freestocks-org-jVSbAFJBVsg-unsplash (1)

From office gatherings and after-work happy hours to weekend parties and festivities, the holiday season can become a marathon of back-to-back-to-back-to-back engagements. Ensuring your skin and makeup look fresh and festive from morning ‘til night may seem like a tall order, but, with the right prepwork, you’ll be ready for a long winter’s day *and* night.  

Since such advice is best left to the experts, we tapped celebrity makeup artist [Daniel Martin](https://www.instagram.com/danielmartin/?hl=en) (the man behind Meghan Markle’s royal wedding radiance and the flawless faces of red carpet favorites like Jessica Alba, Nina Dobrev, Kaley Cuoco, and more) to get his tips for keeping your makeup merry and complexion bright — no matter what the most wonderful time of year has in store!

## __1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration__ 
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3W0fZbg_Yt/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B3W0fZbg_Yt/</a>
Ask any makeup artist and they’ll tell you: good makeup requires good skin. “Without a well moisturized canvas, foundation won’t lock down properly, especially for long periods of time,” says Martin, who is the celebrity makeup artist for Korean skincare juggernaut [Mediheal](https://medihealus.com/). 

“First, I like to hydrate with Mediheal’s [N.M.F. Intensive Hydrating Toner](https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/mediheal-n.m.f-intensive-hydrating-toner/ID=300395799-product). It has a thicker viscosity than traditional toners and it’s an incredible magnet for makeup,” he shares of the red carpet skincare prep that he used on Dobrev. “If I need more hydration, I’ll throw a water-based moisturizer on top of it. If the skin is super parched and dry, then a sheet mask is a must.” Our favorites? The [Mediheal D.N.A Hydrating Protein Mask](https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/mediheal-d.n.a-hydrating-protein-mask/ID=400394281-product) and [Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask](https://www.tatcha.com/product/DS-MASK.html).

## __2. Skip Primer… Seriously!__ 
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1HGWXZgwqs/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B1HGWXZgwqs/</a>
Finding a high-powered primer might seem like the only way to keep makeup in place all day and night, but Martin has developed a layering technique that allows him to skip the step altogether on clients like Cuoco. “I tend to use water-based foundations, so my skincare underneath tends to be water based,” he shares. “I’ve learned that this layering of base products magnetizes the foundation, so I usually skip a primer.” If your skin is particularly dry, a primer may be necessary, but, in most cases, he says the [Mediheal N.M.F. Intensive Hydrating Toner](https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/mediheal-n.m.f-intensive-hydrating-toner/ID=300395799-product) does the trick.

## __3. Try a Monochromatic Makeup Moment for Day__
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs71FdYB6Rf/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs71FdYB6Rf/</a>
If you’re looking to give your daytime makeup routine a festive spin, Martin says you can never go wrong with a monochromatic glow a la Kat Graham. His go-to look includes “radiant skin, a pop of monochromatic color on the cheeks and eyelids, and big, beautiful brows and lashes with a few coats of mascara.” “It literally makes everyone look woken up and alive,” he says.

## __4. Rock a Metallic Eye for Night__ 
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsUJ-d3hU8i/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsUJ-d3hU8i/</a>
Luminous skin is always a good idea, but Martin likes to up the ante with shimmering peepers and a muted pout. Case in point: Elisabeth Moss’ sultry look at the 2019 Golden Globes. “Dark metallic eyes and a soft neutral lip that is more on the matte side looks beautiful under low lights, where the metallic really pops,” he says. “Subtle highlighter on the tops of the cheek looks great too. It’s the perfect look for a holiday party.”

## __5. Make It Last__ 
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BynJ7p3AoTU/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/BynJ7p3AoTU/</a>
While primer all over the face may not be necessary, there are a few things Martin recommends for keeping the commpexion glowy (like Alba!) without looking shiny. “Eyeshadow primer is key for longevity, as well as setting powder in the t-zone,” he explains. “I don’t mind natural radiance that happens over time, but you do need to concentrate on the t-zone to cut the shine.”

