"Growing up in Adelaide, Australia, well on the other side of everywhere," Sue Devitt says, "forces you to get mobile early on in life if you want to see the world." The New York–based makeup artist speaks from experience. An ardent traveler, Devitt seeks out exotic destinations, re-creating in her namesake cosmetics collection the vivid hues of those places: the Pink and Amber Palaces, in Jaipur, India; the lavender sunsets of the Flinders Ranges, in South Australia; the lush emerald landscape of Dominica, a Caribbean island crisscrossed by 360 rivers.
Devitt has visited more than twenty countries over the past fifteen years, but as it was for so many romantic wanderers before her, the City of Light is her first love. "Not surprisingly, when the travel bug got the better of me, I headed for Paris," she says. "I had just met a French couple in Australia who were cultured, passionate and fun. They offered to show me around, so I jumped on a plane with barely a franc in my pocket. I can't believe I was so irresponsible, but that impulsive decision changed my life."
Intrigued by the fashion industry since she was a child, Devitt began her career in Paris assisting stylists and makeup artists. In 1990, she moved to New York; from 1994 to 1995, she was a creative assistant to François Nars; a year later she started consulting for Kosé, in Japan, for which she created the cosmetics and skin-care line Awake. All the while, her makeup artistry was appearing on the runways of Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and Oscar de la Renta. In September 2000, she launched Sue Devitt Beauty. That her cosmetics catalogue reads like an atlas — there's Cape Colony, Majorca, Moscow and Zimbabwe, and that's just a few of her matte lipsticks — says volumes about Devitt's love for international travel. "My work keeps me wandering the globe," she says. "And for that I am very grateful."
How do you like to spend your vacations?
Relaxing and getting rejuvenated in the beginning; then, for the remainder, going off to some adventure destination or cultural excursion. I am Australian — outdoorsy and sporty — and so any holiday in Australia that involves swimming, Jet Skiing, snorkeling or windsurfing is especially appealing. I visit home once or twice a year and go to the Great Barrier Reef frequently; I love the Hayman, Hamilton and Lizard Islands. Riding horseback through the outback is fantastic too, and I've enjoyed exploring Ibiza and the Greek Islands (with a friend perched on the handlebars of my moped). I am now planning a trip to Bhutan, which I'm very excited about: all those temples to see and the peaceful, tranquil vibe. I look for spots where the experience is a complete departure from my everyday life.
Do you do a lot of preparation before a trip?
I thoroughly research hotels and spas; adventure, culinary and exercise options; local customs; museums; event calendars; and, of course, the weather. One of my favorite resources is the British Daily Telegraph's travel Website. While searching it one night, I found the Landing, India Hicks's adorable boutique hotel in the Bahamas, and booked it for the holidays. Word of mouth also helps; I trust my friends and colleagues. They are well traveled; some choose high-end luxury, while others take a more bohemian approach. I can go either way, depending on the environment. One thing is certain: it's vital that I respect the cultural boundaries of every destination I visit and enter with open eyes.
What have been your most meaningful travel encounters?
Experiencing the stillness of an evening in the Moroccan desert, near Ouarzazate; walking through Iceland's moss-covered terrain at 3 a.m. under brilliant sunlight; pausing for a moment of introspection on safari in Tanzania; strolling the streets of Havana, which are lined with pastel-colored buildings; and taking a moonlight swim in the waters of the East China Sea. When you visit developing countries, your perspective changes entirely. I have made it a priority to get more involved in charities that need assistance. I am working with the Africa Foundation, raising money to build schools in Kenya and Tanzania. I will go back to Africa with the organization in June to see our progress.
How do your journeys influence your work?
I'm inspired to create when I see rich natural landscapes — the ocean, mountain ranges, sunsets — and when I'm exposed to different cultures, their food, clothing and local markets. I come back from my trips with souvenirs and photographs. I returned from Marrakech with a woven rug and from Jaipur with a hand-carved cross. I also have gorgeous silk fabrics from Macau. And a picture of a small cottage in Iceland: cold, desolate and isolated, it is the antithesis of where I live in New York.
How do you handle the havoc that flying can wreak on your well-being?
Staying in good shape is important, but that has to be a lifestyle commitment. I avoid caffeine and alcohol as much as possible when I fly and pack my own healthful meals. In New York I like to go to Pure Food & Wine, on Irving Place, and load up on its takeout. I do yoga or Pilates during the flight and upon arrival. I'm not talking about postures in the aisle but just breathing, relaxing in the moment and doing any type of movement I can while seated: ankle circles, neck and back stretching. Otherwise I'll get up and walk around every hour to keep the blood circulating. I also drink lots of water and take a nap — horizontally if I can.
So many of your makeup colors are named for locations. Are any of your other products based on particular places?
I got the idea for my Microquatic skin-care line after a trip I took to the Great Barrier Reef. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters, I started to think about hydrating products with marine properties and flower derivatives. My skin always needed plenty of nourishment after swimming, parasailing or Jet Skiing. Although the salt water is relaxing and spiritually cleansing, it's also drying, especially when combined with exposure to the sun; you need to replenish vigorously after luxuriating in either. I believe in having a fun life, and if outdoor sports and a little sun are part of that, then we need to find new technologies and sophisticated ingredients to protect our skin before, during and after. And if we sometimes forget, well, that's okay too. That's where I come in!
DEVITT'S TOP SPAS
Banyan Tree Bintan, Indonesia "Soaking in the fragrant floral bath is the ultimate restorative experience after a long flight," Devitt says. banyantree.com.
Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Thailand In addition to the creative treatments, she says, "I love that the resort offers food to the local monks at its Tai Chi Pavilion on New Year's morning." chivasom.com.
Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico "After a day or two of the resort's decadent spa services, like the seaweed body mask, I rediscovered myself," Devitt explains. esperanzaresort.com.
Soneva Gili Resort, Maldives "The setting is unbelievable," says Devitt, who recommends the Soul of Six Senses, a combination massage and facial. sonevaresorts.com.
Spa at Hôtel Guanahani, St. Bart's After the Clarins antiaging facial here, Devitt felt not only that her skin was rejuvenated but also that its elasticity was improved. leguanahani.com.
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