The Agent Nateur holi (grail) Interview: Marcelo Gutierrez, New York-Based Makeup Artist, Filmmaker, Writer and Performance Artist
Marcelo Guiterrez is something of a Renaissance man. A talented, multi-disciplined creative - he is much in demand as he draws on his artistic background to create distinctive looks for editorial, brand and catwalk. He has painted the faces of icons such as Madonna and Lourdes, Bella Hadid, Lily Rose Depp, Alec Wek and Rosalía. His work has been featured in publications such as Vogue US, Harper’s Bazaar, CR Fashion Book, I-D, Vogue Italia and W Magazine. Passionate about beautiful skin and not just makeup, he is much in demand and constantly on the go, but he very kindly took some time out of his busy schedule to be the subject of our latest holi (grail) interview.
1. What’s your skincare and beauty routine?
My routine is simple but effective. Cleanser, shave, toner, hydrating/calming serum, a simple light moisturizer. In the evenings before bed I might add tretinoin before my moisturizer and like a spot treatment. I’m acne prone so I have to be vigilant. During the day, after I do skincare, I just pop some concealer on around my nose, mouth and eyes to brighten up my complexion. Finish it off with some cream blush to mimic the sun and some Lumify in my eyes. Never forget lip balm, never! I also always put a scoop of Holi (mane) in my iced coffee every morning. I swear it’s made my brows fuller than they already are.
2. What are your current favorite products?
I love my CerVe SA cleanser. My Rhode blush. The Agent Nateur firming serum not only feels so soothing but the scent somehow immediately calms me. The Barbara Sturm Calming Serum is great too when I have a flare up. Love my Tom Ford traceless matte concealer.
3. How do you prepare to look your best for a big event?
I make sure to see my barber, Adrian, to get my buzz cut nice and sharp - especially my brows. Then I do a nice face shave and take my time doing my skincare. Going to the gym before is important for me too because it keeps me feeling strong in whatever I wear and keeps my posture right.
4. Are there any challenges to your beauty routine - work, home, travel etc? Have you ever made any lifestyle changes to support your wellbeing?
The main challenge while traveling, which I do a lot of, is keeping up with my brows and buzz cut. I’ve become quite the personal barber as a result. My skin takes a beating from flying so making sure I put all my cleansers and treatments in travel sizes is so key! I’ve started juicing about two months ago, almost every morning, and it really helps keep me cleansed and light so I try to find fresh juice wherever I have to travel.
5. What’s your go-to healthy snack?
A banana, an apple or some nuts. lol
6. When you were younger, who was your beauty icon? Who inspires you now? Giorgio Armani and Slash were and are still my style/beauty icons. They both manage to look so sexy and timeless in their own way. One is classically Italian and minimal and the other is effortlessly playful and sexy. I like to think somehow I combine the two. Although Mr. Armani would never slit his brows.
7. Any ‘tweakments’ (skincare and non-surgical) procedures you’d recommend or have planned for ‘one day’?
I get the slightest amount of botox on my forehead to keep me looking fresh between all the flights and long days.
8. What is your go to/ favorite beauty look to create and what inspired this look?
My go-to look I always love to do is all about delicious sensual skin, and a tempting eye that isn’t over-done but still mesmerizing. I like a look that’s commanding but doesn't read like “makeup”. Makeup can be too distracting and I don’t find that very sexy. I’m always inspired by each individual's personality.
9. Biggest beauty mistake?
None! To each their own! I know I contradicted myself but it depends on the character you are going for. Intention is everything. Commit to the role.
10. And finally... what can you NOT do without? What’s the holy grail of the products you Use?
My Summer Fridays lip balm on the go or Laneige sleeping mask while at home. I absolutely cannot go without my razors though!
