Hunter Schafer has talent in spades. She's an actress, activist, model and producer. The 25 year old is also a keen artist — she studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and had plans to study fashion design at Central Saint Martins. A burgeoning modelling career and her breakout role as Jules Vaughn on Euphoria may have changed the trajectory, but this deep-seated creativity still permeates a lot of her work.
Schafer is also the face of Shiseido, but for the most recent collection, Schafer went beyond fronting campaigns and instead illustrated the packaging, embossments on the products themselves, and directed a short animation to accompany the launch. Truthfully, it's not that common for celebrity faces to be so involved with the brands they're aligned to, but in Schafer's case, the Shiseido collection was a labour of love.
To mark the new suite of products arriving at Mecca, RUSSH spoke with Schafer to discuss beauty, identity and creative collaboration. Read the interview, below.
What was your first-ever experience with makeup?
I remember picking out a little lip gloss ring from a treasure box when I was in kindergarten. After that, I started experimenting with makeup in secret, borrowing my sister’s products and trying things on to see what it was like. I would put it on in the bathroom at school, but take it off before my parents picked me up. When I got to high school, I got more comfortable with it.
Today, I think makeup is a really useful form of self-expression in that I can channel exactly how I'm feeling. It enables me to decide on a look, to amplify elements of my own beauty or accentuate certain features.
Tell me about Euphoria— did it change your world in the context of makeup?
Euphoria, and the way we approached beauty, was so collaborative. Before it was always me on my own, or in the chair as a model. Working with the artists on set was always a creative conversation. It taught me so much... we had a lot of fun with it.
What was Jules' best look?
Maybe S1E7? Jules wore orange mascara that glowed under black light. I thought that was really cool.
How do you come up with a look for a red carpet? Do you like to pull references?
Sometimes I pull references, but my stylist Dara helps me a lot with planning a beauty look. I often get caught up in the clothes and leave makeup until the day of. But Dara is amazing — she creates mood board every time with a plan for hair and makeup. Plus, I usually just want to look clean, ethereal and fresh.
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Your new collection with Shiseido is beautiful — where did you start with it and how did the creative concept evolve?
I’ve worked with Shiseido for over four years now, and during that time, they’ve really supported and recognised my growth as an artist, aligning with my own artistic values. This collection felt like a natural progression in our partnership. It was the Shiseido team who suggested my own artwork — I was excited.
I love any opportunity to incorporate my art into work, so that meant a lot.
Directing the animated film was a first for me — I’ve only directed music videos previously. The process had similarities, like storyboarding and planning, but animation allowed me to work with talented artists who brought the world to life in a way that exceeded my expectations.
Truthfully, the best part of the experience was working with friends like Ethan James Green and Dara, who are both incredibly talented and supportive. Working with friends is always the ideal scenario, I find there's a connectivity and synergy that affords great work.
How did you dream up the illustrations?
I wanted to capture little moments of lightness — something that excited the eye — and for the pieces to seem as if they could’ve come right out of my sketchbook. I went through a lot of my old work and borrowed smaller moments from larger drawings. I created new artwork as well. It’s a little bit of old and a little bit of new me.
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How do you like using the products day to day?
This collection is easy to incorporate into your everyday routine, but it can also be used to take your look to the next level.
I've been using Ultimune for a while, it's one of my favourite products. It's so hydrating and creates the best canvas for whatever is next, whether that's just skincare or full glam on set. I love the Aura Dew Illuminator if I'm going out or looking to brighten up my skin. The pale pink shade projects a softness when applied, it's like watercolour floating across a page. The Daiya Fude brush is so special and artistic. It's a handcrafted tool inspired by Japanese calligraphy and leaves your complexion looking flawless. I like to use it any time I'm doing my base.
What is it about the Japanese approach to beauty and self-care that resonates with you?
I like the focus on accentuating and highlighting the beauty that's already there. The same goes for self-care.
Taking care of what you have so that it lasts. I think there's a lot of beauty in that.
What does your current morning and evening routine look like?
Working with Shiseido has helped me expand my understanding of skincare, I’ve really stepped up my routine. I'm all about moisturising day and night. I love Ultimune because it feels beautiful and allows everything else to work harder. I really love the Essential Energy Hydrating Cream, and I'm really into sunscreen these days. That's always my last step in the morning.
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Shop Hunter's edit
Aura Dew Illuminator
Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Essential Energy Hydrating Cream
