Renowned for her expertise in skincare and passion for rejuvenation, we sat down with esteemed esthetician, Vicki Morav, to gain insight into her background, approach to treatments, and her enduring partnership with luxury skincare brand Valmont. With a focus on personalized care and indulgent experiences, Morav shares her secrets to achieving radiant, red carpet-worthy skin.
In a cozy corner of her spa office in the Upper East Side, surrounded by the soft fragrance of giant peonies, we began our conversation with the celebrity aesthetician. A maestro in the art of skincare, she exudes a calm confidence that instantly puts one at ease. As we settled into the interview, it became evident that she possesses not only a wealth of knowledge but also an unwavering passion for helping clients achieve their best skin.
ON HER LOVE OF SKINCARE
With a background rooted in skincare since her early years, Vicki embarked on a transformative journey that shaped her into the esthetician she is today. Her education began at an aesthetic school, but it was her time working at a high-end French boutique that ignited her true passion. Immerse in a world of active skincare and thorough education, she honed her craft and developed a profound understanding of skin health.
"When you work with challenging skin from the very beginning, you embark on a journey of constant learning and discovery," she shares. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to explore various courses on the body's intricate workings, from hormones and digestion to stress levels and the endocrine system. This holistic approach allowed her to provide a deeper level of care, addressing both internal and external factors affecting the skin.
ON HER JOURNEY WITH VALMONT
Discussing her enduring partnership with Valmont, Vicki exudes genuine enthusiasm. "It all started with my love for the immediate results I experienced," she recalls. Valmont's emphasis on meticulous research and luxurious textures resonated deeply with her, as did their innovative incorporation of salmon DNA —an ingredient she already held in high regard due to its restorative properties.
Explaining the significance of Valmont, the spa owner elaborates, "Valmont stands out not just because of its immediate outcomes, but also the feeling of luxury it imparts. It complements other skincare lines exceptionally well, providing balance and a tangible sense of satisfaction." The exquisite textures, colors, and sensorial experience of Valmont's products contribute to a daily self-care ritual that becomes a cherished moment of tranquility in a fast-paced world.
ON HER PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO TREATMENTS
Vicki Morav's personalized approach to skincare sets her apart, as she customizes every treatment to address individual needs and desired outcomes. Rejecting the notion of a standardized menu, she emphasizes the importance of thoroughly assessing each client's skin during their visit. "I need to see and feel the skin, and understand any underlying issues before prescribing a treatment," she explains.
This commitment to personalization extends beyond the treatment room. She believes in educating her clients about their skin's behavior and equipping them with knowledge to make informed decisions. She encourages her clients to question and understand the why behind each step, ensuring they become active participants in their skincare journey.
ON LAYERING
A key aspect of Vicki's approach is the art of layering. By working from the cellular level upward, she addresses multiple layers of the skin to achieve comprehensive results. "We're not just treating the surface; we want to satisfy every layer," she asserts. Each treatment involves carefully selected products and techniques tailored to balance.
PREPPING SKIN FOR RED-CARPET OR WEDDING
When it comes to preparing someone's skin for a significant event like a red-carpet appearance or a wedding, Vicki is an expert at achieving that coveted radiant glow. She shares her insights on how to properly prep the skin in the weeks leading up to the event and on the day itself, highlighting the differences in each phase.
[One Month Before]
A month before the event, Vicki emphasizes the importance of deep cleansing the skin. This thorough cleanse ensures that the skin is free from impurities, creating a clean canvas for subsequent treatments. Additionally, she focuses on boosting the skin's hydration levels and enhancing its absorption abilities.
To achieve this, the aesthetician employs a range of cutting-edge treatments tailored to the client's specific needs. Techniques such as radiofrequency, microcurrent, and lymphatic drainage with Valmont's products are utilized to promote firmness, radiance, and overall skin health. The use of Valmont's collagen treatment, the best sheet mask according to Vicki, becomes an integral part of the pre-event routine, with a recommended use of a few times per week throughout the month.
[One Week Before]
As the event draws nearer, Vicki increases the frequency of masking to daily application. She selects Prime Renewing Pack as the go-to choice, ensuring the skin receives a boost of rejuvenation and vitality. Additionally, she incorporates a purifying mask a few times a week to further refine the skin's texture and minimize any imperfections. Once a week, a collagen mask is used to enhance hydration, plumpness, and overall luminosity.
[The Day Of]
On the day of the event, she focuses on the meticulous care of the skin. A consistent skincare routine is essential, both in the morning and evening. This routine includes cleansing, exfoliating, and masking, using carefully selected ingredients to cater to the client's specific needs.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
[MORNING BIRD OR NIGHT OWL]
Morning Bird
[BEACH OR MOUNTAIN]
Beach but I love the mountains too. Especially after visiting Switzerland.
[CAT OR DOG]
Dog
[BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER]
Oh my god. I love food. I could eat all day!
[FACIAL OR MASSAGE]
Facial, but I love both.
[SKINCARE RULE YOU SWEAR BY]
Never go to bed without washing your face.
[SKINCARE RULE YOU BREAK]
No, I do everything.
[DESCRIBE VALMONT IN THREE WORD]
Luxurious. Superb. Active
