Meet the Client - Evie Oetgen of Valle Ateliers on Skincare

10 Questions with holistic lifestyle enthusiast Evie Oetgen on her thoughtfully curated, high-vibe skincare routine.

1. Where are you from originally?

I was born in Chicago and raised in Northern California. 

2. Where do you call home?

Despite the wicked amount of travel I’ve been up to, Los Angeles is my home. Or anywhere my family, boyfriend or dogs may be. My parents split time between Napa and Tennessee, and I feel very at home near green trees, mountains and vineyards.

3. How did your passion for skincare unfold?

When I was growing up, I dealt with a lot of skin irritation and inflammation. My acne caused me to feel extremely self conscious. I was hesitant to interact with people and often did not want to leave home. At the time it felt like my confidence was crushed, but it’s clear now that my experience was pivotal to my healing and growth. I was intent on finding out how to help myself and became fascinated with the human body, skin, organs and how I could achieve and maintain wellness. I was studying art history in school, and simultaneously became a student of health. I studied nutrition, Chinese medicine, astrology and a lot within that realm. I tried every medication under the sun and knew it didn’t feel aligned, and felt like I could change a lot with food and quality products. I wanted to be informed, intuitive and intentional. I became passionate about skincare when I realized how all of these studies intertwined. There is so much to learn, and to know I was healing myself amidst endless information about skin health was exciting to me. Curiosity is a huge pillar of my passion and has always led me down a brilliant path.

4. How do you curate the products you use?

I love curating and editing in all aspects of life, and that definitely translates to my skincare lineup. I care most that my skincare is effective and nourishing. I usually don’t read reviews but will try a product if it peaks my interest. I look for high quality and potent ingredients like vitamin c, lactic acid, retinol, and mild oils or ceramides. I usually respond very well to those. I tap into the vibration of a product too. It may sound silly, but I think we all know if a product will work for us before we apply it to our skin. A few years ago I purchased a cream and the product shattered before I had the chance to use it. I tried to salvage it and apply it to my skin, and within an hour I had broken out in hives. It was a reminder to only use what feels right for me.

5. What practices have you found most beneficial for your routine?

When I feel calm and have sustained energy, my skin is usually at its best. I like to keep my whole body in mind while treating my skin. When the immune system and blood is strong, the body follows suit and keeps out harm. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and I believe that when your whole system is strong, your skin will easily protect against pollutants and keep the skin barrier resilient. I really believe in practices like acupuncture and reflexology and lean on them frequently to support homeostasis. I also love walking, hiking, sleeping and body massage to move stagnation in the body. Facial massage too. It’s an easy way to release tension and get blood flowing.

6. How has your regimen raised your vibration?

I think any sort of regimen is grounding by nature. I realized early on that creating space and time for myself is important to me. I have always looked up to people who tend to themselves as it shows personal grace and confidence. I am not rigid with skincare but I am mindful, and having a regimen allows me to feel connected to myself. On a more playful side, I love to look at beautiful products and curate a spa-like atmosphere in my own home. 

7. Who has inspired your journey?

I am inspired every day by those I follow and who have something to share. I would say that admiration translates into me caring for myself and learning from those who practice healing modalities all the time. My skin was really out of sorts when I was living in London, and I met Nataliya Robinson, an esthetician who truly saved my skin. Not only is she incredibly intelligent when it comes to skin health, but she taught me how to source a deep sense of self confidence and wisdom. She treats skin issues holistically, so we looked at everything internally and externally. I learned a lot about how to use herbs to soothe skin and calm inflammation. She would rub nettles on my skin to stimulate cells and then apply homemade chamomile and dandelion teas and gauze. Everything about that time was magical, I think because I felt really connected to myself. Her support and her insight was inspiring.

8. What piece of advice can you give readers about taking care of their skin?

My advice would be to nurture your skin. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and overlook taking care of your skin, but it can be very simple. I have moments where I don’t apply all the products in my lineup, and on those days I will spray a hydrating mist or tap on my cheekbones and eyebrows. It brings some flow and color to your skin. I think it’s also worth trying to keep your digestion strong. I sip on teas and bone broths throughout the day. They are a great source of minerals, herbs and hydration, and soothe the gut as well.

9. What is your favorite book or resource?

Marie Veronique is an incredible resource. I love both of her books, Acne Answer and Yoga Facelift. She has a skincare line, and another created with Kristina Holey, who is equally informed about skin health. They work closely with a team of scientists and have a beautifully developed blog where they share advice and research. I admire how generous they are with information. 

10. What products and tools do you recommend?

The best part. In the morning, I pat cold water on my skin and follow up with Shrammek herbal care lotion. I usually layer a few serums, like IS Clinical hydra cool and IS Clinical pro heal. I use Laurel Skin recovery balm or La Roche Posay cicaplast balm. They are protective and soothing, and I love the texture. If I will be out all day, I mix Alastin sunscreen and Shrammek blemish balm for a little coverage. At night, I double cleanse my face with IS Clinical warming honey cleanser and IS Clinical cleansing complex. I follow up with serums like IS Clinical hydra cool and IS Clinical active. I use La Roche Posay cicaplast balm or Skinbetter science alpha-ret if I feel my skin needs more exfoliation. I do switch up products but always come back to these. I also keep Laurel Skin hydrosols in my car and my bag and spray throughout the day for a refresh. For something extra, I alternate Environ anti pollution masque, Biologique Recherche masque vip 02, and Laurel Skin honey berry mask.

x Evie