There are many cliches about beauty, but one true statement about it that never changes is that it’s ageless. Anyone can be beautiful at any age. Of course, that takes some work–especially in a sun-drenched place like Maui.
For Mother’s Day, we spoke with some of the amazing stylists, estheticians and other wellness providers on Maui about beauty. They offered all sorts of great information, the vast majority of which is both luxurious and easy to do, but they generally adhered to a few key principles–first and foremost of which is that whatever you decide to do, be consistent.
Here are their tips, ideas and personal indulgences, organized by age bracket, on how anyone of any age can stay beautiful.
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IN YOUR 20s…
I recommend using a good cleanser and moisturizer with spf to prevent damage that will only appear in later years. Avoid drug store products that tend to block pores and irritate, making skin more prone to breakouts. Exfoliate every two days for a healthy glow. I love my Mia Clarisonic, a must-have for anyone (guys and girls) at any age.
My road to wellness began with psychology. During my undergrad work I took a strong interest in health psychology but wanted a career that combined both my interest in mental and physical wellbeing along with my entrepreneurial talent. After living in Japan for a year and fully immersing myself into wellness practices, I was inspired to embark on my entry into the booming spa industry. I decided to take a management diploma in health sciences in Toronto to get myself up to speed with running the business. That was 10 years ago and I’ve loved every minute of it since!
Stay trim by using moves from fitness classes I designed. Pick up a set of two kg free weights at home and turn on some of your latest iTunes to get working on high repetition moves for your upper and lower body. Thirty minutes a day of weight resistance, combined with cardio, will do wonders to help build lean muscle and keep your cardiovascular conditioning up. I love to indulge in a great shiatsu massage–my first was in Japan and I have loved it ever since. The focus is on pressure points through mostly finger techniques to open up energy flow, improve blood and lymphatic flow. I find this experience a great mind body release. Drink lots of water after!
-Paola Perin, Director of the Spa at the Fairmont Kea Lani (soon to be transformed and expanded into the internationally recognized Willow Stream Spa)
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Hit the shower before and after you go in the ocean. Hair is porous like a sponge, so if you get your hair full of freshwater first, it will absorb less salt water and prevent damage. If you do have damage, try our Kevin Murphy Born Again treatment. Hands down, it’s the most efficient product I’ve ever used to rebuild the structure of hair. And try our Sane Hair products. There’s a shampoo, conditioner, volumizer and a serum. All Maui-made by our own Vanity Salon stylist Sarah Nelson Evans.
I received my associates degree in Seattle in 2002. I decided to learn a trade since I wasn’t sure what degree to pursue. I completely fell in love! I feel so blessed to have a career that I love every single day. In fact, hairstyling is not work to me.
I stay fit by staying hydrated. I love to indulge in Grace Beauty in Paia–Laura Taliaferro’s collagen infusion facial. I do a series of four at least once a year.
-Jeffie Harris, owner/stylist of Vanity Salon; Vanitysalonmaui.com
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My best advice is to drink a ton of water, and keep the diet in check. Keep sugar and dairy at a minimum. This is also great advice for everyone, no matter what age. I always tell my younger clients who are into going out and drinking, and are constantly dehydrated: before you go out, keep a big glass of water by your bed so when you get home you won’t forget to drink it, and your body and skin will stay hydrated and be happy in the morning. Also rejuvenate with our locally made Skin Food by Juliette Van Dyke. This is a wonderful organic facial oil that is lovely to maintain hydration.
In my early twenties, I started to eat consciously for my health, and noticed a tremendous difference in my skin. I stay healthy by dancing. Turn up the music and dance! Do something to sweat at least a few times a week.
I love to indulge in my personal favorite spa in Los Angeles: The Olympic Spa for Women. It’s amazing. I go whenever I go back to visit my family!
-Emily Grace, owner of Emily Grace Esthetics; Emilygraceesthetics.com
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For all of us who live here, you must protect your skin from the sun. Remember that anything that you put into your body will also affect your skin, so have a fitness plan, drink tons of water and have a clean healthy diet.
