Business owner and career beauty therapist, Christchurch-born Nicky Quinn, was passionate about skin health before the introduction of multi-step routines. Fuelled by wellness and with 35 years of hands-on experience, her mission today is to connect professional therapists with world-class professional skincare. Here, Trudi Brewer celebrates Quinn’s success, the brands she represents, and the skin myth she wants us all to ignore.
Image BeautyEQ
Building a brand takes guts, skill and determination. This sums up Nicky Quinn's career trajectory and professional demeanour. The CEO of Christchurch beauty empire, Probeauty, and owner of Nicola Quinn Beauty and Day Spa, she is serious about skin solutions for every complexion. With a repertoire of brands, including Dermapen, the best in class for skin needling, as well as active serums, creams, and trusted sunscreens from O COSMEDICS, Neurocosmetics by Ginger & Me, and INSKIN, among others, Quinn is the go-to for professional therapists who share her vision. Here she celebrates 15 years with one of her top cosmeceutical brands, O COSMEDICS, and reflects on her journey to success. Read on to learn more.
What is professional skincare, and how does it differ from cosmetic skincare you can buy over the counter?
Professional skincare is potent. It uses higher levels of active ingredients, advanced delivery systems, and formulations that target the skin at a cellular level to offer results. Over-the-counter products may feel nice, but professional skincare is designed to change the skin — not just sit on the surface.
How did you meet the founder of OCosmedics, Maria Enna-Cocciolone, and why and how did her brands resonate with Probeauty?
I first met Maria Enna-Cocciolone at an international trade show when O COSMEDICS was launching. I knew straight away it was exactly what New Zealand clinics and consumers had been waiting for. Bold, intelligent skincare with brilliant formulations and genuine integrity. Then I got to know Maria, and everything made sense. The red packaging suddenly felt symbolic; it was all about passion, and she has it in spades. Skincare can be good, even great, but when you connect with the founder and understand the heartbeat behind the brand, it becomes something else entirely. That connection has grown into a genuine friendship and a shared determination to give skin lovers in our market something truly special.
Celebrating fifteen years, what are you most impressed by with O COSMEDICS, in terms of ingredients and efficacy?
The consistency. O COSMEDICS has stayed true to its promise: high-performance formulations backed by science. The brand continues to evolve with new ingredient technology and products without ever compromising on its quality.
What are the key ingredients in the collection?
O COSMEDICS is built on cutting-edge peptides, antioxidants, biomimetic ingredients, and active vitamins like A, B3, and C. These work in synergy to repair, protect, and rebuild the skin, addressing everything from barrier health to ageing.
What changes can this brand make to skin concerns and skin health?
It can truly transform skin integrity. It helps to correct uneven tone, texture, and barrier dysfunction while boosting hydration, collagen production, and cellular repair. It changes the way skin behaves. We have clinics that send us the before and after images of the clients (with their permission) whose skin has been truly transformed. It’s what really makes a therapist’s heart sing, knowing that this can, in some cases, be truly life-changing.
O COSMEDICS Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser, $92.
A cult beauty buy in the O COSMEDICS collection, and the star of the 15-year O COSMEDICS celebrations. Professional skin therapists say: This is more than just a cleanser. Gentle yet potent, its award-winning formulation treats your skin while you clean it. Along with the secret V8 Peptide Complex in the brand's formulas, it includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate during a skincare step that can often be drying, and leave the skin feeling tight.
Next, antioxidants protect the skin from everyday environmental stressors, while niacinamide (vitamin B3) evens skin tone and supports a healthy, balanced skin barrier. SNAP-8, a hero anti-ageing ingredient, smooths expression lines, while Shea butter offers lasting comfort. Finally, Zeolite lifts away dirt, oil, and impurities to give skin a truly clean feel. Suitable for all skin types — even the most sensitive or compromised — it is ideal for soothing and repairing skin post-peel, laser, or post-surgery. It’s also free from parabens, harsh preservatives, sulfates, petrochemicals, fragrances, and colourants. Gluten-and vegan-friendly, as well as cruelty-free. For many, investing in a cleanser like this may seem like a waste of money since it’s washed off the skin. But Quinn knows, “The wrong cleanser can undo all your good work. A professional-grade cleanser like this sets the stage for everything that follows — balancing pH, protecting the barrier, and ensuring your actives penetrate properly. It’s your first and most important step.”
