With eighteen years of dermatological expertise in London and New York, Kirsty McLeod is a much sought after facialist. Renowned for her holistic approach and amazing results, Kirsty has just launched her own unique brand of luxurious skin care products in London’s famous Selfridges department store.
The new range consists of uncomplicated, multi-tasking six products. The products are paraben and petrochemical free, using only the simplest and most natural ingredients to avoid overloading the skin with unnecessary chemicals. One such ingredient is raspberries, valued because of their high levels of essential fatty acids and natural UV filter properties.
Seasonal Berries took a trip to Kirsty McLeod’s eponymously titled temple of beauty in the heart of London’s Pimlico to see what all the fuss is about.
A facial by Kirsty is a truly bespoke affair, so much so that she doesn’t have a treatment menu – she just does what is needed to make the complexion before her as beautiful as possible. Following an initial skin consultation, Seasonal Berries was ushered into an airy, high-ceilinged room and invited to make itself comfortable on the heated treatment table (more comfortable than most beds) and cocooned in a light duvet. Then the pampering began; a light exfoliation, cleansing, lymphatic drainage, a facial massage followed by neck, shoulder and arm massages with heavenly scented oils, more cleansing, super-hydrating mask applied, hot towels, a foot and calf massage, application of anti-aging lipids. over an hour and a half later and Seasonal Berries was left feeling seriously blissed out.
Following a brief period of recuperation – experiencing what is possibly the best facial in the world is no trivial matter – Seasonal Berries gets down to business.
With over 18 years of experience and having worked for international companies such as AVEDA and Bliss, you are renowned as London’s leading skin care expert. How did you first get into the beauty business and why?
Beauty is in my blood. My father was a cosmetic chemist and made preparations for my mother who is a potion junkie like me. I have been surrounded by amazing beauty products all my life and helped my father in his laboratory as a child and teenager. All these early experiences inspired me to go into the business myself. I’ve never wanted to do anything else.
What do you enjoy the most about your profession?
I enjoy transforming people’s skin and seeing their confidence grow as a result.
What has been the high point of your career to date?
The best thing was seeing my new product range for the first time. I worked with the best to ensure that the look of the products is as good as their effect on the skin. I’m really pleased with the results.
Looking back over your life so far, what are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of going to New York at the age of eighteen with £100 in my pocket and not knowing anybody. It was a brave thing to do and it kicked off my career.
Have you experienced any tough challenges career-wise?
Making the decision to work for myself was really tough, but so far it has paid off. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to expand my product range and move into body care.
What are your top beauty tips for radiant and glowing skin?
The most important thing is lots of sleep, closely followed by pure thoughts.
Do you practice what you preach?
90% of the time I do, but I am only human!
Do you believe in an inside-out approach or is skin-deep enough?
I take a holistic approach and had a training in Eastern medicine, so I believe that beauty comes from within. What you put into your body is extremely important, but you also need to be happy and content in your skin to be truly beautiful.
You are about to launch a new range of products using raspberries. What beauty benefits do berries have?
Berries are rich in bioflavonoids which strengthen the capillary walls, as well as being high in Vitamin C and other important anti-ageing nutrients. Berry also contain enzymes which work well when applied topically, helping to remove impurities and make skin glow.
Do you eat berries as well as using them in your products?
I eat them every day, especially now that I am pregnant, because they are so good for almost every part of the body, both inside and outside.
What is your favourite berry and why?
I love blueberries. The first time I ate them was when I first moved to New York – I loved them so much I practically overdosed on them.
London’s leading skin care facialist
34 Moreton Street,
London SW1
020 7834 0101
