Guest Feature: Neada Deters, founder of LESSE
sharing what’s on her top shelf, in her camera roll and behind the LESSE formulas (and my favorite face mask)
So happy to have Neada Deters on my Substack today. She’s the founder of the beautiful, clean and intentional skincare brand LESSE- home to some of my all-time favorite products (especially the bioactive face mask and sunscreen). Neada grew up by the ocean in Sydney and now lives in New York, bringing together the best of both worlds in her approach to wellness, skincare, design and style. We touch on everything from her morning rituals to the pieces on her summer wishlist and the inspiration behind her science-meets-nature formulas.
Tell us more about growing up in Australia and where you are currently residing now. How have they both inspired you and your brand LESSE over the years?
I grew up in Sydney, by the ocean. Most of my memories from childhood center around nature; long days at the beach and weekends in the fields of our family farm a few hours from the city. After graduating from university, I decided to move to New York and leave it all behind. I didn’t have a job or a plan but I felt such a pull to be here and, from the moment I landed, I felt at home.
Sydney and New York are worlds apart in many ways but represent such distinctive sides of who I am. Australia ingrained in me an incredible reverence for nature, for the beauty and power of plants—which laid the foundation of our ingredient philosophy for LESSE. Australia also has such extreme UV exposure that we are raised to protect and care for our skin every day, and to view skin care as an integral part of our health.
New York has shaped me in entirely different ways. The fabric of this city is the art, culture, and most of all people. It’s a place that somehow demands uncompromising quality, efficacy and efficiency. Our lives here are driven by ambition and a focus on results—something that inspires the scientific basis and clinical innovation at LESSE. I will spend anywhere from two to five years working on a formula, with upwards of 80 revisions, to develop a clinically advanced product that perfectly balances actives for the absolute optimal results. It’s quite neurotic and very New York.
What was your biggest inspiration when developing LESSE?
There are countless moments, big and small, throughout my life that have contributed to shaping LESSE. But it was my experience as a beauty editor and my own personal skin issues that were most meaningful in terms of inspiration. I had terrible skin for years—cystic acne, hyperpigmentation, and highly sensitive skin. For more than a decade, I searched for products that would help to heal and fortify my skin but found myself in a cycle so many of us are familiar with: formulations that would help to abate my acne and fade my dark spots were depleting my skin barrier.
As an editor, I had the opportunity to test every product on the market and interview leading skin experts from around the world. I started to collate all of these insights, and develop an exhaustive archive of ingredient knowledge. Finally, I decided to take this knowledge and create the solutions I had always longed for. That was the beginning of an idea that became LESSE.
Self care rituals. What does your wellness regimen look like?
I have an autoimmune disease so wellness I’m constantly focused on. I’m very thoughtful when it comes to what I eat, the products I use, and I try my best to minimize stress. I take it very slow in the mornings, easing into the day with all kinds of tonics and supplements. Then we walk our dog in the park before heading to the office.I try to move my body every day in some way and carve our time throughout the week to completely decompress and reset. That might be as simple as a long bath, reading in the park, or applying a face mask and calling a friend.
I’m of course devoted to my skin care ritual, morning and night. I use all of our products and maybe one or two samples, as I’m always in the midst of developing and testing a few potential formulas. For my mental and emotional wellbeing, I try to meditate when I can and, as someone who lives so far from family, call home. I speak to my mum or brother most days, or we’ll all end up on some group video chat with our partners all chiming in from the background. Connection is such an important part of self care.
What are your favorite scents right now and what part do they play in your wellness regimen?
I never really wore a fragrance until recently. I have a few friends with incredibly beautiful formulas, which have finally converted me. I love wearing Vyrao Free 00, which is almost like salty skin on a summer day, or Cerato Peace Root, a fragranced oil which is a lovely grounding scent.
What is your favorite LESSE product of the moment and your current top shelf skincare items? Your repeat purchases, keep coming back to items etc. Facials/devices and treatments can be included in this as well.
After what felt like an endless winter, it’s suddenly summer in New York—so the Every Tone SPF 30 is really my most essential product right now. As an Australian, I am absolutely devoted to sunscreen but this formula has completely redefined sun protection for me. It’s non-nano zinc but powered by our proprietary dispersion technology, which I spent years developing and which enables the physical formula to blend seamlessly to invisible on all skin tones. We just relaunched it in a silver, airless tube which is perfect for days at the beach, a weekend away, or just running around the city.
I tend to always reach for our Ritual Serum, no matter the time of year. This is the formula that prevents my sensitive, acne-prone skin from flaring up and has been crucial in restoring and strengthening my moisture barrier over the years. My skin always feels instantly transformed the moment I apply it. I also love the Bioactive Mask during these seasonal shifts. It’s an active treatment that seems to heal all, and leaves your skin with the most incredible, dewy finish.
Continuing on with the subject of beauty & skincare, what are your top 3 favorite makeup products right now?
I keep it minimal. Tower 28 concealer in Noho, Ilia lip and cheek stick, and Anastasia clear brow gel. If I have a special event, I’ll layer on some black mascara.
LESSE’s minimalist design flows effortlessly into your personal style. What are your favorite basics right now—favorite white tee, favorite jeans and favorite belt. Any other favorite pieces (or brands) right now?
I’m drawn to materials and silhouettes over anything ornate or patterned. Right now, I’m wearing button downs from Studio Nicholson or Filippa K with silk bias cut pants from Silk Laundry and Emme Parsons sandals or Chanel patent loafers. Silver jewelry from Lié Studio and suede bags from Liffner or The Row. On warmer days, I find myself wearing a tank top from Flore Flore or KYE with a Matteau silk skirt or vintage Prada trousers.
Anything specific you are adding to your Spring/Summer wishlist?
Vintage basics from Prada and Jil Sander. A few fun Tom Ford for Gucci pieces for summer nights out—I really live in the pieces I have from these collections.
In this newsletter, I share my latest screenshots and invite others to share theirs. What are some things you've recently screenshotted on your phone that you're excited to try or have been eyeing lately?
Almost all of my screenshots are interiors! When it comes to some wishlist items, the most recent have been a Lemaire mens leather jacket, a really beautiful one shoulder dress from La Collection, and a pair of Corali earrings—which I’m pleased to report I now own and adore.
Which artists are you currently inspired by? Is there a particular piece of art in your home or one you’re hoping to add to your collection?
I’m forever inspired by Noguchi, Asawa, Bacon, and the many architects and designers I have long adored: Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Scarpa, et al.
What are you currently reading? Or a book you would recommend to your friends.
I’m reading some very dry business books right now sadly, though I tend to read mostly fiction. The best novel I have read over the past several months was Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. He is an incredible writer and the premise, though remarkably depressing, is fitting for our times.
Current favourite snacks + supplements in the fridge or pantry?
I take a custom blend of Chinese herbs morning and night, along with Looni, Par Olive collagen power, and Vitamin D. I generally snack on fruit. I have an insatiable appetite for citrus, which has become a bit absurd. I probably eat two to three mandarins every day.
A big thank you to Neada for taking the time to answer my questions, I highly suggest checking out her beautiful brand Lesse. You can follow her on Instagram here.
Such good earrings !!!