Fat Mascara Podcast Summary
Episode: Celebrity Facials, Lymphatic Massage & More with Aesthetician Vanessa Marc
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Fat Mascara, hosts Jennifer Sullivan and Jessica Matlin welcome aesthetician Vanessa Marc to discuss her expertise in facial and body treatments, particularly tailored for clients with diverse skin tones. Vanessa Marc, owner of Vanessa Marc Studio in Chelsea, Manhattan, has garnered a reputation for working with high-profile clients, including celebrities like Zendaya and Cardi B, as well as numerous models.
Vanessa Marc’s Journey into the Beauty Industry
Vanessa begins by sharing her personal motivation for entering the beauty industry. Initially a client struggling with hyperpigmentation, scarring, and razor bumps—common issues among women of color—she noticed a significant gap in the market for luxury black-owned spas in New York City. Determined to create change, Vanessa enrolled in aesthetics school to deepen her understanding and eventually founded her own studio.
Quote:
Vanessa Marc [05:39]: “I realized from an early on that there weren't too many luxury black-owned spas in New York City. So I was very determined to change that.”
Addressing Unique Skin Care Needs
Vanessa emphasizes the underserved nature of clientele with darker skin tones in the med spa industry. Traditional skin care treatments and technologies were primarily designed for lighter skin, leading to ineffective or even harmful results for women of color. She highlights common issues such as hyperpigmentation from sun damage, folliculitis from prolonged shaving or waxing, and scarring.
Quote:
Vanessa Marc [06:39]: “Many skin care treatments were initially designed for lighter skin tones, overlooking the unique needs of melanin-rich skin.”
Effective Treatments for Hyperpigmentation and Scarring
The conversation delves into specific treatments Vanessa offers to combat hyperpigmentation and scarring. She discusses the use of medical-grade chemical peels containing ingredients like kojic acid, glycolic acid, retinoic acid, and glutathione to effectively peel away imperfections and renew skin cells. Vanessa assures listeners about the safety and efficacy of these treatments, emphasizing her extensive experience and the use of FDA-approved technologies.
Quote:
Vanessa Marc [10:17]: “The combination of safe technologies tailored for specific skin tones, along with a personalized skin regimen, ensures proven results without damaging the skin.”
Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Colombian Wood Therapy
Vanessa introduces her expertise in lymphatic drainage massage and Colombian wood therapy—techniques popular in Latin America for their health benefits. She explains that lymphatic drainage helps reduce water retention, flush out toxins, and boost immunity by stimulating specific lymph nodes. Colombian wood therapy involves using specialized wooden tools to sculpt the body, break down cellulite, and tone muscles.
Quote:
Vanessa Marc [26:59]: “Lymphatic drainage helps flush out toxins and reduce water retention, boosting your immunity and improving overall bodily functions.”
Celebrity Clientele and Met Gala Preparations
Vanessa recounts her rise to fame within the beauty industry, starting with Victoria’s Secret models and expanding to major celebrities preparing for high-profile events like the Met Gala. Her ability to provide flawless, downtime-free facials has made her the go-to esthetician for celebrities needing quick yet effective skin treatments before important appearances.
Quote:
Vanessa Marc [16:00]: “After prepping Sarah Sampayo for the Met Gala in 2018, word of mouth led to clients like Hailey Bieber and Zendaya seeking my services.”
Recommended Skin Care Products
Vanessa advocates for using established, science-backed skin care brands such as Dermalogica and Murad. She recommends products like Dermalogica’s Special Cleansing Gel and Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 for their proven efficacy and suitability for various skin types. Vanessa cautions against jumping on trends promoted on social media, urging clients to stick with trusted brands to avoid adverse skin reactions.
Quote:
Vanessa Marc [37:11]: “I always tell clients to stick with brands that have been around for a long time and have undergone extensive research, like Dermalogica and Murad.”
Threading vs. Waxing
The discussion shifts to hair removal methods, where Vanessa strongly prefers threading over waxing. She explains that threading is more sanitary, reduces the risk of folliculitis, and avoids the cross-contamination issues often associated with shared waxing pots.
Quote:
Vanessa Marc [50:30]: “Threading is clean and safer, avoiding the cross-contamination and bacterial growth that can occur with waxing.”
Speed Questions: Getting to Know Vanessa
In the fun segment, Vanessa shares personal tidbits:
- Favorite Snack: Blueberries, praised for their brain-boosting benefits.
- Fantasy Client: Elon Musk, intrigued by his innovative mind.
- Day Off Activities: Enjoys sleeping in and resting.
- First Beauty Product Love: Makeup, particularly affordable lip liners from CVS during her teenage years.
Quote:
Vanessa Marc [61:11]: “My favorite snack is blueberries—they’re great for the brain.”
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Vanessa stressing the importance of professional skin care and being cautious of unverified beauty trends. She encourages listeners to seek expert advice to maintain healthy and radiant skin.
Quote:
Vanessa Marc [51:39]: “Everyone wants to act like they’re an expert on social media, but it’s best to seek professional advice to avoid causing more problems.”
Final Thoughts
This episode of Fat Mascara provides an in-depth look into specialized skin and body treatments tailored for diverse skin types. Vanessa Marc’s dedication to addressing the unique needs of women of color and her innovative approaches to beauty care make her a standout guest. Listeners gain valuable insights into effective treatments, recommended products, and the nuanced work that goes into maintaining flawless skin, especially for those in the spotlight.
Note: For more information about Vanessa Marc Studio and her services, visit the show notes linked in the podcast.