The Lineup is a monthly series where we’re giving you an inside peek at the beauty lineups of cool fashion people, editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, and aestheticians—all the people we trust the most. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at all the can’t-live-without products that make their worlds go 'round.
From the moment I met Catherine Chang, MD, founder of Privé Beverly Hills and NakedBeauty MD, I knew she was different from so many of the professionals in Los Angeles who specialize in plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures. Transparently, I went in for some chin filler and to experience the Privé Diamond Facial and was wowed by how much time Chang spent with me explaining my treatments, alternative options, and potential next steps I might want to take in the future to help me achieve my goals when it comes to appearance and aging. Not only is Chang known for her incredibly natural and undetectable results, but her background in art history also gives her an amazing eye and artistic vision when working with her patients.
"My love of beauty started when I was a teenager—I was always intrigued by the symmetry of faces and what makes a face appear 'attractive,'" Chang explains. "In college, I studied art history, which further enhanced my appreciation of beauty, but I decided to pursue plastic surgery when I was a medical student observing a jaw reconstruction surgery—the jaw bone had been removed due to cancer, and the plastic surgeon took the bone from the leg and carved it into the shape of a jaw and attached the vessels from the bone to the vessels in the face. It was an incredible surgery, and it's truly what inspired me to pursue a career in plastic surgery."
As Chang discussed with me when I had the opportunity to meet with her in person, her distinctive approach toward aesthetics is uncommon in the field of plastics. "I perform complex facial surgery as well as body surgery to achieve the most natural and undetectable results," she says. "This is due to a combination of thoughtful pre-surgical planning but also my innate sense of beauty and how to achieve that through my surgeries and my nonsurgical treatments. The best work is imperceptible, and unfortunately, only poorly done or obvious work is noticeable. … This has colored the way many people view plastic surgery."
Even though Chang is a believer in treatments like Botox ("Because it has minimal complications and greatly helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines!") and more intense procedures like face-lifts and eyelid surgery called blepharoplasty ("Because these can greatly rejuvenate the face much better than procedures like filler can!"), she's also vigilant about her at-home beauty routine featuring daily must-haves like sunblock and retinol. Below, she's sharing her favorites! Keep scrolling for 10 must-have beauty products Chang loves and recommends.
"I think it’s important to have a growth factor serum in your regimen. Growth factors help to promote collagenesis and improve the firmness of your skin, and this is my favorite growth factor formula out there. I apply this twice a day, and after four to six weeks of use, I noticed an improvement in the brilliance of my skin."
"This is my absolute favorite under-eye product and my go-to under-eye mask. I custom-formulated these masks to reduce puffiness, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and give a smooth and glowing finish to under-eye skin. These are loaded with antioxidants and a unique cooling agent that doesn’t require refrigeration and help soothe my tired eyes in the morning or after a long day. I love using these before getting ready for an event or boarding an airplane."
"This system has a daytime and a nighttime antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage. It's more preventative, therefore I don’t necessarily notice an improvement in my skin, but I know that my skin is protected from harsh elements—like pollution and sun damage—that are part of living in a city like L.A."
"For those that like vegan formulas, this is my go-to vegan growth factor serum. I use it at night, and with consistent use, I notice an improvement in the texture of my skin."
"A lightweight sunscreen with a sheer tint that casts a soft glow without looking overpowering. Sunscreen is one of the trickiest skincare options for people to find. This is my favorite because it doesn’t make my face feel greasy and gives a subtle glow without too much shimmer. I’ll use this during the daytime if I need a subtle tint but don’t want to apply foundation."
"These pads remove clogged pores, minimize surface oil, and contain glycolic and salicylic acid to chemically exfoliate the skin. They're loved by both men and women! My face feels clean immediately after using them, and they help me to reduce blackheads. Just make sure you are using sunscreen, as the formula contains chemical exfoliants."
"I have kept this cleanser in my bathroom for the past eight years. I find that it is non-irritating and doesn’t strip the skin of oils. My skin never feels overly dry after washing with this face wash, and it also has a light, refreshing fragrance."
"I have a hard time finding a mascara that doesn’t flake and removes easily. This does both, and I love how long it makes my lashes look without clumping or weighing them down."
"I have extremely dry and sensitive skin, and I recommend this to anyone with a similar skin type who wants a good body lotion. I don’t like body lotions that leave a tacky or sticky finish—this one doesn't—and I always apply this immediately after the shower."
"I always recommend applying a body sunscreen all over—especially on the chest—now that I live on the West Coast. I have had a hard time finding a body sunscreen that is clear and doesn’t leave a sticky residue or smell. This checks all the boxes. The brand also makes a jumbo size, which is perfect if you are applying this all over the body every day."
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