Well-dressed and never a hair strand out of place, the fashion designer Chris Nick talks about his obsession with all things beautiful
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WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY PHILOSOPHY?
Great skin comes from within. I drink a lot of water, I work out a lot, and I never forget to apply sunscreen. When you take care of your health, it transcends into how you look and carry yourself.
People also always think that I’m this extra confident individual, but in reality, I’m not. Sometimes, you have to fake it ’til you make it. You just have to manifest and act like you are hot, glamorous, and sexy, and you will be.
DESCRIBE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE.
I like to double-cleanse first, so I use the ZO Gentle Cleanser or ZO Exfoliating Cleanser, whether I’m wearing makeup or not. When I’m shaving, I use the Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Scrub. Afterward, I apply a toner, serum, and moisturizer.
I have different products for day and night. For my nighttime routine, I use heavier products, like those from La Mer or Dior Prestige, and for the morning, I use those from La Prairie.
For sunscreen, I don’t necessarily use an expensive one. I actually use the Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Sunscreen that has SPF 70+.
NAME YOUR TOP 5 MAKEUP PRODUCTS.
Currently, I am in love with the YSL All Hours Foundation. I don’t use it as a full foundation, instead, I do a single pump and use it as a concealer, and that’s it. Second, it would have to be the YSL Touche Éclat Brightening Concealer Pen, just to brighten the under eyes. Third is the Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting and Finishing Powder, and fourth would have to be the Shade and Illuminate from Tom Ford. Last but not least, my Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Cover Star because recently, I have been obsessed with nude lipsticks that are in almost skin color hues.
WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE LOOK?
A Chris Nick tuxedo or a white t-shirt with well-fitted Chris Nick trousers. Personally, I like my look to be clean, polished, and elegant.
IT’S OUR ANNUAL SHOPPING ISSUE. WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 BEAUTY PRODUCTS YOU WOULD SPEND ON?
Perfume. Perfume. Perfume. My current favorites are The Promise by Frederic Malle, Leatherize from D.S. & Durga, Tom Ford’s Noir De Noir, and Louis Vuitton’s Ombre Nomade.
I’ve been wearing perfumes since I was in fourth or fifth grade, and my first-ever signature scent was Attitude by Giorgio Armani. Since then, my scents have always been strong, woody, smoky, and have a leathery sense. I don’t feel guilty spending on them up to today because I think it completes the look and sets the mood for the day or night. I also like a scent that, upon entering any room, let people know I’ve arrived.
ANY BEAUTY MOVEMENTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE IN THE FUTURE?
I like glossy skin and neutral, monochromatic makeup. I’m a creature of habit. If I like something, I’m not going to change my mind about it. That also transcends to even the restaurants that I go to. When I’m in New York, L.A., or London, I look for Mr. Chow, Cipriani, or Sant Ambroeus. I don’t like to complicate things, because if you can keep things simple, why complicate it?
Read more about Chris Nick Delos Reyes and his grooming essentials in MEGA’s November 2023 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader, and Zinio.
Photography MIK PRIMACIO
Art Direction JONES PALTENG, BRIE VENTURA, and GJ FAJILAN
Grooming MYCKE ARCANO, assisted by JAMILLE JACOBE
Styling STEPH APARICI
Sittings Editor BAM ABELLON
Shot on location THE SPIRITS LIBRARY
Special thanks to SSI LIFE PHILIPPINES