For CHANEL makeup artist Julie Cusson, a strong beauty look will often start with a sketch. A twist on a timeless classic, Cusson sought out the metallics from the Maison’s latest fall cosmetics collection to define model Rembo’s eyes, resulting in a unique cat-eye. Here, the Montreal-based beauty creative reveals the best way to update the classic cat-eye, how to prep the skin, and must-have beauty products to add to your fall lineup this season.
Julie Cusson: image courtesy of CHANEL.
What is your favourite part about transitioning from summer to fall and how does it inform your beauty approach?
“For me, summer resonates with a warm glow, sun-kissed look, and dewy complexion. When we transition to fall, it’s intuitive—I’m attracted to a more complex makeup look and perhaps a bit more structured. Instinctively each fall, it’s always my go-to, my desire, to use darker shades for lips and to create some intensity on the gaze. But of course, it’s always balanced, without excess.”
Metallic hues were a big element of the beauty looks for this shoot. Where did you draw inspiration from?
“For this photoshoot, I sketched—I like sketching different options on a piece of paper. Using this process, I thought a metallic texture for the eyeshadow could be a strong way to define a classic cat-eye. To transform and bring some edge to a makeup look, use metallic hues! I love the reflection of metallic tones on darker skin, it’s so elegant. Rembo‘s warm complexion was also my inspiration here. A metallic shade such as silver can be bold, but a bronze metallic shade is easier to wear. I wanted this makeup look to be festive but also refined at the same time.”
Even though the application for the eyes is quite bold and directional, Rembo’s beauty look maintained a streamlined, contemporary finish. How did you achieve this balance?
“I did not want to create a classic cat eye for this photoshoot. My aim was to bring modernity and something different. This is why the end of the cat eye is not pointed but rather finished with a round shape. The rounded shape and metallic shade complement each other to achieve a strong chic look. The results are exactly what I like: a balance between the unusual and timeless.”
What is the best way to prep your skin before creating a strong fall beauty look?
“I feel the way you apply skincare, the gesture is almost as important as the skincare product itself: it works together to achieve optimal results. For example, after you apply a serum follow up with a raindrop massage technique using your fingers on the face, this will plump, moisturize and bring radiance to the skin. When I prepare the skin before a makeup application, these different steps are very effective in helping create a strong fall beauty look.”
What are three products from CHANEL’s Fall 2021 collection you’re most looking forward to using this season?
“My hero makeup products for this fall include the newest CHANEL Ombre Première Laque, a metallic liquid eyeshadow that comes with an applicator—it’s easy to use for shaping your eyes. My new discovery this season is Joues Contraste in shade Ombre, a satiny and natural beige that is incredible to sculpt and bring definition to the face. As I mentioned, darker shades are a must, and I love Rouge Allure Velvet in shade 75 Mode from the CHANEL Fall-Winter 2021 makeup collection.”
Joues Contraste in shade 608 Ombre, $56; Ombre Première Laque in shade 33 Lamé Bronze, $43; Rouge Allure Velvet in shade 75 Mode, $52, available at all CHANEL beauty counters, chanel.com.
Photography by Luis Mora at KMZ Agency
Model: Rembo at Want Management
Fashion Direction by Haley Dach
Makeup by Julie Cusson for CHANEL Beauty
Hair by Jasmine Merinsky at P1M using Shea Moisture
Photography Assistant: Michael Chui