Diary of a Makeup Artist: Backstage at Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Makeup Artist Sylwia Rakowska gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek as she preps the models for the Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 runway show.


Looking very summery in his white shirt and hat, [Shiseido makeup artist] Dick Page described his makeup concept to us for the Marc by Marc Jacobs show as a very natural look, as if there is no makeup at all. 

The models are very happy that the look is natural and minimalistic. They usually don’t like too much makeup; running from show to show with lots of makeup changes makes their skin very tired. Since the models usually come late from just finished shows, we have to work very fast. Three hair people rush to get the hair ready, while girls clean makeup off from the previous show.

Today, we are using Shiseido moisturizing cream (Shiseido ‘Future Solution LX Night’ Regenerating Cream) mixed with foundation for very light coverage and to make the face look dewy. On the lips, just Shiseido lip balm.

We are not using any mascara, and the concealer under the eyes is very light. The nail artists came prepared with all the colors, but the look for nails is also very natural.

After the makeup is done, we add a little bit of loose powder on the cheeks and send each model back to Dick where he checks the makeup and applies blush on the cheeks himself.  The powder we applied on the cheeks helps to prepare the face for the blush application so it goes on more evenly.

The girls are sent out on the runway for a practice walk. On the runway, Dick Page checks how the makeup looks with the lights and decides to add brown mascara on the top lashes and a little bit more powder. With just 15 minutes until the show starts, we run from girl to girl to add mascara and powder. After each girl is fixed, we check her off on the list.

The show starts on time! Thankfully, everything went very smoothly.

Images: Sylwia Rakowska


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