If you're planning a trip to London and love the world of beauty – make sure to leave some space in your suitcase. Tucked away in the city’s elegant alleyways is a luxurious, boutique shopping experience full of discoveries – at the Space NK chain. But this isn’t just another makeup store – it’s a true temple of global beauty, curated with the trendiest, most innovative, and most desirable brands.
The one who revealed all the best-kept secrets to us is makeup artist and boutique tour guide Yoni Shain, who has lived in London for years and leads intimate boutique tours through the city’s most exciting concept stores. He put together a precise list of five skincare and makeup brands you need to know – so go ahead and start clearing space on your shelf (and in your suitcase).
Emma Lewisham – Where Science and Nature Meet in Harmony
This skincare brand from New Zealand, founded only in 2019, offers natural, science-backed formulas packed with active ingredients – up to 25 in each product (!). The brand aims for total transparency and groundbreaking innovations in collaboration with biochemists and physiologists. And if that’s not enough – its products undergo independent efficacy tests, sometimes outperforming even the most prestigious luxury brands.
Laura Mercier – Makeup That Makes You Feel Like You’re Not Wearing Any (In the Best Way)
Laura Mercier originally started as a painter and evolved into makeup with an artist’s touch. Her brand focuses on creating a natural, refined look, with attention given to one facial area at a time. She’s behind the iconic looks of stars like Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker, and her key products are must-haves in every makeup bag:
Tinted Moisturizer – a lightweight, skin-like tinted moisturizer
Translucent Loose Setting Powder – the best-selling setting powder in the world
Caviar Stick Eye Shadow – ultra-comfortable and long-wearing shadow sticks
Tatcha – Japanese Luxury with a Western Twist
Inspired by geishas, this skincare brand offers a mesmerizing blend of nature, serenity, and technology. Ingredients like green tea, rice, and algae make Tatcha’s formulas gentle yet powerful, leaving skin dewy and radiant. Keep your eye on their "The Dewy Skin Cream" and the regal face mist, "Luminous Dewy Mist."
Drunk Elephant – The Elephant Everyone’s Talking About
This American cult brand is famous for what it doesn’t contain – no silicones, no fragrance, no drying alcohols, no SLS. Its products are designed to support healthy skin balance, and the best part? You can mix them like a smoothie – which they call a Skincare Smoothie. Be sure to check out their international bestseller – Bronzing Drops, which give a sun-kissed glow with zero sun exposure.
Ultra Violette – Because Sun Protection Can Be Chic
A relatively new Australian brand with a powerful message: Sun protection is the new beauty. Their SPF 50+ products don’t just protect – they also nourish, hydrate, and deliver a radiant glow, feeling more like a luxurious serum than sunscreen. If you live in a sun-soaked country like Israel – this brand is a must.
Our Tip: Want to turn your London beauty experience into something truly unforgettable? Look up Yoni Shain on Instagram – @yoni_shain1 – and book a personalized beauty tour. He’ll know exactly which product is perfect for you – and where to find the best nearby coffee.
Feel free to follow Yoni Shain on Instagram.