Nicola Russell, aka the Skin Geek, is an award winning facialist and one of the UK’s leading skincare expert with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry.
As a self-confessed ‘geek’, whose perfectionism and obsession with all things skin related, has seen her to work with numerous celebrities and as an international trainer.
Hailing from Falkirk in Scotland, Nicola first developed an interest in skincare on a backpacking trip around Australia, where a simple manicure in a beauty salon in Bondi Beach inspired her to start thinking about a skill and service that she could do anywhere in the world. After studying and receiving an HND in Beauty Therapy, Russell took her first tentative steps in the world of skincare, working in salons and spa’s on cruise ships. Various roles in beauty followed, and she soon became a much sought after beauty therapist, trainer, teacher and college lecturer.
In 2014 Russell officially rebranded as the Skin Geek, and opened her own salon in Falkirk. She later launched the Skin Geek Line – a range of beauty products, and at-home gadgets. In 2015 she introduced Dermaplaning to the UK and is considered one of the UK’s leading micro-needling experts and has trained over 1000 students in dermaplaning all over the world.
Russell works from the Fitzrovia Clinic in London for a week every month, and specialises in groundbreaking treatments, and works with top partners including BioEffect and Bannatynes Spa’s. Her client list includes Minnie Driver, Jenni Falconer, Eva Birthistle, Lisa Snowdon, Melanie Blatt, and Radio 1 DJ Vick Hope.
We caught up with Nicola Russell for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
I’m not just saying this because its where I work, but I love Fitzrovia! It feels like a hidden gem of a place right in the centre of London – it’s so charming and peaceful! I love that I can literally walk minutes away from my clinic and I’m right in and amongst all of the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street.
Favourite place for brunch:
Eggslut on Percy Street is my favourite – plus its just a few doors up from the Fitzrovia Clinic!
Best coffee in London:
I really love Arabica in Covent Garden, they do the best Spanish Lattes!
Favourite gallery or museum:
The V&A! It’s such a beautiful building, and a fantastic place to visit with your friends or family because it caters for people of all ages.
Tell us a secret:
For the 1st year of my marriage, I used to “cook” a roast chicken on a Thursday. Except I would go and buy a pre-cooked one from Tesco and look out for my husband driving up the street. I’d wrap the chicken in tin foil and stick it in the oven and say “just in time” when he walked through the door. One night he came over to take a piece off before I sliced it and noticed the little skewer holes in it and freaked out at what it could be, so I had to fess up. I crushed his dreams that night… and I STILL can’t cook a chicken roast dinner!
Favourite place to shop:
I’m a real high street gal so, I have to say Oxford Street and more specifically Selfridges! It has everything you need, and I love the buzz about the place.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
I love attending industry events and networking with my peers. Cutera do a great one every year in London, they have great international speakers who give us all an insight to the latest cutting-edge treatments. I always leave there feeling inspired.
Best London destination for a date:
The Savoy Hotel to experience the signature Beef Wellington – it’s incredible! With its Art Deco inspired surroundings, and its moodily lit atmosphere, it’s definitely a restaurant worth getting dressed up for. I could sit all night drinking red wine, I love it!
Favourite park:
I know it’s such a touristy answer, but Hyde Park. It’s an immaculate green space that you can spend hours in – a haven of tranquillity in the centre of London. I won’t ever change my mind!
Favourite food market:
Broadway Market, I’m not in London so much at the weekends anymore, but if I have a Saturday free, then this is where I would go for sure.
Your sanctuary in the city:
I’ve been lucky enough to have a pop-up residency in the Corinthia Hotel, so I got to experience an afternoon tea there. It has such a lovely calm, and uncrowded atmosphere, and the food is great, but in all honesty, its all about the ambience!
What inspires you?
Going on a beach holiday… I wish I could give a more interesting answer. However, if I am relaxing in the sun, and by the water doing literally nothing, then my mind is open to new ideas.
This season I’m loving…
I love Autumn fashion, I have a weird obsession with turtleneck jumpers! Marilyn Monroe made a simple black turtleneck sexy and for me it was one of her most iconic looks. I’m watching the moody florals coming in, and I also love velvet for this season too… if I can find a velvet floral blazer, then I’ll be happy!