Our Swiss Clinical product line targets all ages and skin types. The most popular ones are the whitening and brightening serums which are result-oriented, paraben-free and made of natural ingredients like mulberry and daisy extracts. One of our estheticians on staff, Kether Quinlan, has co-created her own skin and body product line called Queen Bee. This locally made line incorporates Maui-grown organic and natural ingredients as well as native honey from the island. We also feature our very own Queen Bee facial on our spa menu.
Stay healthy with any type of fitness regime will also benefit the beauty of your skin! I love to indulge in the Swiss Clinical Layers of Light Specialty Facial. This 80-min. facial is our featured treatment for the month of May and Mother’s Day! The promotion also includes a complimentary gift from Swiss Clinical.
-Bridget Phillips, spa managing operator at the Spa at Black Rock; Blackrockspa.com
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IN YOUR 30s…
Get acupuncture! This is a crucial age period when you’re feeling your way to a productive life. Drinking green tea and using Jadience wild-crafted and organic products will help cleanse and keep fresh both your face and body as they are needing guidance at this stage of life.
My road to wellness began in 1997 when I was originally going for my Master of Science degree in physical therapy. But I got snatched up by the philosophy and effectiveness of acupuncture and Oriental medicine instead. Stay healthy by sitting still and deep breathing takes your energy to a centered state of mind. You restore the body with electrolyte hydration.
I love to indulge in the Terme at Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea. Diva’s Night Out is a great introduction to it! It’s a great place to soak and have some me time.
-Christine Asuncion, Licensed acupuncturist/owner, I’ao Acupuncture & Spa; Iaoacupuncture.com
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Start now, be happy later–skin protection is the name of the game. Our “Red Light” therapy combats sun damage, stimulates collagen growth (resulting in firming and tightening) and balances pigmentation. My product suggestion would be HydroPeptide Serum, eye cream and the SPF with self-adapting microbeads. All three products help to maintain the skin’s tone and texture.
Fifteen years ago, I started in wellness through a fluke and as the universe has a way of leading us in the direction that best suits us, the rest is history. I recommend staying fit by drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day. Nothing is more beneficial to maintaining health and losing weight.
I love to indulge in a scalp and foot massage. They are sent from heaven, particularly after a long day and performed by my husband.
-Patricia Makozak, senior spa director for the Americas, Four Seasons Resort
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As we age, our stem cell count decreases due to free radical damage and environmental factors, such as poor diet and stress, which affects the body’s ability to protect itself. Valley Isle Day Spa is proud to be partnering with the leading technology in adult stem cell cosmeceutical products. Your best defense in aging is to start early and be preventative.
In 2003, I decided to help people by assisting their health with massage therapy. Stay fit with exercise and diet. Exercise is king, and diet is queen, when it comes to a healthy body. Be sure to eat the good for you foods your mother told you to eat–spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale–but they are also fun, new foods like goji berries and golden beets.
I love to indulge in our signature chocolate, champagne and roses package. It’s deliciously indulgent (literally)! You are pampered while enjoying my favorite thing: chocolate. The whole treatment appeals to the senses starting with a foot treatment and then onto the chocolate massage. Not only do you feel and smell delicious, but you’re getting the benefits of antioxidants from the cocoa.
-Nancy James, spa manager, Valley Isle Day Spa; Valleyisledayspa.com
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Beautiful skin starts from the inside out. Be mindful of your diet, water intake and limit caffeine and alcohol. You should also try the Eminence Organic Skin Care Line and Gourmet Skinfood, made locally on Maui, and experience an Organic Collagen Infusion Facial. Lastly, visit Vanity Salon for your hair, no matter what age you are. Jeffie Harris and her crew of amazing stylists will make you feel hot when you walk out the door.
Early in life, I had problem skin, which affected my self-esteem. After lots of research, I realized skincare is my passion. I wanted to help others feel better in their skin. I know if I feel good in my skin, I hold my head up a little higher.
