IN CONVERSATION WITH Carrie Lindsey, Facialist, and Marina Cortbawi, Founder of Merlette

Carrie Lindsey, Founder and Head Esthetician of NY Based Carrie Lindsey Studios, and Cristina Salazar, Brand & Operations Manager, recently visited Montecito to deliver personal facials for select women in the community, creating an intimate space to discuss skin, aging, and the unique approach behind their treatments. Just as Merlette embraces natural fibers and thoughtful design, their philosophy aligns with a skincare approach that is gentle yet effective—working with the body rather than against it. The conversation naturally flowed into why their methods resonate so well with the Merlette woman—someone who values a holistic and intentional approach to beauty.

MC: Carrie, the first time I had a treatment with you, I wasn’t expecting it to be so transformative. But as soon as I got in the car afterwards, I thought, “Wow, something just happened.” Have you found that many people have this kind of reaction?

CL: Absolutely. I hear that a lot. There’s a release that happens—not just physically but emotionally. When we work on releasing facial tension, we’re also letting go of stored stress. People often don’t realize how much they hold in their faces.

MC: I had an emotional release. I do acupuncture and other modalities, but I definitely felt that shift. It’s interesting how we hold certain facial patterns, and once they’re released, you feel so much lighter.

CL: Exactly. There’s also this pressure around skincare—buying all these creams, and stressing over routines. Ironically, that stress itself can age you! Sometimes the best approach is just to let go.

MC: I love that philosophy. It reminds me of how European women tend to embrace ageing with more acceptance. I don’t think one way is necessarily better, but I do lean toward a natural approach as much as possible. That said, I also think everyone should do what makes them feel good in their skin.

CL: Totally. It’s about feeling confident, whether that’s through facials, skincare, or other treatments. There’s no judgment—just what works for you.

CL: I’ve experimented with different treatments. When I lived in LA, I did a lot of gentle laser treatments to strengthen capillary walls and even out pigmentation. I also took much better care of my skin because of the sun exposure there. In New York, it’s the opposite—I feel like I’m always chasing vitamin D.

MC: That makes sense. Sun exposure in moderation is important for vitamin production. But in terms of skin treatments, what have you found works best for you?

CL: I recently did a stronger laser treatment to refine tone and texture. I like lasers because they stimulate your own collagen and elastin production. I see them as a safer approach compared to Botox or fillers. Right now, I’m trying to microcurrent my eyelids back up! Microcurrent is great for lifting. I have clients who see amazing results. But I get it—when you start noticing changes in your face, you start wondering what you can do to support your skin.

MC: Exactly. And now that I’m approaching my late 40s, I’m becoming more aware of those shifts. But I like treatments that work with my body’s natural processes. Lasers, for example, engage fibroblasts to stimulate collagen, which feels more in alignment with a natural approach.

CL: That’s the key—understanding how the skin functions and how we can support it. The skin is our largest organ, and when we work with it instead of against it, the results are much more lasting and beneficial.

MC: That’s such a good way to think about it. I always come back to water—I’ve spent so much time in the ocean, and I feel like that’s had such an impact on my skin, too.

CL: The ocean is incredible for the skin—salt water, minerals, the circulation boost from swimming. There’s something to be said for simple, elemental skincare, too.

MC: Speaking of skincare, I really appreciate the skincare you use and recommend. I’ve noticed how effective it is, and so many of the brands you carry are very natural.

CL: Yes! We take pride in curating brands that align with our philosophy. The community here really cares about what they put on and in their bodies, so it’s important to offer products that reflect that. That’s why we carry brands like Monastery, Activist, and Kahina Giving Beauty —each of them shares our commitment to high-quality, natural skincare.

MC: That resonates with me. I feel like Merlette attracts like-minded people—there’s an appreciation for natural materials and even the energy of the fabrics we use.

CL: Absolutely. There’s something powerful about working with nature rather than against it. One of my favorite brands, Activist, is based on Manuka honey from New Zealand. Honey is an amazing natural antibacterial and humectant, meaning it helps bind moisture to the skin.

MC: I love that. Honey and propolis are two of my favorite natural ingredients in skincare.

CL: Yes! They’re so effective, especially for treating breakouts without drying out the skin. Propolis, in particular, creates a natural antibacterial barrier. Another brand I love is Monastery, created by an esthetician in San Francisco. It’s beautifully balanced—not overly botanical, so it won’t irritate the skin. Their hyaluronic acid and glycolic blends are some of my go-to products.

MC: If you had to pick just one natural ingredient to rely on, what would it be?

CL: Honey, for sure. I’d forage for a beehive because it has everything—propolis, royal jelly, and honey, all packed with skin-loving properties. But mushrooms would be my second choice because of their adaptogenic benefits.

MC: That’s amazing. Have you ever worked with bees?

CL: A little! I once collaborated with a friend in Germany to create a propolis-based product, but logistically it was tricky. Still, my love for bees and their byproducts remains strong.

MC: I love that. There’s so much wisdom in nature—we just have to know where to look!