Our Tutors and Team
Meet the team dedicated to your success
From expert cosmetic scientists and industry professionals to behind-the-scenes specialists, we’re all here to ensure you achieve the best possible learning experience.
Get to know the people behind our award-winning, accredited, global online formulation school
Our Directors
Gail Després
Founding Director, Cosmetic Formulator and Member of Society of Cosmetic Scientists
Meet Gail, the visionary founder of the School of Natural Skincare, who founded her natural skincare brand in 2009 and launched the school in 2010. An award-winning entrepreneur and author of the bestselling book A-Z of Natural Cosmetic Formulation, Gail’s expertise shines through her dedication to teaching others the art, science and creativity of formulating professional-grade natural and organic cosmetics.
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With a background in formulating and selling her 100% natural skincare product line, Gail transitioned seamlessly into education, initially conducting popular in-person classes alongside co-director Gareth. Recognizing the global demand for their knowledge, they transformed their workshops into comprehensive online courses, ensuring students worldwide could benefit from their expertise.
At the heart of course design and development, and with responsibility for the Education and Student Services departments, Gail collaborates closely with the School’s team of cosmetic scientists and formulators to deliver cutting-edge curriculum, and you’ll regularly find her in the lab herself. As the overseer of the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club, she continuously introduces new formulations and classes, keeping the learning experience fresh and dynamic.
A Society of Cosmetic Scientists member, Gail also manages the School’s accreditation with the CPD Association, ensuring the highest education and professional development standards.
Curious about Gail’s transformative journey from corporate life in London to founding an international educational hub? Explore her inspiring story, ‘Gail’s leap of faith: how the School of Natural Skincare began’, and follow her updates on the School’s social channels, including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Gareth Després
Director and Aromatherapist
Introducing Gareth, a dynamic force behind the School of Natural Skincare since 2011, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a thriving career in management consultancy.
An award-winning entrepreneur, Gareth’s journey into holistic wellness began with his certification as an Aromatic Specialist and IEB-certified Aromatherapist at the esteemed Bristol School of Holistic Therapies in 2010.
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With a profound belief in essential oils’ power to enhance health, happiness and overall wellbeing, Gareth incorporates them into his daily life at home and in the office. His passion for aromatherapy and perfumery shines through as he shares his expertise with students and enthusiasts.
From co-teaching hands-on classes to designing comprehensive course curriculums, Gareth plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the School. His specialist knowledge of essential oils enriches the content of online courses, ensuring students receive an holistic learning experience. Gareth also hosts the monthly Formulator Forums; live Zoom calls with our scientists, students, graduates and Club members.
Beyond academics, Gareth wears multiple hats, overseeing the School’s Marketing, Finance, HR, and Operations departments with precision and dedication. As a prolific writer, Gareth writes many of the school’s newsletters, and has penned numerous insightful blogs and social media posts, offering valuable insights for enthusiasts at every level, delving into his wealth of knowledge, especially on essential oils.
Our Course Tutors
Our team of qualified and professional cosmetic scientists and consultants are the driving force behind our exceptional quality course materials and the classes in the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club. With degrees in chemistry or cosmetic science and extensive experience in the beauty industry, they’re committed to delivering first-class student support as you learn to master the skills and excitement of formulating.
Tina Svetek
Cosmetic Chemist
Meet Tina, a brilliant scientist with a passion for natural cosmetics and a wealth of experience leading new product development for natural skincare and wellness brands. Armed with a postgraduate degree in Biomedicine, Tina embarked on her journey into formulation in 2011.
As a formulation consultant and Head of the Cosmetics Department for a company in Slovenia, Tina, spearheads the development of natural cosmetics from conception to launch. Her expertise extends to formulating for a zero waste personal care brand, solidifying her commitment to sustainability and innovation.
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In addition to her role as a formulator, Tina is a dedicated educator, leading live skincare-making classes in her native Slovenia. Her contributions to the acclaimed book A-Z of Natural Cosmetic Formulation and her work as a safety assessor and formulation consultant underscore her authority in the field.
Tina’s impact at the School of Natural Skincare is profound. As a cosmetics expert, she creates formulations, conducts experiments and develops course materials, notably for our Advanced Certificate in High-Performance Serum Formulation, Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation, Diploma in Formulating Natural Makeup and Color Cosmetics and our Diploma in Soap Making.
Committed to student success, Tina provides unwavering support throughout their studies, presenting at our Formulator Forums, leading live teaching sessions, answering questions in our regular Tutor Q&A and marking course assignments. Her dedication ensures students receive the guidance and mentorship to excel in natural cosmetics formulation.
Dr Nicole Voster
Cosmetic Chemist
Introducing Nicole, a distinguished chemist with a profound passion for education and formulation science. Nicole’s expertise shines through her extensive experience as a Senior Lecturer teaching chemistry and formulation science at various universities in South Africa.
As the coordinator of the BSc Honors program in Formulation Science at Nelson Mandela University, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of formulators. Her dedication extends to supervising students at master’s and doctoral levels, focusing on cosmetic product development projects.
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Her dedication extends to supervising students at master’s and doctoral levels, focusing on cosmetic product development projects.
