There's an interview with Gucci in the most recent Swedish Elle (sorry if the translation's a bit rough, kinda rushed it
Gucci Westman
Makeup artist Gucci Westman is as appreciated by the stars walking the red carpet as she is by the models on the runway. She's also an international artistic director for Lancôme and this february her first makeup collection for the company,
French Riviera, was released.
- I'm not thinking tan when I think about southern France, rather I visualize Grace Kelly's sofisticated face in
To Catch a Thief, she says to Elle.
Gucci grew up in Varberg
(Guessing most of you have no clue, lol, that's on the Swedish west coast). She wasn't allowed to wear makeup at home, but were given loads of products when working a year as an au pair. The mother in the family got makeup through her work - and Gucci was inspired to pursue a career in beauty. She went to Ecole Chauveau in Paris and studied technology and special effects in Los Angelses. Now she's got the knowledge. Among other things, Gucci was the one who transformed Cameron Diaz beyond recognition in Being John Malkovich. She works with the biggest names, people like Steven Meisel, Annie Leibowitz and Mario Testino.
Celebrities say that they've got you to thank for many great makeup tips. Have you got any from them?
- Gisele taught me the easiest way to get rid of chapped lips. She rubs her lips gently with a warm towel before applying lip balm. And Cate Blanchett showed me that lip enhancing creams really do work. And Demi Moore taught me the best way to use eyedrops. Breathe in through your nose while squeezing the drops into your eyes. That makes the tear canals open so the drops won't run all over your face.
You're traveling 90 per cent of your working hours. Have you got any traveling tips?
- I moisturize constantly during flights. And I change my lotion after a few weeks, because my skin gets used to it. In my opinion, using the same moisturizer every day would be like eating nothing but bananas. And I heard about this new thing I'd like to try: All Japanese beauty directors I know take hot baths for at least 40 minutes, every day. They believe that the heat gets their metabolism going, makes them lose weight and opens their pores to keep their skin clear.
One of your trademarks is perfect skin. What's your secret?
- I apply moisturizer with moisted sponges. Then they won't pull your skin and it makes the product absorb evenly for a better result. Then I put foundation where it's needed.
What was the hardest part when developing you collection for Lancôme?
- The eyeshadows, definitely. I hate it when a shadow looks pretty in the package, but then just disappears on the skin. The best eyeshadows are the ones where what you see is what you get.
What is the most odd request you've recieved?
- To shave a woman's cheeks with a razor. She had a lot of facial hair. Sorry, I won't do that.
Is there a color that suits all?
- Coral lip gloss looks sexy on all women. It makes the lips look available, kissable.
