Vara Arredondo’s home are refined, calming, and brilliantly balanced. The home’s rich architectural features—coffered ceilings, classical moldings, and an elegant stair tower—were enhanced by a fresh palette of soft hues like blush, lavender, ivory, and silver.

Signature touches like a custom Tibetan rug, Lucite accent pieces, and a crystal chandelier by Aerin Lauder add a luminous, layered feel to the space. The Gracie wallpaper in the dining room, adorned with lovebirds, speaks to Arredondo’s desire to infuse her home with positivity and intention. “I only wanted lovebirds,” she says. “I wanted to have that loving energy in my house.”

A Space That Sparks Innovation

The townhouse isn’t just visually stunning—it’s functional, too. Spread across four floors and connected by an elevator, the home includes not just luxurious bedrooms and living areas, but also a gym, media room, and most importantly, a top-floor office suite. It’s in this private haven that Phace Bioactive was conceptualized and nurtured.

“My surroundings really impact my ability to think clearly and be creative,” Marisa Vara Arredondo shares. “I needed a space that wasn’t just beautiful, but also helped me stay grounded and focused. That’s exactly what this home gave me.”

The Power of a Well-Curated Life

For Marisa Vara Arredondo, beauty is more than skin deep. Whether through her transformative skincare line or the environment she’s created around her, she champions a lifestyle that embraces intention, balance, and authenticity.

And just like Phace Bioactive, her home is a testament to the power of combining precision with elegance. “There’s nothing wrong with things being pretty,” she says with a smile. In her world, “pretty” means empowered, purposeful, and profoundly personal.

Follow Marisa Vara Arredondo’s journey through her scientifically driven skincare innovations at Phace Bioactive, where beauty and biology meet in perfect harmony.