Lloyd Simmonds is a bonafide make-up maestro, inspiring on-trend beauty looks and creating the cult cosmetics stashed in our bathroom cupboards.
The Canadian native was given the title of creative director makeup YSL Beauté in 2010, an empire over which he still presides. Simmonds is instrumental to the make-up brand’s success and has played a large part in launching some of the brand’s most popular products, including the Shocking Mascara and six additional shades of the famous Touché Eclat Complexion Highlighter Pen.
On his recent promotional tour of Australia for YSL Beauté’s latest creation, Fusion Ink Foundation, BD sat down with the make-up artist to dissect his lengthy career.
Who is the YSL woman?
The Yves Saint Laurent woman has always been someone strong, powerful, sensual and sexy. It’s an incredibly strong brand that is known all around the world and it has always been about these beautiful clothes and the glamorous woman who wears them. YSL has this old-school movie star quality.
YSL Beauté has a strong relationship with Cara Delevingne, having now used her in a number of campaigns. Why are Delevingne and YSL such a great fit?
Everything about Cara is just so modern and young. She is a part of this whole new generation who are all over social media and so aware of it. But the thing about Cara is that she doesn’t take herself seriously, and that is reflected in her look. I think that’s exactly why she is perfect for YSL Beauté - she isn’t afraid to experiment with her look. That’s how women should be with make-up, they shouldn’t be afraid to try new things and have a little fun with it. It’s not rocket science.
Who else have you enjoyed working with?
Jessica Chastain. That hair, that face! She is a modern-day movie star. I also absolutely love Tilda Swinton. She has this original look about her - the way she moves and the way she angles her face is inspiring to watch. I was completely transfixed.
Can you tell me about the Fusion Ink Foundation?
We’ve tried really hard to listen to what the modern woman wants: they want it all, and they should have it. This is the kind of foundation that doesn’t act as a mask. It conceals your imperfections, yes, but it’s not a mask. Fusion Ink Foundation is lightweight and silky-smooth to apply but leaves a beautiful matte base. For the Australian woman, this means it will stay put all day, from a full day at work to the pub afterwards.
Can you describe the creative process behind the product?
We invested plenty of time into this product; years and years of research with the development teams and laboratories. And then I would test the product on models and clients and see what worked and what didn’t.
You’ve achieved so much in the beauty world. What goals are you aiming towards now?
Well, I got my start in theatre. It’s something I have always been interested in and to collaborate with a great theatre somewhere around the world would be a dream. I would love to be involved in something with such freedom of creativity, to create elaborate looks for performance. But no matter who or what I am working for within make-up, I am always experimenting and always learning. That’s really important.
