The Journey to Ställe Studios
“I only went to aesthetician school because I wanted to learn about skin. While there, I discovered I loved giving treatments. After graduation, I joined Dr. Barbara Sturm as a market specialist. That led to me doing facials, which then led to me developing facial programs for med spas and dermatology practices. I didn’t plan to open my own spot at first.
When a Sturm pop-up ended, my clients still wanted facials. I lived in a one-bedroom apartment with Jon, then my boyfriend and now my husband. I used our home for treatments. Jon worked on weekdays, but on weekends I’d make him leave from 10 to 7, which was not ideal. Eventually, he said he needed our place back.
I was scared to commit to a lease, so I found a shared office space with a landlord who agreed to a three-month term. Time passed, I brought on employees, and soon I leased another room. We got fully booked, and that’s when I realized it was time for the official Ställe Studios in Soho. I believe in consistency over intensity. I had acne growing up and left many facials looking horrible. But at Ställe Studios, you’ll leave with glowy, dewy, lifted skin—unless we do microneedling, of course.”
SKINCARE
My skin is on the oily side, with visible pores and a tendency to break out. For cleansing, I love Bioeffect’s micellar water because it removes everything without leaving a film. Their gentle cleanser is amazing, too. I apply it on dry skin, massage, then add water to turn it into a milky texture. It always leaves me incredibly soft.
Auteur’s Enzyme Cleanser offers gentle exfoliation, while Dr. Loretta’s Micro-Exfoliating Cleanser contains salicylic acid. Twice weekly, I leave it on for about a minute so it can do its magic. It’s also great for acne-prone folks in winter because it doesn’t cause dryness.
The May Lindstrom Jasmine Garden Mist is a sensory delight—I’ll spray it at the beginning or end of my routine. The Isla Elixir gives my skin a noticeable brightness. For gentle exfoliating toner, Royal Fern’s Phyto Active Essence works wonders; it’s as if P50 and SK-II had a baby. Retrouvé’s Skin Brilliance Priming Pads are subtle but super effective at removing dead skin. To keep acne at bay, I switch between Sofie Pavitt’s Mandelic Serum and Sachi’s Complexion Clarifying Accelerator. I love them so much.
When I’m lazy
and only want to cleanse and moisturize, I rely on Monastery Attar. In the summer, I use Bioeffect’s Day Serum, a gel that feels light. Retrouvé’s Intensive Moisturizer is my go-to in winter; it’s rich but doesn’t break me out. For eyes, Bioeffect depuffs with its roller, while Retrouvé’s Eye Concentrate stays dewy by morning.
Dr. Loretta’s Replenishing Serum adds a glassy sheen and a hit of moisture. Bioeffect’s 30 Day Treatment targets fine lines, and I alternate it with Eighth Day’s Regenerative Serum for growth factors and peptides. Sachi’s Triphala Corrector helps fade red marks from breakouts. I like Dior RetiShot for retinol—it resurfaces my skin without irritation.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Auteur Sun Drops feel like an oil but dry into a glassy finish. Odacité’s Mineral Drops add a glowy look without dryness. Sometimes I use their tinted version instead of makeup.
For masks, The Activist Manuka Honey Mask soothes inflamed skin. Noble Panacea’s Overnight Chronobiology Peel is my pick when I’m feeling lazy but want results. Occasionally, I’ll use CO2Lift’s Pro Mask to boost oxygen by 117%. My newest mask obsession is Uguisu’s Poo Mask, made from Japanese nightingale droppings. It’s incredible for breakouts.
Because I worked at a med spa, I tried a lot of injectables. They didn’t all suit me, so now I only do a bit of lip filler and Botox on my elevens plus my strong platysma. For serious tightening, I use the Lyma Laser, and the Medicube helps serums sink in. The Celluma Pro brightens, but I need three weekly 15-minute sessions, which is tough. Beautology’s Cryo Tools depuff, and the stainless steel Retrouvé x Ställe Gua Sha is super hygienic. PureLift Pro Plus sculpts like crazy, though it makes your face twitch. Before events, I pair it with pure aloe vera. The Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brush is the perfect finishing touch—soft and great for gentle brushing.
