Home is where the makeup table is – at least during Fashion Week. As soon as Romero Jennings has set up his working table for the day, he feels complete. We met the Global MAC Cosmetics Director backstage at the Sacai Show in Paris. What started as a conversation about makeup, evolved in getting to know a person who definitely knows how to do makeup but also focuses on the simple things in life: instead of working out, he sticks to a healthy lifestyle; instead of complaining about working seven days a week, he spreads major positive vibes and instead of following every trend, he gets inspired by his flowers.
CARMITIVE: What are the issues you have to deal with the most during Fashion Weeks?
ROMERO JENNINGS: Too hot and too many people in one place. Fashion Weeks are definitely stimulation overload. Of course, this is exhausting but it’s so exciting at the same time. What makes this time even more special is working with the MAC Cosmetics team from around the world. It feels like family because you see each other for the entire month. You share and you care for each other. This really feels like you have support. However, at the end of these four weeks you want to step out and be another person. It’s when you go home and just appreciate having a relaxed and calm dinner.
How does the makeup for today’s Sacai show look like?
It’s very sleek and natural – inspired by boyish beauty. Actually, we use not that much products today because we want to create a simple look. So it’s just a concealer to create a flawless skin and the Vintage Rose Cream Base on the cheeks. The brows are emphasized in a slightly square shape in the inner corner. To complete the look, we use a lip conditioner so the lips look perfectly healthy. That’s it!
Where do you get inspired and get new ideas every season?
It often comes from the designer’s mood, the clothes or the hair. You always have to keep in mind that we sell clothes, hair and make-up. Therefore, it has to be appealing for the women but still creative. For me personally, the biggest source of inspiration is gardening. I live outside New York and my garden is like a therapy – I don’t have kids but my flowers. My mind and heart are happy when the blooming beauty surrounds me. I look at the colors or how the wind blows the leaves. This gives me a lot of inspiration – and I need those simple things after a fashion month.
You still have to get ideas when you are not at home in New York – how do you manage it to always create a completely new look?
Almost every designer wants a specific look but sometimes you are free – that’s always great! However, inspiration is everywhere. You don’t have to travel or search for it. Sometimes I just look at the colors in the subway of New York City. People often do everything to find the right answer. I always tend to say that you have the answers already in you. You just have to concentrate on yourself and be present in life.
What’s your go-to tip for a good everyday makeup?
It’s all about having good skin. This means: use a good moisturizer and drink enough water. When it comes to makeup itself, an everyday look can easily be done by curling your lashes and put on some mascara. Brows are very important as well because they frame the face. So yes, a woman can look amazing with very, very little.
What will be the makeup trend for this Spring Summer season?
That’s difficult to say because we saw a lot this season. I think reflection and bold colors are going to be a big. For instance, the metallic mix of pink and gold will become very popular. On the counterpart, there’s also a mystical trend of silver and black going on. Actually this one comes from the hype about “Stranger Things” or “Black Mirror”. People are watching those series globally so of course it affects the makeup we want to wear.
Let’s stay tuned!
Click here to see some more backstage impressions from the latest Paris Fashion Week Vlog.
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Text and Photos by Carmen
Layout by Angela
In collaboration with MAC Cosmetics.
