Aida Bicaj

In an Upper East Side townhouse, Aida Bicaj has the crème de la crème of clientele who trust their faces and bodies to her extraordinary hand. This top facialist believes that constant stimulation of blood circulation, or ‘exercise,’ will smooth out lines and tone the skin.

As a brand Ambassador for Biologique Recherche, Aida uses their high-demand line of beauty products for her therapy. One of her most famous techniques is the Remodeling Treatment, which employs a Biologique Recherche microcurrent machine to tighten muscles and promote cell regeneration.

Known for producing exceptional results based on her vast knowledge of skincare, Aida seemed like the perfect source for advice on getting the best summer skin.

How did it all start?

It all started in 1995 when a friend introduced me to the founders of Biologique Recherche, Dr. Philippe Allouche and his parents, Yvan and Josette. I was very fortunate to work for them; the only opening was the receptionist position, and I took it. After that, I absorbed all of the potions and motions of the Biologique Recherche philosophy.

What is unique about your face massage technique?

There is nothing unique about my massage technique! It comes from passion, determination, experience, and a belief in what I do. Beyond that, I learned the massage technique from the founders of Biologique Recherche.

Do you have any face massage tips that one can do at home to derive similar benefits as your treatment?

At home, I recommend that you apply anything you put on your face in an upward motion, using your whole hand – not just your fingers. Then, for a few seconds, hold your hands on both sides of your face and pull your skin tight up towards where your hairline begins.

With summer just around the corner, what is your advice for protecting the skin at this time of year?

I always change out my products with the season. As the spring arrives, the weather is milder, so we have to use milder products on our skin. Instead of heavy oils, go for water based serums and lighter creams. Use sun protection only if exposed directly to the sun, otherwise the vitamin D and sunlight is good for us. The best protection is the Biologique Recherche SPF 25. Never use higher – SPF 30 at the highest. Also drink a lot of water and eat lighter food of small portions and high variety.

What is your beauty routine?

Starting with a water based serum, then a cream and finally an oil based serum.

My beauty routine starts after I work out early in the morning! First, I combine the Biologique Recherche masks with a pinch of baking soda to make my skin tight, clean, and ready for the products I use afterwards. I then apply daily lotion P50 (AKA magic potion), and then either lotion MC110 or serum 3R to stimulate the blood circulation. This process better prepares the skin to absorb the following cocktail of 3 products: Starting with a water based serum, then a cream and finally an oil based serum.

My motto is: Don’t save on your skin! You will benefit later when you start early, from age 15 and up.

These serums produce a great glow, protect against pollution and hold in moisture longer. I do the same at night, except I use a night cream instead of a day cream. My motto is: Don’t save on your skin! You will benefit later when you start early, from age 15 and up. The longer you wait, the harder it is to repair the skin. Save on your clothes, instead.

What are your traveling essentials for the summer?

Whatever I do for my face, I also do for my body and hair.

The first things to go in my luggage are my face, body, and hair products. Whatever I do for my face, I also do for my body and hair. All together, these total 15 products. I then make sure to pack swimsuits, sandals, white jeans, and a couple of silk shirts. I always take a book – right now I’m reading The Invention of Angela Carter: A Biography. I never leave the airport for a long flight without The New Yorker or a copy of The Economist.