Tag: Joanna Vargas

Categories
Beauty Featured Finance Lifestyle Living NYC Wellness

Downtown’s Ultimate Beauty Gift Guide 2020

Downtown's Ultimate Beauty Gift Guide 2020
Andrea Piacquadio Pexels

 

We can all agree that 2020 was a year like no other, and it will go down in history as one of the most difficult collective challenges in our lifetimes. As the hashtag says, #weareinthistogether. No matter your level of income, age, skin color, or which part of the world you live in, we all had to rethink how we get from morning to night, facing challenges like working remotely and DIY beauty regimens.

We are grateful that our favorite brands made 2020 easier for us. We figured out how to get through it, even if it meant that our hair colorist had to drop off a premixed color formula so that our dear life partners (or children) could apply.

It may not have been a pretty sight, but from the creative photos on social media, it certainly came with a large dose of humility and humor.

This year we have decided to honor the brands who were there for our company in our Downtown’s 2020 Ultimate Beauty Gift Guide.

Here are a few of our favs!

 

Supremÿa Eyes at Night. Exceptional night skin care dedicated to revealing the youth of the eyes.

 

 

Supremÿa Cream An exceptional night treatment specifically for dry skin or skin lacking comfort, which targets the visible signs of aging to offer noticeably enhanced rejuvenation.

 

 

Scent Sational gifts from Sisley Paris. Sisley continues the original collaboration with artist Quentin Jones celebrating Izia in a new package inspired by her colorful ‘rock’ universe. Collages of roses, fluorescent ink, and flecks of paint boldly decorate the box. Its delicacy and lightness contrast with the ‘rock’ design of the box and echo the singular rose at the heart of the fragrance.

 

 

A limited-edition holiday bundle of 3 bestsellers from Bali Body, Ultra Dark Self Tan, Face Tan Water & BB Cream, it’s everything you need for the perfect glow. In a festive gift box!

 

 

Roam Slippers

 

 

ROAM slippers and sandals are all about comfort. They have custom-molded footbeds that are pillow soft while completely supporting your feet. The mid-soles are wrapped in neoprene for wicking and breathability, keeping your feet cool. There is also memory foam added to the uppers that allow the shoes to mold and form to your feet – truly creating a hug for your feet.

 

TYME

​Make ​​travel and everyday styling easier, and faster with Tyme. Combining many different size curling irons with a straightener. No more cluttered drawers, cabinets, and suitcases – just one tool.

One of our Publisher’s new FAV!

 

 

 

Joon Saffron Rose shampoo, this gentle conditioner detangles, hydrates, and smoothes hair. Used in traditional Persian beauty rituals for centuries, the “Antioxidant Powerhouse” created by Saffron, Rose, Pistachio and Pomegranate nourish and strengthen the hair strand while restoring elasticity, making your hair look/feel softer, stronger, and healthier.

Persians have used Saffron, Pistachio, and Rose in beauty rituals for centuries. Saffron, a spice worth more than its weight in gold, is used to strengthen hair. Pistachio nourishes and moisturizes for bouncy and smooth hair.

Coming from a haircare background, Shiva and Kayvon Tavakoli spent their entire lives in the salon haircare world. Their father came to the US when he was 17 years old and after moving to Houston, built a successful salon empire and haircare laboratory.

 

 

 

Joanna Vargas, We needed something to help keep our beauty regiment up, as we all worked from home, spas, and salons were closed during the quarantine. For a wide-awake look, with or without concealer, use the Magic Glow Wand to reduce the appearance of puffiness, invigorating your complexion, bringing your glow back.

 

Use it with a serum or mask for an unbelievably soft and radiant look!

 

One of our newest discoveries Deborah Lippman’s, hand and feet moisturizer, trust us, it will change your hands and feet forever. With the hard winter approaching, start now and by spring you will feel like a new person!

Your hands are the first to reveal your age. Keep them guessing with this award-winning cream formulated with shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oil. Winner of Health Magazine’s Healthiest Hand Cream, as voted by leading dermatologists Broad spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen protects from the sun’s UVA and UVB harmful rays Shea butter, Avocado, and Jojoba oil keep hands moisturized Botanical brightening complex helps to even skin tone.

