La Mer’s Education Director, Sarantis Tsimilimis is a man who knows it’s all in the details. The Greek makeup stylist turned skincare connoisseur for one of the world’s most premium skincare brand’s understands that a woman’s ultimate asset is her face. We had the pleasure to sit down with Tsimilimis to discuss the importance of a skincare routine tailored for every age, his fondness for the deep blue sea and the product women can’t live without.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of La Mer, how do you think La Mer has evolved as a brand?
La Mer has remained true to its heritage focusing on simplicity, superior efficacy and harnessing the power of the sea and natural ingredients, enhanced by complex processes, in this case bio fermentation, to deliver key technologies that deliver profound healing. That has not changed since it was ground breaking 50 years ago and remains to be outstanding for today’s standards. The La Mer scientists continue to push the boundaries with new technologies and new sea derived ingredients that delight our devotees around the world.
The release of The Renewal Oil, proves that La Mer is changing with the times, since oils are the hot trend right now in skincare, do you think this is a trend that will phase out or something that will become a staple in the skincare routine of women worldwide?
Oils have indeed become a huge trend in the beauty industry. Consumers are looking for deep nourishment, comfort and a way to repair skin against environmental aggressors and hectic lifestyles. Oils can often deliver the above throughout the year. The oil trend is very much western centric and is now being endorsed even in Asia. This is expected to be a reliable staple in consumers’ skincare regimen.
What drove you to become a beauty stylist?
From a young age, I was fascinated by the way my grandmothers’ took good care of their skin, as well as the rituals associated with the art of shaving. My grandfather would look so much fresher and younger after a meticulous shaving experience. The above coupled with getting my hands on my mother’s fashion magazines and studying images of before and after and the magic of skincare and beauty products deeply rooted an interest within me for the world of beauty. In fact anything aesthetically pleasing stimulates me, beauty, architecture, fashion, design. It’s all about details and refinement.
When meeting women of all ages and backgrounds, what is the most common concern these women talk to you about?
A few years ago it was all about lines and wrinkles. The last few years women and men speak more about fatigued skin. Skin that looks opaque, tired and devitalized. I think it had to do with the pace of modern life. Stress and time restraints can play havoc with our skin. As a result clients now want to look rested, healthy and full of vitality.
Why La Mer? After working with different highend brands, what made you choose this company as a home?
La Mer has always been on my radar even before I joined the brand. The product, the heritage, the science, the way consumers adore the brand, the integrity, the simplicity, the results. These were all contributing factors to my decision to join the La Mer universe. And let’s not forget that I am obsessed with the sea. It’s the center of my universe so it’s been a marriage made in heaven.
Is it a coincidence that you are from Greece and represent a brand that celebrates the love of the sea?
Not at all a coincidence. As a child growing up, I was surrounded by the sea. It balances me and makes me happy. I surf, dive and swim. It’s a source of energy; I forget everything when I am there. La Mer is an extension of all that. The philanthropic aspect of the brand, supporting the protection of oceans around the world, makes me even more loyal to this “relationship.”
What is the ideal skincare regimen for a woman in her 30s? 40s?
In the 3rd decade of a woman’s life, focus must be paced on through cleaning of the skin especially at night, deep hydration with Treatment Lotion and one of our moisturizers in one of the 5 textures based on preference, and special focus to the eye architecture, which shows signs of aging first. A good SPF daily and makeup with skincare benefits to strengthen, moisture and barrier. As women end the 4th decade of their lives, the above continues, only now the focus is also paced on potent antiaging serums, supporting the structure of the skin, improving texture and smoothness. Good exfoliation, a facial at least once per month, serums morning and night and deeper nourishment. Skin comes direr as women age. It’s all about keeping skin supple and firm.
What is one step in a skincare routine that could really change a women's appearance?
I will mention two things here. Number one is using a “pre-wet” approach to skincare; essentially creating a foundation of moisture before you even moisturize. The Treatment Lotion is incredible in delivering exactly that: plump, smooth and revitalized skin. By the time you use serum and moisturizer, you are sealing that moisture deep within the skin. That makes a huge difference long term. The second would be adding masks to your regimen depending on primary concern. Their instant gratification and long term benefits can be hugely impactful on skin health. The La Mer Lifting and Firming Mask is such a superior treatment with a very elegant and addictive texture. It surrounds your skin in comfort, moisture and smoothness. You brush on at night, leave on skin while you sleep, wake up and voila, lifted, plumb and energized skin. I am addicted!
If I were going to go live in a deserted island, what one product would you recommend I take with me?
Deserted island sounds dreamy. Long days of exploration by the sea! The La Mer Soleil Reparative Face and Body Lotion, SPF 30 would be my choice. Both protect the skin on face and body while providing antiaging results, in this way they allow you to enjoy the sun safely while repairing the skin. It’s always in my top summer essential list!
Aline Agopian
