Shelley Waklee at the Four Seasons Santa Barbara Spa is passionate about what she does, and she has close to 20 years of experience to show for it. Read on to learn more about what a top aesthetician has to say about how best to treat your skin.

What was the path that led you into the spa industry?

One of my friends was an esthetician and every time I went to visit her I received a facial for her. She was the one who actually recommended that I become an esthetician as well. This was 20 years ago.

How long have you worked at the 4 Seasons?

15 years.

What’s the best part about working in the spa industry?

Working in the spa industry is like having a front row seat to the best in show in skincare. You get first hand knowledge of new products, discover new ingredients in skincare and share the knowledge with your guests.

What makes a great aesthetician?

Ability to listen to the guest and customize a treatment to their specific needs at that very moment is the secret I think. Not providing the latest technology or the most expensive product.

What is your personal philosophy?

I like to see results and helping guests with their appearance.

What is your favorite treatment to perform? To receive?

I love the Hydropeptide Ani-Aging Facial with apple peel as it exfoliates, softens fine lines and wrinkles and leaves skin with a nice healthy glow.

What are two things about you that most people don’t know?

I used to be an event planner before becoming an esthetician and I lived in Alaska twice before turning 18 years old.

What trends do you see taking off in the near future?

I think we cannot escape the CBD popularity and will see CBD in skincare.

What is your favorite HydroPeptide product to recommend?

I love the Nimni Cream!

How do you approach recommending home care to a client?

After evaluating guest skin concerns, I like to recommend three products as a starter if it is a first time guest with me. If those products work and the guest comes back, then we can start building a more elaborate regimen.  

What areas of skincare do you think are the most neglected?

I think that lips require more attention. Lip is an area neglected by the people because they do not think lips as part of skincare.

If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would it be?

I think that I would like to be a travel agent as I like to travel and discover new locations.

What is your skincare pet peeve?

SPF – everyone, please use SPF daily. I cannot believe how many people ignore this advice.