From a small town in rural Finland to the streets of London, Mikko Puttonen has quietly carved out a space in fashion defined by sharp style, quiet confidence, and the striking, editorial-style photography of his husband, Lucas Ruska Martin. His audience has grown with him, drawn to a sensibility that feels both personal and polished. But finding his voice took time. As a teenager experimenting with makeup behind closed doors, fashion was less about aesthetics and more about identity. Here, Puttonen shares the scents that stay with him, the luxury staples he returns to, and the advice he’d give his younger self
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Could you share your daily beauty routine with us, from morning prep to evening wind-down?
My mornings always begin simple, just a splash of water to wake up my skin and a good cup of coffee to wake up the rest of me. After the winter months, my skin craves hydration, so I lean into mists and essences. Lately, I’ve been rotating between Gucci Brume De Beauté, Omorovicza Queen Of Hungary Mist, and Djusie Peace Out Revival essence. They each bring something refreshing and nourishing to the skin.
Next, I apply a Vitamin C serum, Omorovicza makes a beautiful one, though I’m also a fan of Melano CC, which I picked up in Japan. I let that absorb before adding two pumps of The Cream by Augustinus Bader, which is truly my holy grail. I don’t always reach for an eye cream, but when I do, I love the Sana Soymilk eye cream, also from Japan. Sunscreen is a daily must, and the Birch Juice Sunscreen from Round Lab has been my go-to. It wears beautifully under makeup, has no overpowering scent, and most importantly, doesn’t irritate my eyes.
For makeup, I keep things minimal and natural. I’ll use a bit of concealer where needed. Right now, I’m loving Lumene CC Concealer, Victoria Beckham Concealer Pen, and Gucci Concentré de Beauté. They’re all buildable but still give a skin-like finish. Some days, I skip foundation altogether, but when I want more coverage, I reach for Dior Backstage Foundation or the Hermès Plein Air Complexion Balm. I usually apply with my fingers for that skin-like finish.
Photo: Mikko Puttonen
Photo: Mikko Puttonen
Photo: Mikko Puttonen
Blush-wise, my favourite is Rhode’s Pocket Blush in Sprinkle! I like to softly define my brows with Byredo’s eyebrow pencils – the shades are a great match for me. If my skin’s feeling a bit too dewy, Gucci’s Poudre De Beauté is my go-to for a soft matte touch. And when I’m in the mood to add something extra, I turn to the Hermès Ombres Fumées palette – usually a brown in the outer corners and a hint of silver shimmer in the inner eye.
I’m fragrance-obsessed, so I always finish with a scent that fits the mood. Lately, I’ve been loving Aesop’s Aurner. It’s floral, which isn’t usually my thing, but it has this beautiful, dark, woody twist that evolves so nicely on the skin. For hand care, I keep Frama and Nécessaire hand creams close. And while I’m not huge on lip products, Hermès Lip Balm is a current favourite for hydration.
At night, I double-cleanse. The Daily Double Cleansing Protocol by Victoria Beckham is a current favourite, though I also really enjoy Pineapple Refresh by Rhode. A few times a week I’ll use retinol, either from Augustinus Bader or SKIN & LAB. On those nights, I keep it simple with just a cream afterwards. Otherwise, I like to layer on serums like the Omorovicza Queen Serum or Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum.
Evenings are also my time for a bit of pampering, and I usually test new launches or unwind with a mask. I reach for Korean sheet masks, Omorovicza’s Ultramoor Mud Mask, and the Miracle Mask by Mantle. My husband’s very familiar with my beauty rituals by now – it's definitely a whole mood!
How do you transition your look from daytime to evening? Are there specific products or techniques you find indispensable?
I keep the base pretty much the same, but like to play a bit more with the eyes. Lately, I’ve been into soft brown liners... YSL Beauty’s Lines Liberated are beautiful and easy to smudge for a softer look. I apply it roughly and blend it out with fingers for a little edge. I’m naturally blessed with dark lashes, but if I want more definition, I’ll add a touch of mascara just at the roots. For glow, I finish with Chanel’s Baume Essentiel stick. It gives such a fresh finish.
Photo: Mikko Puttonen
What products do you always have in your handbag – whether headed for a night out or for a red-eye flight?
Fragrance. Always. I never travel with less than two, usually more. Some of my favourite brands are L'Artisan Parfumeur, Comme Des Garçons, Perfumer H, Matiere Premiere, and Aesop. I also love exploring niche brands – lately I’ve been into Tobba Parfums, Arve Parfum, and Fischersund.
What is your holy grail beauty product that you would recommend to anyone, and why?
Perhaps the Texture Refine Wax by Sassoon. It’s perfect for shorter to mid-length hair, gives great hold without feeling heavy, and it smells really good too. I also really like their Halo Hydrate conditioning spray. It has UV protection, which is always a plus.
If you could give your younger self one piece of beauty advice, what would it be?
Growing up in a small Finnish town before the era of social media, I didn’t see boys wearing makeup or expressing themselves through beauty. I loved it from a young age. It was something my sister and I explored at home through playful makeovers, but I didn’t feel that comfortable taking that interest beyond our house. I’d tell my younger self: beauty has no rules, and makeup is for everyone.
