The make-up genius

Beautiful inside and out, Gregoris is no stranger to the twists and turns of life. As a university student, he dropped everything to become a make-up artist, and as a young and promising talent he left the security of Greece, his homeland, to chase after his dream in the mecca of fashion and beauty, France. Former artistic director of Shiseido, Tom Pecheux, became his mentor when he started working by his side in 2012. In September 2015, Gregoris became a spokesperson for Laboratoire Bioderma, the first ever makeup artist to represent a skincare brand. Magazines adore him, women he has worked with, such as Cindy Crawford, Carla Bruni, Alexa Chung, and Laetitia Casta, praise him and today, as Shiseido’s Europe, Africa and Middle East Makeup Ambassador, he is at a peak that suits his remarkable talent and humble character like a glove.

The make-up genius

Beautiful inside and out, Gregoris is no stranger to the twists and turns of life. As a university student, he dropped everything to become a make-up artist, and as a young and promising talent he left the security of Greece, his homeland, to chase after his dream in the mecca of fashion and beauty, France. Former artistic director of Shiseido, Tom Pecheux, became his mentor when he started working by his side in 2012. In September 2015, Gregoris became a spokesperson for Laboratoire Bioderma, the first ever makeup artist to represent a skincare brand. Magazines adore him, women he has worked with, such as Cindy Crawford, Carla Bruni, Alexa Chung, and Laetitia Casta, praise him and today, as Shiseido’s Europe, Africa and Middle East Makeup Ambassador, he is at a peak that suits his remarkable talent and humble character like a glove.

The make-up genius

Beautiful inside and out, Gregoris is no stranger to the twists and turns of life. As a university student, he dropped everything to become a make-up artist, and as a young and promising talent he left the security of Greece, his homeland, to chase after his dream in the mecca of fashion and beauty, France. Former artistic director of Shiseido, Tom Pecheux, became his mentor when he started working by his side in 2012. In September 2015, Gregoris became a spokesperson for Laboratoire Bioderma, the first ever makeup artist to represent a skincare brand. Magazines adore him, women he has worked with, such as Cindy Crawford, Carla Bruni, Alexa Chung, and Laetitia Casta, praise him and today, as Shiseido’s Europe, Africa and Middle East Makeup Ambassador, he is at a peak that suits his remarkable talent and humble character like a glove.

When did you realize make-up was your universe?
I have always searched for beauty and aesthetics around me, even as a boy. Beautiful people, beautiful spaces… By age 15 I knew of every top photographer, stylist, model, makeup artist, as I would always study the credits of the photo-shoots I studied in magazines. In 2005, a friend of mine from university, where I was studying English Literature, asked me to apply her makeup for her. It was a simple look that had great success. The next day I started looking for makeup schools and within a week I was enrolled. I never did it to have a career in makeup; it just felt great to work with brushes.

What does this kind of work require, other than talent?
Talent covers just 50% of it… the most important aspect is how much you want this kind of career. Persistence. Perseverance. Your ego might go through a lot of hardship, so you need to have a strong gut and tough nerve. Plus, you need luck. And one last thing, to not be afraid of airplanes. If you want to have an international career, planes become your second home.

When did you realize make-up was your universe?
I have always searched for beauty and aesthetics around me, even as a boy. Beautiful people, beautiful spaces… By age 15 I knew of every top photographer, stylist, model, makeup artist, as I would always study the credits of the photo-shoots I studied in magazines. In 2005, a friend of mine from university, where I was studying English Literature, asked me to apply her makeup for her. It was a simple look that had great success. The next day I started looking for makeup schools and within a week I was enrolled. I never did it to have a career in makeup; it just felt great to work with brushes.

What does this kind of work require, other than talent?
Talent covers just 50% of it… the most important aspect is how much you want this kind of career. Persistence. Perseverance. Your ego might go through a lot of hardship, so you need to have a strong gut and tough nerve. Plus, you need luck. And one last thing, to not be afraid of airplanes. If you want to have an international career, planes become your second home.

When did you realize make-up was your universe?
I have always searched for beauty and aesthetics around me, even as a boy. Beautiful people, beautiful spaces… By age 15 I knew of every top photographer, stylist, model, makeup artist, as I would always study the credits of the photo-shoots I studied in magazines. In 2005, a friend of mine from university, where I was studying English Literature, asked me to apply her makeup for her. It was a simple look that had great success. The next day I started looking for makeup schools and within a week I was enrolled. I never did it to have a career in makeup; it just felt great to work with brushes.

