Shu Rousseau the “massage du visage” expert !

Beauty habits are quite different in France and America.
American women often seek an instant and visible result.
French women seem to have a more subtle approach. Some of the most popular French methods are a bit difficult to find overseas. The “palpé-roulé” method (which combines deep massage and rolling motion) is a most efficient version of the lymphatic drainage.  Another French favorite is the facial massage, “le massage du visage”.

Fortunately, some big cities like New York are full of surprises.
One of them is Shu Rousseau. Trained at Ingrid Millet’s Institute in Paris, Shu Rousseau moved to New York 30 years ago. Shu is one of the pioneers in this area with many years of experience, which make her a true wizard of the skin! In her hands, your face feels toned-up energized and looks rejuvenated. The pores are tightened and the skin texture is refined.
And I am talking about a 100% natural process: no needles or injections!
Believe me, it’s magic!

Clémence von Mueffling: How did you start your career?

Shu Rousseau: I moved to Paris in the sixties and I studied medicine for 3 years. During my fourth year of medical studies, I realized that I wanted to take care of people but in a different way. I switched to a beauty academy. I was supposed to go back to Vietnam where my family was living, but the war changed everything and I stayed in France.
Ingrid Millet hired me the first time we met. I was 25 years old. I used to test products with her. Because I specialized in facial massage, I knew which product would give the optimal results with the massage.
She was an exceptional woman with a vision.

The 1st Lady of France, Sylvie Vartan, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Adjani… they all came to the salon.

CvM: Can you talk about your “golden years” in Paris, at the beginning of the seventies, when celebrities and movie stars were Ingrid Millet’s clients?

SR: In May 1968, we moved to the Faubourg Saint-Honoré. We were busy all day long! The French edition of ELLE had just published a four page article about us.  Madame Pompidou, who was then the 1st Lady of France, Sylvie Vartan, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Adjani… they all came to the salon.
Our treatments were exclusive. For example, Ingrid had started with the pre and post-lifting treatments. The post-lifting treatment helped with the swelling and the healing process.
We also offered lunch trays with well-balanced meals, steam-cooked dishes, salads with hearts of palm, etc. At the time, it was unheard of and totally new! People loved it.

CvM: What are the benefits of your facial massage technique?

SR: I work a lot on specific areas: the back of the neck, the shoulders, the trapezius muscles. The patient needs to be relaxed in order to get the full benefit of the massage.
I also use massage points to relieve congestion of the sinuses for example.
Then I clean the face, the neck and the décolleté to get rid of make-up residues and dead cells using exfoliation techniques. The massage works as a lymphatic drainage. It is done with water, steam and ozone in order to get rid of impurities. The skin becomes clear and looks brighter.
Our treatments are customized to the needs of each client.

To tone-up, use distilled water, it’s the best… and the cheapest!

CvM: What is your beauty routine?

SR: It is essential to clean the skin very well in the morning and in the evening. (Even if it’s at 3 in the morning!) You need to spend some time on a deep cleaning of the skin of the face, the neck and the décolleté. Then, you have to rinse really well.
It is recommended to get a skin exfoliation or peeling once a week.
To tone-up, use distilled water, it’s the best… and the cheapest!
Then you can apply your treatment. I obviously use Ingrid Millet’s products and I apply them to my face, my neck and my décolleté.

CvM: Do you have a beauty advice for the summer?

SR: Hydrate! I recommend the “mists” like Avène or Evian.
Use sunscreen profusely and often, especially after a swim in the ocean. I favor the lightly textured creams.
I also recommend drinking a lot of water.
It is also important to treat internally as well as externally. A beautician cannot perform miracles. Each one of us should have a healthy routine. I am a true believer in the “maintenance” benefits. Our skin is indeed fragile.