Also, you can stay healthy with Pilates. I’ve tried many different fitness programs, but I never experienced the results I get with Pilates. My core is stronger, my legs are leaner and my butt is higher. I also love to indulge in experiencing facials. I love to see what tricks others use, and it’s always fun to talk skin with someone.
-Laura Taliaferro, Grace Beauty Day Spa
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IN YOUR 40s…
Our Pohaku Hot Stone massage is very popular for the active 40-something who needs that little extra pampering to melt the tension in neck and shoulders that comes from our responsibilities in and out of work. Then use the strawberry rhubarb dermafoliant from Eminence. It helps quickly and gently exfoliate the skin, which maintains a healthy glow and smooth complexion. Follow it with a nourishing night cream and you’ll always look like a million bucks.
My career began with a keen interest in wellness and fitness. From an early age, I’ve grown up giving shoulder rubs to friends and family who were stressed out or tired after a fitness tournament. After college, I went to massage school and found my passion for healing and the spa industry as a whole. I’ve never looked back.
Stay fit by changing it up. The key to maintaining the results you want is to create a balanced workout that incorporates both strength and cardio/flexibility training. You maintain optimum mobility while keeping the muscle tone to support your body through any activity. By periodically modifying your workout program, you’ll also be less likely to quit from boredom, and you’ll trick your body into constantly being challenged and therefore continue to see results. This burns more calories and keeps you motivated and excited.
I love to indulge in our Ali’i Honey Steam Cocoon, which utilizes the raw honey from our very own rooftop apiary. The Grand Wailea produces its own honey, so the nutrients and the benefits are simply the best. My second favorite is our Honey Macadamia Nut Immunity Booster treatment. It’s such a nourishing, replenishing treatment–plus it boosts your immunity so you can take on anything!
-Sharon Ogawa, spa director, Spa Grande, Grand Wailea A Waldorf Astoria Resort and Spa; Spagrande.com
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In the ‘Aina Hawaiian Ritual, you sip on Kiawe Mamaki tea as you gather herbs for your Hawaiian tea bath in our soaking tubs learning traditional gathering methods. The Awa Alaea Clay Body Masque relaxes and purifies. You can also receive a hot stone massage using our Hawaiian Sandalwood body butter.
Many Aunties and Uncles have blessed me with perpetuating their lineage through the spa. My initial career path began as an orthopedic Physical Therapist. Then in 2000, I began diving deeper into my Hawaiian roots and was privileged to study Hawaiian Lomi Lomi with elders throughout the islands as well as within my own family. Their work inspired me beyond anything I had ever learned in Physical Therapy training. The gentle, holistic and therapeutic approach yielded transformational results on many levels and I knew that I had found my path.
Stay healthy by getting out to the ocean early and get your heart rate up with a walk along the beach, then purify with a few laps in the ocean. You will feel cleansed and rejuvenated by the ocean and early morning sun.
I love to indulge in the ultimate Four Hand Lomi at Ho‘omana Spa Maui–you’ll never find more relaxation and nurturing than this.
-Jeana Naluai, owner/spa director, Ho‘omana Spa Maui
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My best advice would be to protect your skin from the sun daily and be mindful of the many different and nutritious foods that you can eat which will help you stay young and beautiful. Load up with berries, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, fish and chocolate. You still can enjoy life by adding a little glass of red wine which is rich in antioxidants.
I also recommend taking advantage of Kapalua Spa’s DNA EGF Renewal Growth Factor Exfoliating Facial. These products are designed by world-renowned expert dermatologist, Dr. Ronald L. Moy and are only offered here in Hawaii at the Kapalua Spa. This new medical grade treatment provides comprehensive care for stressed or photo-damaged skin.
I’ve had the pleasure to work for four incredible companies. One trained me in exceptional customer service. The second gave me my spa soul (sustainability, giving back to the community, organic, distress, etc.). The third made me an astute businesswoman and the last allowed me to combined all my expertise.