Another life saver? Setting spray. “I can’t control what happens to the makeup after the client leaves, but there are so many incredible makeup setting sprays out there to prevent transfer,” Martin says. We’re partial to the [Urban Decay Born to Run All Nighter Setting Spray](https://www.urbandecay.com/born-to-run-all-nighter-spray-urban-decay/ud909.html?cgid=4_500#start=1&cgid=4_500), which comes in a handy travel-sized bottle, and [Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix Hydrating Setting Spray](https://www.sephora.com/product/mist-fix-hydrating-setting-spray-P446309).

Expert Opinion

The makeup artist behind the Duchess of Sussex’s royal wedding radiance shares his top tips for keeping your makeup merry and complexion bright throughout the holiday season.

Glowing Holiday Makeup And Skincare Tips From Celebrity Makeup Artist Daniel Martin 

5 Tips For Glowing Holiday Skin From Celebrity Makeup Artist Daniel Martin 

shutterstock 383018863 (1)

*Since 1985, October has served as Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Month — a period devoted to educating the public on the disease that, [according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm), is the second most common form of cancer in women, regardless of race or ethnicity. Men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer (albeit at a much lower rate), and The AEDITION is devoting much of its coverage this month to [BCA](https://aedit.com/aedition/category/breast-cancer-awareness), from expert guides to mastectomies and reconstructive breast surgery to powerful patient perspectives and roundups of products that give back.*

It is estimated that some 250,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year. More than half of these cases will require invasive treatment like mastectomy procedures. 

For many, surgical breast reconstruction is an important part of the treatment and recovery process (read our comprehensive guide to breast reconstruction [HERE](https://aedit.com/aedition/comprehensive-guide-to-breast-reconstruction-nipple-reconstruction-after-breast-cancer)). Just as advancements have been made to mastectomy techniques, similar progress has occurred in reconstruction. Life-like, three-dimensional tattoos now offer patients a non-surgical alternative to traditional areola and nipple restoration. These medical tattoo techniques allow patients to achieve natural-looking breasts after surgery, as well as treatment for conditions like burn disfigurement, scarring, and skin discoloration. 

## __What Are Medical Tattoos?__

Medical tattooing, also known as medical [micropigmentation](https://aedit.com/procedure/scalp-micropigmentation), is a technique that is used as part of restorative and reconstructive medicine to help patients regain the natural appearance of their post-surgical and post-trauma skin with tattoos. The method, which involves sterile pigments being injected into the top layers of the skin using a medical tattoo machine, can be used to treat a wide variety of cosmetic concerns that have resulted from injury or illness.

One of the most life-changing applications of the method is for areola and nipple reconstruction in patients who have had a mastectomy. The procedure, when carried out by an experienced practitioner, allows patients to have natural-looking breasts once again — without additional surgery. 

## __What Options Are Available for Nipple and Areola Reconstruction?__

The main decisions patients face when it comes to nipple and areola reconstruction is whether they wish to undergo an additional surgery, opt for a non-surgical approach, or settle on a combination of the two. 

In terms of surgical options, patients can have a nipple created using a flap of skin on the breast that is reshaped to mimic the natural protrusion of the area. A skin graft, meanwhile, is employed to recreate the areola. These procedures are typically classified as outpatient and performed under local or general anesthesia after the initial reconstructive surgery scars have healed. Patients can also have the skin flap nipple reconstruction without the areola restoration. In this case, the areola is tattooed when the wound has healed.

For patients who do not wish to have further surgery, they may choose to commission a personalized silicone prosthesis or opt for reconstructive tattoos. Not your average ink, the tattoos must be carried out by a highly skilled and specialized practitioner, who understands the anatomy of the area, in addition to having a deep understanding of the emotional impact of the process.

## __Ask the Expert__

[Dominique Bossavy](https://www.dominiquebossavy.com/) is a pioneer of the reconstructive tattoo field. Born and raised in France, she trained in Paris before establishing her practice in the U.S. Using her proprietary NanoColor Infusion technique, she works with clients in both New York and L.A., offering both medical and cosmetic tattoo services — including scar treatment, eyebrow microblading, and French lip blushing to name a few.

She works clients following surgery or trauma to help them feel like themselves again by improving the appearance of scars and other skin concerns, and her areola restoration has become an important part of the breast reconstruction process for post-mastectomy patients. Here, she tells The AEDITION about her technique and the life-changing impact her work has on cancer survivors.