 

 

 

 

Again for the 3rd year in a row, we are including BrooklynBotany. We cannot get through a winter without their scrubs and now new Sweet Almond oil.

This holiday season we sampled their new Blueberry Scrub, all we can say is THANK YOU Brooklyn Botany. Our dry skin feels renewed, and radiant, the winter dry itch is gone.

 

 

Sweet Almond Oil, the perfect name for Brooklyn Botnay’s oil..  sweet it is, very mild, and hypoallergenic. This oil is safe to be used for almost all skin types including sensitive, dry, and oily skin. It can even be used on children and babies skin.

 

Can’t get to St Barth this year, no worries, they bring their delightful products to you. And, just in time for Christmas with Ligne St. Barth

Feel the beauty of the island – surrounded by warmth, a breath of wind cools your cheeks. Sea Breeze embodies the lightness of a tropical summer day: with the deep blue Blue Lagoon shower gel, tingling like a bath in the surf. Try this sun splash, with grapefruit as an invigorating freshness accord. This beguiling Premium Care Oil gives your body, face, and hair, a golden sheen.

 

 

 

We cannot get enough of this brand. Anything they make it superb. We love the new refill pouch. Sustainability is here for Ouai.

We have tried many dry shampoo’s and it can be hit or miss. But not with Ouai’s Super Dry Shampoo. Works every time and does not leave your hair unruly or limp.

 

 

Ready for a private dinner at home for two, or just want to feel sexy? Intensely seductive, Good Girl Eau de Parfum Carolina Herrera’s Suprême reinvents the iconic Good Girl fragrance with a daring new formula. Redefining the emblematic contrast of lights and shadows encourages you to connect with your rebellious side. Grab one for a delicious stocking stuffer.

 

One does not think about body serum. However, we have been using Immunocologie body serum for years. Yes, it does moisturize, repair, and restore. It’s very light to the touch but deeply moisturizes. A dry oil intended for full-body application. We found that after a bath or shower apply, and leave on your skin all day and or night, it’s silky smooth and your skin will feel radiant and restored.

 

 

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Give the gift of luxury to your loved one, or maybe the gift you have been looking for yourself. Join Downtown New York’s newest intimate space Club 27 where you can focus on your personal fitness and wellness goals, surrounded by inspiration and without any distractions.

 

Mudras.com

 

With this signature bespoke massage treatment, you will experience the magically unique and tailor-made Body Reset massage. This is considered a secret weapon for many of our #MudrasFam. The BodyReset Technique was developed by Yotam Kafri founder of Mudras.com Holiday special for first-time clients. Get 30% off on your first session!
Mention Downtown Magazine to get your special offer. LIMITED TIME ONLY!

 

 

Get your gift certificate now!

 

For those who are enjoying the sheer pleasure of CDB, these are our picks for the 2020 Holiday Season

 

 

 

Meet our first CBD infused moisturizer specifically formulated for the face. Lord Jones Whole Plant Formula Acid Mantle Repair is a soothing CBD moisturizer formulated to help maintain the acid mantle, support the skin’s moisture barrier, and rebalance the appearance of stressed skin.* Each jar contains 250mg of CBD (<0.3% THC).

 

Treat the CBD purist in your life to a trio of our most popular Lord Jones products gumdrops, body lotion, and Royal Oil.

 

 

 

These premium tinctures contain 500mg of full-spectrum CBD derived from specially-sourced hemp for unparalleled purity and quality. Each dropper delivers approximately 20mg of CBD. Available in two flavors, Orange and Peppermint.

 

 

Her Royal Hempress

Her Royal Hempress skincare collection is defined by synergistic, small-batch blends of CBD and potent botanical actives that have been specially crafted with the highest attention to detail. Created by a generational, social-conscious gardener & mother Emma Spivey, Her Highness uses powerful botanical ingredients to complement the transformative CBD to leave skin feeling naturally radiant and for therapeutic relief. 

