An acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine expert, Elaine Huntzinger is one of the most sought-after facialists in Paris whose deeply intuitive work combines ancient modalities to sculpt and soften. Her view on beauty is deep and balanced: slow, simple, as nature intends.

How do you define beauty?

An abundance of qi that radiates from your eyes and skin. It’s feeling comfortable in your own skin and making those around you feel comfortable as well. I also equate beauty to health. If my body is healthy, I consider that beautiful.

What’s your earliest beauty-related memory?

Summers in Hong Kong. My Mother gave me bird’s nest soup in order to ensure I would be ‘beautiful’. Even then, it was treating the interior to influence the exterior.

Who was your earliest beauty influence?

My Aunt in Hong Kong. She was quite fragile, had simple hair – long, dark – and never wore makeup. She would tell me, “Never modify your appearance”. She was quite wealthy and had an air of grace I’d never seen before.

Do you remember the first time you felt beautiful?

I grew up in a very white suburb of Denver, Colorado. I went to prom dressed in my Mother’s custom cheong sam and it fit me perfectly. The school cheerleaders said I looked amazing. Unfortunately, as a teen, I relied a bit on external opinion for self-worth, but I have to say, that night I felt seen.

Do you think energy is a part of beauty?

Energy is an essential part of beauty. How many times have you talked to someone who is objectively beautiful, but they had no substance or seemed flat? It isn’t enough to appear beautiful; one needs to glow from within – this is shared with those around you.

How do you feel about growing old?

I like it. I have more wisdom, feel more comfortable with who I am, and have a greater sense of self. It isn’t always easy on a physical level – there are some discomforts – but one has to work at maintaining one’s health.

How do you feel about cosmetic procedures that interfere with natural ageing?

I understand why people do it and know it’s hard to resist because identity and work can depend on aesthetics. That being said, I think it’s a pity to cut through meridians and mess with the lymphatic system in order to appear a certain way. Plus, I think there are more natural ways to maintain a youthful appearance. I’m fearful of the slippery slope of certain procedures and think people are simply trying to create a new persona instead of accepting who they are.

How has your relationship with your reflection changed over the years?

I had an operation for scoliosis when I was 14, so my reflection was always a work in progress. Now I glance in the mirror less frequently, and honestly, when I look too closely, I get overly critical of myself.

I’m curious to know if having a child influenced this?

Having my daughter at 41 definitely modified my relationship with my reflection. My body changed a lot and didn’t necessarily bounce back. But having a child encouraged me to focus outside of myself.

What do you feel is your most beautiful feature?

My smile, and I have long arms and legs.

What’s one beauty lesson you wish you could tell your younger self?

Don’t squeeze your blackheads.

Do you have a beauty icon?

I don’t have a beauty icon. I tend to admire my older clients and how they have chosen to gracefully age and enjoy their lives.

What catches your attention when you look at someone you think is beautiful?

Their skin. If it’s glowing and healthy, I see it right away. I also watch how they communicate with people and if they smile sincerely.

What kind of beauty look do you feel the most comfortable in?

A bit of a tan and smooth, hydrated skin.

What makes you look and feel glamorous?

I don’t really go out much, but if I do, I prefer black leather pants, a black top and comfortable flats.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I use a copper tongue cleaner and brush my teeth.

And the last thing you do before bed?

I use the LYMA Laser and then the TheraFace Depuffing Wand on my face.

Do you need much sleep?

I function better with 7–8 hours. I used to think I needed less, but I was grumpy and less disciplined.

Can you tell me your top five skincare products?

LILFOX Flower Goo, OMAD Bio Cellulose Restore & Repair Serum Mask, Janine Knizia Taffy Crème, Jordan Samuel Skin’s The After Show Treatment Cleanser and BÉLA GUSTA Cerate of Immortelle Ancestral Balm. The founder of the latter is also an energy worker, and I feel her sincerity in her products.

What about hair care?

I use products from my hair doctor in Seoul, Dr. Lee Moon Won. I use his Flax Seed Shampoo, and his Deep Hair Treatment Pack. I dry my hair using a Dyson Supersonic Dryer. I don’t colour it. I also take Dr. Lee Moon Won’s Black Balance supplement to help my hair health. I’m 56 and so far, my grey hairs have not increased since I started using his products.

Are you into makeup?

I only use a CC cream from Erborian occasionally.

What’s your signature scent?

I don’t wear much scent, but I do love frankincense. It smells like the earth.

What beauty product or ritual helps you to channel confidence?

I use toner pads or a face mask every morning. I like knowing I have hydrated and plump skin.

The one beauty product you always have on your person?

Huang Lian Shui, a TCM formula for skin irritations. It works on eczema, acne and minor injuries. It’s a herbal antibiotic formula.

Can you share your wellness rituals – the ones that you actually feel do something?

I drink a matcha black sesame drink every morning. I find it’s helped my hair and skin. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke. I exercise daily. Cardio twice a week, weights once a week and Pilates twice a week. Being post-menopausal, one really needs to commit to keeping our body as healthy as possible. I also get a body treatment once a week. I put it in my budget. Taking care of myself is necessary for my work. I also added red meat to my diet again to help with brain fog.

What is the strangest thing you’ve done in the name of wellness?

I did a dry fast for seven days with a well-known Russian doctor. The retreat was a total of 12 days: seven days of fasting (no water, no food) and five days of re-feeding.

Any beauty or wellness spots in Paris you recommend to friends visiting?

The infrared sauna at Aime’s Glow Studio is great. Christopher Destribuad is also an amazing Thai massage therapist and energy worker.

Do you have a wellness vice?

I buy a lot of beauty products.

How do you indulge yourself?

I go to Seoul once a year to get inspired.

What’s the last product you bought because you were influenced?

ClearDea Mucin Collagen Voluming Cream Ampoule. I like the texture but am still testing it.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Dora the Explorer.

What's the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t smoke.

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