New Lips, New Looks

Westman Atelier’s latest launches arrive with the usual buzz — and for good reason. This time? Tadaaa: A brand-new lip liner in eight shades, plus four fresh additions to the beloved Lip Suede Matte Lipstick lineup.

The luxurious formulas, celebrated for their nourishing ingredients and high-performance wear, are getting a bold refresh: new shades, new combos, new possibilities.

We caught up with Gucci Westman — founder and celebrity makeup artist — to talk all things lips: Her favorite lip duos, how to master a modern contour, and her personal go-to shade.

Psst... she also spills a few secrets about those Met Gala looks.

 

What inspired you to expand Westman Atelier's lip category?

The great feedback we received on our first lipstick - the Lip Suede Matte Lipstick - was crucial for us. This collection is still very important to us and a lip liner was the logical next step.

What role does the Lip Shape Lip Liner play in creating the perfectly kissable mouth?
It's all about defining and enhancing the natural lip shape - while adding a little more dimension and fullness. My approach to lip liner is a natural extension of my overall makeup style: I want to highlight what's already there - in an almost invisible way. Over time, the shape and color of the lips change... The idea is to specifically bring back the desired lip shape.

That sounds fabulous! Do you have a favorite technique for a modern, effortless application?

I start at the cupid's bow, tracing the natural lip shape and enhancing it where necessary. I then dab the color out lightly with my finger to avoid harsh lines. The aim is to create a look that looks completely natural - without visible contours or exaggerated definition.

Many people are unsure how to find the right shade - what is your advice?
Choose a shade that matches your natural lip color. This will give you soft yet effective definition. There is no right or wrong - the combination options are very individual.

Are there any unexpected ways in which or where you use lip liner?
Actually, yes! I use the shade Mink to contour my nose - or to draw on little freckles.

Which liner-lipstick duos from the new collection do you personally like best?

I have many favorites! At the moment, especially the following:

But of course it depends on the person - skin undertone, desired look, occasion. I recently used Coucou and Pinch on Nicole Kidman for the Met Gala look - an absolute favorite!

Is there a common lip makeup mistake - and if so, how can one avoid it?
A lot of people go for intensely colored liners like red - I personally find that those shades are hard to correct. My philosophy? It's better to work with neutral shades. This allows you to create a much more precise and natural lip shape - and small mistakes are easier to correct.