Her Highness 

Her Highness is a cannabis lifestyle brand based in New York with a curated collection of cannabis, CBD, and consumption essentials designed with the modern consumer in mind. Her Highness product is thoughtfully designed with the intent of bringing cannabis into a woman’s world, not the other way around. With a dynamic range of stylish, high-quality products for smoking, stress relief, self-care, and pleasure, Her Highness satisfies every cannabis craving.

New Highs CBD

New Highs CBD hopes to enlighten and empower women and men towards the path of an elevated lifestyle utilizing the healing properties of CBD. New Highs products invigorate the mind, body, and soul-lifting up high while remaining non-intoxicating.

“Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics inspired by his desire to help my patients. In 2013, patients started asking about CBD and their health. He took the opportunity to research, study, and attended conferences in order to confidently provide answers to patients who were asking about the health benefits of CBD. Here are just some of our favorite products.

Deep moisturizing lotion utilizing condensed red ginseng water that strengthens the skin barrier and balances the pH for healthy and luminous skin. Donginbi Red Ginseng. DONGINBI was created in 1899, based on internationally recognized manufacturing company Cheong Kwan Jang’s philosophy of creating Korean red ginseng for external use.

Botanika life has a wide array of products catering to an active and healthy lifestyle.  Improving what already works by bringing in nature’s miracle ingredient CBD.

 

Whatever your plans for this holiday season, stay safe, do not gather in large crowds, think about your loved ones and, wear a mask. We look forward to seeing you in 2021.

 

From our home to yours Happy Holidays!

Categories
Beauty Featured

Keeping It Real with Joanna Vargas

Joanna Vargas NYC Salon

From her sprawling, 14,000-square-foot luxury day spa, on New York City’s Fifth Avenue, the beloved aesthetician to the superstars is definitely glowing a little brighter lately.

Joanna Vargas NYC Salon

Joanna Vargas stands tall at five-foot-ten—well, at least that’s what she projects, even though she’s only five-five. “You know, I always did have tall thoughts,” giggles Vargas, who has remained true to her roots and to her craft for 20 years and counting. There’s a reason why her clients, both famous and not, are so dedicated to her, so this is where I shamelessly name-drop those she beautified for the 71st Met Gala: Rachel Brosnahan, Julienne Moore, Lili Reinhart, Natasha Lyonne, Tessa Thompson, Chloë Moretz, Hailee Steinfeld, Riley Keough, Mindy Kaling, Constance Wu, and Ruth Negga.

Joanna Vargas NYC Salon

While I was lucky enough to be receiving one of her ultimate facials, like a star, we went down memory lane, because I wanted to know how it all began. It turns out, Vargas was on a “winding road,” eventually landing in New York and becoming a fashion photographer. But being as shy as she is, she quickly realized that the profession might not be right for her (although she still loves it, her spa filled with beautiful images and portraits).

Joanna Vargas NYC Salon

She decided to go to beauty school, thinking she might become a makeup artist and still be a part of the image-making process and artistry of it all—and that was the “ah-ha” moment. “Wait, people get paid to do this?” she recalls. “I just loved taking care of someone’s face, beautifying them while I had their faces in my hands.” It made sense to her because her grandmother, a total beauty lover, had a significant influence on the young Joanna. “When I was little, I always asked for beauty products. When it comes to presents—creams, bubble baths, perfumes, you name it—I asked for it.” Then 20 years later, voilà!

Joanna Vargas NYC Salon

Her new spa is stunning and expansive, housing 13 treatment rooms and 4 additional rooms with her patented LED RevitaLight Bed. The space boasts super high, 15-foot ceilings, an airy vibe with dreamy poured resin floors reflecting, and large arched windows. The feeling is plush, and everything is blanketed by her signature color: pale-blush-pink. When you walk in, there’s a neon sign by the waiting area that reads “#GlowBrighter,” which is the absolute goal. “Out of everyone in my family, my grandmother would have loved it here the most,” shares Vargas, who completely loves what she does, which includes creating her very own skin-care line— “one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I love it, I love the science behind it, and I’m really a science girl.” Yes, Vargas is always researching and experimenting with how to use a specific combination of treatments that are tailor-made for individuals, for maximum effect. For me, she designed the following facial.

