Jordan Samuel Skin Interview and Overview
- Jonny McDonald
- Feb 11
- 7 min read
Your Scene is glad to present to Northern Ireland readers a Cult Beauty favourite and one of my favourite skincare brands, Jordan Samuel Skin. Not only am I providing an overview of the brand but, the founder himself, Jordan Samuel Pacitti kindly gifted his time for an interview!
Who is Jordan Samuel Pacitti?
Jordan Samuel Pacitti had an eleven-year career as a Ballet Dancer at Pacific Northwest Ballet. During which he began experimenting with the removal of his stage make-up using various plant oils. Jordan was determined to find a perfect cleansing and calming solution for his skin concerns that would ease aggravation caused by sweat from the vigorous dance choreography and hot stage lighting.
Through his interest in skin care, he began helping other dancers with their own skin care needs and routines which geared him up to make the decision to become an Esthetician/Facialist once he retired from ballet. Doing so gave Jordan more hands-on satisfaction helping clients at his own treatment room. Inspired by his healthy ballet lifestyle Jordan set out to ensure that the creation of his own line would include naturally sourced ingredients that bring a nutritious approach to help soothe all skin types & conditions as well as help with skin aging. His motto? "Do the job and take care of the skin without causing further irritations".
The Interview
Jonny - How does it feel knowing your brand that began as an idea during your ballet career, has now found itself in the hands of skincare lovers outside the USA in many homes across the pond such as the UK and Ireland?
Jordan - Unreal! The one thing I never had doubt in was the quality of the products and the brand message. So, I did know one day we would be here, I just didn’t think the growth would happen so quickly.
Jonny - How did you find the career transition from a Ballet Dancer to a Facialist? For example, did you have any self-doubts or opposition from peers regarding your new career path?
Jordan - Everyone was so supportive! But self-doubt was inevitable. I was going from the top of one career into a student in another. The beginning was exciting but challenging.
Jonny - Do you find the discipline you gained during your dancing career stood by you during this transition? For example, persistence and precision?
Jordan - All of the life skills learned through working in the ballet have carried over completely into business.
Jonny - It is always said (with valid reason) to visit a facialist with experience. So, from once being a beginner yourself, what advice would you give to anyone starting out on this career path and gain trust from new clients & peers within the beauty industry?
Jordan - Choose the best school! And continually seek out educational opportunities. Even if you are new if you are coming from a great school, and having extra qualifications in certain areas, these will help you excel.
Jonny - If you were to hire an assistant or student at your treatment room (at that time), what are the top things you would be looking for in a candidate, aside from the appropriate qualifications?
Jordan - Passion. The passion has to be there. The days can be long and grueling. I would want someone that is eager to learn and passionate about all things skin care.
Jonny - Many beauty therapists end up with joint strain cause by the repetitive work (back, wrists etc.) or fatigue, as working with clients all day every day is a lot of “giving” from the practitioner. How did you manage this yourself? Did you continue with your ballet fitness regimes or have a regular massage to stay on top of your own wellbeing? Tips welcome for readers.
Jordan - This is still a constant issue for me. And massage is what has proven to be the best. But we are talking a once a week massage to really tackle the issues.
Jonny - How do you manage your time running your own brand? With this being your passion, does it feel like work?
Jordan - My days are structured in terms of hours worked, but not in terms of duties. I still wear many different hats. However I really do love my work so it does not feel like a job to me.
“Choreographing Your Own Skincare Routine”
Jonny - When working with clients at your treatment room, what was the most common skin concern clients came to you with and was there a common root cause?
Jordan - 100% inflamed and sensitized skin from overuse of acids and retinols.
Jonny - In Northern Ireland we have very cold, damp and windy weather. For any newbies discovering your brand from your SKUs available at Cult Beauty, what items would you recommend they start with?
Jordan - One of the After Show Cleansers, Hydrate Facial Serum and the Soothing Facial Oil to start.
Jonny - On your website you have listed multiple ways to use your products. Mixing products for an at home facial experience. Was this something you had in mind from the get-go?
Jordan - A bit yes. My philosophy is rooted in “less but better” and putting the fun back into skincare. With that I came up with “Choreographing Your Own Skincare Routine”
Jonny - What skincare ingredient do you think is overused?
Jordan - I don’t think particular ingredients are overused I think certain steps (exfoliation) are overdone. Used too frequently etc.
Jonny - What skincare ingredient is overlooked?
Jordan - Glycerin.
Jonny - What skincare ingredient do you find problematic on your own skin and do you have an alternative?
Jordan - Vitamin C. Our Siero Antiossidante is the perfect alternative. (Antioxidant serum, resveratrol that is found in red grapes, green tea and olive fruit extract).
Jonny - Are you a morning cleanser during or after a shower?
Jordan - After!
Jonny - What skincare product would you recommend someone use post & pre-workout if they are prone to spots?
Jordan - Not really a product but more a routine. Make sure makeup and SPF (only if indoors) are removed prior to working out. Cleanse immediately after and follow with an appropriate routine for your skin type.
Jonny - As a facialist, how long would you advise a client before they realistically notice an improvement in their skin when using at home skincare products such as, Jordan Samuel Skin?
Jordan - Well first (as I see this being a big issue) you have to be consistent with the same products to see results. So changing things around constantly will never give you the results you are looking for. Each individual is different but between 2-3 months of consistent use you will start to see improvements.
Jonny - You have an important meeting and want to look your best. You develop a spot. How do you treat it?
Jordan - Ice/cold spoons (DON’T pop it), pimple patch, concealer. While I would usually recommend a spot treatment that could be tricky before a meeting as it could irritate some skins.
Jonny - Is there such a thing as perfect skin?
Jordan - Healthy skin is the goal. That is not “perfect” skin. If by perfect skin you mean airbrushed looking skin then no.
Jonny - Cleansing Wipes, Yes or HELL NO?
Jordan - HELL NO (use if needed however).
Jordan Samuel Skincare Line
Jonny - Can you briefly talk us through your first lot of SKUs and how it felt to see them sell?
Jordan - Really the first three were The After Show Treatment Cleanser, Hydrate Facial Serum and étoile (now Soothing Facial Oil). I remember like it was yesterday. Hydrate Facial Serum started to fly off the shelves and I was beside myself. Working crazy hours to make it all work. Would never change it for the world. And it still fly's!
Jonny - Your skincare line is perfectly streamlined and to me, genderless. Meaning it can be kept in the bathroom for all to use. Was this your intention?
Jordan - I know it shouldn’t matter but for those that may still need encouraged. *It was not my intention as I don’t think like that but, the design actually stemmed from the abstract “Black and White” George Balanchine ballets. My absolute favorites.
Jonny - What are your own personal go-to products within your line?
Jordan - Currently the Matinee Gel Cleanser, Hydrate Facial Serum and The Performance Cream! Others I use from time to time but these 3 are staples for me.
Jonny - For anyone beginning their retinol journey, what can they expect from using your Retinol Treatment Oil?
Jordan - Glowing, nourished, refined skin with little to no side-effects most experience with Retinols!
Social Media
Jonny - The last 2 year have physically separated us yet, brought us together on social media. You have your Tuesday Talks (pronounced in Jordan's accent as "tawks") live on Instagram. Do you find this to be a great way to directly reach your customers and gain feedback on your products? I'd like to add here that what I really like about Tuesday Tawks is that Jordan is answering skincare questions as a Facialist and not doing a QVC type pitch to those viewing when he really could be! I find that admirable.
Jordan - Yes and it’s just so damn fun to chat with everyone.
Jonny - What’s it like to see your Jordan Samuel skincare products work for people when showcased on Instagram?
Jordan - AMAZING! It never gets old.
Jonny - Who do you like to watch on social media?
Jordan - Caroline Hirons, Nerida Joy, Joanna Vargas, Dr. Shereene Idriss.
Jonny - Pet peeve from skinfluencers?
Jordan - Reviewing a product after a handful of uses.
Jonny - Craziest skincare trend you have seen on social media?
Jordan - Hmmmm. Maybe those suction devices. I hate them.
Quickfire Questions
Jonny - Madonna or Lady Gaga?
Jordan - Both. Sorry.
Jonny - Classic Dance or Modern Dance?
Jordan - Classic.
Jonny - Favourite party tipple?
Jordan - Vodka Martini. No vermouth. Up with olives.
Jonny - What song gets you up on your feet?
Jordan - Never Knew Love Like This Before.
Your Scene thanks Jordan for gifting his time to answer these questions. May your success grow.
You can follow Jordan Samuel Skin on Instagram
You can shop Jordan Samuel Skin in the UK and Ireland at Cult Beauty
You can shop Jordan Samuel Skin in the USA at jordansamuelskin.com
You can reach me here:
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Me, Jonny on Instagram here: @jonnybelfastscene
Disclaimer
This blog is not sponsored.
Please check ingredient listings before making a purchase to ensure no contraindications.
Images used with permission.
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