The Red Carpet Facial That Glows All Week, Courtesy of Candace Marino

Even with the holiday season descending upon us, the most prominent time of year for Angelenos to celebrate is the start of Oscar season. Still, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or making an entrance at a premiere, a luminous and vibrant complexion is always your best accessory. 

For red carpet events or any upcoming special event, I have to recommend Candace Marino as one of the top aestheticians—her particular delivery of the iS Clinical Red Carpet facial is one of the best. Why? Because she is ahead of the curve when it comes to new and innovative products and machines; she knows how to cut through the b.s.; and when you are in her facial seat, she focuses on your skin, and how to have it look remarkable for not just that special event, but long-term. (Did I mention she also doesn’t talk your ear off and she doesn’t push her products on you? That is a major plus).  

Her version of the isClinical facial that brings red carpet radiance begins with the Cleansing Complex, a gentle resurfacing cleanser that sweeps away the remnants of last night’s indulgences. Next, the Warming Honey Cleanser offers a touch of luxury with its green tea infusion, purifying your skin while you contemplate the content for your acceptance speech (or, for us normal folk, fielding cooking for your dinner party all day). The centerpiece is the Hydra Intensive Cooling Mask, which delivers deep hydration worthy of any red carpet entrance (even Nicole Kidman would be proud). Throughout the facial, Candace’s expert massage promotes circulation, ensuring your skin radiates vibrancy.

Candace then incorporates the iS Clinical Pro Heal Serum—a soothing, vitamin-infused elixir—and the Youth Eye Complex, which works miracles on puffy under-eyes, all while she employs techniques that feel like a backstage pass to a rejuvenating spa experience. The Hydra Cool Serum, boasting menthol and hyaluronic acid, adds the final touch of hydration before a layer of Reparative Moisturizing Emulsion and the Extreme Protect Sunscreen (one of the absolute best sunscreens—light and non-greasy, just the way we like it).

Of course, Candace also integrates into the facial some red light therapy time  (she uses Celluma, which I have said over and over is the best and most effective, not made by the same lab in China as the rest, and not white-labeled or misleading either), tailoring each treatment to your skin's specific needs.

I’ve sung and written Candace’s praises endlessly, because her facials deliver results that speak for themselves. Whether you’re battling inflammation, acne, or dryness, she’s the one who will have your skin looking its best for your special event. And let’s not overlook her business acumen; her office is a happy place, and she knows that her exceptional skills will keep clients coming back without pushing unnecessary products.

Whether you’re headlining a premiere, or simply want to ensure you look flawless for holiday photos, I wholeheartedly recommend Candace Marino’s facials. To learn more, click here.

The Facial That Erases Fatigue and Time, Courtesy of Joomee Song

Sometimes, a facial massage from a skilled aesthetician delivers benefits that topicals simply can’t match. As someone who often experiments with beauty treatments galore—sometimes resulting in looks that feel more suited for an audition in a sci-fi movie—I always, without fail, marvel at the way Joomee Song transforms my face. Her facials leave me looking well-rested and rejuvenated every time. 

I can honestly say that Joomee, who is based in a fairly nondescript building in Brentwood, is a true virtuoso, renowned in the beauty world for her exceptional facial massage technique. When she works her facial magic, it’s similar to a sculptor handling clay. Her precise method is individually tailored to one’s unique facial bone structure, balancing facial muscles and fascia tension, and delivering results. It’s got a lot to do with blood flow, circulation, and a sense of intuition when it comes to the grooves of the facial skin—and the results are impressive. 

A mere five minutes on Joomee’s table is healing. Almost instantly, I’ll start tuning out the rest of the world in her peaceful space. As the massage begins, I can feel my facial muscles and jaw tension easing significantly. Joomee’s clientele includes some of the most famous faces in the world, but I appreciate how she treats everyone with equal care and concern. What sets her apart is her intuitive understanding of what each face needs, especially when it comes to detoxification and stress relief. After each session, she’ll assign some homework: a short daily self-massage—just one to three minutes—to keep your skin glowing and your blood flowing. Every time I experience her treatment, I’m amazed at how my face looks—like I’ve had a full week of restful sleep (which I can never seem to manage. I suppose this is the next best thing to hibernation).

Introducing: Facial of the Moment

You know the value of an excellent facial when it doesn’t just deliver glowing skin for 24 hours—it provides radiance for days and days after your appointment. In this new section, Facial of the Moment, I’ll spotlight top aestheticians whose facials stand out not only for their immediate effects, but also for their lasting benefits. This is a fresh, honest, and tapped-in take you won’t find anywhere else. I want to offer a behind-the-scenes look at industry leaders and their unique skin philosophies, specialties, and techniques, so my goal is to be transparent and personable, providing you with real reviews so you can make informed choices about where to invest in your skincare. Whether a facial costs $200 or $1400, I’m here to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. Expect witty and insightful commentary, all while keeping your best interests at heart.