MAKEUP
I apply most of my makeup with my fingers. For daily use, Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint in Medium Light gives a dewy, sheer finish. If I need more coverage, Clé de Peau Cream Foundation in Light Ocher works wonders—it was my go-to in my acne days. When my eyes look dark, I dab Clé de Peau Radiant Corrector in Ivory. If there’s just one pimple, I turn it into a beauty mark with Marylia Scott’s Spot On.
I love a popsicle-stained lip, which is what Dior Addict Lip Glow in Rosewood provides. For blush, I pick from the Rhode Pocket Blush in Piggy, Freckle, or Toasted Teddy—or top it with Hermès Silky Blush in Rose Pommette. If I want a bit of shimmer bronze, I reach for Chanel Les Beiges Sun-Kissed.
I’ve been using Sweed Eyelash Growth Serum since July, and it’s the only one that hasn’t irritated my eyes. Lisa Eldridge’s Kitten Lash and Trish McEvoy’s tubular mascara both avoid raccoon eyes, which I’m prone to. If I feel ambitious, I’ll curl with the Shiseido Lash Curler. Glossier Boy Brow remains a classic for taming and brushing up brows.
I don’t heavily contour, but Westman Atelier’s Face Trace Stick in Biscuit is the perfect shadow tone. Saie’s Sun Melt in Fair Bronze is a bit warmer, and Victoria Beckham’s Contour Stylus in Travertine works as a subtle eyelid shadow. For eyeshadow, Chanel’s Longwear Liquid in Desert Wind has a bronzy-purple hue that makes my blue eyes pop. Westman Atelier Eye Pods in Toujours are also gorgeous for a soft finish.
HAIR
I swear by Iles Formula shampoo and conditioner for soft hair without heat styling. For volume, I like Oribe’s Gold Lust shampoo and Transformative Masque, and I’ve also been enjoying the Rôz Foundation shampoo and conditioner, too.
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I keep Rôz’s Milk Serum on hand to tame frizz. Sometimes I’ll use Crown Affair’s leave-in instead or a tiny bit of Balmyard Siren Oil. For easy styling, the T3 Airebrush Duo always gives a bouncy blowout. When I need a professional touch, Reagan Baker at House of Reagan is my go-to. She’s all about “low maintenance bombshell” cuts that last. I also love my Mason Pearson brush to extend blowouts. My color is handled by Becca Kraeger at Spoke and Weal—we met years ago during our single days when she was introduced to me as the queen of blondes—and she is.
BODY
I don’t always remember to use the Lilis Instant Peel pre-shower, but it’s amazing for keratosis pilaris. I love Lilfox’s pink tonka and yuzu body cleanse in the morning, or Nécessaire for a neutral wash. After a stressful day, a bath with Natureofthing’s Floral Bath—plus fresh or dried flowers—feels fancy and delicate.
Out of the shower, I’m hooked on the Kate McLeod Body Stone. It has no water, so a little goes a long way, and a quick chest swipe leaves a radiant glow. Buly’s Lait Virginal in Mexican Tuberose smells powdery, clean, and lightly sweet. Sometimes I layer it with Costa Brazil’s Kaya Jungle Oil, or the Retrouvé Body Oil if I want a deeply buttery finish.
For massages, The Spa at Chelsea Hotel is heavenly. I also have Ilaria visit my apartment monthly—she has the strongest hands ever. For lymphatic drainage, Gracia Imboden at Ricari Studios works like a fairy with healing energy. Finally, dry needling with Dr. Monique Carnevali at FoodPharmacy goes deep into muscle spasms, which hurts but relieves pain like nothing else.
Photographed by Shana Trajanoska in New York on November 17, 2024