What’s the one lifestyle habit that makes the most difference to our skin?
Consistency, in both skincare and lifestyle. Daily sun protection, good nutrition, sleep, and hydration will always outperform quick fixes.
What are the top-selling O COSEMDICS products?
The Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser, Immortal Cream, Mineral Pro SPF 50, Smart Serum and Hydra Plus Sleep-In Mask are all cult favourites, and all deliver results people can see and feel.
“The skin myth we should all ignore is that natural doesn’t always mean better. Science and nature can work together beautifully — and OCOSMEDICS proves that clean cosmedical formulations deliver the safest, most effective results.”
With the spotlight on sunscreen right now, regarding claims and efficacy, how does the O COSMEDICS Mineral Pro SPF 50 stack up?
O COSMEDICS Mineral Pro SPF 50 is a zinc-based physical sunscreen that protects against UVA, UVB, and blue light. It is a boutique collection created and controlled by specialised SPF cosmetic chemists, tested independently to ensure consistent results with each batch. The product is also manufactured in Australia under stringent TGA regulations. All products are produced with client trust and safety in mind.
What is the skincare step you would never miss?
Oh no! I can’t name just one - daily SPF is non-negotiable, rain, hail, or shine. But if I had to pick the next most important step, it’s cleansing. Using a gentle yet effective cleanser morning and night is the foundation of every great skincare routine. Without proper cleansing, no active product can sink into the skin to do its job.
What are the skin gadgets you swear by?
L.E.D. light therapy and micro-current devices like the O Rejuv Gua Sha Facial Device are my go-tos. They complement professional treatments beautifully and help keep skin firm, bright, and calm between clinic visits.
What skin treatment/treatments make the most difference to ageing, pigmented skin?
A combination of skin needling, corrective peels, and LED therapy — supported by a consistent home skincare routine rich in vitamins A, B3, and C. Professional treatments and home skincare always work hand in hand, one of my personal favourites is the O COSMEDICS Pro Dermal Active treatment, which combines an active enzyme peel, oxygen therapy, treating the skin biome and lymphatic compression. It’s divine.
Not many women will commit to a 10-step K-beauty routine. What’s a simple routine that offers visible results?
Keep it simple but strategic: Cleanse with the Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser. Treat the skin with a serum like Pure Age-Defiance or Smart Serum. Hydrate with the Immortal Cream (there are four other hydrators to consider according to your skin type). Protect with the Mineral Pro SPF 50. That’s it — simple, effective, and sustainable.
O COSMEDICS Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser, $92. O COSMEDICS Smart Serum, $299. O COSMEDICS Immortal Cream, $155.
O COSMEDICS Mineral Pro SPF 50 Tinted, $98
If you could only choose one O COSMEDICS product, what would it be?
The Mineral Pro SPF 50 — it’s non-negotiable. Protecting your skin daily is the best anti-ageing step you’ll ever take. I use the Mineral Pro SPF 50 Tinted; it’s my makeup and SPF all-in-one.
What is your skincare golden rule?
Respect your skin barrier. Over-exfoliating, stripping, or switching products too often causes more harm than good. Healthy skin starts with a strong skin barrier.
What is the one beauty tip you find yourself sharing all the time?
Go to an expert who truly knows skin. Skin therapists are highly trained skin coaches — they understand how to diagnose and treat skin properly. Why risk getting it wrong by relying on social media, friends, or untrained advice? See a professional and get it right the first time.
Beauty entrepreneur.