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Despite its name, The Beauty Sandwich is not food-related. A skin care treatment created by famous facialist Ivan Pol. His signature “sandwich” method combines radiofrequency technology with his own line of skin care products (he calls them his secret sauce) to tighten, lift, and brighten skin. As one of the beauty industry’s most influential and innovative voices, it’s no surprise that his A-list clients include Emma Stone, Salma Hayek, and Sabrina Carpenter.
In the latest episode of The Who What Wear podcast, Associate Beauty Editor Caitlin McClintock speaks with Pol about what a “sandwich” is, how she pivoted from makeup to skin care, and more about makeup. We’ll tell you more about what you can expect from Up. About radiofrequency treatments, and how to get camera ready for celebrity clients.
Scroll down for excerpts of the conversation.
You are a very popular facialist. We have an incredibly long waiting list. I know you actually started doing makeup, and I thought that was really interesting. Can you tell us a little bit about what drew you to the beauty field in general and why you ultimately decided to focus on skincare after makeup?
I was a child obsessed with beauty. I went to school to study theater, but I fell in love with makeup. My dream was to move to Manhattan and work in high fashion. I first moved to New York City. I started working at the beauty counter and worked for Trish McEvoy and Laura Mercier.
Then he met Bobbi Brown. Bobby taught us how to enhance the beauty of someone without completely changing them.
I was a makeup artist who was particular about glowing skin. I moved back to my hometown of South Florida, but I missed the artistry of makeup a little bit, so I decided to change direction.
Then, he met Jennifer Lopez. I had an appointment to do her makeup and she came in with this incredibly gorgeous skin. I said, “Oh my gosh, your skin looks so beautiful.” How do you accomplish this? And she told me that she would get a facial before she put on her makeup.
I saw my entire life flashing before my eyes. And I said, “This is what I’m going to do. I’m going to create the ultimate red carpet facial.” I mean, it was so clear that I decided to go back to school. I got my esthetician license. That’s where the idea for The Beauty Sandwich was born.
So, can you tell us a little bit about what this process entails and what they should expect if someone comes to you?
I am designing someone’s face. When I look at someone’s face, the first thing I ask is what is bothering them. All treatment begins with intention. I just embrace the beauty I see and elevate myself. It’s about sophistication, not augmentation, right?
There is something very powerful about receiving treatment like mine. Even when you look in the mirror, you still see yourself. That is “Beauty Sandwich”. It strengthens the V-shape within each of us and enhances it to truly custom design our faces.
When the light hits it, it looks more beautiful and makes you feel better. That’s the most important thing. Beauty is a very powerful tool that we can use to enhance ourselves.
For those not familiar with radio frequencies: What are radio frequencies? What are their benefits and why are they so effective?
Radiofrequency uses heat that is dispersed into the skin. In my case, it’s in the dermis, the living part of the skin. It contains everything that makes up the structure of the skin, including collagen, elastin, and connective tissue. Radiofrequency stimulates collagen and elastin. Elastin is what gives our skin its elasticity, and collagen is what gives it its firmness and elasticity.
As we age, collagen levels begin to decline, so if you start early enough, you can maintain this bouncy, glowing, and delicious skin. I always encourage people to do things in a gentle way. This is about long distance. Every dermatologist I’ve ever talked to said it’s better to use less than more.
Using products that are too harsh can actually produce the opposite of what you intended. It can cause irritation, inflammation, and redness.
I had the pleasure of working with Sabrina Carpenter prior to the VMAs. How did you get to that point and how did you take care of your skin?
It was all about my sauce. (Sabrina) has been a client of mine for almost four years. We met before the pandemic and watching her career blossom was truly incredible. Sabrina is all about super fresh, super plump skin.
But in reality, it’s important to manipulate these sources to create lasting effects on your skin. Whether you are on the red carpet or on stage, it will catch the light. Everyone talks about this glass skin thing, but if you get a glass skin facial right before you put on your makeup, you’re going to get a little shiny. Shine points out your shortcomings, but you want to do the opposite.
When considering sauces, you want a skin that looks like fine porcelain. I want to be like a beautiful porcelain plate. It picks up light but looks perfect. I want to make it with my skin. My SS02 contains this active hazelnut oil, and the hazelnut oil creates an almost invisible shapewear on your face. Before I knew it, she was tight. It looks like she’s wearing pantyhose that aren’t visible on her face.
(Image credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
What is the difference between the sources?
The original product is SS01 secret sauce. I wanted to create a skin care line that would provide the skin with anti-inflammatory vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Even if you’re flying, stressed, or your symptoms are worsening, it’ll tell you it’s okay. This is the content of the original source. I wanted to create a filter for your face.
My latest sauce (SS02 Snatching Sauce) is more astringent. Since it’s so high in antioxidants, you’ll feel your skin tighten and act as a beauty armor as well. Use it where you want to contour, tighten, or create a shapewear effect.
The Beauty Sandwich®
SS01 Secret sauce
The Beauty Sandwich®
SS02 Snatching Sauce
The Beauty Sandwich®
amuse bush
Beauty Sandwich®
source bundle
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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