Beauty on Essex

SKIN LOVE TODAY

SKINCARE OFTEN FEELS synonymous with quick fixes and digital-age perfectionism. Jeane Tumbaga, founder of Skin Love Today, redefines the standard. Her skincare studio is a sanctuary where science, empathy and holistic renewal blend, inspired by her winding career from interior design to nursing and regenerative aesthetics. “I wanted to create a quiet, intentional space to reconnect with yourself, where individuals could reset and feel genuinely cared for,” she says.

NURTURING VITALITY

“Holistic wisdom and science are not opposites—they’re partners,” Tumbaga explains. Treatments consider everything from gut health to emotional resilience.

“Beauty treatments are a piece of the puzzle, but without addressing lifestyle, stress and internal rhythms, results will always be short-lived.” Clients often arrive chasing radiant skin but leave with a deeper understanding of their well-being. “Aging is a privilege— one we too often forget to celebrate,” she says.

Rather than considering wrinkles as flaws, Tumbaga reframes them as markers of wisdom, resilience and self-understanding. “What we saw as a ‘flaw’ last year might be something we now accept or even miss. Skincare isn’t about reversing time; it’s about honoring our skin’s journey—health is wealth. When we nurture that, self-criticism softens and confidence returns.

PREVENTION AS POWER

As modern society consumes corrective serums and invasive procedures, Tumbaga champions prevention, with sun protection as her requisite.

“The sun is the skin’s most aggressive enemy,” she says. “It doesn’t discriminate, and it shows up even behind clouds or through windows. Hats, dedicated SPF, sunglasses— these are non-negotiables,” she insists. “Regardless of how much you spend on treatments, they won’t be effective without daily sun protection.”

Education is central to Skin Love Today. First-time clients receive what Tumbaga calls a “mini-masterclass,” blending tactile assessments with conversations about stress, sleep and nutrition. “I examine the skin not just visually, but through touch—feeling warmth, texture and elasticity,” she explains. She is also a proponent of “tweakments” for subtle enhancements; however, the foundation—skin health, mental wellness and lifestyle—should be well-established initially.

BARE ESSENTIALS

To keep it simple but effective, especially for two of the biggest concerns— pigmentation (“which happens to be my personal biggest ick”) and aging gracefully—Tumbaga’s product philosophy mirrors her minimalist approach. For hyperpigmentation, she swears by vitamin C and glycolic acid; for aging, peptides and retinol (“clinically proven to stimulate collagen”). “On the wellness side, I have my go-to essentials: ashwagandha for stress support, magnesium glycinate to help with deeper sleep and probiotics to keep the gut in check,” she says. “I also use turmeric for its powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, and glutathione, which has been a quiet game-changer for cellular energy and aging from the inside out.”

“Every year, the idea of ‘aging gracefully’ evolves, but let’s be honest— we’re not trying to stay 20 forever. Growing up, I thought the Golden Girls were ancient in their 50s, but now I realize aging is more mindset than numbers. I started using regenerative devices like microneedling and lasers in my 30s, with the understanding that it’s not about freezing time—just evolving.”

TOP TREATMENTS 

Hello, Goodnight Facial

Best enjoyed at night, a wind-down ritual designed to relax your nervous system and support your skin’s overnight repair for ultimate restoration.

Restorative Crown Ritual

A true mind-body reset to activate the parasympathetic nervous system—your rest-and-digest mode—melting away stress and tension.

TRIED AND TESTED

OLEHENRIKSEN Truth Serum Hydrating Vitamin C Serum: Brightens and boosts elasticity

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen: Weightless and breathable with a natural finish

COLOR THEORY HAIR SALON

BETTY MEDINA APPROACHES hair design with the precision of a scientist and the soul of an artist. For over two decades, the Color Theory hair studio founder has redefined what it means to master color, treating each client as a fresh canvas.

“Hair is never one-size-fits-all,” she says. It’s a conversation between biology, personality and lifestyle. We use the science of color theory, the art of placement and a deep understanding of what each client wants,” Medina adds. “That’s why we say custom color is our specialty— every formula is designed for the person in the chair.”

THE COLOR THEORY

At Color Theory, Medina creates custom color formulas by considering skin undertones, eye hues and hair texture, then cross-referencing them with lifestyle details. “One of my favorite transformations was a client who came in with grown-out roots and a warm blonde base. We transformed her into a stunning, bright platinum blonde—completely refreshing her look and giving her an icy, high-impact finish she had been dreaming of,” Medina shares. “I’m also loving the rise of ‘expensive brunettes’—rich, glossy, multi-dimensional shades that feel timeless,” she explains. Medina also praises the ‘buttery blonde’ soft focus finish and hair cutting techniques that enhance natural texture and movement for an effortless look.

A BOUTIQUE APPROACH

Custom glossing treatments are a client favorite at Color Theory. “It’s not just a shine boost—each gloss is a unique formula that enhances tone, vibrancy and health, leaving hair looking polished and refreshed between color appointments,” she notes. As clients happily drift out of the studio with hair that mirrors their best self, Medina resets her station and the next unique canvas awaits. In the meantime, she shares that shampoo can be overrated. “Shampoo less, hydrate more! Overwashing can strip natural oils, so it’s all about finding the right balance to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.” But that’s a story for another day.

TOP TREATMENTS 

Sun Kissed Highlights

Subtle dimension and brightness that frames your face for a year-round summer glow

Express Root Glow

A quick glow-up designed for busy schedules, delivering seamless coverage and a fresh, radiant finish

TRIED AND TESTED 

Moroccanoil Treatment:

Smooths, hydrates and adds a healthy shine

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector:

Restores strength and resilience, ideal for chemically treated hair

BY EVE GOLDEN