THE BEST IN BEAUTY
FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

The British DJ on her A.M. and P.M. beauty routines—and the corresponding playlists.

Written By Jayme Cyk

— NIKKI PENNIE, DJ / PHOTOGRAPHED ON LOCATION WITH THE VIOLET FILES

When she arrived in L.A. six years ago, Nikki Pennie never expected her career in fashion and her love of music to merge. The British transplant relocated from London to pursue styling, but her vivacious spirit and easy charm guided her in another direction—deejaying. By 2015, brands Pennie styled for had taken notice of her infectious energy on set, and started asking her to DJ their events—despite the fact that she had never gone near a mixer. So when Dior invited her to be a Beauty Ambassador and provide soundtracks for many of the house’s events, Pennie embraced the challenge. “I always loved music,” she says, “but it’s literally the last thing I thought I would ever do in life. If my career in fashion failed my plan was always to open a bakery, but I was determined to try.”

So Pennie trained with British music producer Dave Garnish, and now dedicates herself to deejaying full time—whether working the turntables at intimate fashion events in L.A., attending today’s Dior runway show or listening to Carla Bruni while applying lipstick at her vanity. Below, the musical mover and shaker shares her morning and evening beauty routines—with accompanying playlists, of course.

WAKE-UP TIME

It depends on whether I was working the night before, but usually 8 A.M. I probably hit the snooze button on my iPhone alarm at least three times.

FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS

I make Nespresso Dulsão do Brasil with my Nespresso machine. I can’t function without at least two coffees in the morning!

AT FIRST SIGHT

The first thing I look at is my iPhone. I’ll call my mum in the morning while drinking my coffee because of the time difference between London and L.A. We talk pretty much every day or every other day, and chat about everything from the weather to getting my Brit fix updates. I’m always asking her advice as mums know best—most of the time!

NIKKI’S AM PLAYLIST-LISTEN NOW

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR?

“I need to put on my concealer.”

BATH OR SHOWER?

Depends. Probably a shower in the morning, but a bath to unwind at night.

WHEN DO YOU GET YOUR BEST IDEAS?

When I am exercising at Playlist Yoga. I think about everything from ideas for my set list that night to who I have to call back and friends I need to catch up with. So basically everything gets organized while I am in Warrior One pose.

BEAUTY DU JOUR

I wash my face with iS Clinical Cleansing Complex. It’s weird because if I use anything else, I’ll notice that my skin doesn’t look as good. Then, I apply Dior Prestige La Créme Texture Essentielle. As for makeup, I like to keep it simple during the day. While wearing my headphones, I brush on some Diorskin Nude Air Tan Powder, apply some Dior Addict Lip Glow, and switch between Miss Dior Eau de Parfum and Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady.

MORNING BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

All Products on Violet Grey are approved by the

VIOLET CODE

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Klorane $20

Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
3.2 oz

$20

When I’m preparing for a gig, I light a Chateau Marmont candle and pour a glass of pinot noir. I always highlight a specific feature. Depending on the outfit, I may go for a smoky eye with Diorshow Khôl or a hot pink matte lip with Diorific Haute Couture Long Wearing Lipstick.

BEDTIME

It depends if I’m working, but normally I go to sleep around midnight. If I am working sometimes not until 3 A.M. I need eight hours of sleep, but I often get closer to six.

NIGHTCAP OF NOTE

Hot toddy, Sleepytime tea, pinot noir, or hot milk.

BEDSIDE ENTERTAINMENT

Jane Austen’s Persuasion or The Great British Baking Show on Netflix.