Joanna Vargas NYC Salon

After exfoliation, a medical-grade collagen mask was applied. She uses different types of collagen, depending on what is happening on a particular skin, and my mask was infused with hyaluronic acid with a super-healing-and-hydrating epidermal growth factor that was perfect for rejuvenating the skin. A molding mask was then set atop, keeping the cover super-active, followed by micro-current, which increased lymphatic drainage, added stimulation, tightened of the muscles, and boosted collagen production by five to six percent. The result? A clear “wow” factor, as you can see on my Instagram at @sunheebeauty.

Joanna Vargas NYC Salon

“I have a client, one of the top female financial analysts in her field, and after her fourth or fifth facial, she says to me, ‘Joanna, I don’t feel invisible anymore,’” Vargas recalls. “And it’s moments like that that make me want to do a million more facials!” And I can assure you, you’ll be going back often, not only for her addicting facials but to lay on her LED RevitaLight Bed, which I mentioned earlier. She debuted this new, even more effective model last November when she opened her Fifth Avenue retreat (with the help of her beloved husband and CEO, Cesar Vargas, who is clearly the bedrock of her glorious enterprise).

Joanna Vargas NYC Salon

The patent on this genius bed may have taken years to get, but it’s no wonder, because of its incredible sophistication. Joanna cleverly engineered this LED in the form of a full-coverage bed designed to address different body zones, from cellulite on the butt to anti-aging on the face, and a $150 session will do the trick in just 20 minutes. (Full disclosure: you will find me on that bed once a week from now on!) And for the über-wealthy with second homes around the globe, this incredibly enticing bed—made in the U.S.A.—can be purchased, with white glove delivery, naturally. And the cost? Go for a visit and inquire, ‘cause a girl can dream. If not, don’t worry, he has the bed at her L.A. location as well, the coveted Sunset Tower spa retreat, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Joanna Vargas NYC Salon

What’s more, Joanna launched her Lymphatic Drainage Full Body Massage for awards-season this year, as well as the Body Booster add-on treatment, which employs air-compression boots to assist with lymphatic drainage and to de-puff from head to toe. Can you say, “Sign me up?” And there’s always her stellar skin-care line which she puts her whole heart into. Her latests from @JVSkincare are the energizing, green-tea Ritual Bar soap; the Ritual Brush, a natural-bristle dry tool; and the Glow to Go Mask Set, which includes sheet masks for the face and eye areas to address all skin concerns.

The maintenance measure for her movie-star clients is simple. “In between films, they come often and do a lot of treatments (including her signature facials like Supernova, Triple Crown, and Forever, as her spa offers 23 different treatments with 30 aestheticians in-house). Since they are gone for months on location, they have that boost to rely on and are holding together nicely,” Vargas explains. “Like everything in life, it’s about keeping up the regimen and maintaining, to bring out the best in you.” And when it comes to her work ethic? “Success won’t find you unless you make an authentic go of it.” Amen to that.

Categories
Beauty Featured

Get Ready to Glow with a Lymphatic Drainage Massage at Joanna Vargas Salon

Looking for a new treatment to combat the effects of stress, travel, and lack of sleep on your skin and body? Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skincare, is now offering a lymphatic drainage full body massage at her New York salon. We asked Joanna about this new treatment and its amazing benefits.

Downtown: What’s special about this type of massage?

JV: Your lymphatic system brings nutrients and carries away waste from every cell in the body. It doesn’t have its own pump, so the lymphatic system relies on our own body movement to perform vital function. A stagnant lymphatic system will cause acne, breakouts, and even dry skin.

Downtown: What kind of results do you get from a lymphatic drainage massage?

JV: Drawing out toxins and waste, my Lymphatic Drainage Full Body Massage drains the body of excess puffiness and helps the lymphatic system deliver fresh nutrients to cells, for glowing skin from head-to-toe.

Downtown: Why did you decide to bring this treatment to your clients?

JV: It’s healthy for the skin and body to have lymphatic stimulation, and it improves clients’ overall appearance. 

