I’m fortunate enough to be able to pick the brains of some of the world’s top beauty experts and a lady I admire greatly is Nicky Kinnard, founder of the ultimate in beauty boutiques, space nk. I don’t use the term lady lightly – Nicky was recently awarded an MBE for her services to the beauty industry.
Plus – I want her job – travelling the globe to personally select the best brands for her collection and meeting with the top innovators in the industry.
Kinnard’s efforts result in an electric mix of well-known and cult brands exclusive to space nk, making it a one-stop-shop for beauty aficionados. Skincare products, accessories (I simply could not manage without the Japanese Wash Cloth), and luxury beauty brands combine with candle and fragrance ranges.
Her latest discoveries include a do-it-yourself professional hair colour kit from renowned colourist Kelly Van Gogh (perfect for busy lifestyles and financial woes), fabulous brush kits from Sonia Kashuk (producer of some of the best tools in the business) and a teeth-whitening kit that gives professional results at home. So far so practical. But what I (and I suspect you) want to know is – which products does the woman with the run of her own beauty “sweet shop” rate most highly?
NICKY KINNARD’S HANDBAG ESSENTIALS
By Terry Touche Veloutée (€38) Click once for beautiful skin: click-pen concealer brush delivers the perfect mix of soft focus powders, skin illuminators and plumping hyaluronic acid microspheres that
diffuse the appearance of under-eye circles, dark spots and redness.
By Terry Baume de Rose (€38) A star product, this non-sticky, creamy balm moisturises lips and cuticles. Naturally, the fragrant formula is anti-ageing, too. No handbag should be without it.
By Terry Mascara Blackstar (€32) Borrowing from hair care technology, this innovative mascara
conditions lashes, lifts them at the root for a smooth curl and strengthens them with ceramides, vitamin E and even cashmere proteins.
Nars The Multiple in Maui (€40.50) The Multiple's silky cream-to-powder colour stick is equally beautiful on lids, lips and cheeks. Maui, a dusty rose, magically complements every make-up look in every colour palette.
Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna (€33) Enhance the look of tanned skin – or create a completely faux glow – with this sheer, diffused bronzer. Its neutral brown colour and subtle golden flecks are imperceptible on the skin, leaving it radiant, not powdery.
Chantecaille Lip Chic in Tea Rose (€32) This perennial bestseller packs the shine of a gloss with the smooth, even coverage of a lipstick. Plus, it's enriched with lip-plumping collagen. Tea Rose, a delicate medium-toned pink, enhances your lips' natural colour.
Jemma Kidd i-Perfector Prep & Brighten Duo (€24) At one end, an anti-ageing, lightweight cream to prime and even out the skin tone. At the other, a flesh tone-coloured eyeliner to create the illusion of bigger, brighter eyes.
Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Bellissima (€33) This shimmering beige and gray-brown duo can be applied sheer or built up for more colour, and its longwearing formula can be used wet or dry.
Space NK eye colour brush (434) Every eye shadow looks better when applied with this sable brush. Its smooth bristles deposit an even wash of colour.
READER EVENT
The Irish Timesis hosting a readers' event with space nk at Harvey Nichols, Dundrum, Dublin 14 on September 28th from 4pm-7pm.
Nicky Kinnard will share her latest discoveries, favourite products, tips and tricks. She will also be happy to give personal consultations and makeovers with space nk experts. I can’t wait. Tickets for the event cost €18, €12 of which is redeemable. Places are limited – call space nk on 01-2910421 to secure your place.