Dangene, aesthetician, New York
“I don’t believe in foundation,” facialist Dangene (above) has been known to announce to new clients. “And I’m going to get your skin in such good shape, you won’t need it anymore.” Originally from Southern California, the porcelain-complexioned Dangene, 52, is her own best advertisement. Her treatments always feature cleansing, micro-dermabrasion (first dry, then wet, on both face and body), and cool blasts of hyperbaric oxygen. What’s next depends on individual needs—a vitamin mask, an LED treatment, a little lasering. Last December, Dangene moved her practice 12 blocks south, from a two-treatment-room basement hideaway beneath a doctor’s office to the posh Core Club, where her 6,000-square-foot lair comprises five treatment rooms, with room service. Her devotees—who include Madonna, model Jessica Stam, and Heidi Klum —will no doubt be thrilled (dangene.com). —Jane Larkworthy
Maki Sakamoto, manicurist, Valley, New York
For someone with such a boldfaced client list—including Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga — nail artist Sakamoto (above) operates out of a surprisingly unassuming beauty parlor in NoLIta called Valley. Sakamoto learned her craft in her hometown of Osaka, Japan, and started out in New York at the low-key-luxe Jin Soon. Her current creations, however, are anything but understated. Think sculpted acrylics shaped like Hello Kitty; leopard-print talons; and plenty of glitter (212.274.8985).—Christina Han
Haley Alexander van Oosten, perfumer, Los Angeles
Van Oosten made her name with L’Oeil du Vert, a small, four-year-old collection of intense blends that are mixed at purchase and housed in beautiful wooden bottles. Now she’s branching out with Raw, a fragrance line featuring local plants and woods in their “dirtiest, most primal” forms. “The Mayans prophesied that the flower would save humanity,” says the Pasadena, California, native. “I decided long ago to put my cards on that” (loeilduvert.com; $600 to $900).—J.L.
Chelsey Pickthorn, colorist, Orlo Salon, New York
Last September, when Aussie model Abbey Lee Kershaw (above) went from brunette to icy platinum, the question on everyone’s lips was “Who is her colorist?” The answer: Chelsey Pickthorn. The 26-year-old Portland, Oregon, native came to New York two years ago and, until last spring, worked under the eccentric but hugely talented color queen Laurie Foley in her quirky East Village space. In June, Pickthorn joined Orlando Pita’s Orlo, where the posh clientele love her perfectly blended handpainted streaks (212.242.3266).—C.H.
