Profile

Since 1974, New Yorkers and Washingtonians have flocked to Institute de Beauté for Comtesse Suzanne de Paris's skin-care services as well as her two lines of products. A cosmetologist and makeup artist trained at Elizabeth Arden, the French-born de Paris promises that her concoctions and treatments (don’t call them facials) can effectively heal any epidermal condition—from acne and stretch marks to hyperpigmentation and folliculitis. Since only one person per day is treated, De Paris’s clientele is unquestionably exclusive. Black lacquer furniture, a multi-paneled glass wall, and numerous photos of the businesswoman with international dignitaries dominate her small space. — Lavinia Darcy