Downtown: How often should you get one of these massages?

JV: You should get the Lymphatic Drainage Full Body Massage done once a week leading up to an event and once a month for maintenance.

Categories
Business

Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection Founder Joanna Vargas Talks To Downtown

JVargas_Group

An esthetician for nearly two decades, Joanna Vargas is an internationally-recognized skin care guru and one of the top celebrity facialists in New York City. She has treated countless supermodels and celebrities, having come a long way from her first job as an esthetician at Tribeca’s Ula Day Spa. Now, beyond her private clients, Joanna has the Joanna Vargas Skin Care salons in New York and Los Angeles and a line of retail-sold products.

Joanna spoke to Downtown about her thriving business, how everyday people can take better care of their skin, and what else is coming up for her. Her blog, products, salon info and much more can be found at www.joannavargas.com.

Joanna Vargas / Photo: Roderick
Joanna Vargas / Photo: Roderick

How did Jessica Alba find out about your brand?

Joanna Vargas: She came in for a facial. We have mutual friends and her Honor Beauty team are clients of the salon.

What do you feel is the first step someone should take towards having healthy, great-looking skin?

JV: The first step in having great skin is realizing that skin is just a window for what is going on in the body. If you can’t digest something, it comes out in the skin. If you don’t sleep or do anything that compromises your health, your skin will reflect that. I always recommend the basics to start: wash your face before bed, wear sunscreen and a great healthy diet.

You have been a New York State Licensed Esthetician for 17 years with clients all over the world. How did you decide to make your own products? Was there a particular event that inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

JV: I think the birth of my son was my defining moment. Becoming a mom made me so conscious of what I was doing and how I was doing it. I wanted to only use products that were healthy for him to be around and I wanted to be able to create a life that I would be proud to show him. Being a mom who is satisfied and engaged in a career, friends AND my kids I think is the best example I can be for them both.

Where are most of your clients? Do you find specific parts of the world more receptive to facial treatments?

JV: Well, I do have clients that come from all over the world to see me. New Yorkers are used to this town being the meeting point for so many different types of people. Obviously most of my clients live in New York, since I’m based here, but I have a ton of clients in Los Angeles as well. I think people are so much more health-conscious globally now more than ever, so we find that clients share that similarity no matter where they are from.

What makes your masks different from similar face mask products?

JV: I’m an esthetician — I have been doing facials for thousands and thousands of hours. My perspective comes from sitting in that chair. I think I know more about skin and ingredients than most people for that reason. It also makes me focused on results more than anything. My face masks are popular because you can SEE a difference in your skin. It’s that simple.

Where are the masks made?

JV: I have a manufacturer in Asia. The woman who runs it is actually a friend and that’s how we came to do business together. She and I have a mutual obsession with excellence and she takes care of my brand with that in mind.

Your namesake salon is on Fifth Avenue. Does all of your work and planning happen in Manhattan?

JV: That’s right. I think most people are kind of shocked to see me here every day. I think some clients of my girls assume I’m off somewhere, but I’m here daily doing facials in the AM and meetings in the afternoon.

What else is coming up for you and your brand? Any plans for a book?

JV: A book is in the works, yes. Ever since I started my blog 10 years ago, I knew I would one day write a book. Time is a commodity for me so it hasn’t quite happened, but now that I have incredible women running the New York City salon and Los Angeles is open, I have more time to devote to it. We also plan on expanding the skincare line very soon with some exciting products. I can’t wait to share them with everyone!

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?

JV: My free time is spent with my kids, for the most part. We travel a lot. I also love to read. I feel like that enhances my own creativity a lot. I love to draw. Additionally, my daughter and I are learning to play piano together. My son just got certified in scuba this spring, so that is my next project.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

JV: For lunch everyday I like Juice Generation. It’s right by my office and I love the Supa Dupa Green Juice for my skin! Also, EN Japanese Brasserie restaurant downtown. It’s beautiful inside and the food is spectacular!

Finally, Joanna, any last words for the kids?

JV: Life is a winding road — try to enjoy the ride!