For most of the Northern Hemisphere, this past winter was especially brutal—with frigid gusts and flurries lasting well into April. With summer almost upon us, it’s time to shed those bulky winter clothes and embrace the sun. Luckily, DEPARTURES has enlisted the experts at cult beauty retailer Space NK for a few warm weather skin and makeup summer refresh tips to help us get our glow back.
Founded by Nicky Kinnaird in Covent Garden in 1993, the British brand landed stateside in 2007, captivating beauty fans from New York to LA with its range of high-end tools, candles, and luxury cult brands, including Eve Lom, Diptyque, by Terry, and Lipstick Queen (among others). Quietly becoming a force on the wellness scene, all 28 Space NK stores also offer complimentary express facial treatments and makeovers.
Now, Space NK Pro Artist Simone Belcher tells us how to we can get our skin and beauty routines out of its winter rut.
Many of us are still bringing our skin out of winter hibernation. What can you say to those of us who’ve had a rough winter?
For winter damaged skin I always recommend a face mask targeted to the individual’s unique concerns. The Colbert MD illumino Anti-Aging Brightening Mask works amazingly well. Not only does this sheet mask hydrate the skin, but it promotes skin regeneration and revitalization. In conjunction with the mask, I recommend Derm Institute Youth Alchemy Concentrate. This super-charged serum tackles all of the major skin issues.
What kind of tools should we use with these products?
I highly recommend the Foreo Luna 2 since it uses pulse touch technology to deep clean the pores allowing skincare treatment products to then penetrate deeper. I also love this product because it is antibacterial and never builds up dirt and makeup. The Kat Burki Micro-Firming Wand is amazing for penetrating products such as eye serums and creams into deeper layers of the skin. It is also fabulous to use on the labial folds and around the lip area.
Can you offer any makeup suggestions to freshen up for warmer spring weather?
My absolute go-to's for touching up a spring look are the Light-Expert Click Brush foundations from By Terry along with their Cellularose Blush Glace. The foundation with an attached brush is quick and easy to use–simply blend out and down from the center of the face. The blushes melt into the cheek and provide a fresh wash of color and definition. I am also really obsessed with Lipstick Queen's transformative Mornin’ Sunshine lipstick for the perfect coral shade.
By now we all know that a flawless spring/summer look requires a good primer. Can you recommend your favorite?
My ideal primer for spring would have to the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Primer. I love the lightweight gel texture that anyone can wear. It also has anti-inflammatory skincare benefits and helps makeup go on flawlessly. Their Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting in Candlelight is my go-to for its subtle, sophisticated lustrous finish. I also love how it can be manipulated and worked into a foundation as an all over glow, or worn for extra pop on the eyes, cheeks or lips.
Can you recommend any products that are good to try year-round?
My number one product to try year-round is the Eve Lom Cleanser. This multi-tasker product is a makeup remover, cleanser, hydrator, toner and when used with the muslin cloth, a gentle exfoliator all in one. It’s also consistently Space NK’s number one selling cleanser for years. Another product I would always recommend is Goldfaden MD Doctor's Scrub. As a makeup artist, I am a huge believer in exfoliating the skin on a regular basis. I love this product because it has perfectly round ruby crystals that will gently yet effectively clear away dead skin cells while improving the skin's texture and clarity.
Are there any new Space NK products you’re especially excited about?
I am excited to see natural makeup line Ilia expand their complexion product range. I love the Tinted Moisturizers since they provide SPF 20 and make the skin appear lit-from-within. I am also very excited about the By Terry UV Base Sunscreen Cream which is launched exclusively at Space NK this May. Not only does it have the brand’s signature rose scent, but it is also an invisible, perfecting primer with a high-level broad spectrum SPF 50 that can be used effortlessly under makeup.
