Supermodel skin: Linda Evangelista’s facialist launches new line today
Sometimes, new skincare launches are so exciting that they bring with them the kind of ants-in-your-pants anticipation that Father Christmas brought as a child.
A few stick out in memory: 2011, when YSL unveiled of its stellar glycobiology skincare range. And way back in 1962 when dermatologist to the stars Erno Laszlo debuted his sell-out Phormula 3-8, the well-kept secret behind Marilyn Monroe’s ageless complexion.
Today marks another of these days. One that will go down in history as being, well, remarkable. Because today sees the launch of the Georgia Louise range into beauty mecca SpaceNK, the much-awaited line from the New York based uber-facialist who has a client base to rival the Amfar guest list.
Georgia is, quite simply, legendary. She’s not only the owner of possibly the single most healing pair of hands in all the land, but she’s also the lady who keeps Linda Evangalista – yes, that untouchably flawless supermodel who can still rock a high cut 80s swimsuit as much as she can the cover of I-D Magazine – with such age-defying, beautiful skin. You get the point. Linda’s hyper-real and angel-like face has always seemed like a God given gift, something none of us will ever have, the now her secret might well be out.
Linda is not the only super star Georgia treats. Everyone from fashion editors to Hollywood’s finest have her in their little black book: Anna Wintour and Gucci Westman (pre-Met Ball) as well as the likes of Katy Perry and Emma Stone. Oh and Cameron Diaz too.
What’s special about Georgia is that she’s all about botanicals. You won’t find a laser or machine anywhere near her. And in an age when you can’t move for blue lights, red lights, derm-abrasion machines and torturous-looking tools, this is wonderfully refreshing. It was the sheer lack of product that led to her genius creation too. ‘I couldn't find a luxury, natural and organic range that I really liked. I wanted a good balance of nature and science, so I embarked on a natural formulation course over six years ago and I’ve never looked back.’
Unlike many new brands which launch more pots and lotions and tubes than you ever thought possible, Georgia has matched her simplistic philosophy with a very select range. ‘It’s taken me four years to perfect just four cult products. That’s all you need. I wanted to use the purest botanical and plant extracts I could find and synthetic formulas and chemicals were out of the question.’
So that’ll be the Cleanse & Heal Duo Balm, £46 - Georgia’s desert island staple. Then there’s the Rose Water, £48, (my favourite), the Brightening Day and Night Cream, £68, which is so silky and pure you kind of want to eat it, and lastly the Sleeping Beauty Oil, £68, which supermodel Sharlom Harlow gets through at the rate of knots. And that’s it.
Perhaps this organic thing is what we all need to be doing to emulate a model-worthy complexion? ‘These natural products are much less drying on the skin. They’re non-toxic, safe and contain no synthetics, petrochemicals or unnatural fragrances at all.’ Georgia sites papaya seed oil & passion fruit oil as the all-important components, packed with 17 amino acids between them that are naturally high in omega 3, 6 & 9 and ultra-nourishing on the skin. She also uses Japanese Camellia Seed, which she finds to be the ‘most soothing and softening ingredient’.
‘In the beginning I kept giving away my products,’ Georgia told us. ‘I wasn't making any money as I wanted to share them and allow people to see how powerful a natural skincare range can be.’ And then the feedback came rolling in, from her dazzling clientele, who absolutely loved it and were putting in bulk orders overnight.
Lotions and potions aside, surely its quite a responsibility to take care of supermodel skin that sees more paparazzi bulbs and red carpets than it does hot dinners? ‘Linda is still a very active model, so I see her a lot. Typically for my supermodel clients, I give them two facials a week before their big advertising campaign and events. Their skin has to be flawless, super clean, hydrated and toned. It’s a lot of work, I spend about two hours on their skin in each session. I use my healing hands and energy alongside the four products.’
Ah, yes, healing energy. The thing that Georgia exudes by the bucket load. It’s her calling card, if you will, and the thing that won SpaceNK founder Nikky Kinnaird over. ‘Nikky said I have the most healing hands and was blown away by the power that comes without any machinery whatsoever’ (and there’s someone who must have tried a lot of facials in her time). Think proper, in-depth massage that so many facials seem to lack these days. The type of skilled movement that decompresses fine lines and eases everyday strain within minutes, leaving you looking more radiant and refreshed than any thousand pound cream ever could.
So, most importantly, what can we do to have skin as super as Georgia’s hall of fame regulars? ‘Touch your skin more. Massage it daily to release any tension, especially around the jaw. It helps to relax and soothe the muscles. Also use good, natural products. And wear an SPF 30 every day!’
That’s us sold.
Georgia Louise launches at Space NK today.