Dexter Phillip has done a lot of interesting things in his life from working with models, celebrities and high end fashionistas as a celebrated stylist and makeup artist, as a writer, as an entrepreneur with his own makeup line and studio, and now, he’s added ” Esthetician” to his list of skills. This intelligent and personable man exudes charm, but behind his engaging smile and elegant image there’s a quest for excellence and success.
I first met Dex in January 2008 at what was then the brand new Dex New York Studio at 224 West 30th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues to witness the start of a photo shoot for what was then a fledgling online magazine called UNVOGUE. There were plenty of other people at this event, but the moment I met Dex I knew he had that “special something.” I had a chance to check out his line of mineral based makeup (paraben,-free, hypoallergenic, and not tested on animals, plus it’s full of anti-aging benefits). At that point, I didn’t know that our paths would continue to cross, but every time they do, I’m delighted to learn that Dex has done something new.
Now Dex’s studio has moved to 745 Fifth Ave, 5th Fl, New York, NY and while he has logged more than two decades working with models, celebrities, and high end clients in the world of fashion and beauty, his private DEX New York makeup studio and DEX New York Cosmetics makes everyone feel like they deserve to be on the red carpet, with a variety of beauty and makeup application services. But over the years, Dex realized that skin is a canvas, and good skincare and therefore, good skin, is just as important to an overall image as what you put on it. So Dex, being the go-getter that he is, went back to school to learn how he could provide value added to his client. Not everyone would take the time to actually train as a licensed Esthetician, but that’s just what Dex did. And then he teamed up with plastic surgeon David Shafer, MD FACS at Shafer Plastic Surgery at 10 East 53rd Street, 25th floor in Manhattan, to create the new Dex MedSpa, offering a customized menu of treatments for Dex’s existing clients, and to offer additional services for Dr. Shafer’s clients seeking pre-, post-surgery and on-going, skincare.
A few months ago I visited Dex at the Dex Medi Spa at Shafer Plastic Surgery. This is a professional physician’s office environment. I was warmly greeted by the staff at the front desk, and as you can see from my photo of the outside of Dr. Shafer’s offices, looking in, the office is comfortable but it’s not a glamorous salon environment as you’d expect from Dex’s Makeup studio. That’s just as it should be since this is a place for professional skin treatments. But once I walked down the hall into the area where Dex does his work, the environment was still professional, but welcoming. Dex was as usual, impeccably dressed, and wearing a white coat warming up the room with his smile. This man has the kind of self-assured ease that puts you at ease, too. You can feel his passion in everything he does, and when it comes to this new MediSpa, the quality and dedication is obvious.
The first thing he did was tell me more about why he was motivated to create this new venture, but in essence, he realized that while color cosmetics can help people look better, improving their skin is really the first step to longer lasting well being and image. He has become passionate about treating his client’s skin beyond just makeup application. Dex states “regular facial treatments are a must, and lead to long-term skin health and radiance.” For optimal results, he recommends having a customized treatment once-a-month.
For starters, every DEX MedSpa treatment starts with an in-depth skin analysis using a high tech VECTRA XT 3D scan by Canfield. This machine is non-invasive and painless. Like many of these facial skin imaging assessment devices, you simply put your face (makeup removed) on a chin rest, and the camera scans your skin for various factors such as fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, sun damage, etc.. For Reveal, it’s vascular conditions and underlying sun damage. After the scan in completed, which takes just a minute or so, clients get an actual color print out of their actual skin at that moment in time. The brown spots and lines can really be unsettling to someone who has never seen a facial scan before, and who doesn’t have the tools to interpret the scan. But Dex goes over the scan with his clients, and then will make recommendations for specific treatments and products. Over time, the scan can be repeated. The great thing is that as a client’s skin improves thanks to Dex’s treatment and the products used, a client can actually see his or her skin improve in the scans — undeniable proof that their skin is actually getting better. A picture really is worth a thousand words, priceless, actually.
As far as the treatments, the menu of services are meant to provide visible results, but most people will need more than one treatment to get optimal results. The goal of most of these treatments is to brighten the skin and provide clearer, more glowing, more youthful looking skin. Some of the popular, key treatments are: Advanced Deep Pore Cleansing Treatment (60 minutes – deep pore cleansing, aroma therapeutic steam, enzyme exfoliation, gentle extraction, invigorating massage, and a treatment mask customized to your skin’s needs); a Rejuvenating Age-Diffusing Treatment Facial (90 minutes – all the steps of an advanced deep pore cleansing treatment but with bio-scientific ingredients targeted to the signs of aging or mature skin); or perhaps a ReVita C Antioxidant Treatment (90 minutes – an antioxidant treatment incorporating galvanic current with skin bleaching enzymes including lemon extract and fresh oranges to brighten skin, reduce freckles/age spots and even skin tone). There are also some Peels and Microdermabrasion treatments, plus a clarifying acne treatment and while you’re at it, a 24K Gold Collagen Firming Eye Treatment as an add-on to handle puffiness and under-eye issues, or an eyelash dip that lets you ditch the mascara for up to four weeks. If you want, you can also get an makeup application with Dex at the MediSpa as well, for $175,00. Customized Skincare Treatments starting at $250. This is not inexpensive, but certainly in line with what other estheticians would charge for exclusive, private services in the New York area.
According to Dex, one of the most popular treatments is the HydraFacial MD resurfacing procedure, which thoroughly cares for your skin and goes beyond traditional microderm and chemical peels by providing cleansing, exfoliation, extractions and hydration, including a ‘Vortex-Fusion’ of antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid,”
While I didn’t get the entire soup-to-nuts treatment, I did experience a broad sample of what a client would experience during a visit to the Dex MediSp all in a concnetrated half hour.
I also got a chance to meet a representative from SkinMedica, as I mentioned it’s a brand I personally use and that obviously, Dex recommends to his clients. I left with some of Dex’s recommendations for my skin including two products my own dermatologist recommends for me: the Skin Medical Tri-Retinol Complex ($75.00 1 fl. oz.) an excellent, fragrance-free moisturizer with retinol; and SkinMedica TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($88.00 2 fl. oz.) with 7.5% Octinoxate and 5.3% Zinc Oxide. Dex also suggested SkinMedica’s Lytera Skin Brightening Complex ($125.00 2 fl. oz.) a, non-prescription, non-Hydroquinone skin brightening product that minimizes the appearance of skin discoloration and dark spots. *TIP: if you use products with retinol or a product like Lytera you must use a sun sprotection spf 20 or higher.
Call 212-888-7770 for an appointment or for more information visit http://www.shaferplasticsurgery.com/ and check out the MedSpa section of the web site where all the treatments are detailed. You can purchase Dex New York Cosmetics online: http://www.dexnewyork.com/ and learn about Dex’s studio services, book special services such as bridal, also check out his archive of beauty videos.
