The Birth of a Beauty Pioneer
Born in Odessa in 1886, Nadia Payot was one of the first women to earn a medical degree at the turn of the 20th century.
Her extensive travels, including a pivotal stay in New York where she discovered the first beauty salons and studied cosmetology, sparked a revolutionary idea: merging skincare science with the art of beauty.
PAYOT: A Skincare Brand Rooted in Empowerment
Independent and visionary, Nadia saw beauty as a powerful means for women to express their freedom and confidence.
In 1920, she settled in Paris and founded her own skincare brand: PAYOT. Driven by a desire to empower women through effective beauty treatments, she opened her first Parisian beauty salon in 1925 on Rue Richepance (now Rue du Chevalier-de-Saint-George), which quickly became a resounding success.
The 42-Movement Facial Massage: A Beauty Innovation
An encounter with the renowned ballerina Anna Pavlova deeply influenced Nadia. She noticed the striking contrast between the youthful vitality of the dancer’s body and the signs of fatigue on her face. This inspired Nadia to recognise the critical role of facial muscle movement in preserving youthfulness and natural beauty.
She went on to create the iconic 42-Movement Facial Massage, making her one of the very first professional facialists. This expert technique became a cornerstone of the PAYOT philosophy, blending holistic skincare rituals with cutting-edge innovation.
Nadia Payot’s Enduring Legacy
Today, Nadia Payot remains an iconic figure in the world of professional skincare. Her pioneering spirit and commitment to enhancing skin health continue to inspire women worldwide. At PAYOT, we believe that beauty is intimately linked to self-confidence—a confidence that can be revealed, nurtured, and strengthened with the right skincare rituals.
Discover the PAYOT legacy: where beauty, skincare science, and empowerment meet.
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