Make so much as a passing mention of the fact you’re tapped into the niche beauty scene and we’re all ears. Such was the case with Jessica Richards, the owner of Brooklyn beauty mecca Shen. Created out of a need Richards saw for undiscovered, organic lines and European imports, Shen—which is now celebrating its 5th anniversary—began as a hub for natural products, and has since evolved into a one-stop shop for the best of the best from cool, up-and-coming beauty brands. (Richards, of course, discovers them before anyone else. We presume her past gig as a Vogue stylist has something to do with her keen eye.) We tapped the all-knowing guru for just a couple of quick tips, including dishing on her favorite products to how to treat yourself.
Jessica Richards of Shen
Find Your Miracle Oil
"The number one thing I have learned from being in the industry is that oil does not clog pores! Contrary to popular belief, stripping your skin is does not help to prevent acne. In fact, giving your skin the oils it needs helps to keep pimples at bay. Pai is a completely organic oil suited to all skin types, particularly women with sensitive skin. This rosehip oil is two parts rosehip seed oil and rosehip fruit oil—which contains 5 times the carotenoids and twice the regenerative sterols. It also has omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 which help to regenerate and moisturize the skin without breaking you out. It feels almost like a dry oil, doesn’t leave your skin greasy and packs a serious punch."
Trust In Primer
"A makeup tip I swear by is to always use primer. Jill Freeman, the makeup artist at Shen, once told me primer is like spackle for your face. It fills in all the crevices which allows the makeup to glide on smoothly and evenly."
Treat Yourself
"My biggest beauty splurge is an early morning facial at Shen with Carrie Lindsey or a manicure and pedicure at Ten Over Ten. Sadly it’s tough to find the time since I have two boys who keep me very busy!"
Go Organic
"If you had to pick one organic product I'd say the most important would be a body cream or body serum since skin is the largest organ and you are therefore covering a lot of ground (and absorbing a large amount) of the product you choose. My favorite for winter is the Therapie Roque O’Neil Cherish Skin Repair Serum: It’s super luxe and can also be used on your face."
Consider Your Lifestyle
"I wholeheartedly believe that beauty starts from the inside. If you are constantly eating fried food instead of vegetables it will show through lackluster skin or pimples. I also think working out at least twice a week to get the blood pumping is incredibly important. Every morning I make a smoothie with Fulphyl by Phylia de M and add in The Beauty Chef Glow powder to start out on the right foot. Usually I follow with a lunch of either a salad or sushi and have recently taken meat out of my diet. I personally feel much better and have noticed that my skin has thanked me for it."
