Sofie Pavitt, Celebrity Facialist and Founder of Sofie Pavitt Face
Acne is a pesky skin concern. But in the hands of Sofie Pavitt, celebrity facialist and founder of her namesake skincare brand, the issue is a lot easier to manage. As a certified acne specialist, Pavitt has dedicated her craft to restoring skin to its natural beauty. Her roster of celebrity clients runs the gamut from actresses like Zendya to artists like Lorde.
The list, along with her own glowing skin, speak volumes. But her passion for blemish-free skin extends beyond the stars. Scrolling through her Instagram, you’ll find before-and-after photos showing her passion for this common skin issue on full display. Curing acne is a journey that involves a treatment or two. Her favorite? A professional peel. “Truly transformative, it instantly brightens and smooths the skin, and depending on what type you do, there can be very little downtime. One of the most effective is a clinical fire and ice treatment. It’s perfect for all skin types and doesn’t require you to take time out of your life.”
When asked about the best skin advice she’s received, Pavitt recalls a wired hack from a former teacher at her aesthetics school. “The best tip I’ve gotten is to take a daily fish oil supplement. It’s weird, but it can really transform your skin by softening it and decreasing inflammation from the inside out. It’s also particularly great for clients dealing with acne and problematic skin. You just have to try it and see!”
Raquel Medina-Cleghorn, Esthetician & Co-Founder of Raquel New York
In New York, fashion and beauty collide often, and Raquel Medina-Cleghorn is a prime example of how beautifully they mesh. The stylist turned esthetician receives as much praise for her chic wardrobe as she does for her signature facial. To her fans, who include celebrities, editors, and beauty experts, she’s affectionately known as The Snatch Doctor. The nickname is a testament to her facials, which leave your skin looking lifted and, for lack of better words, completely snatched.
Tighter, firmer, and more youthful skin are ultimate skin goals. And per Medina-Cleghorn’s philosophy, getting there requires a combination of techniques. “My favorite treatments are the Environ chemical peels, microcurrent, and red LED. Respectively, they stimulate growth factors, lift and sculpt the facial muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve collagen production. The combination makes one hell of a facial!”
But in her eyes, good skin isn’t simply found on the surface. “Kindness radiates from within and makes someone more beautiful than creams and makeup hacks ever could. You have to be true to yourself and your values and treat others the way you’d like to be treated.” The golden rule is a standard we should all strive to live by, but for Medina-Cleghorn, it’s unwavering. “This is something I learned from observing my mother, who is the most kind, considerate, and beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
Taylor Worden, Esthetician and Founder of Taylor Worden Skin
After training with renowned celebrity facialists, Taylor Worden took the ultimate leap and opened her own lofty oasis for skin care bliss. Located in the heart of SoHo, her studio is a sanctuary of calm and haven for making your skin look and feel incredible.
The Arizona native has become known for her soothing yet glamorous approach to skincare, dubbed the “Taylor-made experience,” and is passionate about giving skin the ultimate glow up. “I’m obsessed with the Cellstory Treatment.” For those unfamiliar with the process, it’s a liquid microneedling treatment that’s less invasive than the traditional treatment. “There’s no numbing cream, blood, or needles involved, but you get the same results as regular microneedling, such as softening wrinkles and fine lines, diminishing acne and the appearance of pores, and tightening the skin. It’s truly magic.”
Like any good esthetician, Worden’s passion for stellar skin runs deep and started from an early age. “My Hungarian great-grandmother used to tell me to never pick my pimples. She’d say, “Picking leaves leaves scars and infection, and a classy lady would never touch or pick her face, not even in a public restroom.” Pimples aside, she holds daily sunscreen habits in high regard for great skin care. “Hang out in the shade and wear SPF every day. Your skin will thank you later.”
Amity Murray, Lead Esthetician at Hotel Chelsea
Few establishments are as iconic as Hotel Chelsea. The storied location has remained a hub for art, culture, creativity, and NYC counterculture. Coincidentally, it also happens to hold one of the city’s most notable spas, and at its helm you’ll find holistic esthetician Amity Murray. The western Massachusetts native has a penchant for glowing skin and ritualistic skincare techniques.
“My favorite facial treatments to receive and perform always include loads of facial massages. The act of kneading and rubbing the face helps stimulate blood flow to the skin to increase regeneration and restore your glow.” At her core, Murray is an old soul with a deep connection to the earth, and she imparts that energy through her treatments.
“I’d have to say the best beauty advice I’ve ever received is less is more. Marie Veronique Skincare, a brand I work closely with, has the same motto, and in this day and age, simplicity sums up my philosophy.”