__The AEDITION:__ *How did you start your career in semi-permanent cosmetics? How did that journey result in you honing the NanoColor technique you use today?*

__Dominique Bossavy:__ At first, I was a client who was interested in the services of semi-permanent cosmetics. Unfortunately, I ended up with a botched job on my lips, which looked like I had a dark, unsightly line outlining my lips. It was upsetting and disfiguring. I was looking to find something to enhance my lips and thought that the product and process were possible, but the execution was just not there. I knew that needed to be a way to use this process and this technology, so it was really my search to find someone to help me fix the unsightly black line around my lips that I found my mentor and my calling. I was in France and found someone who was, at the time, a leader in the field and she offered me an internship to learn the art of her trade and techniques. 

Although I loved the concept and was fascinated by it, I still hated the results, which were still too obvious and unnatural. Even training with the best in the field at that time, I felt the industry was unsuccessful at truly enhancing the real essence of a woman’s beauty. So, I was faced with the challenge to either find a different way or to quit the industry.

I took on the challenge and began to dissect the entire process — from the application process to the molecular breakdown of colors — and figure out why it looked so flat or why the colors always looked unnatural or eventually faded to unnatural colors. I wanted to find the best solution to enhance features — with undetectable definition, dimension, and dynamic — to highlight natural beauty. I researched every aspect of the procedure in-depth and collected valuable facts before creating my specific NanoColor Infusion techniques.

__The AEDITION:__ *What concerns are you able to address for patients using your NanoColor Infusion technology and tattooing technique?*

__DB:__ I have worked on solutions to several problems women face, including burn disfigurements, post-trauma and post-surgery scars, stretch marks, hypo- and hyper-pigmentation, vitiligo, and alopecia. I even recreated a trompe l'oeil version of a missing toe and toenail and have tattooed the cornea of a blind eye. When people come to me with a problem, I always do my best to be the solution — even if it has never been done before.

__The AEDITION:__ *How does the nipple and areola restoration work?* 

__DB:__ I use non-allergenic microparticles of custom-blended colors that are skillfully infused into the dermal layer of skin to simulate natural-looking or well-defined makeup. 

In cases of reconstructive breast surgery after mastectomy, the medical micropigmentation process is used to improve the aesthetic appearance of the nipple-areola complex. The application of flesh-colored pigments to the restored areas of the areola may be utilized either as a supplement to or as a less invasive alternative to the skin-grafting procedure that, for many years, was the only available method of restoring balanced coloration to the area. 

Scar removal or camouflage is key, as is the realistic appearance of the areola pigmentation with its nuances. No one has only one color or texture in their breast tissue, and there are veins, hair follicles, and other details that make each client unique too. 

<CaptionImg url={https://images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/1x1Cvi2ILWXeH4VIjUA6CW/00397e001b465fd5e2337edbf2a3276e/Screen_Shot_2019-10-17_at_11.53.45_AM.png}>
  A before-and-after of Bossavy's trompe l'oeil 3D areola for a breast reconstruction patient.
</CaptionImg>

__The AEDITION:__ *What does the consultation and tattooing process entail?*

__DB:__ Usually, the process takes several visits to obtain the desired final result. First, I take measurements, assess the asymmetries, and draw the areola onto the woman's breast. Then, I pick the three colors necessary to create a three-dimensional effect. A topical anesthetic is then applied to the client's breast and, within 45 minutes to an hour, the work is complete. It takes about nine days to heal. A second session is scheduled at six weeks to perfect the work and sometimes a third appointment is needed for some additional layering of color or texture. 

__The AEDITION:__ *How realistic are the results?*

__DB:__ Areola pigmentation has come a long way. It is no longer a bullseye tattoo over the breast mound. I actually create a 3D nipple which gives the illusion of protrusion that makes the tattooed areola very realistic with some depth and details of color and texture. I also recreate the illusion of the Montgomery glands and texture of a natural areola. When I reveal the results to a client, the first reaction is stupefaction — they can't believe how real they look. In some cases, clients have said that they look better than the real one they had. 

__The AEDITION:__ *How do the tattoos impact clients’ confidence?*

__DB:__ When a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, it is one of the scariest times of their lives. It can change them completely, particularly physically. Once a person has beaten cancer, they can focus on rebuilding themselves emotionally and physically, so restoring their physical femininity definitely has a positive effect. This is the final step of breast reconstruction, post-mastectomy. The emotional toll of not having nipples is important. Often, at the time of the reveal, they are so overwhelmed by happiness, they start crying. They are elated and say they feel complete and like a woman again. 