Stay fit with YouTube! Our Kapalua Personal Instructor has a YouTube video for everyone to access at their convenience. My personal fitness advice would be to walk. Walking is one of the best exercises there is. You can do it with your family, friends or coworkers. Thirty to 40 minutes every other day can do so much for your health and at the same time can be so much fun.
My favorite body therapy is the Awa Cacao Lomi Cocoon. An incredible Hawaiian healer designed this unique treatment for Kapalua Spa. It’s a blend of warm Hawaiian ‘awa, cacao, local herbs and kukui oil that’s massaged into the body. You get a head, neck and foot massage while you are being cocooned. The grand finale is a lomi lomi massage infused with the aroma of pikake flowers. Your body will be scented in a light aroma of cacao with a bouquet of tropical flowers.
-Cecilia I. Hercik, regional director of spa operations, Kapalua Spa
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I find that this age bracket, when fine lines are starting to show, can be the most critical. I think it’s important to embrace this decade with kindness and a little humor, too. This is the time to start a treatment plan. I recommend purchasing a series of six facial treatments (spas or salons typically give you a discount for a series). Pre-purchasing will also force you to keep your commitment and use your treatments within a specific time period. You want to look for products that offer cell regenerating or renewal treatments such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or enzymatic options.
I unexpectedly fell into the spa industry in 2009, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Stay healthy by making time. Everyone has busy schedules but it’s important to make the time to exercise. Find something you enjoy doing that gets your body moving and do that for 20-30 minutes, two to three times a week.
I love to indulge in getting my nails done. My personal favorite is the Maui Lavender Manicure and Pedicure that Spa Moana offers. Honey and lavender from Maui are combined with a hot-stone massage complete with aromatherapy paraffin treatment. It’s so luxurious! We are Maui’s only oceanfront spa, just steps away from the ocean.
Growing up in Hawaii, sometimes we take things for granted but when I make time in my busy schedule to sit in our salon with the gorgeous view, it reminds me of how lucky I am to live here. I try to treat myself at least every four to six weeks.
-Lacey Matsumoto, assistant spa director, Spa Moana at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
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Upscale your facial with add-ons like eye treatments. Add these on to any facial for an instant lift to the eye area: Bota-Peptide Eye Cream from GM Collins (available at Spa Helani), provides a peptide boost to your skin to tighten and fill fine lines around the eyes. I also find that it really helps with dark circles. This product is a go-to for every woman’s daily routine.
In 2001, I started as a spa receptionist in my hometown of Sacramento while still in high school. I fell in love with beauty and wellness and began my career in Lake Tahoe. While working in Lake Tahoe I commuted daily to Reno, NV to get my Estheticians license.
The key to fitness is stretching! It will save your body from being sore or tight and will prolong your longevity and flexibility. I have just started CrossFit and this tip has saved me from hurting myself.
I love to indulge in spa celebration therapy! We will be celebrating our fifth anniversary this year and have planned a special event on May 15 from 5pm to 7pm. Join us for the “5 Senses, 5 Islands” special outdoor event. Journey through the Polynesian islands with each therapy. Each guest will experience a sample of each step in the treatment that includes: Taha’a–Exotic Island Hand Scrub from the “vanilla” island; Manihi–Lagoon Water Hand Soak from the “lagoon” island; Bora Bora–Mahana Chair Massage from the “white sand” island; Raiatea–Golden Monoi Oil Application from the “sacred” island; Tahiti–The last stop on your journey, receive an uplifting glass of sparkling wine and irresistible coconut desserts while watching Tahitian dancers perform at sunset.
-Sarah Hisey, Spa Director,Spa Helani, a Heavenly Spa by Westinat The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas,Website: www.westinkaanapali.com
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IN YOUR 50s…
At this age, you may think that you’re screwed. But I have the perfect treatments and solutions. High strength Glycolic Resurfacing Peels can really help turn the clock back. Our Beta Cream Night Renewal by CRS is a substantial cream that protects and nourishes dry, mature and freshly resurfaced skin. The high concentration of Vitamin A helps stimulate the growth and renewal of skin cells, increases elasticity, firmness and improves the condition of skin while protecting against free-radical damage. I also recommend the Retinol treatment serum and multi-peptide serum. They work to increase elastin fibers and collagen in the skin. One can’t exist without the other.
