What is international beauty?
CHLOE Beauty Editor Natalie Ventola’s
exclusive talk with Guerlain’s International
Makeup Artist Maxime Poulin
When it comes to dream jobs, Montreal native Maxime
Poulin is holding the golden ticket. Four years ago he was
asked by Guerlain’s Creative Director Olivier Enchadumasion to join the exclusive Art Team, and travel the world
as a global makeup artist for Guerlain. For those who
may not know, Olivier Echaudemaison is a legend
in the beauty community. Maxime feels privileged
to be working for a makeup artist’s whose client list
includes Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and
every super model, actress, and crowned heads you
can name.
As of recently, Maxime is based primarily in Paris,
but prior to this his time was spent traveling extensively for Guerlain, introducing new collections to
journalists around the globe. When I asked Maxime
what the best part of living the jet set life, he answered earnestly “Meeting so so many people. I learn
in every place I go. Learn how women from different countries like to have their makeup done. Some
countries play up the eyes, some love pale skin. In
the Middle East, it is super intense Arabic makeup
with winged out liner. In Greece they love bright
colors: glitter, sparkles. North of Europe is nude, the
most nude in the world. Every region has something
specific.” It has helped him to expand his vision of
beauty, and understand cultures beyond the basic
stereotypes. “You learn from this. What we imagine
as a ‘European look’ does not necessarily represent all
of Europe. I find this super super inspiring”.
It also helps him to come up with ideas from the
creation of new products. Maxime now works with
Olivier and the marketing team as they develop new
formulas. He experiences the colors and textures
straight from the lab, and shares his input: what
could be changed or enhanced to cater the international markets. Because he travels the world, he
knows first hand the products women truly love.
Maxime’s signature look is a flawlessly executed tan,
brought to you by the infamous Guerlain Terracotta
Bronzer (they call him “Terracotta Boy”). Maxime
and Terracotta both celebrate their 30th birthdays
this year. It is hard to imagine a makeup bag without
bronzer; it has become a staple product for women
around the world. Guerlain is proud to hold the
honorary title being the inventor of bronzer, a huge
epiphany for the beauty world. And with Maxime
working along side the brilliant mind of Olivier
Echaudemaison, we can look forward to many more
innovations to come from the powerhouse brand.