Clients have told me that they are no longer reminded of what happened to them, and they are able to move on with their lives. In many cases, they are ready to live a normal life again — being able to undress at the gym, to go to the beach, or start a new romance. They all have one thing in common: They want to leave the past behind.

In this society of filters and social media perfection, the impact of losing vibrancy, beauty, femininity, and the original or natural beauty of features like breasts is even more painful. My work gives them back a sense of normalcy by giving them back what was taken away by a truly traumatic and life-changing situation. They feel like they can face mainstream society again with confidence.

The impact that this 3D nipple-tattooing has on body image, self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, intimacy, and relationships is undeniable. It's a very emotional experience for my clients, and I am proud to contribute in some way to helping erase the constant reminders of a bad chapter in their life. As an artist on a live canvas, my mission is always to recreate the look of normalcy as artistically and scientifically possible.

__The AEDITION:__ *Do you often hear from your clients after you finish working with them?* 

__DB:__ I do! "I never thought I would feel whole again" are not words to a song, but a common phrase I hear from the many women I have helped after breast cancer. It's a very emotional experience for my clients, being able to erase the constant reminder of a bad chapter in their lives. A client recently shared: "The 3D areola gave me my confidence back, which I needed after everything that happened. It made me feel more comfortable looking at myself in the mirror. Now I feel confident enough to date again and get on with my life."

__The AEDITION:__ *Do you foresee restorative tattoos becoming a more common part of the reconstructive and recovery process?*

__DB:__ Surgeons and doctors see valuable benefits with this procedure. It's also now a legal requirement to provide reconstructive procedures — medical insurance companies must cover the cost of the procedure. I am in touch with top cosmetic surgeons locally and globally who want to work in tandem to provide this service to their clients. Oncologists and cosmetic surgeons, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and counselors all realize there is more to healing than just removing cancer. The emotional and physical scars are painful and are all part of the recovery process to be addressed.

Breast reconstruction is an important part of the breast cancer treatment and recovery process. Life-like, three-dimensional medical tattoos now offer patients a non-surgical alternative to traditional areola and nipple restoration.

Interview With Dominique Bossavy About Reconstructive Nipple Tattoos For Breast Cancer Survivors 

Inside The Life-Changing Industry Of Reconstructive Tattoos

shutterstock 1428565277

As the man behind #flawless faces like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Shay Mitchell (to name a few!), celebrity makeup artist [Patrick Ta](https://www.instagram.com/patrickta/?hl=en) knows a thing or two about creating radiant and sculpted complexions — without a trip to the plastic surgeon’s office.

While Ta is known for giving his clients an otherworldly contoured glow, he doesn’t rely on highlighter alone. “Good skin is the key to a good makeup application,” he says. “And skin prep is probably the most important step in the entire glam process.”

It should come as no surprise then that Ta, who launched his own [Patrick Ta Beauty](https://patrickta.com/) collection earlier this year, teamed up with Clarisonic as its first-ever consulting makeup artist, and he’s had the brand’s new [Mia Smart](https://www.clarisonic.com/face-brushes/mia-smart-connected-beauty-device/CL407.html) device (which can be used to cleanse, exfoliate, massage, and apply makeup) in his kit ever since. 

So, what are Ta’s tips for crafting an expertly contoured complexion at home? Here, he shares three of his skin-sculpting secrets. 

## __1. When In Doubt, Exfoliate__ 

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PLIlHDwCD/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PLIlHDwCD/</a>

Even the best makeup application in the world can only do so much to conceal dry, dull skin, which is why Ta recommends gently exfoliating before you even think about applying skincare, primer, or a base. For poreless skin like Gigi, Ta says it’s “so important to remove any texture, when possible” because “it allows for a smoother base for foundation.”

## __2. Give Yourself a Facial Massage__

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ugATnDpp4/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ugATnDpp4/</a>

If you’re looking for sky-high cheekbones, lifted brows, or an ultra-defined jawline like Huntington-Whiteley, a quick massage can have you on your way to model-worthy facial features. The Mia Smart has a Firming Massage Head and Sonic Awakening Eye Massager that helps to lift and firm the face, while de-puffing the under eye area.  

