• By theSKIN May 20, 2020

Instagram: @melaniegrantskin
Location: Sydney, Australia
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Dine in or dine out: Dining in, always! I love to decompress at the end of the day by cooking dinner with my boys with a glass of red in hand.
Shower or bath: Bath. Every single night.
Instagram account you love to follow: Celeste Barber – Laughter really is the best medicine!
Beauty product (or treatment) that changed your skin: Vitamin C serum and retinol

One of the most in-demand facialists in the world, Melanie Grant is the real deal. Always ahead of her time, this Aussie esthetician has been in the skincare industry since before she could remember, and let’s make one thing clear: this isn’t something she fell into. Grant’s hard work, pure talent, and charming personality all contributed to her well-deserved success. Since she’s not one to boast, we’ll do it for her – not only is she Chanel’s official skin care expert for the US and Australia, but her clients include Karolina Kurkvova, Victoria Beckham, and Cate Blanchett. Brag-worthy if you ask us!

With two studios in Australia, one in West Hollywood, and private appointments all over the globe, Grant stays busy. We were lucky enough to chat with her and we highly suggest you keep scrolling to find out her tips and tricks for all things skin, wellness, and beauty.

TS

How did you get started in beauty, and have you always been passionate about skincare or did that develop over time?

MG

My passion for skincare has been there right from the very beginning. When I was a little girl, I loved to give facials to anyone that would let me, be it my mum, sister, or the lady from next door. I’d rummage through the kitchen to find ingredients to experiment with – egg whites, honey, lemon and cucumber were all staples of the original Melanie Grant facial! I studied beauty therapy as soon as I finished school, starting in spa environments. Within a few years I moved into doctor-led medispas and started working with laser and more skin therapies. My passion for skin care continues to grow and develop to this day. I constantly find myself inspired by the incredible skincare brands I am fortunate enough to work with, along with the innovative technologies I’m able to experience.

TS

Did you begin with more modern, clinical skincare, or were your origins in holistic beauty or more traditional methods?

MG

I’ve worked in both spa and clinical environments. I was always so conflicted, because I adored the rituals of the spa treatment, but loved the results that clinical treatments produced. It always evaded me as to why you had to choose one or the other. I really wanted to start something where you could experience the best of both worlds – beauty and clinical combined.

TS

Do you have any tips for women trying to create their own practice in the beauty industry?

MG

Find your niche, and stick to it. It’s important to be able to offer something unique. A good place to start is with the clientele. Think about who your client is, and what their needs are. Self-belief is a big part of success too – it’s important to be able to back yourself and really believe in what you have to offer. Easier said than done at times.

TS

Which traditional methods do you employ in your bespoke facials?

MG

As the name suggests, my Bespoke Facial is custom to the unique complexion of each and every client, so it’s always a little different! I love to incorporate lots of massage alongside different modalities which can include microdermabrasion, peels, light therapy, masques, sonophoresis, ultrasound, radiofrequency, IPL, and laser.

GOOP

ultimate dry brush

Cosmedix

Opti crystal

Augustinus Bader

THE RICH CREAM

“Beauty comes from within, so I try and take the best care I can of my body so that it radiates on the outside”

TS

What do you think is the most common misconception about skincare today?

MG

That you need a lot of products and that they will cost you a small fortune! Simplicity is key. Find a few products that work for your skin and you will never look back. I find that this also helps when it comes to sticking to your skincare regimen – if you have too many products and over complicate things, skin care becomes an arduous task rather than an enjoyable one.

TS

It sounds like a lot of us might be overdoing it.

MG

Yes! There are far too many crazy fads at our fingertips. While I love to experiment and try new things to improve and evolve my offering for clients, I often find myself coming back to tried and tested modalities, ingredients, and formulas.

TS

Anything specific you find yourself coming back to?

MG

Sunscreen! It is so important to wear a daily SPF. It’s an absolute non-negotiable and will protect the investment you’ve made in your skin by having regular facials. Also sleep and a great diet are essential.

TS

Is it safe to say you keep your personal skincare routine simple, or do you have a 12-step regimen?

MG

I try and keep it as simple as possible. In the morning I cleanse, then apply an antioxidant serum, eye care and SPF. Nighttime is a double cleanse, corrective serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. My routine does tend to vary slightly as I travel frequently and I am always trying new things. I substitute different products according to the different climates my skin is exposed to.

TS

Do you have any rituals that you feel coincide with beauty outside of skincare?

MG

So many! Beauty comes from within, so I try and take the best care I can of my body so that it radiates on the outside. I try to drink a cup of bone broth a day – it’s so incredibly good for you. Also I steer clear of dairy, processed foods, and sugar, and I follow an anti-inflammatory diet. I try (operative word being “try”) and sleep at least 7 hours a night. That said, I do live by the mantra ‘everything in moderation’, and I do like to indulge sometimes. Every now and then when the boys want to order a pizza, I let them have their way.

TS

Yes! What are your favorite indulgences?

MG

I adore a good quality dark chocolate and glass of red wine!

TS

Any wellness rituals you participate in?

MG

Dry body brushing most mornings, ayurvedic supplements, and Rose Oil baths with sea salt and baking soda. I dedicate my weekends to spending time with my boys and going offline – trying to, at least! Time with my boys is so precious, it’s the best ritual for wellness I can think of.

TS

How do you fit all of this in with the busy, successful life and career that you have created for yourself?

MG

It’s not easy, especially when traveling. Especially when it comes to exercise – I fall out of routine often. It’s something I’m going to be focusing on a lot more in 2020. I know that my health and wellbeing is paramount to the success of my business, so I’ll be focusing on dedicating more time to my rituals.

TS

What does a typical day look like for you?

MG

I wake up as the sun rises, around 5:30am every morning. The first thing I do is go in for a cuddle with my boys, before making their breakfast, checking my emails, and of course coffee! No two days are ever the same for me, but generally, my time is split between seeing clients, meetings with my team and partners, emails (lots of emails), time with my boys…the list goes on. I love to cook dinner with my husband at the end of the day to wind down, followed by a bath and a good book before bed.

TS

Balance is key. Would you say that’s your skincare philosophy?

MG

Yes! It takes more than just a single treatment or expensive product to achieve beautiful skin. A healthy diet, lifestyle, prevention methods, treatment, and a great skincare regimen are all crucial for great skin. I take a real 360-degree approach to beauty and skincare.