Photo: Jess Bowers: The NYC-Based Aesthetician Redefining The Beauty Industry With Her Motto “Less Is More”. Photo by Rhea Karam
The Power Of Simplicity In Skincare
Jess Bowers shares her skincare philosophy, expertise in non-invasive treatments, and insights into global beauty cultures, offering simple yet effective solutions for achieving healthy, sculpted skin and ultimate wellbeing.
Jess Bowers needs little introduction to those familiar with the modern skincare world. A name synonymous with refined simplicity, Jess has redefined what it means to care for the skin with her legendary “less is more” philosophy. From her humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after aesthetician in both New York City and Paris, Jess epitomises expertise, precision, and a deeply intuitive understanding of skin health. Her gentle yet transformative techniques, combined with her passion for holistic wellbeing, have garnered her an international reputation amongst those fortunate enough to experience her artistry.
Having honed her skills at the prestigious Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics in New York, Jess seamlessly blends science with the art of touch. Her remarkable ability to tailor her treatments to clients’ individual needs speaks not only to her technical mastery but also to her dedication to achieving glowing, healthy skin without invasive measures. From gua sha to reiki, dermaplaning to customised sculpting, Jess approaches every face with a thoughtful and creative flourish that makes her work a true craft.
Whether she’s demystifying common skincare misconceptions, simplifying routines for the jet set, or preparing to expand her practice to London, Jess Bowers continues to challenge conventional beauty standards while championing wellness and balance from the inside out. It is our privilege to highlight the brilliance of Jess in this issue of Beauty Prime Magazine. Her passion and vision inspire us to embrace simplicity, cultivate self-care, and redefine beauty as something much deeper than skin-deep.
You describe your philosophy as “less is more” when it comes to skincare. What inspired that approach and how has it shaped the treatments you offer?
Less is More, my motto and approach to skincare. It’s how I’ve always approached skincare and have felt my best. Working with hundreds of clients I noticed the commonality of the more they put on the skin the more their skin barrier was disrupted causing irritations, redness and congestion backing up my theory of “Less is More”.
Your bio mentions you were trained at the Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics in New York City—how did that education inform your non-invasive and hands-on method?
Yes, I received my training and education at Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics in New York City. My studies there focused heavily on the science of the skin, providing me with a strong foundation in skincare and esthetics. Building upon that education, I developed my own unique, non-invasive approach to treatment. This method is inspired by my personal experiences with various modalities of touch from around the world. I combined the most effective and soothing elements from each of these practices with my scientific understanding of the skin to create a deeply relaxing and highly effective non-invasive treatment experience.
You work in both NYC and Paris. How do the beauty cultures and client expectations differ between those cities, and how do you adapt your practice accordingly?
The main difference in the two cultures is in Europe they don’t ask questions or for product recommendations. They receive treatment and go about their day. Whereas in the USA clients want to know how to better their skin quality and want product recommendations. More conversations in the USA vs Europe is the main difference
You’ve trained in gua sha technique, are a member of the Reiki Association, and are certified in dermaplaning and chemical peels—what role do these diverse modalities play in your philosophy of healthy, sculpted skin?
Yes I am trained in many modalities as all skin is different. If someone comes to me with a disrupted skin barrier or acne I need to address the skin first and foremost sometimes that needs a different approach. I think it’s best to be trained and prepared for every client’s needs.
What is one common skincare myth you encounter with clients, and how do you demystify it in your treatments or consultations?
That you need to wash your face multiple times throughout the day. I always tell clients if you wash your face in the evening before bed unless you are sleeping in dirt you should wake up with your skin at an almost perfect PH and there is no need to wash your face. However there are always expectations but for the most part spf is all you need in the morning.
For someone with a very busy lifestyle (traveling, city living, etc.), what are your top three skincare “musts” to maintain glow and resilience?
Sleep, Face Ice Baths in the morning and SPF. Simple and effective, it doesn’t need to be complicated.
How do you decide which treatment is right for a client—what factors do you assess and what does the decision-making process look like?
I determine my approach by carefully observing and feeling the skin by its texture, tone, and areas of tension. It only takes a few moments to understand what each client’s skin truly needs. Most people hold a surprising amount of tension in their face, so a sculpting and de-puffing treatment is often exactly what brings balance and vitality back to their complexion.
As someone redefining the beauty industry to help people “feel their best”, how do you measure or observe the “feel-good” outcome beyond just visible results?
The “feel-good” result comes from guiding clients into a light, restorative trance through movement of massage on the face. When I sense that they’ve drifted into that peaceful state, somewhere between being awake and asleep I know they’ll leave feeling their absolute best. I often say there are very few moments in life when we lie completely still on our backs, not quite asleep but fully at ease, and that stillness creates something profound. Think of it as the most transformative 60-minute meditation you can experience.
What emerging trend or technology in skincare excites you right now, and how do you integrate or evaluate new innovations for your clients?
Again I stick with my motto of less is more and at the moment I see a movement of clients moving away from the 12 step skincare routine. I see more digestibles in the skincare industry that excite me. Clients honing in on their internal health for an external glow.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for your practice—any new services, collaborations, or ways you want to evolve your work in the next few years?
I would love to expand to London, I’ve always been drawn to the city’s unique energy and timeless elegance. I already have a wonderful client base there and it feels like the natural next step. I’m also developing a special product that I haven’t shared publicly yet (ssshhh) something unique that isn’t highlighted currently on the market. It’s designed for everyone, regardless of gender or age, and I can’t wait to bring it to life.
