THE BEST IN BEAUTY
FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

THE VIOLET FILES

FILED UNDER

INTERVIEWS

woman made:

GEORGIA
LOUISE

Hollywood’s go-to facialist is letting us in on her tools of the trade.

Written By JANNA JOHNSON O’TOOLE

VIOLET GREY profiles female beauty entrepreneurs who are considered industry game changers because of their individual approach to business. Each one entered the conversation in her own manner and maintained a steady, if not unparalleled, trajectory with her indomitable spirit.

A treatment at celebrity esthetician Georgia Louise’s Manhattan Atelier or Los Angeles outpost is more than just an expert steam and clean; her signature technique employs an arsenal of tools that sculpt, lift and de-puff, instantly reviving tired, stressed complexions. Luckily these ultra-glowy results no longer require an in-person appointment—Louise now makes house calls of sorts, thanks to a collection of at-home devices that mimic her pro approach.

“Consumers are educating themselves and becoming more comfortable experimenting at home with beauty tools,” she says. “We all want to feel great without the hefty price tag [of a professional treatment]. My dream was to create luxury facials in a box with the use of simple, effective tech devices.”

Enter her cryotherapy Freeze Tools, two stainless steel spheres that instantly soothe when rolled over skin. “I believe inflammation is due to our day-to-day lifestyle habits and environmental changes,” she says. “The Freeze Tools have become essential to help regulate the rising temperatures in our skin and give quick, effortless results. They are great for daily de-puffing, especially around the eyes.”

While the Freeze Tools may be brilliantly low-fi, her new Hollywood EGF Micro-Needling + Ion Infusion Kit, inspired by her signature EGF Hollywood Facial treatment beloved by the likes of Cate Blanchett and Emma Stone, puts her high-tech know-how in the palm of your hand. “It’s a two-step protocol that includes automatic microneedling and ion infusion technology using galvanic currents,” Louise explains. “It’s a game-changer because this kit makes microneedling your skin at home incredibly safe and easy, plus it pushes the highly-active, peptide-rich EGF Serum deep into the skin for a firmer, brighter complexion.”

The EGF Serum gets its name for being rich in anti-aging epidermal growth factor synthetically produced in a lab to mimic the same results as human epidermal growth factor. Louise also loaded the formula with “a powerful blend including five polypeptides to help with regenerating and brightening, hyaluronic acid to plump and nourish, and green tea and copper to calm and soothe skin,” she says. It’s a powerhouse on it’s own, but when coupled with the needling and infusion technology, the Hollywood EGF Kit becomes your complexion’s weekly secret weapon.

Here, the British-born facialist (and La Mer’s Global Skincare Advisor) shares her extensive skin regime, including the beauty tools she always relies on.

First thing you do when you wake up?

First, I stretch—cat stretch and downward dog—then, I de-puff and drain my face with my Freeze Tools.

Hours of sleep on the regular?

Approximately six. I literally dream about getting the recommended eight though!

Time spent on beauty in the a.m.?

30 minutes. It’s the only time I truly relax—I love and appreciate every second of it!

Typical skin care regimen?

I follow a 13-step skin care and beauty tool routine. At the moment, that includes the Georgia Louise The Balm, La Mer The Cleansing Foam, Georgia Louise ph Perfecting Tonic, La Mer The Treatment Lotion, Georgia Louise Hydra Repair Elixir, Environ Mela-Fade Serum System A+B, my personalized Georgia Louise Bespoke Cream (made at my New York City atelier), La Mer The Eye Balm Intense, La Mer The Concentrate, and one small drop of my Vital Finishing Serum.

I switch on and off between different beauty tools depending on how my skin feels that day or what I know it needs. I’ll use my Freeze Tools to de-puff, Butterfly Stone to drain, Hollywood EGF device for microneedling and ion infusion, Pulse+Glo for galvanic current and increased hydration, and/or my GLOlite LED mask to repair and heal, as well as the NuFace to lift and tighten, interchangeably.

I always, always finish my regimen with the La Mer The Reparative SkinTint with SPF 30.

Hair situation in the a.m.?

Simple, always. I love Deborah Pagani’s object hair pin. All it takes is a quick brush, twist and pin; then it’s up and out of my face for the day, which is ideal when I’m treating clients.

Your signature beauty look?

The glass skin look with rosy pink lips! To achieve this, I use La Mer The Reparative SkinTint with SPF 30, Georgia Louise The Balm on my cheekbones, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away concealer for under eye shadows, Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow, and Givenchy Le Rose 202 for lips.

Favorite workout?

Reformer Pilates (with Terrance) at Equinox.

Go-to breakfast and a.m. beverage?

One slice of gluten-free bread with crushed avocado, a green smoothie with a mix of Dr. Nigma Talib Immortal Skin Collagen Powder, Vital Proteins, chocolate protein mix, probiotics, almond butter, and a handful of organic berries.

Foolproof self-care move?

At-home facial massage using my Butterfly Stone or your own hands! You can lightly slap your face in an upward motion to help tone.

Signature scent?

The Harmonist Metal Flower.

An expensive-but-worth-it product or treatment?

My Hollywood EGF Kit. It’s $395 but more cost effective than getting the professional Hollywood EGF Facial treatment for $650 in my atelier.

A cheap-but-chic product or treatment?

SiO NeckLift and Eye & Smile Lift Patches for an at-home wrinkle treatment.

Bedside beauty essentials?

My Freeze Tools and Lift and Sculpt Butterfly Stone for a bedtime face massage to help you relax before you sleep, as well as my GLOlite LED mask.

Last thing you do before bed?

Snuggle with my two dogs; check emails and Instagram.

Beauty icons?

Linda Evangelista, Cate Blanchett, and Audrey Hepburn.

Best job?

My current job! My business and clientele are amazing—I’m so lucky! I also love being La Mer’s Global Skincare Advisor, too.

Worst job?

Selling microcurrent machines.

How the idea for your current company came to you?

When I finished beauty school I immediately wanted to build my own business and be my own beauty boss.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Don’t rush. And always read the small print.

Highest point as an entrepreneur?

When I made my first million dollars in revenue in my atelier in two years of opening my New York flagship location. I moved to New York from London and had to generate entirely new clients as I didn’t know many people in the U.S. at that time.

Lowest point as an entrepreneur?

I had to declare bankruptcy at the age of 21 in London. However, that situation empowered me and made me incredibly determined to succeed from that point on.

Scariest thing you've ever done?

The first pimple I ever popped!

Best hidden talent?

I’m an opera singer (soprano).