It’s probably safe to say Ada Polla was born into beauty. The daughter of a cosmetic dermatologist and a biomedical researcher, Polla moved to Washington in 2004 to launch her family’s Swiss-based skin-care line in the United States. Nearly a decade later, her company, Alchimie Forever, is a skin-care powerhouse that’s carried in spas, specialty boutiques, and doctor’s offices worldwide and is renowned for its focus on the anti-aging power of antioxidants. Naturally, Polla is a skin-care guru—and a product expert. We checked in with her to get the scoop on her personal favorites.
1) Trish McEvoy High-Volume Mascara Jet Black
Ada says: “After years of searching for the perfect mascara, this is the one for me. It doesn’t clump, doesn’t smudge, and tubes off easily. I buy this twice a year at one of my favorite clients, Beauty & Main, in Hingham, Massachusetts.” $31 at Bluemercury.
2) CND Solar Oil
Ada says: “Applying this to my nails every evening
gives my hands a hydrated, freshly manicured look in the morning. That
and some clear polish (love the Deborah Lippmann one), and my hands look
good with minimal effort!” $3 at Blissworld.
3) Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask
Ada says: “This
is our hero product for a reason—like a tall glass of water for my
skin, it makes my complexion look hydrated, well rested, and glowing,
and evens out my pigmentation. I love it so much I mix a tiny bit of it
into my moisturizer every morning.” $60 at Alchimie Forever.
4) NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils
Ada
says: “I love how easy they are to apply and carry around in my purse,
the color saturation, and the fact that they stay put all day long yet
don’t dry out my lips. The three colors currently in my purse are Sex
Machine, Cruella, and Dragon Girl.” $25 at Nars.
5) Jicky by Guerlain
Ada says: “This has been my fragrance since I
started wearing fragrance when I was 15. I was introduced to it by my
godmother, Dominique, whom I consider my style icon.” $328 at Neiman
Marcus.
