I have a new beauty current obsession that I am excited to share with you. No treatment is as relaxing to me as a facial. And I have discovered one that is not only calming, but effective as well. Just ask Gwyneth Paltrow, Jenna Dewan-Tatum or Jessica Chastain, who all swear by the work of this woman.
Her name is Vanessa Hernandez and she is a consulting celebrity aesthetician for L’Oreal Paris USA. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience one of her amazing facials at her office in Beverly Hills. And it went something like this. First, she cleansed my skin thoroughly. Then, she mentioned the dreaded “E” word-extractions! Fearing the worst since I have fairly sensitive skin and knowing that I had to be on a red carpet only a few hours later, I, at first, said that I wasn’t interested. But Vanessa wasn’t taking no for an answer. She convinced me that not only would there be no red spots, but my skin would look refreshed and glowing, even after extractions. Ok, I decided to have faith and do it. And I am so glad that I did. No redness, bumps and nor blemishes! And my blackheads were gone.
After crossing that bridge, she did diamond-tipped microdermabrasion which was not painful, and even tickled a bit as it helped to remove the dead skin cells. She followed that by applying her favorite mask which includes collagen, vitamins, hyaluronic acid and gold! And the final two steps of the process: an oxygen treatment which helped to plump up my skin and LED light therapy. Honestly, my skin felt so much healthier and hydrated than it when I first arrived. And isn’t that what it is about?
I also chatted with Vanessa about fall beauty tips, her favorite products and who she thinks has the best skin in Hollywood. Here is what she had to say.
RCR: What are your top three beauty tips going into the Fall?
VH: 1. Use SPF. Going into fall and escaping the summer we assume we don’t need to use as much SPF since the sun is not as strong which is not true! The UVA/UVB RAYS are strong all year long, so make sure you apply a product with SPF every morning to your face, neck and chest.
2. Use a hydrating mask once a week. With fall comes cooler weather, more wind and dehydrated skin. Try using a hydrating mask once a week to retain your skins moisture.
3. Embrace pumpkin. Eating pumpkin is extremely good for your skin, it contains tons of vitamin A and E, as well as antioxidants and minerals and will make your skin glow from the inside out.
RCR: What is the biggest mistake that women make with their skin care?
VH: The biggest mistake women make is they try way too many products at once! Less is always more when it comes to having a great skin regimen. A big mistake is constantly switching products, or using too many different ones at the same time. Doing this doesn’t allow you skin a chance to get used to a regimen and doesn’t allow the products to give you their full benefit.
RCR: What is the best thing someone can do for their skin to keep it healthy and vibrant?
VH: Keep it exfoliated and hydrated at all times. When you exfoliate with a gentle scrub on a daily basis, it keeps your skin looking fresh because you are literally scrubbing off any dead skin cells. When left on, dead skin cells make your skin look dull. Following up with a serum or cream will nourish your skin allowing it to glow and look healthy.
RCR: What is the secret to achieving that dewy, glowing skin?
VH: Make sure you get your skin professionally worked on with microdermabrasion and oxygen treatments every 3-6 weeks.
RCR: What are your favorite inexpensive beauty products?
VH: L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Skin Illuminator Tinted All in 1 Moisturizer SPF 20, L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Eye Renewal Eye Cream, Brave Soldier Clean Skin and I love a good Burt’s Bees Lip Balm.
RCR: Who do you think has the best skin in Hollywood?
VH: Jennifer Lopez and Cate Blanchett!
