CHATS / NYC Beauty Field Guide

Meet Chris Pond, the sustainable beauty specialist and skincare enthusiast that Into The Gloss named “the human beauty encyclopedia.” Chris is the Sales Event Specialist at Kjaer Weis, where he heads up the brand’s in-store events strategy and manages the influencer program. In his free time, he reviews beauty and skincare products on his Instagram and YouTube platforms (@tophcam). We sat with Chris to get his recommendations for shopping beauty and skincare in New York City.

CAP Beauty

238 West 10th Street between Hudson + Bleecker Street, West Village

“CAP Beauty’s strict standards ensure all products sold are as plant-based and green as possible; you won’t find synthetic colorants or harsh preservatives in any products on their shelves. Their wellness and makeup offerings are exceptional.”

de Mamiel Altitude Oil – $40

“If you or anyone you know is a frequent flier or finds themselves wrecked by winter woes, de Mamiel Altitude Oil is a sure solution. I like to do a drop of the essential oil blend underneath my nose a few times throughout a flight or at my desk at work. I find it really helps to keep my head clear.”

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Lovely – $56

“I think you’d be hard pressed to find a single person who doesn’t look effervescent in this shade of cream blush. It’s somewhere between a soft rose and a gentle berry, so it adds the perfect flush for during the grey winter season. The ingredients are certified organic and made in Italy, and the texture blends with just a few dabs of your fingertips.”

Josh Rosebrook Advanced Hydration Mask – $65

“Perfect for this time of year, this mask resembles a whipped balm and delivers extreme comfort to dry skin. It’s concentrated, so sometimes I’ll even apply a little bit underneath my moisturizer during the day when my skin feels super lackluster. It can also be worn overnight, basically any time you want to wrap your skin in soothing comfort.”

ONDA Beauty

117 West Broadway between Duane + Reade Street, TriBeCa

“ONDA’s cozy storefront invites you to hang out, and their diverse assortment means you can find just about anything you’d need to gift yourself or someone else. Check out their spa offerings as well. Treat yourself to a break!”

May Lindstrom Skin The Blue Cocoon – $180

“This is the ultimate skincare meets self-care. The blue balm provides relief for inflamed skin and the aromatics of chamomile, ylang-ylang, and cacao soothe the soul. A tiny dollop melts into a fluid oil that spreads smoothly over the skin. It’s great for all skin types, but especially those prone to breakouts, irritation, or discomfort.”

African Botanics Buchu Botanical Enzyme Polish – $75

“Before shaving, I recommend a gentle buff with something physical or enzymatic. This product has both, so it really gives thorough prep. Crushed Baobab fruit loosens dead skin cells without tearing the skin, while papaya and pineapple help dissolve sticky impurities. Great for texture on the nose and forehead as well. Just be sure to scrub gently – let the product do the work, not your hands.”

Leahlani Mermaid Mask – $38

“This mask contains spirulina and sea algae from Hawaii plus seabuckthorn oil and orange essential oil to nourish and refresh the skin. Minerals from this oceanic mask will restore fragile skin and add hydration. The green goo is the perfect excuse to unwind with friends, and take a pause during the busy season. It’s great for dull skin or anyone in need of a skin-vacation.”

Shen Beauty

315 Court Street between Sackett + Degraw Street, Cobble Hill [Brooklyn]

“Curated and clever, Shen has everything from refillable organic mascara to bars of Hungarian soap. Be sure to check out the area by the register for some fun little gifts.”

LORD JONES High CBD Pain & Wellness Tincture – $60

“Believe the CBD hype. For those struggling with anxiety or sleeplessness, this oil-based tincture is said to provide relief. The packaging is very swanky, and the juice inside is effective in my experience.”

MŪN Akwi Purifying Cleanser – $60

“Great for guys who find their skin imbalanced by the changing of seasons. It uses yuzu essential oil and organic cucumber seed oil to balance congestion prone skin while brightening, and is best paired with a warm washcloth.”

Fur Oil – $44

“You might have seen this oil floating around on Instagram; this balancing oil is a viable option that is great for hair anywhere on your body. It contains tea tree and lemongrass essential oils, which are antibacterial and toning for the skin and hair, but the base of the oil is grapeseed which is nearly dry to the touch. I use it on my beard and below the belt, and it’s great for both.”

Contact your concierge for more city finds + recommendations!