Suzanne Klokke can consider herself lucky. She does PR for Skins Cosmetics, the delightful hair products from O&M, and the products from Dyptique. Yes, the care products and the beautiful scented candles. And now she shares her beauty secrets with us.
Morning ritual
“The Moroccan Rose Body wash from REN is my favorite product in the shower, the rose oil in it smells so good! No wonder it has been the Best Beauty Buy according to InStyle UK for about 12 years. For my face, the ultimate luxury for me is the Nutrient face serum from Retrouve, a light yet very powerful formula that is packed with vitamins and shows super quick results. I saw my skin texture improve in no time and pores were hardly visible anymore. Additionally, I have never received so many compliments about my skin. Currently, I have rediscovered the Glow Eye cream from Dr. Brandt, with a high concentration of retinol and ruby crystals for a beautiful glow around the eyes. I take care of my hair with the pure brand Original&Mineral, which incorporates Australian ingredients to keep it healthy. I don’t wash it every day, you know. The styling products from this brand are also great, surf bomb for the days I show my natural curls, style guru and frizzy logic for the ‚smooth’ days. I scrub my face a few times a week with the Multi use exfoliating clay from Diptyque, from the skincare line that was launched six months ago. If I stay a bit longer in the shower, I let the clay sit on my face as a mask. I alternate the clay from Diptyque with REN’s Flash Rinse 1 minute facial. The clever minds at REN have packaged the vitamin C in the rinse in such a way that it only becomes active upon contact with water, which gives your skin a super beautiful glow. And quickly, just 1 minute, perfect for rush hour on weekdays.”
5 minutes make-up
“Eyebrow pencil from Laura Mercier, a super nice pencil with a brush at the end; eye canvas from the same brand (a primer for the eyelids); eyelash curler + mascara; tightline eye liner (foolproof eye liner on the waterline of your upper eyelid, it’s on in 30 seconds); concealer (the one from Ellis Faas is still unmatched); blush. With five extra minutes, I also apply a foundation primer and a tinted moisturizer with a drop of Silk Creme Foundation for some extra coverage and a beautiful eye look with the 100% organic eye shadow from Kjaer Weis. And of course, a nourishing lip balm or a nice bold lipstick.”
Eyebrows or lashes
“If I really have to choose, then it’s the eyebrows… I was given a ‘plucking ban’ by the eyebrow expert at Skins Cosmetics a while ago, because they were uneven. That, combined with an eyelash growth serum (yes, it also works on the brows!) has ensured that I am back in balance, eyebrow-wise. And now I notice that quite a few girls still pluck too much. Such a shame, because it really makes you look older, I think. My advice is: go for good advice from a specialist (Stephanie at Skins Amsterdam is my favorite), who will also show you how to visually correct any unevenness with a good eyebrow pencil. Beautiful eyebrows make your face speak.”
Favorite perfume
“Oh dear, that’s like choosing a favorite child… It really depends on my mood, just like with clothing. After all, you don’t wear the same outfit every day. But Babel perfume stands out for me head and shoulders above the rest. This beautiful scent contains a high concentration of natural ingredients, which you can tell by the way it develops on the skin. The woman behind this perfume, Babette Lepke, wanted to translate the feeling of cashmere into a scent, and she succeeded excellently! And just like my favorite cashmere cardigan, I wear Babel in summer and winter. A bonus with Babel is the nice leather case in which the bottle is packaged. I keep my makeup brushes in it, but you could also use it as a case for your prettiest pens, just to name a few.‚
Favorite scented candle
“Yes, I actually light a candle every day, especially this time of year. Eau des Sens Eau de Toilette is of course number 1, but Byredo also has very nice scented candles. For example, Bohemia in winter; velvety soft, sultry, and warm. In summer, the Cotton Poplin from the same brand is nice and clean. The 34 Boulevard de St. Germain candle from Diptyque is also a favorite. But now, in these days leading up to Saint and Christmas, there is really only one candle: Pomander from Diptyque. When you smell this candle, you immediately long for December 5th and the dark days before Christmas.”
Look, we would love to empty out all of SKINS. But suppose I don’t have that much money, and still want a really good product for my skin, what would you recommend?
“It depends a bit on your skin type and how much extra attention your skin needs. But if you look at a low budget eye makeup remover, you could very well coconut oil use that from the kitchen cupboard, yes. And for daily care, Weleda has good products, which also contain no junk.”
Never leave home without
“I always take multiple products with me, unless the size of my bag doesn’t allow it (you’re either a beauty junkie or you’re not, right…): my Mason Pearson, perfume, compact powder for touch-ups, a lip balm, lipstick, and a tube of hand cream.”
Unexpected Beauty Tip
A silk pillowcase! Great for your hair (longer enjoyment of your blow-dry and if you tend to frizz, this helps too because your hair doesn’t rub against anything while you’re tossing and turning) and they say it’s also good for preventing wrinkles. But above all, it gives such a lovely luxurious feeling when you lay your head down (but it has to be real silk, not satin or anything, that’s different). I have a few from Skins Institute, they know what’s good for you!”
Biggest Style Icon
I think Audrey Hepburn amazing. She had beautiful eyebrows (everyone always talks about Brooke Shields, but hello, have you seen Audrey’s?) and I admire her courage in terms of hair (the short bangs and highlights in Breakfast at Tiffany’s!, her pixie cut… really remarkable for that time). And besides, she was not only very beautiful on the outside but also on the inside, which is important. And she aged beautifully. No tricks to stay young, but growing old gracefully. Beautiful.”
