Lisa: We are so excited to partner with you at Starling! First, can you tell us about your personal journey to becoming an esthetician? 

Elaine: My journey into esthetics began years ago, when becoming a mom shifted my focus more deeply toward wellness—for my children and for myself. As I navigated life with food and environmental allergies that left me feeling unwell for a long time, I became passionate about learning how to feel better naturally. That experience sparked a desire to help others do the same. I’ve always believed that our skin reflects so much of what we’re going through—physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. It’s an extension of our inner world, and caring for it can be a powerful part of healing. Becoming an esthetician felt like the perfect way to combine my personal journey with my passion for helping others feel seen, supported, and cared for.

Lisa: What is your guiding philosophy as an esthetician?

Elaine: My philosophy leans toward using clean, natural ingredients that are also results-driven. I believe in the power of simple, effective skincare that supports the skin’s natural function without overwhelming it. I love creating a space where clients can relax and reset—not just for their skin, but for their overall well-being. A facial should be more than just a treatment; it’s an opportunity to care for the mind, body, and spirit, all of which are beautifully connected. My goal is to deliver visible results while offering a calming, nurturing experience that helps clients feel truly cared for—inside and out.  I’m also committed to continuing my education and staying curious; keeping a pulse on the ever-evolving skincare industry is essential to offering the best care possible and growing as a practitioner.

Lisa: As an esthetician who specializes in sensitive skin, what services do you recommend? 

Elaine: I recommend gentle, soothing treatments that focus on calming inflammation and restoring balance. Hydrating facials with natural, nourishing ingredients are wonderful because they help strengthen the skin’s barrier and provide lasting comfort. The goal is always to support the skin’s natural healing process while offering a peaceful, restorative experience. I encourage clients to never hesitate to ask for a spot test or sample before trying new products—it's important to ensure there are no adverse reactions and to feel confident in their skincare choices. Taking a mindful, personalized approach ensures that sensitive skin feels cared for, protected, and beautifully nurtured.  

Lisa: What are the treatments you offer that game-changing for sensitive skin and how can our long distance clients replicate them at home for themselves? 

Elaine: One of my favorite treatments to offer is a deeply hydrating, barrier-repair facial. It not only enhances the skin’s texture and glow but can leave clients feeling refreshed both physically and emotionally afterwards. I also love incorporating calming masks and nourishing oils to restore balance—especially for those with stressed or sensitive skin.

For my long-distance friends and clients, this kind of care can absolutely be recreated at home with a little intention and creativity. Sensitive skin can make finding a non-irritating sheet mask tricky, so one of my favorite at-home hacks is to make your own cooling, plumping mask. Start by cleansing your face, then in a small bowl, mix about a tablespoon (more or less as desired) of your favorite hyaluronic serum—I love using Starling’s Super Boost. Take a dry sheet mask (like these DIY compressed cotton sheets ) and let it soak up the serum. Once it's saturated, unfold and place it gently on your skin. If there’s any serum left in the bowl, scoop it out and press it over the mask. For an extra boost, try using a cooling globe —or even an ice cube— over the top to enhance the calming effects. Bonus points for any red light therapy you can use at the same time! Finish the experience with Starling's Restore Barrier Cream to seal in the goodness. 

Lisa: Why did you want to partner with Starling Skin? 

Elaine: I’ve been personally using Starling Skin since 2020, and it quickly became a brand I deeply trust. What drew me in from the start was knowing that Lisa and Nathalie created these products with allergy-friendly formulations in mind. As someone with food and skin sensitivities, that meant everything. The ingredient lists amazed me—clean, thoughtful, and effective. Our skin is our largest organ, and it absorbs so much of what we put on it, so I believe it's just as important to be mindful of what we apply to our skin as we are with what we eat. Partnering with Starling felt like a natural fit because their values align so closely with mine: safe, effective skincare that supports real people with real sensitivities.

Click on below image to see Elaine's Spa on Instagram: 

Lisa: What are your favorite Starling products and why?

Elaine: Some of my absolute favorite Starling products are ones I use constantly in my own life. 

First up Revive: The easiest way to transform your skin is with a great serum, and this one delivers every time. It gives my skin that healthy, hydrated glow without any heaviness—just pure, effective nourishment.

I also always keep Simple on hand. It’s a beautifully versatile balm that works wonders on dry hands, cuticles, feet, and even little cuts or scrapes. I have dry skin, and my body just soaks it in. It’s one of those essentials you don’t realize you need until you can’t live without it.

And my true must-have? The Arnica Bath Soak. It’s a literal lifesaver for me. I use it nightly to wind down and soothe sore muscles—it’s become such a comforting part of my routine that I genuinely feel a little sad when I run out.

Lisa: Nathalie and I are so lucky to have known you for years now! Can you please tell our clients a little bit about yourself: 

Elaine: I’m a Jesus-loving woman, wife, and mom of three amazing kids, two quirky cats, and one very LARGE dog. You’ll usually find me with a messy bun, a cup of Earl Grey tea in hand, and something cooking in the kitchen—OR maybe taking a quick video game break. I have a soft spot for anything cute—especially Tokidoki collectibles—and love surrounding myself with things that bring a little joy and whimsy into everyday life. I’m also a big hockey fan (GO KNIGHTS GO!), and I love the energy and excitement of the game. While I do my best to eat healthy, I absolutely have a sweet tooth, and I’m always on the lookout for ways to recreate healthier treats and meals allergy-friendly for myself and my family. Living with big food allergies has made me extra excited when I discover something safe and delicious "out in the wild." My happy place is Disneyland, though I dream of one day visiting Scotland. And if you’re looking for me during a desert rainstorm, I’m just outside soaking it all in. Chronic emoji over-user 😂🧡☕

Lisa: Where is your practice located and how do our clients find you? 

Elaine: You can find me at Platinum Aesthetics, tucked away in the Mojave Desert, right in the heart of vibrant Las Vegas—offering a calm, restorative escape in the middle of all the sparkle. Whether you're local or just visiting, I’m always excited to connect and help you feel your best in your skin. Come unwind, reset, and leave glowing. You can reach me on Instagram at @platinum_aesthetics_lv