“I spend time massaging the face and under eyes to get the blood circulating for an instant lift and natural glow,” Ta explains. “It’s gentle on my clients’ skin but gets the job done — leaving the skin looking tighter and firmer.”

He likes to spend “a little extra time” massaging the cheekbones and jaw for “instant” lift and contour. Spending a couple minutes massaging your favorite face cream or oil into the skin with a gua sha, jade roller, or even your fingers can have a similarly sculpting effect.

## __3. Swap Your Contour For Concealer__ 

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2XtDU-jh_6/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B2XtDU-jh_6/</a>

While Ta first uses Clarisonic’s Sonic Foundation Blender to apply foundation (read our guide to the best of the season [HERE](https://aedit.com/aedition/fall-2019-liquid-powder-foundations-makeup-skincare)) all over the face because “the pulsating bristles work the foundation into the skin for a flawless undetectable finish” in “under one minute,” he then switches to a combo of concealer and highlighter to create depth and dimension à la Mitchell. 

“Highlight the areas you want to bring forward and contour the area you want to appear less obvious,” he recommends. “I apply a concealer one to two shades lighter than the foundation to the under eyes, chin, and center of the forehead. The more angular you are with your concealer/contour, the more lifted the face will appear.” 

Consider that a #ProTip for those of us who aren’t lucky enough to have the makeup maestro in our glam squad.  

The pro behind Bella and Gigi Hadid’s expertly contoured complexions shares his tips for sculpted skin — sans a trip to the plastic surgeon’s office.

Contouring Tips From Celebrity Makeup Artist Patrick Ta

3 Contouring Secrets From Celebrity Makeup Artist Patrick Ta

Polla sisters 2017 photo by Marin Raguz Le Marin Productions

*From that French girl je ne sais quoi to the intricacies of the multi-step Korean skincare routine, the international cosmetic and aesthetic industries are as vast as they are unique. But, thanks to globalization, niche trends now have universal appeal. In [this series](https://aedit.com/aedition/category/going-global), The AEDITION explores geographical markers of beauty and how they influence today's global patient and consumer.*

When the four Polla sisters were growing up in Geneva, Switzerland, their dermatologist father, Dr. Luigi Polla, didn’t mind much if they stayed out late at night with friends or at a bar. Forgetting to wear sunscreen, however, was another story. “We would never get in as much trouble with him as when we got a sunburn,” says Ada Polla, the eldest sister. “That was pretty much the worst thing that we could do. He was always very particular about how we treated our skin. It was part of our education, if you will.”

A lifetime of safe sun habits was not the only thing that made an impression on the sisters. All four are now involved in one or more of the family businesses. There’s the skincare line, [Alchimie Forever](https://www.alchimie-forever.com/); a medical practice and spa, [Forever Institut](https://www.forever-beauty.com/fr/), in Geneva; and a newer store concept geared towards millennials, [Forever Boutique](https://www.forever-boutique.ch/), in Lausanne. “We all worked with him throughout our childhood,” says Ada. “I started at 10, helping with filing and the front desk.” 

Today Ada, 41, is the CEO of Alchimie Forever, which she runs from Washington, D.C. Cyrille, 39, is director of communications and marketing of Forever Institut and Forever Boutique; Rachel, 36, is CEO for both. And Roxane, 30, helped to launch Forever Boutique last fall but is currently focused on her fellowship in vascular surgery at the University Hospital in Lausanne. 

They are all proactive in their personal routines, but they have learned from their father that the key to amplifying one’s own beauty is in not overdoing it. “You would never see a patient of his and say anything like, 'Wow, your lips look amazing. Who do you go to?'” says Ada. “His approach to beauty is for the long term, not in making dramatic or drastic changes. It’s about small, incremental improvements that you will notice, but everyone else will just think that you look gorgeous.” Among his signature treatments is the Softlift Forever, a [liquid facelift](https://aedit.com/procedure/liquid-facelift) technique using hyaluronic acid fillers to lift, contour, and sculpt the face. 

