‘Seductive, surprising, confident, timeless’
Dior’s creative image director embraces makeup with ‘candy-like pleasure’
Peter Philips is, indisputably, a powerhouse in the makeup industry. The Belgian artist, who has been the creative image director of Dior Makeup since 2014, is celebrated for his unique take on using shape and colour with makeup.
One quick scroll through his Instagram account, @peterphilipsmakeup, proves the point, as he shares images of models made up as Mondrian-inspired clowns, glittering skeletons, surreal, white-faced nuns and more, for his nearly 300,000 followers to enjoy. And, as one would imagine the creative head of a major global beauty brand to be, he’s really good at creating more “normal” makeup looks, too.
Philips took a brief break from the Paris Fashion Week madness — and working on famous faces including Bella Hadid and Tilda Swinton — to chat with Postmedia News about the Dior beauty esthetic, makeup as a “candy-like pleasure” and what’s new for the upcoming season:
Q How would you describe the Dior beauty esthetic?
A Multi-faceted. At Dior, we are at the service of women. Our goal is to cater to women by offering our creativity, expertise and quality so our products can be used as a tool to enhance beauty, celebrate creativity, help to express yourself and support confidence. Dior beauty is seductive, surprising, confident, timeless.
Q What is the inspiration for the upcoming season?
A Glowing skin, great colours! Makeup as a candy-like pleasure, playful but strong and absolutely irresistible.
Q In your opinion, what’s one look that works on all women?
A A nice and glowing nude look, with one extra focus point. Depending on the personality and features of the women, the focus point can be a bold lip or strong lashes or a colourful eye makeup or a fierce eyeliner.
Q What is your all-time favourite beauty product?
A Tricky question and the answer might change on a regular base. But, for now, I would say the Dior Backstage Glow Palette.
Q Makeup can be so transformative, physically and emotionally. Why do you think this is?
A Makeup can be as impactful as power dressing. After a woman applies her lipstick or mascara she can literally feel stronger, prettier, more confident. Makeup can be like an armour, a superhero cape.
Q Lastly, what is your favourite part about doing what you do?
A Seeing the results! On shoots seeing the final prints, on shows seeing the girls on the catwalk, seeing the finished products on counters and when I do a makeup seeing a happy and confident face!