Behind the Look: Joanna Vargas

Welcome to "Behind the Look" – a new feature that showcases the talent behind the looks we love – the real celebrities in my eyes.  

First up, Celebrity Facialist and Founder of the Joanna Vargas Salon in NYC, Joanna Vargas!  Known for perfecting the skin of A-listers like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts and Julianne Moore to name a few, she has more than a few tricks up her sleeve, especially when it comes to getting celebs red carpet ready.  Ready to meet Joanna?  Read on!

What is the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately?

I've been working with three actors recently on their skin for specific movies they were all working on. It was fun to work towards creating the image of the character in the movie.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I feel strongly that anyone can have great skin with the right tools.  The key is to use organic products based on what the skin needs to perform at its best.  Good nutrition for the skin will always yield the best skin you could ever imagine because the body assimilates natural ingredients so much better than products with chemicals.

What are your top five must-haves and why? 

Well, sunscreen is key for all women, all skin types, all skin tones. I love Eminence Organics mineral powder sunscreen SPF 30 in translucent. It is great because you can wear it with or without makeup, and it really helps protect the skin against sun damage and hyper pigmentation.

I always carry a packet of Dr. Frank Lipmans Recharge Shake because it contains a ton of amazing greens for the skin. If I don't have time to order a juice or if I'm just running around all day it's a great pick me up and a great way to keep on my program.

Bite Beauty makes an awesome lip primer. They are an organic company (of course) and the primer is great at erasing the dry lip line before you put on your lip color.

My own Rejuvenating Serum is something I keep in tow because if I'm feeling tired or like my skin is starting to reflect low energy I put a little on my cheeks and eyes- instant glow again from the neroli oil, which stimulates the circulation in the skin.

A hat! It's a non-negotiable for anyone who cares about their skin. Goorin Bros is my favorite of late- I have a beautiful collection!

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? 

I love African Botanicals Marula Oil for body- it smells incredible and it feels so good on the skin. I love it as a cure for dry winter skin!

Spill your best beauty advice.

Beauty is about what makes us unique and we should be trying to achieve uniformity. The reason I use non-invasive treatments in my salon is that I truly believe it's the right path to real beauty. And every woman I know will tell you that real beauty comes from how we feel about ourselves, not from what people tell us. My focus has been and will always remain on restoring confidence! But I preach to people every day: there is no magic solution- anyone can achieve the skin they want by doing the steps every day.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

Chamomile and green teas are not only great for you internally, but they are awesome for bathing or rinsing the skin in. If the skin feels stressed, dry and dull, putting them in your bath water or simply washing your face in the tea water will immediately calm the skin and brighten it. It's a great tip before you go to sleep!

Want to keep up with Joanna?  Follow her on Twitter.  You can also make an appointment with  Joanna Vargas at her 5th Ave. salon in NYC or try her skincare.

The Facial Zac Posen Swears By & Why It Works

Zac Posen, Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore and Ashley Greene all turned to Celebrity Facialist, Joanna Vargas just days before the Met Gala to whip their skin into shape.  She's Hollywood's constant go-to and you bet your butt I'll be visiting her the day before my wedding.  I had the pleasure of chatting with Joanna again about what thehype of her facials is all about.

Your Triple Crown Facial seems to be popular amongst your celebrity clientele. Why is this the facial to receive before a big event? 

My Triple Crown Facial is an awesome treatment to get before an event and is favored by my celebrity clients before a shoot or the red carpet. I use a mild electric current to drain puffiness, tone muscle and tighten skin. There is no downtime, people love the instant effect and long term, the effects are cumulative. I usually recommend this facial once a month. For someone in their twenties, a facial once a month is always recommended, but this facial is a great treatment once a month for thirty and up. Since I designed this treatment myself, it is only available in my salon.

Can you describe the three steps and their benefits?

Step one, the diamond peel, really removes surface dirt and dead cells. I believe a great exfoliation is awesome and can transform the skin. It allows or all the products to penetrate better.

The microcurrent drains puffiness, tightens muscle and builds collagen. It's like going to the gym for your face .

Oxygen is soothing, healing and collagen building all on its own. It gives anyone an instant glow and gives the skin a much needed boost.

How did you come up with combining the elements of the facial?

I always try to combine the best technologies for my clients so they always see a difference in their skin at the end. 

Since most of the results are temporary, how long do they last and how far in advance should someone get one before a big event?

The day of is ideal. If not, then the night before is what I recommend.

Do you do anything differently durning the facial when treating mens skin like Zac Posen than treating womens like Michelle Williams?

Well, we all tend have the same concerns: clear skin, small pores, and everyone wants to look well rested and fresh even when they’re working night and day!