Meet the First Lady of Facials
As co-owner and spa director of the Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa’s three New York City locations, Regina Viotto has made it her mission to redefine the term spa. Her vision entails a more serious role for the luxurious day spa, drawing inspiration from the medical community. Working with prominent plastic surgeons and dermatologists, Regina has developed facials so effective that several magazines have decreed them the “Best Facials in Town.†She focuses on correctable problems, ultimately changing the way her clients view themselves. Such expertise has not gone unnoticed. Her many print and television interviews include Allure, W, Entertainment Tonight, Regis and Kelly and NBC’s Dateline.
How did you develop a passion for beauty and skincare?
My passion for beauty and skincare started at a very early age. I am the youngest of four girls. Our house was “beauty central†and our bathroom looked like the basement of Bergdorf Goodman. My sisters are a bit older than myself (7, 10, and 12 years older). They would prop me up on the counter in the bathroom and let me watch all the “magic” happen—everything from coloring hair to curling eyelashes.
What are your specialties?
My specialty is working with my clients and perfecting their skin so that makeup becomes an option, not a necessity. Elle magazine coined me “The Cleaning Lady” when I was their Beauty Insider. No product or treatment is going to perform if applied to dirty, clogged, dehydrated or unexfoliated skin.
My facials are all customized and include a deep cleansing. I am very thorough with my extractions and my technique does not cause any trauma to the skin. My clients leave me with nothing more than lip gloss and mascara and they’re ready to go meet friends.
Tell us the story behind your partnership with Paul Labrecque
Paul Labrecque, Brian Cantor and I have a wonderful, long, rich history together. We have been friends for 25 years. I met Paul when he was just back from London and was training stylists in a variety of advanced, cutting edge and new techniques from Europe. I was 18 and a very trendy fashion forward student at FIT. Being a student did not allow for frequent salon visits, so at the suggestion of a friend I became a hair model. I was introduced to Paul and our friendship/journey began. Paul knew I was a licensed esthetician and over the years we often talked about combining our talents and opening a salon and spa. Our dream came to fruition April 17, 1995 when we opened Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa at the Reebok Sports Club. Paul and Brian are the brothers I never had!
How do you design spa services?
I am very interested in new technology and bio-chemical research and how it applies to the beauty, health and wellness industries. I am constantly seeking out the newest and latest developments and then customizing them to fit my philosophy.
What is the most popular service offered at Paul Labrecque?
The Bio-Sculpt Lifting Facial.
What is the most unique service offered at Paul Labrecque?
Again, I would have to say our Bio-Sculpt Lifting Facial. Clients are absolutely amazed at the results.
What’s in your bag?
Cle de Peau eye balm
Cle de Peau La Crème
Cle de Peau concealer
Lotion P50 Biologique Recherche
Ellis Faas foundation
Kevyn Aucoin blush
YSL plum mascara
I am a confessed lip gloss addict, and in my bag right now I have glosses from YSL, Chantecaille, Ellis Faas and MAC. I also never leave home without my Annick Goutal Eau D’Hadrien.
What’s your favorite bag?
The oversized Hermes Black Birkin with gold hardware.
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