‘Real is in’: Meet Melanie Grant, the Australian skincare star giving Hollywood a facial glow

Celebrities need to look red carpet-ready at all times. And they’re turning to Australian esthetician Melanie Grant to achieve the perfect complexion.

Victoria’s Secret model Georgia Fowler is one of Melanie Grant’s clients. Picture: Getty Images

When it comes to celebrity skin, chances are Melanie Grant has had something to do with it.

The Australian esthetician is behind the fresh-faced complexions of Victoria’s Secret models (including Georgia Fowler), as well as Lara Worthington, Nicole Trunfio, Christine Centenra, Victoria Lee and the Victoria Beckham.

Even Kim Kardashian has had a facial at Melanie Grant (the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star had a treatment at Grant’s West Hollywood studio).

Posh Spice called it “the most amazing facial” after she attended Grant’s in-demand Double Bay clinic while in Sydney last year.

Victoria’s Secret model Georgia Fowler. Picture: Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

The Australian — who is also an official skincare expert for Chanel — this year unveiled her new location at 8438 Melrose Place in West Hollywood, near Violet Grey, Isabel Marant and Chloe’s flagships stores, where her bespoke facials are said to be priced from about $750.

On Grant’s menu of pre-Oscars treatments is a “Camera Ready Facial”, which is described as a “pre-event treatment for a flawless, clear, illuminated complexion”.

CELEBRITY PRE-OSCARS FACIALS

INSIDE KIM KARDASHIAN’S SKIN ROUTINE

Here, she speaks about her celebrity clientele, American expansion, and reveals her day-to-day skincare advice.

Phoebe Tonkin, pictured at a Chanel dinner in Los Angeles, is a regular at Melanie Grant. Picture: Getty Images

What made you chose West Hollywood as your first permanent overseas location (Grant also has a residency with Chanel in Paris)?

Melanie Grant: The Los Angeles studio is a project I have wanted to do for years. From a personal point of view, I believe that Australian beauty has so much to offer to an international audience. There is a growing global and modern definition of beauty that is inclusive of wellness and a positive lifestyle culture.

From a business point of view, this studio has represented a natural evolution and progression for us. We have a great client base in Los Angeles and opening a studio made good sense as an organic next step. It’s also a great centre point between Sydney, Melbourne and Paris — the places I spend the vast majority of my time.

What are the most popular treatments/skin concerns in Hollywood?

MG: I see a real global trend towards the natural and healthy look. That means that the concerns in Hollywood are the same as the concerns in Sydney and Paris — how do I achieve and maintain a healthy visage and not rely on using makeup as a cover-up?

A key concern for those of us based in LA is the reality of extremely high levels of air pollution and a very harsh, very dry climate. High levels of air pollution impact the skin very negatively and can lead to skin concerns and skin issues — as the skin works tirelessly to combat free radicals — such as premature ageing, dryness, dehydration and an overall lacklustre, devitalised complexion.

Melanie Grant is behind Victoria Beckham’s glow. Picture: AFP

How skin care is becoming the ‘new makeup’?

MG: Put simply, real is in and fake is out. And this represents a fundamental change in the beauty game and what we define as ‘beauty products’. For example, I value a good sunscreen over a good foundation every day of the week. In the very short term, sunscreen does nothing to change my appearance in the way that makeup could. In the long term though, there can be nothing better for my skin than a good sunscreen.

David Jones face Jessica Gomes is also a long-time fan of Melanie Grant. Picture: Getty Images

MG (continued): I think what is really interesting is what defines skincare for us in the future. These new trends are still developing. This means we will continue to see new ideas and products on what represents beauty. I can see diet and wellness playing a larger and more influential part of daily ‘beauty’ regimen.

What’s your take on skincare/facial treatments v Botox and fillers?

MG: I think it is a widely understood idea now that you should always start with improving and maintaining your skin’s health before considering any other cosmetic or medical approaches to beauty. Akin to my philosophy with makeup, good skin always comes first and foremost. Botox and fillers tend to focus on the ‘construction’ of the face and do nothing for your skin health., The result is a manufactured look that is increasingly maligned. There is an abundance of effective and non-invasive treatments that can enhance and improve the skin laxity, texture and tone without impeding one’s natural beauty and look.

What is your skincare advice to young women?

MG: For those of us in our 20s and 30s, skin care should be centred around a preventive approach. While prevention is a key consideration for skincare regardless of age, it’s easy to be less vigilant when you are more easily able to get away with things and still retain that beautiful, bouncy and youthful complexion that comes so naturally (particularly in your 20s!).

A preventive approach need not be complex. In fact it is far easier to prevent in your 20s than fixing skin issues in your 40s. Avoid stress, sun exposure and smoking where possible. A broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection sunscreen is my No. 1 beauty product. Wear it daily. And just look after yourself.

Originally published as ‘Real is in’: Meet Melanie Grant, the Australian skincare star giving Hollywood a facial glow