Cult make-up artist Ellis Faas has a secret passion: photography. As a teenager, she accumulated self-portraits, which sharpened her passion for make-up and the art of transformation. This spring, her vintage photos are being sold at the Makeup Show exhibition in Los Angeles. We meet Ellis, in an exclusive interview for Vogue.fr.
Lipdrip by Ellis Faas
What is your relationship with make-up and photography?
I always wanted to be a photographer, but when I started, my love for color took over. I was 18 when I decided to be a make-up artist and at 19 years old I left to study with Christian Chauveau in Paris. Today, my two passions are intertwining even if now I only take the odd inspiration shot. In this photo, I concocted a glycerin-based texture in my kitchen to enhance gloss finish. We could never sell this texture, I used it at theSonia Rykiel show in Paris and we couldn't allow the models to eat or even smile while they were wearing it. Not ideal!
The retro black and white by Ellis Faas
What is the story behind this self-portrait?
This image and the following one will be part of a college made for my Makeup Show exhibition in Los Angles, entitled "Selfies from the Seventies". At the time, self-portraits took a lot more effort than they do today, we had to press the timer, run into place, pose and then wait days for the result. These selfies ignited my passion for make-up. But, sorry, they are not for sale...
Chinese Opera by Ellis Faas
Do you continue to practice the art of the selfie?
I still sometimes take self-portraits, but only for press or to illustrate articles, I'm bored of my face. Selfies are all over the place and I find it very narcissistic. If I take one, then it is with the people I love and for my own memories, not to be shared with the world.
Eclipse (Makeup 5 years) by Ellis Faas
Do you still illustrate your own products yourself?
Yes, it interests me. I took this picture at the launch of my Hot Lips lipstick line in 2013 (which has since become an international hit NDLR) Here, I have usedBright Fuchsia L403, the image is a visual to illustrate my brand, obviously not to be replicated at home, but just as an inspiration that I hope reflects a notion of boldness and creativity.
La rose dans la bouche by Ellis Faas
What is your favorite product for photo-ready radiance?
Recently, I launched Glow Up, a line of three powders. The particles are so fine, they look more like porcelain than glitter. They help create a natural halo for photos, apply to the parts of the face where the light hits: the cheekbones, the curvature of the nose, Cupid's bow and collarbones, to emphasize the bone structure for a radiant and natural glow. In this image, I wanted to translate the idea of the mask in a beauty shot. The pink lips are just for fun!
Do you have a particular beauty routine?
My beauty routine is simple. I have a love-hate relationship with sport, I only do it because I have to and it's important, yoga suits me best and I am conscious to eat healthy food and drink gallons of water. But I must admit that I only recently stopped smoking and I also love vodka! So, as a moisturizer, I use coconut oil, I wash with bi-carbonate of soda and I use Eve Lom products on my face.
I only use my own make-up products. Seriously, they are honestly quick and easy to use! This face chart is my personal look, a new selfie designed just for Vogue.fr.
Ellis Faas Icon Gallery, Makeup Show, March 28 and 29, California Market Center, 110 E 9th St, Los Angeles. Ellis Faas will give a talk on her style, Saturday March 28 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm www.themakeupshow.com
Article by By Carole Sabas translated by Lowri Evans the 20 March 2015, Vogue Paris