Smooth talker

Radha Weaver

With summer comes a slew of skin care dilemmas, whether you’re prepping for dog walks at Crissy Field or getting bikini-ready for a stolen warm-weather weekend in Napa. Who better to address them than Marilyn Jaeger, whose hugely successful skin care studio boasts 7,000 clients and a two-month waiting list. Besides hard work and quick hands, the secret to her success is her spa’s cozy, comfortable feel. “I want people to feel like they are in their best friend’s home,” says Jaeger. In September her studio will be reborn in new digs on Sacramento Street, and a soon-to-open location in Piedmont has the East Bay abuzz. Between caring for clients, developing her own postwax product (Spotless), and starting a charity called Abe’s House that supports single moms, the ebullient Jaeger divulged some of her secrets. Marilyn Jaeger Skincare Studio, 415 Spruce St., S.F., 415-751-0647, www.marilynjaegerskincare.com.

I know I should always wear sunscreen, but what if some rays do get through?
Look for a mask or gel high in antioxidants like green tea, vitamin C, and aloe. This will calm and soothe the skin. It’s healthy to be out and about in the sun, but never intentionally get a tan. You are distorting your cells, which predisposes you to cancer.

But how do you get die-hard tanners to stop?
I tell my clients that a tan is literally a big, ugly bruise that’s going to turn into a thousand wrinkles, and then I show them my speckly, sun-damaged arms.

What’s the secret to looking fresh faced for summer?
A perfectly groomed eyebrow. If your brows are out of shape or overplucked, nothing else looks right. I like to keep it natural, leaving the brow to its fullest potential with a subtle arch.

How often should I get my brows waxed?
My clients come in every three to four weeks. For maintenance between visits, I recommend using a powder, as opposed to gel, to tame and shape the brow and create a look that’s not painted on.

Is a bikini wax a requirement for summer?
I think a Brazilian is a must-do all year. There’s something about knowing you are well groomed in the “V” region that puts sass in your step and a smile on your face. Why save that for summer?

How do you make the experience not unbearable?
I tell clients not to work out or do yoga right before a wax. The blood flow in your body will make your skin more sensitive. Getting hairs ripped out of your hoo-hoo never feels good, but I am the fastest waxer around. I distract you with humor, and four minutes later, you’re done.

What led you to this line of work?
I got my first Brazilian 14 years ago in L.A. Afterwards, I was walking down the street and proclaimed, “This feels amazing! I am a clean and happy girl, and I will share this with the world!” I knew with my artistic flair and down-to-earth style, I would be the next brow and Brazilian guru.

Who does your Brazilians?
My apprentices. They have to practice on me first before I let them touch any clients.