<CaptionImg url={https://images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/2ZakPyY9DFwzMdkxPvcfkk/aa477d88c718d735619bda18a5e4bf71/Forever_Institut_-_Gene__ve_-_Centre_de_me__decine_esthe__tique_photo_from_Alchimie_Forever.jpg}>
  The interior of the Forever Institut in Geneva. Photo by Marin Raguz, Le Marin Productions
</CaptionImg>

While his patients at the Forever Institut on the Rue du Rhône in Geneva tend to be over 40, he noticed a new “beauty attitude” among the younger generation and encouraged his daughters to create a space more tailored to their needs. “The idea that women today, but men as well, they want it all,” says Cyrille. “They want medical aesthetics, but they want natural results. They want to have an active career but they also want to take care of themselves and for their well being. They want accessibility and, at the same time, luxury and high service.” 

With this insight, and inspired by trends from the United States (from blow dry-only hair salons like Dry Bar to the limited laser offering at Skin Laundry), the Polla sisters opened Forever Boutique in Lausanne last fall. “The idea,” says Rachel, “is to enhance, not transform.” 

Everything at Forever Boutique is geared toward the patient who is being proactive about her skin before she notices major changes and who is committed to taking care of it for the long haul. She wants services that are preventative, quick, and done in a professional but casual environment. 

There are six categories to choose from: Lips, Look ([botulinum toxin injections](https://aedit.com/procedure/botox-facial)), Complexion ([peels](https://aedit.com/procedure/tca-peel)), Skin ([microneedling](https://aedit.com/procedure/microneedling) and [micro-injections of hyaluronic acid](https://aedit.com/procedure/permanent-lip-fillers)), Makeup, and [Lasers](https://aedit.com/procedure/nonablative-nonfractional-lasers). All injectables are performed by doctors, while other treatments are done by aestheticians and nurses. Each service comes in a “lightweight” and “intense” version. “Bo-Look,” for example, offers far fewer units and a more subtle improvement with Botox®, while “Bo-Top” more closely resembles a standard botulinum toxin treatment. 

<PullQuote attributedTo={Ada Polla}>
  “It was always important to take time for ourselves, to get injections and treatments and to use creams, not because we’re vain and we want to look much younger than we are, but more in a philosophical way. If we look good, we feel good. And if we feel good, we’ll do good.”
</PullQuote>

The most notable option, which is unique to the practice, is Instalip, an ultra-temporary lip plumping procedure that was developed in-house. It’s a combination of hyaluronic acids of varying molecular weights injected so that they only last for two to three weeks. The idea came from the realization that a lot of young women were afraid of fillers because of seeing overly inflated results. “You can have slightly plumper lips, the ones you really want, without looking done, and without a commitment,” says Rachel. “It’s less serious. It’s less intimidating. And if they hate it, their lips go back to normal in two weeks.” 

To keep women coming back regularly — and to encourage a habit of dermatological self care — there is a membership program that lets customers buy a year’s worth of regular services at a 25 percent savings, which amounts to around $100 to $200 a month. “We target a younger clientele, and we are conscious that these girls need to have an idea of their budget,” says Rachel. “You have a budget for the gym, you have a budget for your hair, and now you can have a budget for your skin.” 

<CaptionImg url={https://images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/4odMMAxM71424b16pVL3Tx/1ca519a3fe025880c269b847ea06d215/Forever_Boutique_et_Equipe_2017_8Q2A6079_photo_by_Marin_Raguz_Le_Marin_Productions.jpg}>
  Treatment chairs at the Forever Boutique in Lausanne. Photo by Marin Raguz, Le Marin Productions
</CaptionImg>

Each sister is a poster child for regular maintenance. They all do Botox® around twice a year, and each has committed to treatments that address their various skin concerns — from light peels for acne to lasers for redness and hair removal to [mesotherapy](https://aedit.com/procedure/mesotherapy) and [PRP scalp injections for hair loss](https://aedit.com/procedure/plateletrich-plasma-prp-for-hair-loss) (*see below for their individual routines*).

Given their collective careers and how early they began, it’s no surprise to learn that both of their parents were not just doctors but entrepreneurs. Hard work and a sense of adventure was ingrained in their upbringing. From 1984 to 1986 (before Roxane was born), the family lived in Boston, where their biomedical researcher mother, Dr. Barbara Polla, studied at the Harvard School of Public Health. During that time, their father did his post-doctoral fellowship at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Mass General with dermatologist and laser pioneer, Dr. R. Rox Anderson. 

