Heather Alexander

When it comes to sussing out the beauty products that really work, Space NK’s very own Managing Director Heather Alexander knows a thing or two. From the skincare gems she buys on repeat to her considered approach to home fragrance and the bath and body essentials she relies on after a busy week in the office, read on to discover the insider’s guide to Sunday night beauty…

heather alexander sunday sessions

The Wind Down

I feel very privileged to work for such a special company – it is fabulous and so crazily fast-paced. However, working in London most days and commuting from Surrey, leaves me somewhat time poor during the week and having to cram lots of activities into my weekend; therefore my Sunday afternoon ritual is sacrosanct and really sets me up positively for the week ahead. Being somewhat detail obsessed — everything from the outfits that I will wear to completing any preparation required for scheduled meetings — must happen first in order for my mindset to be ready for ‘me time’. With my week full of wonderful beauty noise I like the contrast of silence when I begin to think about my own beauty routine. I have been a worshipper of Diptyque since it launched in Space NK in 1996, and there isn’t a day that I don’t light at least one of their candles. On Sundays I take a very considered approach to the scents that I burn to enhance my mood; this Sunday Pomander was burning in my lounge (as I was thinking about presents for Christmas) and Feuille de Lavande in my bathroom to layer and cut through with a fresh contrast. I drift between my bedroom, bathroom and lounge, taking my time and luxuriating in every stage of my routine.

heather alexander sunday sessions

The Routine

There are two products that I always come back to and Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser is one of them. I love how easy it is to use, how it doesn’t give my skin a tight feeling, yet leaves it beautifully clean and soft. Omorovicza Omoroessence is the product that convinced me about essences. I didn’t really get them previously, but was told by one of our Beauty Advisers to think of the skin like a sponge; it will absorb better once a little damp. Having tried this product I’m a convert, it makes my skin more receptive to the products that go on after it, and has really helped my hydration levels. Colbert MD’s Stimulate the Serum is the other product that I always return to. It makes the skin glow and refines it like no other serum I’ve tried, and I really notice the difference if for some reason I haven’t used it. I like to do a weekly peel and if I am not using an exfoliating mask, I will do the Lancer Caviar Lime Acid Peel for a home facial effect. This peel gives a warm, tingly feeling and refines and brightens the skin without causing any redness or irritation.

I love masks, but Sunday is really the only time I get to use one unless I am on holiday, so I like to mix it up. Currently on rotation is 111SKIN Rose Gold Brightening Facial Mask – it really brightens my skin, Chantecaille Bio Lifting Mask – when I leave this on all night I wake up with gloriously smooth skin, and Eve Lom’s new Radiance Transforming Mask – exfoliating and incredibly hydrating. As I use a lot of treatment products, I like my moisturiser to really help build and protect my skin. Currently, I am using Dr Barbara Sturm Face Cream as it is nourishing and protecting but also feels light and fresh, and I really notice the difference. A little of the Natura Bissé Diamond Eye Extreme goes a long way when it comes to eye cream, and this really nourishes the eye area but without causing puffiness. It is such a good all-rounder! There are so many amazing mists to choose from but the with the heating on at home and work, my skin can feel dehydrated, so I use Veneffect Calming Mist in my regime and have Sarah Chapman Skinesis Liquid D-Stress in the office to help my skin cope with the effects of the city.

heather alexander sunday sessions

Showers waken my senses every weekday morning, but I do love to bathe at the weekend, I find baths calming and relaxing, and I do believe they are good for you too. Mauli Himalayan Healing Salts smell amazing and really feel like they have a therapeutic effect on tired limbs and Susanne Kaufmann’s Herbal Whey Bath really softens the water and therefore replenishes the skin. I love Ameliorate Smoothing Body Exfoliant but it works better when left on for a few minutes as it uses lactic acid. It’s definitely worth the wait and is great for dry, winter skin. I’m not generally a fan of oils, even though I know they are great for the skin, but Rodin Jasmin and Neroli Luxury Body Oil is my exception. It absorbs brilliantly and my skin feels wonderfully soft when I use it regularly. My fine hair needs attention and hates anything heavy. After washing my hair with Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume, I then use Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care Baby Blond. It’s a gorgeous violet mask that keeps my blonde hair cool-toned and shiny. I love to use IGK’s Call Time Smoothing Styling Primer as it detangles my hair and protects it from heat but doesn’t weigh it down. I use Living Proof Root Lifting Spray to create volume at the top.

Bedtime

A good night’s sleep is incredibly important to me. I am a firm believer in its ability to improve concentration and productivity. I love getting into freshly laundered and crisply ironed bedlinen. I make sure my bedroom has been aired and that all technology is switched off. To help me wind down further I might look through the Sunday supplements and save the news for my Monday commute. I swear by This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray and after about 30 minutes I am then feeling relaxed enough to fall asleep, usually around 10.00pm. Before I turn the lights out I apply Lancer Volume Enhancing Lip Serum, Byredo Eleventh Hour Hand Cream and De Mamiel Settle Sleep Series.

heather alexander sunday sessions

Monday Morning

The alarm goes off at 5.30am with one 10-minute snooze, then it’s Nespresso time and a shower. I love Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel in the shower as it really wakes my skin up and instantly brightens it while Susanne Kaufmann Shower/Shampoo leaves my skin so soft. Once I’m dressed I’m out of my apartment with a final flick of Nars Audacious lipstick in Annabella and a spray of Byredo Velvet Haze – both woody and refreshing and my finishing touches!