24 Hours With… Gucci Westman
She is the legendary makeup artist beloved by Hollywood and fashion's elite and founder of one of the most sought-after clean cosmetic lines in the world: Gucci Westman talks us through a day in her world...
"I try to meditate each morning before starting my day with my husband, kids, and pets. This is our Maine Coon cat, Bullet!"
“These three Westman Atelier complexion products are favourites for creating the skin I want each day - even if I have a rosacea flare up!”
“Getting our two girls ready for school!”
Morning
What time do you wake up and where?
I wake up around 6:30 at my home in Bedford, New York.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
I usually meditate for 20 minutes and then I take the dogs outside, feed them and our cat, and then I go start breakfast for the girls and my husband, David. Then I wake the girls up at around 7:10 to 7:15.
What does your average day look like?
My days are never the same! I start the day getting the kids ready for school and then try to fit in a workout with Monique Eastwood. I like to have a hot and cold shower because it helps me feel energised and a great way to start the day. Then, I begin my workday and will usually have meetings with our different teams. A few times a month I’ll spend the day with our content team either here in Bedford or in Manhattan where we focus on shoots for our website, social platforms, and various requests from our retail partners.
Do you have any morning rituals?
Meditation.
Where is your office located and how do you get there?
I work from my home in Bedford, New York, and I’m also sometimes in the city shooting. It varies! I’ll also travel a bunch for my campaign and editorial work.
“A few days a month our content team comes to Bedford to film tutorials for our channels. Here, I’m showing how easy it is to blend our Vital Skincare Complexion Drops.”
“I’ve been vegetarian my whole life, so a go-to lunch or dinner is a lentil recipe with fresh greens + pickled veggies.”
“Sometimes you need an afternoon pick-me-up! I always get a little endorphins boost after spending time with our donkeys and horses.”
Daytime
How would you describe what you do?
I have my makeup artistry that I do, but I also work on our brand daily developing products in meetings with team members, approving products, travelling to labs in Europe and Asia, and in store appearances and visits - a true entrepreneur!
How has your background influenced who you are today?
I’ve always been interested in ingredients ever since I was little. I grew up on an Ashram and my parents were really focused on clean eating. Everything we ate was organic and natural. We had very little sugar. That way of eating always makes me feel good – and obviously it made a mark on me! What you put in and on your body all correlates - it all goes hand in hand. Having that kind of philosophy in regards to how I live, and working as a makeup artist, it’s always felt right that my line should be about wellness too.
How did you get your start in beauty?
When I was younger, I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup so of course I rebelled! On the bus going to school, I would do all the girls’ makeup. After graduating school in Sweden, I moved to Paris to become an Au Pair for a fashion critic and journalist. She would take me along to the shows and give me the makeup brands sent her. I was in such awe of the luxurious packaging - there’s that moment when you open one of those boxes and you feel a part of this aspirational world. I started applying to makeup schools and went to Christian Chauveau in Paris. I learned to do makeup using a stick format there and have used them ever since - it inspired the Westman Atelier product line up!
What do you do to take a break from work?
I spend time with friends and do things that I love, like riding horses. I like to listen to a good, funny podcast – like Smartless or just a good educational podcast that feels inspiring or funny. I enjoy going for walks when it’s so beautiful out.
What do you foresee as the top beauty trends in 2023?
I’ve never really been into makeup trends per se, but I'm more and more excited by the progress of the clean beauty movement. My hope is that those standards just become the norm - it’s better for us and our planet. Thinking about how we can evolve as an industry and the endless possibilities that could become reality.
What does beauty mean to you?
Confidence, ease, ritual, wellbeing, and harmony.
“I can’t resist a great pair of PJs. This monogrammed set is from my favourite store in Rome: Schostal.”
“I’m always testing out new skincare & tools to calm inflammation and keep my skin super hydrated overnight. Here’s a few things I’m loving!”
“Quality sleep is so important to me. I try to relax before bed by limiting screen time, having a cup of tea, and reading a good book.”
Evening
What’s on your bookshelf right now?
“Stolen Focus” by Johann Hari and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
What do you usually do for dinner?
It usually depends, but it is sometimes similar to my lunch which would be lentils or chickpeas with fermented vegetables, avocado and steamed spinach or kale. That is sort of my every day. Dinner depends on if I go out for dinner or have dinner at a friend's house. I am less consistent with my meals at night, but there are definitely times that I will be more disciplined. It just depends on the season. I always try to have a plant-based protein with vegetables.
What time do you go to bed?
Around 10-10:30.
Last thing you do before you sleep?
Kiss my husband goodnight.
Do you have any evening rituals?
I check in with the kids and have a chat about things that are not work related with my husband. Nothing set in stone!
What do you do or take when you can’t sleep?
I take a variety of things. I can’t take the same thing every day or else it doesn’t work. I love the goop Knock Me Out Chews and different variations of magnesium. I am always open to suggestions if anyone has any!
Related Reading:
Big Little Rituals: Sienna King
24 Hours With… LÍHA
The Shoot: Paint By Numbers
See All Stories: