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Christina Russillo

Director, Cowshed

If you haven’t heard already, Soho House Chicago has officially taken off. We’re dishing on one of our favorite nooks of the urban oasis: the Cowshed Spa. We chat with London-based Spa Director Christina Russillo on the newest House Spa and bringing the Cowshed touch to the city of big shoulders. With it’s first spa opening in, well, a cow shed, the grass roots opp is fast forwarding 16 years later and Christina is helping bring to life the original vision of the brand: a pampering oasis meets an English country garden. And launching in October, a brand spankin’ new facial makes the cowshed roster featuring the new Anti-Aging Perfecting Night Serum: a serious formula to provide much needed rest to your bustling, hustling Fall schedule.

Read on to learn Christina’s winter skin tips, where to get the ultimate English scone in Chicago and which spa treatment you need to try—let’s just say four hands are always better than two!

SPOTLIGHT_beauty_Cowshed Christina RussilloBEAUTY MUST-HAVES>> scent: NARCISO RODRIGUEZ FOR HER // moisturizer: COWSHED JUNIPER BERRY BODY CREAM // concealer: YSL TOUCHE ECLAT // face: NARS ORGASM BLUSH // lips: SHISEIDO LIP LACQUER // nails: CHEEKY in ORCHID YOU NOT // other faves: SHAVATA BROW TAMER and COWSHED RASPBERRY SEED ANTIOXIDANT FACIAL OIL

The Cowshed Spa at the new Soho House Chicago is a godsend—what’s your favorite detail?
I love the barber area for men—we found these two authentic vintage Chicago barber chairs that fit perfectly in the space.

In that same grass roots vein of Cowshed’s inception, do you have any at-home lotions or potions that you swear by?
I don’t have any magic potions but my typical skincare routine is pretty thorough. I start with our Lavender cleanser, toner, do a mask every 2-3 days, exfoliate every 2-3 days, apply our raspberry seed antioxidant oil and apply moisturizer to top it all off.

And best beauty tip you’ve ever received?
Always wear a smile and less is always more. 

Cowshed is dedicated to creating unique spaces for the cities they are in. What is the Chicago vibe?
We try to keep the Cowshed experience consistent throughout all of our locations. We’re all about sociable grooming in a relaxing environment so we want you to come in with your girlfriends and not worry about getting shushed if you have a laugh and are enjoying yourselves.

Any cowshed secrets you can share about treatments? 
Our Cowgroom treatment is really unique as it involves two therapists working on you at the same time so you have four hands instead of two giving your massage.The Ultimate Pedicure includes a head, neck and shoulder massage that will have you falling asleep in our cozy chairs. Chicago women have already started gravitating towards our pedicures. We use a special drill from the UK to exfoliate feet and it works wonders—it makes your pedicure last much longer.

The fall to winter beauty transition can be tough on skin. How do you prep for changes in temps?
In the winter, I like to add a serum to my skincare routine. It provides extra moisture and helps keep skin hydrated all day or all nightlong. Apply it before your moisturizer at night and if your skin is really dry, put it on during the day too.

What’s your go-to treatment to stay ahead of the upcoming polar freeze?
Our Cowshed Facial is perfect to keep skin exfoliated and hydrated, plus it comes with a really nice massage that sounds so comforting in winter. In the winter especially, you should try to get a facial about every 6 weeks if you can.

You did a whistle stop tour for the opening of Soho Chicago—besides the house, what other spots did you love in the city?
We spent a lot of time at Little Goat Diner in the opening phase – definitely a favorite. The scones at Little Goat Bakery are on par with any that you’ll receive in the UK.

Cowshed Spa is located at Soho House Chicago. Visit SohoHouseChicago.com/Cowshed-Spa for more information and call 312.521.8000 to book an appointment.