CHLOE Magazine Summer 2014 Volume 5 Issue 1 | Page 19

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.