What does this kind of work require, other than talent?
Talent covers just 50% of it… the most important aspect is how much you want this kind of career. Persistence. Perseverance. Your ego might go through a lot of hardship, so you need to have a strong gut and tough nerve. Plus, you need luck. And one last thing, to not be afraid of airplanes. If you want to have an international career, planes become your second home.

Any tips for flying fatigue?
I’d love it if someone gave me some! But, seriously, I try to sleep as much as possible and get at least eight hours, even on a plane. I eat healthily. I don’t drink and I exercise a lot. Recently I discovered that stretching regenerates my body deep down.

Is your own homeland a source of inspiration?
Absolutely. Especially the light in the Cyclades, Folegandros in particular, which makes everything more beautiful…nature and people alike…it is almost mystical.

Give us three beauty rules.
• Forget instagram. It is a fake world filled with filters, lights and retouch.
• Blush is a very misconceived product. The right blush in a creamy texture can make you look fresher than ever.
• Concealer is magic! It makes you look fresh and rested in just a second.

Any tips for flying fatigue?
I’d love it if someone gave me some! But, seriously, I try to sleep as much as possible and get at least eight hours, even on a plane. I eat healthily. I don’t drink and I exercise a lot. Recently I discovered that stretching regenerates my body deep down.

Is your own homeland a source of inspiration?
Absolutely. Especially the light in the Cyclades, Folegandros in particular, which makes everything more beautiful…nature and people alike…it is almost mystical.

Give us three beauty rules.
• Forget instagram. It is a fake world filled with filters, lights and retouch.
• Blush is a very misconceived product. The right blush in a creamy texture can make you look fresher than ever.
• Concealer is magic! It makes you look fresh and rested in just a second.

Any tips for flying fatigue?
I’d love it if someone gave me some! But, seriously, I try to sleep as much as possible and get at least eight hours, even on a plane. I eat healthily. I don’t drink and I exercise a lot. Recently I discovered that stretching regenerates my body deep down.

Is your own homeland a source of inspiration?
Absolutely. Especially the light in the Cyclades, Folegandros in particular, which makes everything more beautiful…nature and people alike…it is almost mystical.

Give us three beauty rules.
• Forget instagram. It is a fake world filled with filters, lights and retouch.
• Blush is a very misconceived product. The right blush in a creamy texture can make you look fresher than ever.
• Concealer is magic! It makes you look fresh and rested in just a second.

What is your signature look?
Transparency. Even when I am working on a sophisticated look with powerful eyes and full lips, I make sure the woman who is wearing it looks natural and makes the style entirely her own. And, of course, I always take care of the skin!

What is your favorite summer 2019 trend?
Colored mascara. It doesn’t need to have a flashy shade; even if you choose burgundy instead of black it will give your makeup a great twist. Controlled Chaos Mascara Ink by Shiseido is my favorite.

Speaking of Shiseido, how do you see the brand?Shiseido is a historic house that symbolizes harmony, elegance and the guarantee of exceptionally high quality products. I used a Shiseido product for the first time several years ago and this foundation hasn’t left my professional makeup artist’s kit since, but it isn’t just a cosmetics brand. This house orders added value, the perfect balance between science and art. It has a unique approach.

What makeup product do you always have with you? A concealer. It’s a magic wand that bluer imperfections gets rid of signs of fatigue and evens out the complexion. For women, I also like to have a blush like Minimalist Whipper Powder Blush in Burnt Coral, which is easy to apply in monochrome to the lips, eyes and mouth.

What are the DOs and DON’ts for flawless makeup? Do: take your time to work on your base, your complexion. Never forget that “less is more” and that “flawless” doesn’t mean skin that’s caked in foundation. You have to look like yourself. Don’t: force it. If you don’t feel comfortable in your makeup, it means it isn’t right. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of purple eyeshadow and orange lips and this combination gives you confidence: GO FOT IT!

What is your signature look?
Transparency. Even when I am working on a sophisticated look with powerful eyes and full lips, I make sure the woman who is wearing it looks natural and makes the style entirely her own. And, of course, I always take care of the skin!

What is your favorite summer 2019 trend?
Colored mascara. It doesn’t need to have a flashy shade; even if you choose burgundy instead of black it will give your makeup a great twist. Controlled Chaos Mascara Ink by Shiseido is my favorite.