At the University of Cape Town, Nicole imparts her knowledge of cosmetic chemistry to students enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science. Through hands-on instruction, she equips students with the skills to formulate skincare and haircare products using scientific principles.
As a sought-after cosmetic formulation consultant, Nicole assists entrepreneurs and small businesses in bringing their skincare and haircare products to life, from concept to finished product. Her commitment to staying abreast of industry developments is evident through her active participation in cosmetic formulation conferences worldwide.
Nicole is a beacon of expertise at the School of Natural Skincare, creating formulations and classes for our Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club and supporting course development. With her wealth of knowledge, Nicole provides invaluable support to students during their studies, offering guidance and expertise in our regular Tutor Q&A, presenting at our Formulator Forums, leading live teaching sessions and marking course assignments.
Consultants
Dija Ayodele
Dija Ayodele, Author of Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide
Meet Dija Ayodele, a renowned Skincare Expert and Aesthetician. Dija is author of Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide, owner of West Room Aesthetics skincare clinic in London and founder of the multi award-winning educational platform Black Skin Directory.
Dija has spent over a decade immersed in understanding and treating skin health and has become a pivotal champion and advocate for providing the tools for people of color to be educated on their unique skincare needs whilst pushing the beauty industry forward in its requirements to serve this sector.
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Dija’s clinic is a go-to destination, especially for Black women, seeking skin rejuvenation treatments and advice for their skincare needs. She is a GLAMOUR Magazine columnist, Trustee of the Beauty Backed Trust and Advisory Board Member to the British Beauty Council, British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) and Aesthetic Medicine Journal.
Dija is an experienced public speaker at both industry and consumer events and has taken the stage at the House of Commons, Stylist Live, British Association of Dermatologists, Financial Times, Cosmoprof and Refinery29. She also works with a host of respected brands within the global beauty and cosmeceutical industries such as Walgreen Boots Alliance and L’Oréal as a consultant and Key Opinion Leader
As a consultant to the School of Natural Skincare, Dija brings her unparalleled expertise to our team, ensuring we can address the unique needs and concerns of darker skin tones. We’ve embraced her Skin of Color training from the Black Skin Directory, further enhancing our understanding and commitment to serving diverse skincare needs under her guidance.
Deborah Johnson
Co-owner SIMPLYGorgeous Hair Salon
Introducing Deborah Johnson, a seasoned PR and Brand Manager with over 15 years of experience collaborating with some of the country’s most esteemed haircare brands. Beyond her expertise in brand management, Deborah is also the co-owner of SIMPLYGorgeous, a hair salon specializing in Afro haircare.
Deborah’s wealth of experience extends beyond the boardroom, as she brings firsthand insights from over a decade of salon experience directly to the forefront. Her unique perspective, derived from brand management and salon ownership, positions her as a valuable asset in guiding brands seeking to penetrate the Afro-hair market.
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As a consultant to the School of Natural Skincare, Deborah is vital in enhancing our understanding of diverse hair types. We’ve enlisted her expertise to deliver bespoke Caring for Afro Hair training to our team, ensuring that we tailor our courses to meet the needs of all different types of Afro hair. With Deborah’s guidance, we continue to expand our knowledge and refine our offerings to provide comprehensive solutions for diverse haircare needs.
Contributors
We’re lucky to have talented scientists, cosmetic formulators, and laboratory managers contribute their knowledge and expertise to our course materials.
Emily
A first-class honors graduate, Emily gained experience working in New Product Development for Acheson & Acheson, a leading British cosmetics lab. She has created many formulations and classes for our Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club.
Emilia
A laboratory manager and formulator for both small and large brands, Emilia set up our in-house lab and has created many formulations for our courses, most notably for our Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation.
Nichola
An experienced cosmetic scientist and formulator, Nichola worked as a Senior Innovation Chemist for Acheson & Acheson and has created many formulations and classes for our Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club.
Customer Service and Student Support
Your happiness and satisfaction is our priority. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer support at every stage of your learning journey. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is available five days a week to promptly address your questions.
Geraldine Quinlan
Course Advisor and Community Coordinator
Meet Geraldine, a seasoned skincare formulator, educator and the founder of the natural beauty brand Clann Botanicals. With six years of experience at the helm of her brand, Geraldine crafted a range of creams, body butters and balms tailored for individuals with sensitive skin, featuring star ingredients like seaweed and calendula.
Beyond her brand endeavors, Geraldine’s passion for education led her to host hands-on natural skincare workshops and classes throughout Ireland, empowering enthusiasts to create their own skincare formulations.
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As the Community Coordinator for the Student and Graduate Community, Geraldine fosters a collaborative learning environment, ensuring it’s a safe, nurturing space for all. In her role as Course Advisor, Geraldine helps with student admission, offering personalized guidance and advice to ensure they embark on the best course of study for their goals and aspirations.
Discover more about Geraldine’s inspiring journey in her story, ‘When Natural Skincare Becomes More Than a Hobby’, and experience firsthand the passion and expertise she brings to the School of Natural Skincare.
