Aesthetician's Glamorous Day at the Venice Film Festival
The life of a top aesthetician during a major international event like the Venice Film Festival is a blend of meticulous preparation and dynamic engagement. Athena Hewett, the visionary behind the skincare line Monastery, found herself at the heart of this cinematic celebration, tasked with enhancing the natural radiance of prominent figures such as Greta Lee, Chloë Sevigny, Gemma Chan, and esteemed director Sofia Coppola. Her day commenced before dawn, around 6:00 a.m., aligning with her usual routine, though the exact waking hour was dictated by her first client's schedule. Jet lag was a minor hurdle, swiftly overcome by the demands of her profession. A quick check-in with her Europe-based brand director, necessitated by time zone differences, was followed by a delightful Venetian breakfast of coffee and a local croissant, setting a pleasant tone for the busy hours ahead. Before diving into her professional duties, she ensured her own well-being with a regimen of daily vitamins including Omi Hair Peptides, NAD, and Vitamin D. Her personal skincare, a surprisingly concise three-step process, involved a five-minute session with her brand's Deep Red LED mask, followed by a forthcoming serum, and then the nourishing Attar, all topped off with SPF, epitomizing efficiency and effectiveness.
Hewett's professional approach on-site was both prepared and adaptive. Each evening, she meticulously packed her facial kit, ensuring readiness for the next morning's early starts. Her attire, leaning towards 'cool elegance' rather than strict professionalism, allowed for comfort and movement, favoring versatile pieces like a button-down shirt from a local menswear shop or her friend's vintage white tees. A pre-premiere blowout added a touch of polish, signaling the special nature of the day. Her client interactions were varied and insightful, each tailored to the individual's energy. Conversations ranged from shared parenting experiences with Greta Lee to the easy, musical rapport with Sofia Coppola. The overall atmosphere was one of palpable excitement and camaraderie, reflecting the enchanting setting of Venice. Mid-day, Hewett remained committed to her core philosophy, ensuring a two-hour buffer between caffeine intake and client treatments to maintain peak focus and calm. Lunch was often a quick slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza, a readily available delicacy in Venice, allowing her to recharge efficiently before the next phase of her demanding day.
As the afternoon unfolded, Hewett transitioned from her professional responsibilities to personal indulgence and social engagements. Returning to her accommodations, she prepared for the evening's festivities, donning a freshly ironed silk ensemble purchased locally and carefully selected footwear for the premiere and subsequent after-party. Her pre-event beauty ritual included an unreleased face mask and another session with her LED mask, followed by a light makeup application featuring favorite products like Fara Homidi concealer and blush, Privet brow gel, and Anfisa lip gloss. For fragrance, she opted for a natural blend, combining Coppola Hydrating Essence with a spritz of Regime de Flores Chloë Sevigny collab. The highlight of the afternoon was attending Sofia Coppola's film premiere on the island of Lido. The film, a deep dive into fashion history and Marc Jacobs, left a profound impression on Hewett, showcasing Coppola's distinctive artistic touch. The evening culminated in an exclusive after-party at the exquisite home of fashion icon Diane Von Furstenberg, an experience Hewett described as divine and inspiring. To cap off the Venetian journey, a late-night dinner at Antiche Carampane, a local culinary gem recommended by Sofia Coppola, offered a serene end to a bustling day, leaving Hewett with lasting memories of exceptional food and company. Even after returning to her room past midnight, she dedicated time to administrative tasks and her nightly skincare routine, including her brand's gentle retinol, Rei, before preparing for an early morning flight to California, followed by engagements in New York and Los Angeles, illustrating her unwavering commitment to her multifaceted career.
Hewett's journey through the Venice Film Festival embodies the pursuit of excellence and the value of adaptability. Her commitment to both her clients' well-being and her own professional growth serves as a testament to the rewards of dedication. This narrative inspires us to embrace life's diverse opportunities, find joy in both work and leisure, and continuously strive for balance and fulfillment amidst the various demands of our chosen paths.