The CultureMap Interview

Vbeauté founder Julie Macklowe on partying with Texans in Paris and being a guinea pig

Julie Macklowe is accustomed to having a lot on her plate. The 35-year-old is a former hedge fund manager and a regular on the New York social scene. But she's left that life behind to create Vbeauté, a vegan, paraben-free and fragrance-free skincare line.

Launched in 2010, Vbeauté is currently in 30 stores throughout the United States. Macklowe visits Soft Surroundings in Southlake July 18 to launch her line in-store.

Macklowe has been recognized for her zeal and fashion sense in a variety of publications — including Vogue (she was named "It Girl" in 2008), Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and Forbes. If you can't make it out to meet Macklowe, here's a little insight into her radiant life and a few of her favorite things:

CultureMap: There were quite a few Texans at the American Friends of the Louvre fundraiser in Paris. What did you think of the event?

Julie Macklowe: It was the best time ever! Who doesn't love a black-tie event at the Louvre? And those Texans party like rock stars!

CM: What's the key to starting your own business?

JM: Perseverance and being open to allowing the business model to evolve. It is also important to build a great team that believes in the company, its culture and vision, and is engaged in seeing the business succeed.

CM: You told Marie Claire and Vogue that you were your own guinea pig, sometimes testing out products more than 50 times. How did you get through that?

JM: With a good dermatologist and a lot of break-outs. It wasn't super fun, but there's that adage, "If you want something done right, you better do it yourself." The products are amazing, so it was worth the effort.

CM: What's the most important step in having radiant skin?

JM: Following a consistent daily routine and trying to avoid wearing heavy foundation and powder, which usually clogs pores. And, of course, one should always wear a daily SPF, like Vbeauté Day Job, which is 20 percent zinc oxide, mineral SPF. Day Job does not contain chemical sun filters and ... doesn't clog pores yet gives UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection.

CM: What's in your purse?

JM: Vbeauté Lip Spread Tinting Gloss, Vbeauté Eye Never travel-size eye cream, Vbeauté Day Job SPF, iPhone, sunglasses, my wallet and a bottle of water.

CM: Your current read?

JM: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

CM: Favorite fashion designer?

JM: There are too many to pick just one, but I love Zang Toi, Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane, Matthew Williamson, and Rag and Bone.

CM: Favorite travel destination?

JM: Paris

CM: What's the next move for Julie Macklowe?

JM: Make Vbeauté into a household name for having the best Swiss botanical anti-age skincare that now all women can afford.

Julie Macklowe is founder of Vbeauté skincare.

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Photo by Ben Fink Shapiro

Julie Macklowe is founder of Vbeauté skincare.

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Sitting pretty

New SkinSpirit facial spa debuts in Nordstrom at NorthPark Dallas

Facebook/SkinSpirit

SkinSpirit is now open inside Nordstrom at NorthPark Center.

A new medical aesthetics clinic is ready to plump and pamper clients inside Nordstrom at NorthPark Center: SkinSpirit, which offers treatments including Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, facials, laser treatments, and microneedling, is now open in the Dallas department store.

The new clinic marks SkinSpirit's fifth location in Dallas-Fort Worth, following locations at Preston Royal, West Village, Left Bank Fort Worth, and Plano (which was the first to open locally, in 2021).

The NorthPark clinic offers SkinSpirit's full range of aesthetic treatments, including facials, BOTOX Cosmetic, dermal fillers, advanced laser treatments, and microneedling with regenerative catalyst serums tailored to individual skin goals, according to a release.

Among its newest offerings is the SkinSpirit Laser Facial, a 30-minute, no-downtime laser treatment designed to brighten, smooth, and refresh the skin while stimulating collagen production over time. The treatment is positioned as an option before a special event or for those looking to try laser treatments without much downtime, they say.

The clinic also offers SkinSpirit's regenerative catalyst serums, including a new PDRN treatment that can be added to microneedling. According to the release, the treatment is designed to enhance skin renewal, support collagen production, and accelerate recovery.

The NorthPark opening continues a nationwide partnership between SkinSpirit and Nordstrom that brings medical aesthetics into the department store's beauty offerings.

"Our customers trust us to deliver the best in beauty products and services, and our partnership with SkinSpirit continues to raise that bar," says Rachel Eichen, Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager of Beauty at Nordstrom, in the release. "As medical aesthetic services become an increasingly integral part of our customers' beauty routines, SkinSpirit's expert team and exceptional range of services allow us to bring them even more seamless access to premium care. We're excited for the Nordstrom customer to discover SkinSpirit when they visit us in Dallas."

Lynn Heublein, CEO and co-founder of SkinSpirit, adds that Dallas was a natural fit for the company's expansion.

"Our partnership with Nordstrom continues to demonstrate what's possible when two brands share a commitment to exceptional client experiences," she says. "Dallas is one of the country's most vibrant beauty markets, and we are excited to expand our presence alongside a partner that shares our passion for innovation, education, and personalized care. Together, we are making it easier than ever for clients to access industry-leading aesthetic treatments from providers they can trust."

SkinSpirit was founded in 2002 and now has more than 60 locations across California, New York, Arizona, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Oregon. The company describes itself as a provider of medical aesthetic skin, face, and body treatments.

To celebrate the NorthPark opening, SkinSpirit will host a grand-opening event on September 17. Guests can get personalized consultations and watch live treatment demonstrations. Those who book their first SkinSpirit service during the event will receive 20 percent off.

The NorthPark clinic is open now at 8687 North Central Expressway, Ste. 2000, with appointments available through the website. It is open 10 am-6 pm Monday-Sunday.

facials med spa northpark center beauty services nordstrom beauty spas