It turned out to be an auspicious start. When Luigi returned to Switzerland and established his own clinic, he did so with lasers and was the first to bring the new technology to Europe. While the lasers were initially used to treat children with port-wine stains and hemangiomas, their existence and medical usage planted the seed for both the skincare line and a booming aesthetics practice.

“Lasers back then were not as ‘lunchtime,’ as they are today, so the treatment created a lot of heat and a lot of redness and swelling and side effects,” says Ada. “My father wanted a product that would heal the skin post-treatment.” The cream he developed with a pharmacist friend was given to children, but their mothers began coming back and asking for seconds. From there, Alchimie Forever was born. 

The original product, the [Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask](https://www.alchimie-forever.com/products/kantic-brightening-moisture-mask), is still the top seller, and the products that have followed — some of which were formulated by Dr. Barbara Polla — all center around combating inflammation and the health of the skin. 

“From the start, it was about calming,” says Ada. “Today people are aware of its importance, but when I had this conversation 10 years ago when we started, it was all about, ‘This product isn’t making my skin red. It’s not making my skin peel. I don’t feel anything, so obviously it’s not working.’” Luckily, that attitude has shifted, and customers more readily understand that irritation is not always the best sign that a product is the right fit for your skin.  

In addition to lending her expertise at formulation, the girls’ mother also lent her beauty outlook, impressing upon them the importance of self care as a form of self-respect. “She was very focused on beauty, but not necessarily looks, more about the feeling that comes with beauty,” says Ada. “It was always important to take time for ourselves, to get injections and treatments and to use creams, not because we’re vain and we want to look much younger than we are, but more in a philosophical way. If we look good, we feel good. And if we feel good, we’ll do good.”  

<CaptionImg url={https://images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/3g4vkWOttNv5yGLjbdBfW2/ef9e26fd0f0aa6c47c3060962f0ac445/4_Polla_sisters_in_colored_dresses_at_Forever_Institut_2017_photo_by_Marin_Raguz_Le_Marin_Productions.jpg}>
  The Polla sisters (from left): Cyrille, Rachel, Ada, and Roxane. Photo by Marin Raguz, Le Marin Productions
</CaptionImg>

So, what are their go-to treatments for healthy skin? The Polla sisters share their aesthetic regimens with The AEDITION. 

### **Roxane, 30**
“The first treatment I did was [laser hair removal](https://aedit.com/procedure/laser-hair-removal). Now I do light Botox® in between my eyebrows because, when I don't do it, I tend to have frown lines. What I tell my friends is that it's not that I want to hide all my starting wrinkles. It’s more that, when I have that particular one, I feel it doesn't at all represent my personality because it gives me a very stern look, which I feel that I’m not. I still have zits and acne, so I do peels — especially the Alchimie Forever Brightening Peel — on a regular basis.” 

### **Rachel, 36**
“I have started to do Botox® twice a year. I was the first one to try Instalip. I have discovered a new type of laser hair removal for people with blonder hair at Forever Institut. It’s a q-switch laser that kills hair follicles for four months — it works not on a thermal basis but on a mechanical basis. When I need a nice glow, I do the Alchimie peel or another peel we do at the boutique. I’m going to start to do treatments to treat cellulite. It’s a mechanical massage for body contouring for light cellulite.” 

### **Cyrille, 39**
“I have a tendency to have a sensitive vascular system and redness, so I do a lot of the Vbeam laser treatment to reduce rosacea two or three times a year. I've been doing Botox® twice a year. I like enhancing my lips once or twice a year. Since I know I like it, I don’t use Instalip. I use one that lasts for six to nine months. 

After giving birth I started losing a lot of hair, so I tried mesotherapy and PRP injections in the scalp, which really helped. A few years ago I also tried my first Softlift. After giving birth, I lost a bit of weight and that started to show fatigue on my face. SoftLift helped. For summer, I do body contouring and Botox® in the armpits to reduce perspiration. It lasts three or four months.”

### **Ada, 41**
“I have a short answer: The only thing I do is Botox® twice a year when I go to Geneva — only ever with my father. I make up for the lack of in-office treatment with all of the [Alchimie Forever](https://www.alchimie-forever.com/) products, which I slather on myself on a daily basis.”

*All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.*

Four sisters reflect on running a European skincare dynasty and why they are pioneering a friendly — and understated — approach to injectables for the millennial set.