Gucci Westman Takes Us Inside Her Makeup Bag

Gucci Westman has spent more than two decades making some of the industry’s biggest names look flawless without looking like they’re wearing makeup at all. As the artist behind campaigns and editorials for Vogue, W and Harper’s Bazaar, and behind the faces of Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow, she built her career on a ‘second-skin’ approach: colour and coverage designed to behave like skincare rather than sit on top of it. That thinking became the starting point for Westman Atelier, the beauty line she founded to close the gap between makeup and skin health.

For Westman, beauty has never stopped at the makeup bag. ‘Beauty has always been much bigger than makeup for me,’ she tells C&TH. ‘It’s a way of living and something I think about everyday. At Westman Atelier, we’re constantly challenging ourselves and our partners to create products that deliver beautiful performance while using ingredients that genuinely support and improve the skin.’

Below, Gucci Westman talks us through her own makeup bag, the routine that takes her from bare-faced to camera-ready, and the hero products she never travels without.

What’s Inside My Makeup Bag? With Gucci Westman

Gucci Westman

Let’s start with the bag itself – describe it for us.

My Louis Vuitton Neverfull is one of those bags that just works. I can fit way more than I probably should in it. If I’m heading into the office or the city, I know I’ll have room for any samples I pick up during the day, plus my book (usually an extra one too) for the train.

I always have my headphones, sunglasses, reading glasses, card holder, a few HydroBalms, a protein bar, and a magnifying mirror if I’m doing my makeup on the train or in the car. Depending on what I’m doing that day, I’ll also bring my Métier Train Case with my personal makeup.

If I’m traveling, I’ll usually add my iPad and a sleep mask. It really fits everything. The only downside is that it gets heavy, so when I fly, I always pair it with my cabin roller and slide the tote on top. It’s an easy travel setup.

What’s your pre-makeup beauty ritual?

If I have a little more time or I’m getting ready for something important, I’ll tailor my routine to how my skin is feeling that day. Depending on whether I’m home or traveling, I’ll use my Time Master Pro, the Shark FacialPro, or the LYMA Laser Pro. I always try to listen to my skin rather than follow a set routine. Sometimes it needs a little extra exfoliation, other days it just needs calming and hydration.

Recently, my husband got a facial cold plunge, which I’ve been loving. It’s designed specifically for your face, so you immerse your head into this sculpted bowl of ice water that’s surprisingly comfortable. It’s such a great way to depuff and wake up the skin.

Let’s break down your makeup routine – prep?

I exfoliate, rinse my face, and then start with Westman Atelier Skin Activator. Around my nose and chin, I’ll apply our Pore Refining Complex Serum, followed by Eye Activator.

Tools?

Westman Atelier Liquid Foundation Brush, Powder Brush, Baby Blender and Blender II Brush.

Face?

Then I go straight in with Westman Atelier Suprême Bio Complex Liquid Foundation, which I always apply with a brush. From there, it’s our Super Loaded in Peau de Peony, Eye Pods in Truffle and Tulle, Face Trace in Coco, and then either Sun Tone Bronzing Drops or Sun Tone Bronzing Crème in Parfait II, depending on the look I’m after.

Westman Atelier Suprême Bio Complex Liquid & Stick Foundation

Lips?

Westman Atelier Lip Liner in Petal and a few different HydroBalms.

Eyebrows?

Westman Atelier Bonne Brow in Slate.

Finishing touches?

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation or Concealer with the Spot Check Brush.

To set?

Westman Atelier Translucent Powder.

One product you always carry in your handbag?

My reading glasses, if I do not have them it is a problem. Also, you can always find a few HydroBalms and lip liners in all of my bags.

Tell us about a beauty trend you love…

I’ve always believed in embracing your individuality and wearing makeup in a way that makes you feel your most confident. The best look is one that feels authentic to you, rather than trying to chase what’s popular at the moment. My favorite trend is not following one.

What’s something you did beauty-wise in your youth that you’d never do again?

Overplucking my eyebrows and tanning beds. I will never do either again. Also, there was a lot of blue eye shadow with pink blush.

The best piece of beauty advice you’ve been given?

Something my Mom told me when I was little – to never touch my face with soap – and I have listened to this day.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I don’t separate makeup from skincare, they should work together. That’s how I approach beauty in my own life, and it’s how I approach doing makeup as well. I want people to love how they look in the moment, but I also want them to feel confident knowing they’re doing something good for their skin over time. Beauty should enhance who you are, never cover you up.

Makeup: for touch-up or self-expression?

I think it’s both. Beauty adds something meaningful to my everyday life. I genuinely look forward to the ritual. I can wake up feeling a bit tired or average, spend five minutes doing my makeup, and instantly feel more like myself.

Of course, it’s practical – I love having products with me for touch-ups – but more than anything, it’s mood-boosting and confidence-building. It’s a small daily ritual that brings me joy, and I think those moments of taking care of yourself really matter.

More From Gucci

Keep up with Gucci Westman on Instagram (@gucciwestman) or over at westman-atelier.com.