The world of beauty is not just a profession for me; it’s an inheritance, a passion that courses through my veins. My mother, a true beauty addict with a collection twice the size of mine, played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. As a hyperactive young child, she sought to help me focus and learn delicacy. Thus, at the tender age of eight, I embarked on my first foray into the beauty realm, giving her “facials” with French pharmacy products. She graciously served as my guinea pig, and little did I know that these early experiences would set the stage for my future.
By the time I reached 15, I faced a crucial decision: high school or professional school. Being dyslexic, I opted to train as an aesthetician. In France at that time, this was not a highly respected profession. Seen as female – dominated and focused on the “superficial,” it was often dismissed as a serious career path. However, after just a week of training, I was smitten. I knew then that this was the path I wanted to follow for the rest of my life.
After graduating, I took the plunge and opened my own practice in Provence, the place where I grew up. But at 21, I was simply too young and immature to manage a business. After a year, I closed up shop and moved to London to immerse myself in the English language, which I had not spoken well up until then. I found work at a local spa, and later, discovered a beautiful Japanese wellness center in Central London. This center took a holistic approach to wellness, recognizing the impact of stress, food, and lifestyle on the skin. I spent about two years there before making a short move to New York, where I built a healthy client base while working at a spa. Eventually, I returned to Europe and began working at a friend’s spa in Aix – en – Provence. It was here that I developed my own unique protocol, one that focuses on treating both the skin and the fascia, the connective tissue that envelops our body, without pain and with maximum results. Since 2019, I’ve been self – employed, splitting my time between Paris and London. This has been an incredible opportunity, allowing me to work with clients ranging from international superstars like Naomi Campbell, Penelope Cruz, Lady Gaga, and Lenny Kravitz, to renowned French personalities such as Caroline de Maigret, Marion Cotillard, and Camille Cottin.
Skin: A Reflection of Inner Well – being
Stress has a profound physical impact on me. When life throws its challenges my way, cystic acne rears its ugly head; when things are smooth sailing, my skin is clear. The silver lining is that, as an aesthetician, I’ve learned how to halt this process, reducing the suffering from weeks to just days. I strive to maintain a consistent skincare routine. My body has a tendency to be very dry, so I rely on La Roche – Posay’s Lipikar AP+ cleansing oil as a body wash during my morning shower. For my face, I alternate between the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex and Irene Forte’s almond cleanser. The iS Clinical product is perfect for a deeper clean, gently but effectively clearing congestion without drying my skin. The Irene Forte cleanser is my go – to when my skin feels extra dry or sensitive. If my skin looks good after the shower, I apply Hadalabo Gokujyun hyaluronic acid milk to give it an instant plump. However, if there’s a hint of inflammation, I reach for the kombucha essence from Fresh. I always follow with my S Serum, which contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica to soothe the skin.
During the day, I adore RéVive’s hydrogel water cream, but at night, I switch to the Ultra Vital cream from the Swiss brand Cellcosmet. The Ultra Vital is much thicker, making it ideal for the colder months. Sometimes, I add a couple of drops of Vintner’s Daughter. For sunscreen, I use Lancaster’s because it doesn’t leave a blueish tint on my dark skin. I also love Lightsaver’s mineral sunscreen, developed by the brilliant dermatologist Dr. David Kim.
My lips are prone to getting chapped, and La Mer’s Lip Volumizer is a miracle product. It not only hydrates but also repairs my lips, leaving a beautiful finish. I’m also a big fan of Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment. I received samples before its launch in France and stocked up as soon as it became available. I have them stashed everywhere – in my bags, pockets, you name it. Currently, I’m working on my own eye cream, having tested at least 50 different ones to ensure my creation is unique. Only two have truly impressed me: a now – defunct Korean brand and Sisley’s Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid, which is incredibly light and perfect under makeup.
When I’m in need of a facial, I turn to Joanna Vargas. She’s not only incredibly kind but also always sends her clients my way when they’re in Paris. However, my true indulgence is mesotherapy. Since 2019, I’ve been getting this treatment two to three times a year from Dr. Mihai Gorj. It involves injecting a cocktail of vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes. Mesotherapy is amazing for maintaining elasticity, hydrating and tightening the skin, and I’ve even noticed an improvement in my hyperpigmentation. It’s a game – changer, especially for those who want great skin quality without resorting to Botox or fillers.
Makeup: A Subtle Enhancement
Given that my work is centered around helping people feel confident in their skin, I don’t typically wear a lot of makeup myself. I reserve it for special occasions, like when I go out for cocktails. I always start with my S Serum as a primer. Then, I use Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter as a spot corrector, particularly on my dark circles. I blend it in with my fingers to achieve a seamless look. Next, I apply one pump of Pat McGrath foundation, which offers the perfect amount of coverage and lasts all night. To keep my skin looking natural, I use an It Cosmetics #7 brush to blend it, as it works seamlessly without streaks and has a smaller end for concealer.
Instead of traditional eyeliner on my waterline, I prefer Charlotte Tilbury’s lip liner in Pillow Talk. The nude color intensifies my eyes without looking out of place. I’m fortunate to have naturally curly lashes, so I finish with Lisa Eldridge mascara, which perfectly separates my lashes and never smudges. Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick in Brûlée is a staple in my makeup bag. It provides a beautiful glow and is great for my cheeks, eyelids, and brow bones. I always carry one with me to touch up my makeup during the day. I also love using Chanel’s Lip and Cheek Balm in Lively Rosewood on my cheeks and the middle of my lips for a subtle flush. At night, I switch to the Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath gloss in Pillow Talk Medium for a slight gold shimmer and a bit of plumping effect. And of course, I always finish with a spritz of Evian to set my makeup.
Hair: A Journey to Recovery
I’ve always been relatively low – maintenance with my hair, either keeping my afro or opting for protective styles, for which B – Nova in Paris is excellent. However, last year, a combination of constant travel, stress, and hormonal changes took a toll on my hair. My scalp became extremely dry, and I started losing a significant amount of hair. Fortunately, when I was in Los Angeles for the Oscars, HÃ¥rklinikken, known for its hair growth system, reached out for a consultation. Initially, I was skeptical that a Danish brand could work for my hair type. But I was proven wrong. Now, my entire hair care routine consists of HÃ¥rklinikken products. I use the balancing shampoo for a gentle cleanse and the stabilizing shampoo when my scalp is irritated or I’ve used a lot of product. I always follow up with their hair mask to keep my curls hydrated. I also use their Hair Gain Extract daily, which has noticeably improved the thickness, softness, and overall health of my scalp and hair.
My journey in the beauty world has been a rich tapestry of experiences, from humble beginnings to working with some of the most famous faces in the industry. Through it all, my love for skincare, makeup, and haircare has only grown, and I continue to explore and innovate in this ever – evolving field.