Loisa Després
Customer Service Officer and Operational Support
Meet Loisa, the cornerstone of our customer service team, who ensures that every interaction with the school is exceptional. With a background in IT and customer service, Loisa brings expertise to her role, handling the multitude of inquiries we receive daily with efficiency and care.
From emails to live chat and social media platforms like Facebook Messenger, Loisa is committed to providing timely and personalized responses to each query, ensuring every student and prospective learner feels heard and supported.
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Loisa also updates and adds content to our online classroom and membership portal.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Loisa treasures her time with her family and indulges her passion for singing karaoke in her spare moments, bringing joy and harmony to her life outside work.
With Loisa at the helm of our customer service operations, you can trust that your needs are in capable hands and that every interaction with the School is met with warmth, professionalism and a genuine commitment to your satisfaction.
Liz Shepperd
Operations Manager
Introducing Liz, the multitasking maestro behind the scenes at the School of Natural Skincare, ensures that our operations run seamlessly, daily. With a supply chain and account management background at large UK supermarket chains, Liz brings a wealth of corporate experience.
Liz juggles various responsibilities with grace and efficiency as the manager of our Customer Service, Finance, and HR departments. She is also our project manager, ensuring new projects and updates are tracked and managed effectively and on time.
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From handling inquiries to managing finances, managing our online classroom and membership portal and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes of the student journey, Liz’s dedication to excellence shines through in every aspect of her work.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Liz’s creative spirit thrives through her many hobbies. Whether baking delectable cakes or crafting behind a sewing machine, Liz enjoys expressing her creativity and bringing warmth to those around her.
With Liz at the helm, you can trust that the School of Natural Skincare operates smoothly, allowing you to focus on your learning journey with confidence and peace of mind.
Jemima Brash
Social Media and Case Study Coordinator
Meet Jemima, a highly talented copywriter, photographer and social media content creator with work experience in the UK and Australia. Jemima brings a diverse skill set and a passion for green living, animals and the environment to her role at the School of Natural Skincare.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Jemima advocates for natural, cruelty-free cosmetics, green household items and organic food. She can be found tending her ever-expanding vegetable patch and greenhouse, embodying her commitment to sustainable living.
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In addition to her role in content creation, Jemima runs our student case study program, conducting interviews with past students to capture their experiences for video case studies and reviews. As a yoga teacher interested in Ayurveda, Jemima continuously expands her knowledge by completing our Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation, ensuring she remains at the forefront of holistic wellness practices.
Course Publication and Video Production
Our commitment to excellence extends to the creation of high-quality course materials and video lessons. Our talented publications and video production team, create beautiful course textbooks and engaging videos lessons ensuring your learning experience is informative and visually captivating.
Ria Gane
Publications Manager and Editor
Meet Ria, the seasoned publications manager, editor and copywriter who brings over 19 years of diverse publishing experience to her role at the School of Natural Skincare. With a background spanning education, travel and green living sectors, Ria is a versatile professional who delivers high-quality publications across the board.
As the manager of our Publications team, Ria works closely with our Graphic Designer and Assistant Editor to ensure that our content meets the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
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Her expertise extends beyond publications, as she also provides invaluable support to our Marketing and Video Production teams, assisting in achieving their broader objectives.
Ria’s journey with the School of Natural Skincare is deeply rooted, having first crossed paths with Gail during a Permaculture Design Certificate course in 2010. Since then, she has been an integral part of our community, attending hands-on classes in the School’s early days and contributing her expertise to our ongoing success.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ria is passionate about the natural environment, organic food and fostering positive mental wellbeing. Her interests extend to yoga nidra, reflecting her commitment to holistic wellness and sustainable living practices.
With Ria’s leadership and expertise, the School of Natural Skincare continues to inspire and educate individuals worldwide, offering high-quality publications that reflect our commitment to excellence and sustainability.
Katie Cartwright
Assistant Editor and Features Writer
Introducing Katie, the keen eye behind our course materials and student features at the School of Natural Skincare. With over 18 years of editing experience, Katie brings attention to detail and a passion for storytelling to her role as Assistant Editor and Features Writer.
As Assistant Editor, Katie meticulously edits and proofreads our course materials, ensuring accuracy and clarity for our students. She also crafts engaging student features and articles, capturing our community’s diverse experiences and insights.
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Beyond her professional pursuits, Katie enjoys watching movies, sketching, taking leisurely walks and spending quality time with her young family.
Laura Eydmann
Graphic Designer
Meet Laura, an experienced graphic designer whose artistic talents can be spotted throughout our course materials and classes for the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club.
Laura recently graduated from Falmouth University with an MA in Graphic Design, having also previously studied Graphic Design with Typography at the University of Plymouth. Over the last 12 years, Laura has worked across many different brands, including Age England UK and The Met Office.
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When she’s not designing, Laura loves to travel and is a keen sailor who once sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida.
Sam Cook
Content Producer
Introducing Sam, a highly versatile content producer with ten years of professional experience across online content, digital marketing and television productions.
He’s worked on many high-end primetime documentary films and factual TV series for the BBC, Sky, ITV and Discovery Channel, and so we’re delighted that he now helps us create our step-by-step video tutorials, video classes and content for social media, like Instagram Reels.
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