In Conversation With Cover Celebrity Make Up Artist Lukas Kuciel

Image Credits: Photograph: Anuar Hammo, Makeup: Lukas Kuciel, Assistant: Leony Jehmlich , Model: Elena Kulli

No one does it quite like him. Lukas Kuciel. Lukas is an international Hair and Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist. Originally from Poland, he is currently based in Germany. He discovered his passion for fashion as a young boy and he has been working as a professional hairdresser and makeup artists for the past 10 years, with experience working on campaigns for top fashion and beauty brands and celebrity stars. We sat down with Lukas to talk

What inspired you to become a makeup artist? Was there a particular person or experience that drew you to this career?

Since I was a child, I loved hair and makeup. Whenever we had guests over, I would offer them new hairstyles and suggest ways to improve their eye makeup or lipstick. Of course, it looked funny back then - I was only three years old. As an adult, my friends and coaches who trained me for hairstyling championships convinced me to pursue makeup artistry professionally. They recognized my talent and insisted that I start doing makeup professionally. At that time, I had no idols or inspiration in this field.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest makeup trends and techniques? Are there any resources or sources of inspiration that you rely on?

I love makeup and new trends. It feels like new makeup techniques, colors, and fashion trends emerge almost every day. The world of makeup is progressing at lightning speed. Of course, I also want to stay up-to-date and keep browsing Instagram, watching American shows (because I love their beauty standards and makeup style), buying magazines (like Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar), from which I draw ideas for my sessions, and exchanging input with clients who always want the latest trends and want to look like Hollywood stars. I find social media pages of cosmetics companies such as Natasha Denona, Pat McGrath, or Charlotte Tilbury very helpful because they constantly show new trends, products, and makeup techniques.

What do you think sets your work apart from other makeup artists? Is there a signature style or approach that you bring to your clients?

Definitely, my signature look! Everyone has their way of doing makeup, and I hate judging or criticizing the work of others. I believe that when someone does something (makeup, hair, or styling), they had an inspiration and purpose behind it. It doesn't have to be pleasing to everyone, but as long as the client likes it and feels confident, then you've done everything right. Our makeup world has no limits. It is creative and vast. 

I do what I do in my style, and I always say that I do makeup from the heart. I want my clients to look beautiful, slightly transformed, sexy, and simply feel like strong women in my looks. However, I also see it from a male point of view and believe I know how to show women in the best light. My style grew from this approach, and I am faithful to it. I think you can see the people who have been to me at first glance. What sets me apart from others is my personality and passion. For me, the most important thing is the client and the project associated with them. I don't look around me; I just focus on moving forward because looking around too much can be distracting. My motto is to stay by yourself and be yourself.

What's the most challenging makeup look you've ever created, and how did you overcome any obstacles you faced during the process?

I had such an experience recently. My assistant said to me, "Maybe send me a mood board next time so I know when to call in sick." I wanted to do a photoshoot with diamonds, crystals, and so on. The first natural makeup and regular hairstyling took me three hours, and I had only 45 minutes left for the most critical, culminating makeup and hair. The look was wavy hair hand-laid on the head, wet and beautifully styled, a very precise and thin eyeliner, smokey eyes, sharp and meticulously painted lips, and 200 stones on the face. 

It was a sweat and nerve-wracking experience, but the result was excellent. At such moments, one has to think logically and realistically had to do a lot of adjustments and improvisations to get the look just right. For example, I had to change the original plan for the hair because I realized it wasn't feasible in the time we had. I also had to work carefully and precisely with the crystals on the face, which took a lot of patience and attention to detail.

Overall, the key to overcoming the challenges was to stay focused and remain calm under pressure. I also had a great team supporting me, including my assistant and the photographer, which helped to keep the energy positive and productive. In the end, I was very pleased with the final result and felt a great sense of accomplishment.

How do you collaborate with other members of a creative team (such as photographers, stylists, and hairdressers) to achieve a cohesive final look?

Teamwork makes dreams work.

I always try to work with people (stylists, photographers, hairdressers) who I already know, trust, and appreciate. I have my team of constant members, which is very convenient and relaxing. You know each other, match well, and know how to combine everything to achieve gigantic effects. When I have an idea or need for a project, I immediately call my two assistants (almost every day). Together, we create a mood board in a flash, and I send it to the photographers. After choosing the photographer who wants to work on the project, I build the entire team, from stylists and nail artists to hairdressers. Then we only need to look for models and locations, and here we go!

What's your favorite product or tool in your makeup kit right now, and why do you love it so much?

My favourite product right now is the Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash mascara because it is as black as ebony and has a great consistency. YSL is currently my favourite brand because we recently started collaborating, and we are working on the new season of "Let's Dance Germany" with Motsi Mabuse.

How do you work with clients who have specific requests or preferences for their makeup look?

I always try to listen and understand my clients. Of course, I give advice and try to explain my experience, which is essential in our industry. I don't negate my clients' ideas, even if they are totally crazy, but I try to find a compromise that satisfies us both.

Clients choose me because they know me, my work, my style, and that I am Lukas K. I respect my clients' style but also my own. In complicated cases, I try to remind them why I am here and not another makeup artist. I ask them to trust me because if I weren't worth it, I wouldn't be where I am today.

What's your advice for makeup artists who are just starting out in the industry? Is there anything you wish you had known when you were starting your career?

Be yourself, have your style, don't listen to others (only those you trust and know have honest intentions), learn from constructive criticism, and be open to the world. My success lies in being very hardworking and taking on smaller projects. Of course, I love the big campaigns and shows, but I also believe that there is value in smaller jobs. People working for large companies are used to working with prominent makeup artists. People working for smaller firms are often more grateful, and it's easier to stand out. They also have connections and can recommend you to others.

How do you approach creating a red carpet or editorial makeup look that's both striking and long-lasting? Are there any techniques or products you rely on in these high-pressure situations?

The basis for creating striking and long-lasting looks is suitable products. Because I have very good and extensive collaborations with the best cosmetic companies like Dr Barbara Sturm, Dior, Charlotte Tilbury, YSL, and Charlotte Tilbury, I can test and check which products combine well with others. I don't like improvisation or risks, so I try to prepare professionally for every important event, if time permits. It's essential to have a perfect foundation, like super skincare that is not too oily or moist. The products should be perfect for the skin type and the event's weather conditions.

What's next for you in your career? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're excited about?

I have a few very exciting projects that are still top secret. But in July, my next own collection will be released. This time it's lashes :) After the last success of my makeup brushes (Lukas K by Davinci), I'm going to try myself with the world-famous company Ardell and we've created something mega up-to-date and fitting to my style and I can’t wait to hear what you think about it.