If you haven’t heard of the makeup artist Gucci Westman, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard of the celebrities who swear by her products and turn to her again and again when they need to look their best for an important event. The list of her fans includes Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more. Westman, who is based in New York, has been in the industry for more than two decades and has had her work featured in every major fashion magazine from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar. If you’re seeking that enviable fresh-faced no makeup look, Westman is your person- she is a master at creating luminous faces and is known for her “second-skin” approach to beauty.
Westman launched her clean beauty brand, Westman Atelier, in 2018, which has a loyal following. Her blushes and lipsticks are a staple in my makeup bag and also what I take with me on any trip.
I interviewed Westman recently about her travel style, favorite hotels, and the essentials she won’t leave home without.
How often are you on the road for work?
It really varies. I’ve traveled extensively throughout my career, so much so that being home for more than two weeks can start to feel unusual.
At times, especially during awards season or press cycles with talent, I can be on the road up to three times a month or more. This past year was particularly intense with Anne Hathaway promoting multiple films alongside Nicole Kidman, whom I work with closely. I think I slept in my own bed only twice in five weeks.
I also travel regularly for Westman Atelier, typically around six times a year for lab visits in Europe. Whenever we’re launching the brand in new markets, I’ll travel for events and activations.
MORE FOR YOU
Are you a carry-on or check-in person?
I aspire to be a carry-on-only traveler, and I do it whenever I can, but my makeup kit makes that difficult. I usually travel with a carry-on plus my kit, and I’ve learned to always pair my tote with a roller because everything gets heavy quickly. That system has made travel much more manageable.
What destinations do you visit most often for work?
Los Angeles is a frequent destination for awards season, photo shoots, film press, and premieres. Italy is primarily for work and campaigns with Italian brands. Paris is a hub for fashion and campaigns. I also travel throughout Asia, particularly Korea and Japan, for product development.
What are your travel essentials?
I always travel with Lemon Lima SILA electrolytes, my iPad, Bose noise-canceling headphones, hand sanitizer, and Westman Atelier Skin Activator and HydroBalm Tinted Lip Balm.
Comfort is key, so I pack cashmere sets from Iris von Arnim, Olivia von Halle, Guest in Residence, Linnea Lund, and Lisa Yang. I always wear compression socks on flights. I also bring Schostal pajamas, leggings and tanks for workouts, sneakers, and a Toteme blazer that lets me go straight from the airport to work.
For recovery and wellness, I pack facial devices (I’m currently loving the Shark cold/heat tool for jet lag), Cymbiotica Vitamin C packets, Agent Nateur magnesium, doctor-prescribed peptides, and WelleCo Night Elixir, which I find especially grounding for sleep. I always include something for digestion, usually Mag 07. I’ll also bring a book, sunglasses (Thierry Lasry, CHANEL, or LGR), reading glasses, Levi’s, Jamie Haller jeans, a few belts, Sessei button-downs, and cashmere sweaters.
What Westman Atelier products never leave your travel bag?
I always pack a full edit of our skincare: Skin Activator, Eye Activator, Suprême C, and our newest product, Pore Refining Complex.
For makeup, I rotate through Sun Tone Drops, Sun Tone Bronzing Crème, Baby Cheeks, Face Trace in Coco, Bonne Brow in Slate, HydroBalm, Lip Suede Matte Lipstick, Squeaky Clean Lip Balm, Vital Skincare Pressed Powder in Translucent, Powder Duos in Tulle/Truffle, Lip Shape in every shade, Eye Pods in Toujours, the Vital Skin Foundation Stick, and Vital Skincare Concealer.
If someone wants a pared-down travel makeup routine, which five products do you recommend?
Vital Skin Foundation Stick, Baby Cheeks, Face Trace, Sun Tone Bronzing Crème, and a brush.
Any skincare or makeup tips for travel?
Hydration is everything. I always use SPF, particularly La Roche-Posay. In summer, a good hat is essential—I love styles from Heather Kaminski, especially the visors and sun hats.
Where do you like to vacation when you’re not working?
We spend a lot of June and July in Europe. My husband and I both have family in the U.K. and Sweden, so we return multiple times a year. It’s always a bit of a puzzle coordinating travel, but we make it work.
What toiletry bag do you use?
I never travel without the Westman Atelier x Métier oversized train case. It fits everything—skincare, makeup, and even supplements—and makes staying organized on the road effortless.
What are some of your favorite hotels around the world?
Ett Hem in Stockholm, EPI in Ramatuelle, Playa Grande Beach Club in the Dominican Republic, Le Crillon and Le Bristol in Paris, Castiglion del Bosco, Il Pellicano, and Mezzatorre in Italy, The Surrey in New York, Claridge’s and The Cadogan in London, Estelle Manor and The Newt in the English countryside, Les Fermes de Marie in Megève, and Hacienda AltaGracia in Costa Rica.
Source: Forbes
