ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Face Time With Makeup Master Gucci Westman

Makeup artist Gucci Westman is one seriously busy bee. When she isn't touching up models behind the scenes at Oscar de la Renta's runway shows or bringing out Cameron Diaz's natural beauty, she's hard at work developing Revlon's products as the brand's Global Artistic Director, and playing mom to her two kids (she's married to Rag & Bone's David Neville!). But no matter how many hats she's wearing, Westman still keeps everyone looking flawless at all times (herself included). Famous for makeup looks that feature beautifully clean skin and always new but never overly ostentatious color palettes, she's unquestionably one of fashion's most influential makeup gurus, as well as one of the most beloved. A true artist, we love what this woman does with color—not to mention her tricks, like using Revlon's Shine City as a lipgloss and an eye pick-me-up (just a dab in the inner corners!). Which is why we were thrilled to snag a few minutes of her time to chat about what's on her horizon. Check out what the master has to say about how to keep your skin fresh, her take on collaborating with designers, and more.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

What’s the biggest misconception people have about applying makeup?

"I think women tend to believe that wearing lipstick is harder than it is. And that if your skin is one way, you can never wear a certain color. That’s not always the case. Makeup was meant to be played with, so you have to experiment and see what works for you."

Editorial shoots can be long. Do you have any secrets to making makeup last?

"Lots and lots of touch-ups! Sorry, it’s not much of a secret. But I would also say that using a primer to even out your skin tone and setting makeup with a spritz of water are good tips."

On the flip-side, fashion shows can be short on time. What’s your favorite, easy go-to makeup tip that anyone can do?

"Find a look that works for you in one palette. I like two-in-one products, so that I’m not rummaging through a kit trying to find shades. I used Revlon’s CustomEyes Shadow & Liner backstage a lot—it’s just easier to have the colors all right there in front of you."

Do you have any secret skincare tips?

"For skincare, I think it’s very important to alternate your routine—your skin responds better. I have a favorite facialist, Joanna Vargas in New York, and she does something different each visit, and my skin has feels completely renewed—it’s unbelievable. I also think exfoliating every day with a gentle, mild exfoliator is important."

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

What’s one product you can’t live without?

"For skincare, definitely and exfoliator! If I don’t have any on hand, I'll make my own. I'll use whatever I can find in the house, like ginger, coffee beans, oatmeal, honey, brown sugar, molasses, coconut oil, and maybe even beer. I just grind it all up really well and apply. For makeup, I cannot get enough of the new Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Cream Makeup—it gives me such a luminious finish, and it’s super moisturizing."

What do you love about collaborating with designers during Fashion Week?

"I absolutely love collaborating with designers, stylists, and hairstylists—everyone during Fashion Week and at shoots. The creative energy is amazing, and I love seeing what each person brings to the table. For the designers, it’s also so inspiring to see what they’ve worked on all season and their own inspiration behind it. Fashion Week sparks a whole new phase, and it’s just fun to get together to create the whole fantasy."

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

"Oh wow… Well, I think people would be surprised to know that I was an Olympic rider and competed until I was about 18. I won the Swedish Cup twice in pony jumping!"

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

More from Beauty

ADVERTISEMENT