Ever wonder how supermodels like Irina Shayk and Miranda Kerr achieve their flawless skin and defined cheekbones? Your questions can be answered by celebrity aesthetician Ildi Pekar. This skincare expert leans into her Hungarian roots and knowledge of nature to bring her clients top-notch ingredients and world-renowned treatment. With this stellar reputation, I couldn’t wait to meet Ildi for my magnetic-cupping facial appointment! Maybe you’re familiar with the practice of cupping. Michael Phelps triggered the world’s curiosity on the subject during the 2016 Olympics, when he debuted a back filled with circular bruises (not to worry, Ildi’s practice does not include bruising!). Though several athletes and celebs have sported those body bruises since, I’d never heard of cupping on faces and had to see what the buzz was all about!
Ildi kindly greeted me upon entering her salon off Madison Avenue, and showed me to the treatment room, where rich scents immediately relaxed me and the white décor made it feel like we were floating in clouds above the busy Manhattan streets. She had a comfy white robe and bed topped with soft, cozy blankets awaiting me and encouraged jewelry to be taken off because this service is, well, “magnetic.”
Cupping is an ancient practice that stimulates blood flow, boosts the skin’s nutrients to its surface, and decreases puffiness and inflammation, Ildi explained. She begins the process by cleansing and massaging oils into the skin, some of which contain CBD oil, the up-and-coming skincare secret weapon. Side note: Ildi goes the extra mile to ensure her ingredients are the freshest, even visiting the farmers and learning about the growing practices that go into her products.
After the skin is prepped, Ildi begins the cupping section of the facial. Using her cupping tools, ranging in sizes for different areas of the face, she places each cup in position to squeeze the skin (similar to a light vacuum, but with no pain) and moves it in strategic motions to transport toxins towards the lymph nodes and away from the skin. I’m a skin junkie and pay close attention to the feelings of my face, and I’m telling you, there was an instantaneous difference following this procedure! It felt like a weight was lifted off my visage.
But it didn’t stop there. Following the cupping, Ildi placed a mask with electrodes that stimulates movement in rarely-used facial muscles (enter defined cheekbones). This process smooths and lifts the complexion to make your face shine!
Nearing the end of the 75-minute treatment, she then finishes by making sure the skin is prepped and ready to take on the outdoors with the perfect amount of her moisturizing product. And, I’ll admit, I was sad to leave the salon. Trust me, Ildi’s services and knowledge will make you want to repeat your session and purchase her incredible and affordable products.
The best part? I continued to notice positive results into the following weeks! My skin has never been more clear and bright, and I’ve felt less of a need for makeup—what more can you ask for? My best friend even asked me what my skincare secret was after looking through recent Facebook photos, to which I responded “Ildi Pekar!”
Get your brightness and red-carpet-ready glow on with this incredible woman! Have you booked your appointment yet?