Aida Bicaj is one of the world’s foremost experts on skincare. Her clients, who include celebrities and Fortune 400 CEOs, trust their faces and bodies to her skill and extraordinary hands. Award-winning actresses Kyra Sedgwick and Carla Gugino, J. Crew president Jenna Lyons and jewelry designer Lorre Rodkin are among the many VIP clients whose faces attest to Aida’s talents. They look years younger, rested, happier, and they feel better than ever.

A facialist for 15 years, Aida’s extensive research has led her to only use products from the French company Biologique Recherché, Valmont from Switzerland and those from Israeli company Future Cosmetics Boutique whose all-natural, therapeutic-grade products are made without toxic chemicals. She uses the highest quality European made facial machines in addition to her most valuable tools: her eyes, her hands and her intuition.

Aida’s Institut de Beaute is located in a townhouse on Manhattan’s tree-lined Upper East Side, an oasis of calm in the bustling city. Clients will undoubtedly find themselves being told, “you look younger and so happy! What have you done?” They will smile to themselves,  knowing that Aida is their secret weapon! After hearing Aida’s accolades from so many of my NYC & Hamptons fresh-faced friends, I have become a loyal devoteé of the Aida Bicaj skincare regime too. Popping in to the city for a treatment has become such a relaxing treat to look forward to…

Check out Aida’s KDH Beauty Diary below:

KDH: What is your background and how long have you been living in NYC?
AB: I have lived in New York since 1992. I am a skin specialist with 20 years of experience. I travel each year to Paris to keep learning new ways of treating the skin, as I believe the French know the best advancements in skincare. I am Albanian from former Yougoslavia and a proud American since 20 years.

KDHamptons.com: Why do you think your approach to skincare is different than what is already out there in NYC?
Aida Bicaj: In New York City everybody has the tendency to want overnight results. In the long run does not resolve the actual problem of the skin~ it only covers it with a BandAid.  With my team, I work to build better skin….but to build better skin, you need time!!! If everybody who comes to my salon follows with the treatments and “homework”, they will have the skin that before they only dreamed of.

KDH: Do clients often make the mistake of heading to a dermatologist, instead of an esthetician, to fix their skin issues?
AB: Yes 99% of the time! A quick fix with antibiotics or chemical deep peels, retinols or retinoids can end up making the outer layer of the skin so sensitive that not even sunscreen can protect you. The problem is much deeper. The outer layer of the skin is like a roof of the house, if you have a strong roof , there will be no leaking.

KDH: How much do food and drinks like coffee and alcohol affect our skin?
AB: The older you are, the more strict you have to be with everything~  especially with alcohol or coffee. Everything in moderation….

KDH: Why does the Recherche product line produce such magical results?
AB: Because it constantly purifies the skin and balances it with lactic acid, so the result is no clogged pores, no acne or uneven skin tone.  If you follow up and use it like a prescription twice a day, I can tell you that you will have a perfect skin.

KDH: Which treatment do you think provides the most dramatic, immediate effects?
AB: The Remodeling Face treatment from Biologique Recherché.  Your skin looks like you slept for 10 hours and the result is bright, glowing, firm skin ready for the red carpet.

KDH: If we have an upcoming black tie gala affair to attend, should we come in on the day of the event, or before?
AB: The Remodeling Treatment works best either the same day or the day before.

KDH: What’s in your personal beauty bag of products when you travel?
AB: Here’s my list: Cleanser Oxygenating and Hydrating Lait VIP O2 , Lotion P50 (magic in the bottle!), Daily Purifying and Balancing lotion, Beauty Drops Hydrating Nag, Glowing drops from Future skin, Firming serum and Oxygenating Fluid VIP O2, pre and post menopause cream MSRH, and a mask Renewing Pack from Valmont.

KDH: Coming for an appointment at Aida Bicaj feels like being invited over to your chic cozy home. Would you ever consider opening a large spa or do you prefer the intimate environment you have created?
AB: I like what I have created since I feel it is more personal and not commercial.

KDH: Why do you love skincare? Have you thought about launching your own private label?
AB: I love a beautiful skin, more than a flashy diamond! So yes, I am seriously thinking about creating my own line of skin care.

*For more information on Aida Bicaj please go to:  www.aidabicaj.com or call 212.879.5257