My interest in skin care began at a young age. I have dry, sensitive skin and growing up in the arid climate of Colorado, I suffered from chapped skin and eczema. I moved to Maui in 1995 and started soaking up a lot of sun. A few years later I had terrible hyper pigmentation that I couldn’t get rid of. I started seeing an esthetician–at every appointment I would ask her a million questions about skin care. Then one day she told me, “you should become an esthetician, you would love this job.” I did and she was right.
I love to indulge in Paragon Salon’s MicroSweep Transdermal DNA treatment. I like to get this done once a month. It’s an amazing anti-aging treatment for all skin types.
-Carrie Gebb, owner, Paragon Salon, Paragonsalonmaui.com
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Relax in our natural setting as we personally attend to you. Deluxe botanical treatments pamper and revive you. Alternate between the sauna, the cooling effects of the pool, and soak in the jacuzzi with floating Hawaiian flowers. Get cozy and read a book or just close your eyes and listen to the birds and the sound of the leaves in the trees. This is what life is about.
Spa is a concept as old as the hills they spring from. For centuries, my Hungarian heritage has overflowed with spa as a cultural necessity for well-being. Somehow, I inherited this knowing.
I love to indulge in the Maui Spa Retreat’s three-hour Precious Package. When we are immersed in nature for reflection, exercise and therapy, it’s easier for our inner healing and balancing energies to revitalize us. Maui Spa Retreat offers us the possibility of recognizing the peace that’s always present.
-Doreena Larish Barefoot, Owner, Maui Spa Retreat
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Facial Acupuncture is a great alternative to Botox and has immediate results. And at this age, counseling may be needed to transition more easily into the senior years.
I began with a humble one-room facility shared with a chiropractic doctor. Maui Ocean Spa is now a four-room spa shared with 15-20 professional healers in the heart of Makawao.
Stay healthy by Hula Hooping! Most anyone can do this.
I love to indulge in the spas in Bali, foot reflexology, foot soaks and scrubs.
-Mishel Narvaez, owner/spa director, Maui Ocean Spa
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Try our Spa Comforts Shoulder Wrap. It’s a microwaveable heat pack contoured to fit your shoulders. It’s great for people who carry a lot of tension in their neck and shoulders. I find mine useful when I’m sitting at my computer for long periods of time. It helps me keep my shoulders down and relaxed.
Come in and take advantage of our facial and massage package. You can choose from a 50- or 80-minute relaxing massage, followed by a 50-minute rejuvenating facial.Then treat yourself to some shopping. Green Ti has many locally made products. I have locally made jewelry, greeting cards and also a variety of bath and body products from Ali‘i Kula Lavender, Queen Bee Skin Care, Mokupua soaps, sprays and body butters. And there are Love Inside Out gift sets, Aloha Sun Botanicals candles, muscle ease bath salts and roll-on pain reliever.
My road to wellness began when I purchased an existing business, but I’ve always loved to receive a massage. I love to indulge in a massage and acupuncture treatment back to back. It’s a very healing combination. I like to do that at least once a month at Green Ti.
-Erica Oleksa, owner, Green Ti Boutique and Massage; Greentimaui.com
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My favorite product for aging ski is Nuface. This product instantly lifts your brows and cheek bones in seconds with miracle creams. It’s a MUST HAVE. Also try our Revive Facial. This anti-aging treatment is customized to your skin type, with a deep cleanse and a luminescent miracle face masque that hydrates and puts a glow on your skin that you can’t miss.
I was introduced into the revitalizing industry of spa and wellness through Massage Therapy in 2002.
I love to indulge in the Heavenly Spa after work with a good workout at the resort’s Westin Workout center, followed by relaxing in the steam room.
-Leah Strohecker, Spa Director,Heavenly Spa by Westin, www.westinmaui.com
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