MUA Marcelo Gutierrez on beauty hacks and the cult products he uses

WORDS Mia Steiber PUBLISHED Thu, 7 Jan 2021 - 12:36 pm

Creator, MUA and visual artist Marcelo Gutierrez is someone that blurs the lines between art and makeup. A storyteller, Marcelo transfers skills from the canvas to his models. You've probably seen his work. It's been featured in campaigns for Dion Lee, SSENSE, Vogue Italia and Paper Magazine to name just a few.

His most recent credit? He was the lead MUA on the campaign for Halsey's newly launched makeup line About-Face. So, Marcelo knows a thing or two about what works in beauty. We spoke to this creator about his favourite products, beauty routine and best makeup hacks. Here's what he had to say.

Describe what you do for a living? What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m an artist. Most people recognise me through my work as a makeup artist but I’m also a writer and filmmaker. These days, if I’m working it starts with a super early cold brew then a long day on set creating beautiful images on a diverse range of models. If I’m off, I still start with a cold brew then go to the gym after some oatmeal. After that I’m either looking through archive images, watching youtube, answering emails, cleaning or hanging out with friends. I always look forward to dinner.

What is your morning beauty routine?

In the morning it’s really simple. After I shower I moisturise my entire body using the Jergens Wet Skin moisturizer. I usually just wash my face with a gentle cleanser like the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, I exfoliate my face with my Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 PIGM 400, put on a healing serum like the Fenty toner, moisturise my face with the Biologique Recherche Creme Placenta and finish with my Fenty sunscreen.

What is your night beauty routine?

It’s actually the exact same thing but no sunscreen and I probably put on my Kate Somerville Eradikate blemish treatment to make sure I’m looking good for the next day.

What is the supermarket/ drug store/ chemist beauty product(s) that you use and love?

The Jergens wet skin moisturizer is so damn good and easy to use. It leaves my skin so soft and smelling delicious.

What is your main form of beauty body maintenance? What products do you use on your body?

Grooming is super important to me. I always have to moisturise my body so that I’m never ashy and to keep my skin glistening. I also groom my body hair, probably twice a month, and just to make sure that I’m not looking too much like the Beast! After I shower, I put on a natural deodorant, I love the one from native. I finish it all with a couple sprays of my Aesop Rozu Eau de Parfum in all the yummy places.

How do you keep fit/ healthy? Does exercise form a large part of your routine?

This year has really cemented my relationship to the gym. I usually go to the gym at least three times a week if not more, it just depends on how busy I am. Exercise is super instrumental in keeping my mental health on point and also making sure I feel strong and sexy. I want to turn myself on.

What procedures or professional treatments do you have as part of your beauty routine?

I typically get a really intensive facial, twice a year. I’m 26 so I just try and maintain my skin. I don’t really need any injections. I last went to Rescue Spa here in NYC and did the Fix-it-all facial. That was a much needed revamp after so many months in quarantine and constant mask wearing. It’s also the spot where I usually stock up on Biologique Recherche products.