Makeup Artist Hiromi Ueda Loves Pushing the Boundaries of Creativity
“Fashion shows, especially Haute Couture events, offer a perfect fusion of artistry and innovation, allowing me to push the boundaries of makeup and design."
This March, we shine the spotlight on three individuals — hair and makeup artists Guido Palau, Pat McGrath and Hiromi Ueda — who are responsible for some of fashion’s most iconic glamour.
Professional makeup artist Hiromi Ueda just wrapped up another month of collaborations, including Prêt-à-Porter’s collection with Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani and Bottega Veneta at Milan Fashion Week. This, of course, follows her involvement as Global Makeup Artist for the Giorgio Armani Privé Spring/Summer 2024 show earlier in January.
The Japanese creative currently resides in London and regularly lends her expertise to the fashion industry, partnering with luxury houses, leading photographers and publications, as well as working on fashion shows. “Fashion provides a unique platform for me to showcase my skills due to its dynamic nature and global reach,” says Ueda. “Collaborating with renowned brands like Giorgio Armani allows me to express my creativity on a grand scale, reaching audiences worldwide.”
She continues to explain: “Fashion shows, especially Haute Couture events, offer a perfect fusion of artistry and innovation, allowing me to push the boundaries of makeup and design. Additionally, the fast-paced environment of the fashion industry constantly challenges me to evolve and adapt, ensuring that my skills remain sharp and relevant. Overall, the industry offers an exciting and influential platform where I can truly showcase the depth of my talents.”
Ueda’s love for makeup began long ago when she was prompted to pursue her passion by one of her friends. “I’ve always been fascinated by the transformative power of makeup but I didn’t know how to translate that into a profession,” she recounts. “When one of my old friends inspired me to go to makeup school, it clicked that I’d love to be a makeup artist and that you can make a career out of it.” Since then, she’s turned her creative outlet — experimenting with colours and techniques — into her profession. “I realised that I wanted to turn this passion into a fulfilling career after witnessing how it not only enhances features but also boosts confidence.”
Nowadays, Ueda finds influences for her creativity in several ways; notably the discovery of new cities and exploration of nature, writing or sketching her everyday interactions in her diary, and meeting and engaging with new people — a key factor that “keeps her imagination vibrant and alive in her creative journey.”
“I begin by gathering inspiration from various sources, which I jot down in notes or sketches,” she says as she walks us through her creative process. “I then experiment on makeup doll heads to refine techniques and explore colour palettes; this phase allows me to push boundaries and discover unexpected possibilities. Once satisfied, I transition to real-life canvases, striving for excellence with each stroke. I remain open to spontaneity, constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of creativity.”
And push the boundaries of creativity, she does, indeed. With her years of experience glamorising the fashion industry, Ueda has had the opportunity to collaborate with notable models and photographers to create iconic looks, some of which she remembers fondly. “David Sims is undoubtedly a remarkable collaborator, known for his continuous evolution in style and photography,” she shares. “His innovative approach and dedication to pushing boundaries have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the industry. Working with him was truly a memorable experience as his creativity and vision inspire and elevate any project.”
As for models, one stands out: Cindy Crawford. To this day, Ueda continues to sing her praises of Crawford’s expertise and professionalism. “Cindy would effortlessly settle into my makeup chair, completely focused on the task at hand without any disruptions, such as using mobile phones. Moreover, she intuitively knew how to position her face to catch the light perfectly, making it easier for me to apply makeup seamlessly. Working with her was not only a pleasure but also a testament to her dedication and professionalism in the industry.”
Working with stylist Katie Grand on editorial portrait shoots also remains a highlight of Ueda’s career, or as she calls it: a “transformative experience”. “Collaborating with someone of her calibre pushed my creative boundaries and challenged me to create makeup looks that were not only unique but also perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic of the shoots,” she explains. “It was a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and influential team, and the lessons learned from that collaboration continue to inspire and influence my work to this day.”
When it comes to the one makeup trend she sees becoming popular for the rest of the year, Ueda predicts it's the “high-shine, glazed fresh skin”. She says: “This look is best achieved by layering different complexion products on top of well-moisturised skin. Armani’s Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer is perfect for this look as it can be worn in a myriad of ways, depending on how glowy you want your skin to look! You could wear it on its own, over the top or mixed in with your regular moisturiser. You could add a pump of it into your foundation or simply press it directly onto the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones and bridge of the nose.”
“Incorporating more steps into your skincare routine can help deep cleanse, balance, and address specific concerns, resulting in a clearer, more radiant complexion,” Ueda says as she shares her tips on how to maximise your skincare ritual, optimally by double cleansing, using a toner and multi-masking.
She continues: “For double cleansing, start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove impurities from the skin. This ensures a thorough cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Also, use a toner before moisturising; doing this helps balance the skin's pH levels and allows for better absorption of subsequent skincare products.”
As for multi-masking, Ueda stresses the importance of targeting different areas of concern with specific masks instead of using one face mask all over. “For example, use a clay mask on oily areas and a hydrating mask on dry areas,” she explains. “The Crema Nera Reviving Volcanic Mask from Armani Beauty cleans and clears skin by dissolving skin-dulling and skin-ageing pollutants while enveloping the skin in nurturing comfort.”
With that said, Ueda prefers to leave the creativity to her craft and keep her daily beauty routine simple in her day-to-day life. “My go-to makeup style is modern minimalism: a clean and effortless aesthetic,” she says before delving into just what that means. “A perfect radiant complexion is a must for this look. We can create it using the Luminous Silk Primer and Luminous Silk Foundations from Armani Beauty, Eye Tint in Shade 10, and Luminous Silk Glow Bronzer to create ethereal highlights are key points. It’s elegant and understated, and gives you a super polished makeup look without overpowering it.”