Speaking of Shiseido, how do you see the brand?Shiseido is a historic house that symbolizes harmony, elegance and the guarantee of exceptionally high quality products. I used a Shiseido product for the first time several years ago and this foundation hasn’t left my professional makeup artist’s kit since, but it isn’t just a cosmetics brand. This house orders added value, the perfect balance between science and art. It has a unique approach.

What makeup product do you always have with you? A concealer. It’s a magic wand that bluer imperfections gets rid of signs of fatigue and evens out the complexion. For women, I also like to have a blush like Minimalist Whipper Powder Blush in Burnt Coral, which is easy to apply in monochrome to the lips, eyes and mouth.

What are the DOs and DON’ts for flawless makeup? Do: take your time to work on your base, your complexion. Never forget that “less is more” and that “flawless” doesn’t mean skin that’s caked in foundation. You have to look like yourself. Don’t: force it. If you don’t feel comfortable in your makeup, it means it isn’t right. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of purple eyeshadow and orange lips and this combination gives you confidence: GO FOT IT!

What is your signature look?
Transparency. Even when I am working on a sophisticated look with powerful eyes and full lips, I make sure the woman who is wearing it looks natural and makes the style entirely her own. And, of course, I always take care of the skin!

What is your favorite summer 2019 trend?
Colored mascara. It doesn’t need to have a flashy shade; even if you choose burgundy instead of black it will give your makeup a great twist. Controlled Chaos Mascara Ink by Shiseido is my favorite.

Speaking of Shiseido, how do you see the brand?Shiseido is a historic house that symbolizes harmony, elegance and the guarantee of exceptionally high quality products. I used a Shiseido product for the first time several years ago and this foundation hasn’t left my professional makeup artist’s kit since, but it isn’t just a cosmetics brand. This house orders added value, the perfect balance between science and art. It has a unique approach.

What makeup product do you always have with you? A concealer. It’s a magic wand that bluer imperfections gets rid of signs of fatigue and evens out the complexion. For women, I also like to have a blush like Minimalist Whipper Powder Blush in Burnt Coral, which is easy to apply in monochrome to the lips, eyes and mouth.

What are the DOs and DON’ts for flawless makeup? Do: take your time to work on your base, your complexion. Never forget that “less is more” and that “flawless” doesn’t mean skin that’s caked in foundation. You have to look like yourself. Don’t: force it. If you don’t feel comfortable in your makeup, it means it isn’t right. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of purple eyeshadow and orange lips and this combination gives you confidence: GO FOT IT!

Is there an attitude to makeup you should avoid?
Copying other people’s looks entirely, whether it’s a friend or a celebrity. Obviously, it’s completely normal to get inspiration, but imitating every last detail won’t work.

Do you have any beauty icons?
Christy Turlington, Charlotte Rampling, Laeticia Casta. Three accomplished women who have achieved wonderful things. What I love is that they have a healthy attitude towards the passing of time, stay in harmony with themselves and don’t try to transform their faces. This confidence combined with a unique elegance makes them irresistible.

Which celebrity inspires your work?
Photographer Herb Ritts’ work has always fascinated me. People always look beautiful and attractive in his photos. He has a unique way of depicting the body and his use of light is always magnificent.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Threat others how you would like to be treated.

What is your secret for adapting to different types of women when you apply their makeup?
I discuss everything with them at length before I start to apply their makeup so that it reflects their individual taste and personality. I never try to change how a woman looks. I try to enhance her beauty above all so that she feels comfortable with her look. If I’m working with a celebrity, I prepare for our meeting by scanning her usual look so I can understand what she likes. What matters to me is not letting my ego get in the way. I’ve always respected their codes while adding my own personal touch as a makeup artist!

Is there an attitude to makeup you should avoid?
Copying other people’s looks entirely, whether it’s a friend or a celebrity. Obviously, it’s completely normal to get inspiration, but imitating every last detail won’t work.

Do you have any beauty icons?
Christy Turlington, Charlotte Rampling, Laeticia Casta. Three accomplished women who have achieved wonderful things. What I love is that they have a healthy attitude towards the passing of time, stay in harmony with themselves and don’t try to transform their faces. This confidence combined with a unique elegance makes them irresistible.

Which celebrity inspires your work?
Photographer Herb Ritts’ work has always fascinated me. People always look beautiful and attractive in his photos. He has a unique way of depicting the body and his use of light is always magnificent.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Threat others how you would like to be treated.

