NYC Skin Expert Carrie Lindsey
Par Olive is now proudly stocked at Carrie Lindsey. In this interview, Carrie shares how PEARL fits into her daily ritual, her signature approach to holistic skincare, and the treatments and products she swears by for lasting results.
What is your philosophy towards holistic beauty?
This is a great question, and if you look at my studio bio, it describes the studio with the word holistic spelled wholistic. I chose the spelling based on my study and practice of Core Energetics. This is a somatic therapy that works with how the body feels and then its connection to the mind. My philosophy now works with the body and what the body is experiencing in conjunction with the skin. I can’t treat one without the other. I guess you would say my philosophy is wholly holistic.
How do you balance the science of skincare with the intuitive side of beauty?
I really love science in skincare. Two of my favorite skincare lines were created and founded by doctors. We need science! I love the science of how vitamins work topically on the skin, and then I love knowing intuitively how and when I need more or less. I’m very much of the approach that if my skin looks good, it’s working and it’s happy, but if there’s a reaction or sensitivity, I no longer push through and hope it gets better. I intuitively listen to my skin and adjust accordingly. I apply this when working with a client’s skin as well.
Everyone is talking about your Sculptural Face Lifting treatment. Tell us more.
It’s honestly my favorite addition to my education. First of all, it’s such a fun massage to give, and second of all, how fun is it to be able to target the muscle from the inside too?! The amount of tension people carry in their jaw and mouth is astounding. I love to talk to people about their jaw, their mouth, and what they’re holding in there… we hold so much in that part of our body… from the things we’re afraid to say to the things we can’t wait to say… it’s all there. The massage not only sculpts the face and jawline, but the real healing happens when there is a release in the jaw—when there is expansion and relief in the space that’s created in the whole face and neck, but truly the jaw.
What 3 beauty products do you always recommend to clients?
I always, always recommend some form of vitamin A. Environ is my go-to line because it is true vitamin A and is less aggressive than the acidic and alcohol forms of vitamin A.
Anyone who has worked with me in the last 20+ years knows that I always have Epicuren’s Brazilian Propolis Lotion on hand. Propolis might be my favorite ingredient in all of skincare.
Finally, I love, love the Environ body care line. Being a child born in the 70s, I loved the sun. I feel like their body care line helps me reverse the damage I did in my youth. It is a mix of alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins A, C, and E. This product leaves your skin feeling gently exfoliated, soft, hydrated, and gives the most healthy glow. The bonus to this product is you can use it head to toe, making it great for travel or quick weekends.
It’s worth noting that as I make these three suggestions, sunscreen should be in my top three—but I have a complex relationship with sunscreens, and they don’t excite me like the above three products ;).
What are your morning and evening rituals?
My morning ritual starts with a quiet, slow morning. It’s a true luxury that I don’t take for granted. I’m desperately trying to keep to my morning pages to flush out my mind while trying to get my 16 oz of water in. If it’s a coffee morning, I make my Chatty Wren coffee mixed with Par Olive PEARL Marine Collagen frothed into it, OR if it’s a tea kind of day, I love the matcha!!! It’s such a beautiful matcha, I almost prefer it to my coffee. I then have to move my body—whether it be a run/walk or some form of yoga or Pilates. In terms of skincare, my morning ritual is topical and oral vitamins, a quick facial massage with vitamins, and sunscreen!
What is your PEARL ritual?
As I mentioned above, it’s always in my morning ritual, and it’s either frothed into my coffee or I enjoy the matcha. I really love the act of either frothing or whisking the matcha. It feels like the right thing to do, and it breaks down so beautifully in each drink. My other PEARL ritual is always a midday matcha. It’s the perfect pick-me-up with zero side effects of keeping me up at night. My midday coffee days are long gone.
I am happiest when… the sun is shining!
I calm my nervous system by… breathing—and if that doesn’t work, by finding my feet on the ground.
I’m currently watching / reading / listening…
Welp, I am re-watching Mad Men for the third time. There is so much to it!
Reading A Precise Chaos, which is a book of poetry by my client and friend Jo-Ann Mort. I am loving getting to know her through these words and moments.
Listening to the new Bon Iver on repeat. Wow, do I feel like a dad when I say this. I want to be cool and tell you about a new band or song that I love, but this album speaks to me! Disc 2 is when he moves to Los Angeles and—per my above comment about sunshine—it’s almost like you can hear the sunshine of LA come into this part of the album.
In my handbag you’ll find…No less than 5 lip glosses, lipsticks, or lip serums. It’s like an oral fixation in there! Some form of facial spray for hydration, doggie poop bags for Angus, and my wallet.
My go-to skincare product…Brazilian Propolis Lotion, always and forever.
My best piece of beauty advice… Have lots of good sex and drink water.
Shop Par Olive at Carrie Lindsey.
