Top European Beauty Tips for Radiant Skin, as Shared by an Austrian Aesthetician

      Even though I have been writing about beauty for several years now, what I cherish most about my work is the continuous opportunity to learn something new. You might think that by now I would have my skincare routine perfected, but in reality, that's far from the case. It's quite challenging to discover what suits my incredibly sensitive skin, and honestly, it remains a work in progress. However, during a recent visit to the Stanglwirt Resort in Austria, I gained invaluable insights from one of the resort's lead aestheticians, Michaela Stieber. Stieber is one of the creators behind the resort's own skincare line, The Good Conscious. Stanglwirt is a stunning mountain retreat that also functions as an organic farm—an ideal environment for a complete wellness reset. Stieber's skincare philosophy and product line closely align with the resort's principles. She emphasizes the use of organic skincare ingredients while minimizing those considered dubious by EU standards. "I quickly learned that it’s not about using as many products or active ingredients as possible, but about comprehending the skin as a system and providing focused support," she explained. "For me, clean beauty is not merely a trend—it is a matter of responsibility and understanding the skin. The skin is our largest organ, which is why it's so important to be mindful of the ingredients we apply daily. With TGC, I have created formulations that work harmoniously with the skin and promote long-term health." I also couldn’t help but notice how her skin practically radiates when you see her in person—another reason to trust her skincare advice. Naturally, I had to ask her for all her best skincare tips. As a master European aesthetician with years of experience, read on for the essential aspects she believes are crucial for achieving glowing skin.

      1. Prioritize the skin barrier

      "Healthy, radiant skin always begins with a strong and balanced skin barrier," Stieber notes. This isn't new information, but it's reassuring to know we're right to use products aimed at repairing any damage to the skin barrier. I understand this struggle all too well, as a compromised barrier can lead to increased redness, sensitivity, breakouts, and more. So, as Stieber said, don’t neglect barrier care! Below are a few of my top moisturizers that support the barrier.

      - Dime Beauty Dewy Day Cream

      - Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

      2. Emphasize multi-level hydration

      For your skin to be adequately hydrated, Stieber suggests using moisturizers and serums that deliver hydration to different layers of the skin—not just the surface. Her approach involves one key ingredient: "I specifically incorporate hyaluronic acid with varying molecular weights to deeply and sustainably hydrate the skin throughout its layers," she shares. However, if you, like me, find that hyaluronic acid makes your skin feel even drier, consider alternatives with ingredients such as tremella mushroom to truly lock in moisture. Here are some options, including the Three Ships Jelly Drops that feature tremella mushroom.

      - Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid

      - Three Ships Jelly Drops Serum

      3. Enhance microcirculation and stimulation

      To support your lymphatic system and overall skin health, Stieber recommends treatments that boost microcirculation. "Facial massages, oxygen treatments, or LED light therapies can stimulate blood flow and create a natural glow," she advises. Personally, I adore my Omnilux red light mask for this purpose and also enjoy using my ZIIP device—both of which were recommended by one of my favorite organic aestheticians, Katie Sobelman. ZIIP operates as both a microcurrent and nanocurrent device that aids in lymphatic drainage, and according to the brand’s founder Melanie Simon, these electric frequencies enhance circulation in the skin, imparting a glow.

      - Omnilux Contour Face Mask

      - ZIIP BEAUTY Ziip Halo 2.0

      4. Opt for intelligent formulas and ingredients

      Stieber’s main goal with The Good Conscious was to develop formulas that work synergistically with the skin. "It’s not just about which active ingredients are included but also how the formulation is structured overall. I focus on textures that are well-absorbed and formulas that avoid unnecessary fillers or traditional gelling agents. Lightweight textures and intentionally minimal, skin-friendly preservative systems provide much better long-term support for the skin," she explains. Although The Good Conscious may be somewhat challenging to find in the U.S. (that may change soon!), my current favorites are Skinfix and Dime Beauty. Both brands utilize thoughtfully crafted formulas with limited ingredients that are suitable for sensitive skin. Moreover, they are designed to work with the skin’s natural rhythms, promising long-term results. I'm particularly fond of Dime Beauty’s TBT Serum and Skinfix’s Triple Lipid Activating Serum for added skin support.

      - Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid Activating Serum With Plumping Peptides and Niacinamide