What is your secret for adapting to different types of women when you apply their makeup?
I discuss everything with them at length before I start to apply their makeup so that it reflects their individual taste and personality. I never try to change how a woman looks. I try to enhance her beauty above all so that she feels comfortable with her look. If I’m working with a celebrity, I prepare for our meeting by scanning her usual look so I can understand what she likes. What matters to me is not letting my ego get in the way. I’ve always respected their codes while adding my own personal touch as a makeup artist!

For or against cosmetic surgery?
For. There’s no reason to be unhappy all your life because you don’t like your
lips or your nose. However, I am against cosmetic surgery that follows the
fashions, like the current trend for having huge lips and large buttocks. It’s a
little over the top!

Is there an attitude to makeup you should avoid?
Copying other people’s looks entirely, whether it’s a friend or a celebrity. Obviously, it’s completely normal to get inspiration, but imitating every last detail won’t work.

Do you have any beauty icons?
Christy Turlington, Charlotte Rampling, Laeticia Casta. Three accomplished women who have achieved wonderful things. What I love is that they have a healthy attitude towards the passing of time, stay in harmony with themselves and don’t try to transform their faces. This confidence combined with a unique elegance makes them irresistible.

Which celebrity inspires your work?
Photographer Herb Ritts’ work has always fascinated me. People always look beautiful and attractive in his photos. He has a unique way of depicting the body and his use of light is always magnificent.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Threat others how you would like to be treated.

What is your secret for adapting to different types of women when you apply their makeup?
I discuss everything with them at length before I start to apply their makeup so that it reflects their individual taste and personality. I never try to change how a woman looks. I try to enhance her beauty above all so that she feels comfortable with her look. If I’m working with a celebrity, I prepare for our meeting by scanning her usual look so I can understand what she likes. What matters to me is not letting my ego get in the way. I’ve always respected their codes while adding my own personal touch as a makeup artist!

For or against cosmetic surgery?
For. There’s no reason to be unhappy all your life because you don’t like your
lips or your nose. However, I am against cosmetic surgery that follows the
fashions, like the current trend for having huge lips and large buttocks. It’s a
little over the top!

For or against cosmetic surgery?
For. There’s no reason to be unhappy all your life because you don’t like your
lips or your nose. However, I am against cosmetic surgery that follows the
fashions, like the current trend for having huge lips and large buttocks. It’s a
little over the top!

Favorite country: It’s a city really, Amsterdam.
Motto in life: Always be respectful.
Best quality: Empathy.
Fault: Impatience.
My friends tell me I’m: Surprising.
Favorite writer: Yannis Ritsos.
Favorite actress: Meryl Streep.
Favorite model: Christy Turlington.
Favorite meal: Spinach pies!
Mentor: Tom Pêcheux
Best holiday destination: Greece
Weekend destination: Folegandros.
The place that calms me: Nepal.
I go mad if: Things are in a mess. I’m a maniac.
The thing I hate the most: Rude people.
The secret that I’ll never tell anyone: When I was an assistant makeup artist, I
ruined some dresses with makeup backstage at a catwalk show.
The thing that makes me laugh: Cute animals.

Favorite country: It’s a city really, Amsterdam.
Motto in life: Always be respectful.
Best quality: Empathy.
Fault: Impatience.
My friends tell me I’m: Surprising.
Favorite writer: Yannis Ritsos.
Favorite actress: Meryl Streep.
Favorite model: Christy Turlington.
Favorite meal: Spinach pies!
Mentor: Tom Pêcheux
Best holiday destination: Greece
Weekend destination: Folegandros.
The place that calms me: Nepal.
I go mad if: Things are in a mess. I’m a maniac.
The thing I hate the most: Rude people.
The secret that I’ll never tell anyone: When I was an assistant makeup artist, I
ruined some dresses with makeup backstage at a catwalk show.
The thing that makes me laugh: Cute animals.

Favorite country: It’s a city really, Amsterdam.
Motto in life: Always be respectful.
Best quality: Empathy.
Fault: Impatience.
My friends tell me I’m: Surprising.
Favorite writer: Yannis Ritsos.
Favorite actress: Meryl Streep.
Favorite model: Christy Turlington.
Favorite meal: Spinach pies!
Mentor: Tom Pêcheux
Best holiday destination: Greece
Weekend destination: Folegandros.
The place that calms me: Nepal.
I go mad if: Things are in a mess. I’m a maniac.
The thing I hate the most: Rude people.
The secret that I’ll never tell anyone: When I was an assistant makeup artist, I
ruined some dresses with makeup backstage at a catwalk show.
The thing that makes me laugh: Cute animals.

Newsletter Signup