Makeup Artist Guy Lento trades supermodels for super moms. By Leslie Martini. Photographs by Sadie Dayton.
Coco Chanel once said, “I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little-if only out of politeness. Maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.”
In his 27 years as National Director of Makeup Education for Chanel, legendary makeup artist Guy Lento learned a thing or two about “fixing” women up. Working on the faces of supermodels like Claudia Schiffer, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell is serious business. Training under the world’s top designers, including fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld in Paris, taught Lento that “being good isn’t good enough.”
“You become a perfectionist,” he says of the experience.
After lending his expertise on beauty trends to Vogue, W, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar for two decades, Lento has returned to his New England roots to service the residents of the North Shore. Lento’s private practice in Salem features a full menu of custom services including private makeup consultations, wedding day and special event makeup applications, makeup lessons, personal shopping excursions, and, as Coco would say, just “fixing up.”
Joan White of Swampscott hired Lento for a trip to Neiman Marcus in Boston, where she says the sales staff rolled out the red carpet. “It was like Prince Charles had arrived from London,” she says.
“He selected colors I hadn’t ever looked at. I was looking like a movie star. Everyone should have their face redone as a gift to themselves-it feels so fantastic and takes years off your face.”
As the Chanel saying goes, “Every woman wants to be a woman. It doesn’t matter what they look like.” Lento intends to spread that word.
A Guide to Local Makeup Artists:
1. Andrea Ducharme specializes in custom makeup and skincare advice that reflects clients’ individual needs. Rouge Cosmetics, 322 Derby St., Salem, rouge.com. 2. Amy DePerrior offers makeovers using luxury products by Vincent Longo, Bare Escentuals, and Becca. LuxeBeautique, 222 Humphrey St., Swampscott, 781-598-1777, luxebeautique.com. 3. Megan Buttry is one of the many sweet sides in this beauty candy store with ample samples for women. Sephora, 210 Andover St., Peabody, 978-270-6640, sephora.com.