Mr. Pyrpylis, you grew up in Greece in a family of pharmacists and studied English before you suddenly decided to become a make-up artist one Saturday evening after doing make-up for a friend from college “just for fun”. Today you are the creative director of Hermès Beauty. Were there any signs beforehand that you would one day take this path?
I loved painting as a child, but I never imagined using makeup as a means of expression. I didn't know anything about it at all. I still remember my girlfriend having to explain to me what lipstick was. I used a beige nude shade and also applied it as an eyeshadow to hydrate the skin and make it look more vibrant. I had no idea what I was doing, but it worked. It ended up looking pretty natural, accentuated only by a bit of mascara.
Is this still good makeup for you?
This may sound very psychological, but in my opinion makeup should always speak some form of truth or at least provide a connection to our state of mind, otherwise it acts like a mask. You have to listen and be honest with yourself when it comes to doing your makeup. Today, when I look at my pictures from back then, I understand how I felt back then, it is reflected in the colors I used. I find this incredibly interesting. For example, lately I've noticed that I'm wearing more blue than usual. As I thought about it, I realized that I haven't been home in almost a year. I grew up with the blue skies of Greece. I think I subconsciously wear the color blue because I miss my home country.
How is your work influenced by the beauty ideals of your homeland? Do people there wear different makeup than in France?
They are two completely different worlds. This is explained by the geographical location. Greece is located between Europe and the Middle East. The Greeks prefer a lighter foundation, they allow light to reach the skin, but otherwise the make-up can be bolder. Women give their eyes more intensity and their lips are also emphasized. The absolutely natural make-up that we know from French women does not exist in Greece. At least it didn't exist in my time.
Did your idea of beauty change when you came to France?
At the beginning I had to find myself a little. At that time I started working in the fashion industry, with big photographers and designers, as a makeup artist assistant at all kinds of fashion shows. It was all about being professional and quick. Today I try to bring a certain intensity to my work without it being too obvious. I would say that my vision of natural beauty was influenced by both Greece and France.
What does natural mean to you?
When I talk about natural makeup, I don't necessarily mean that you can only use a little bit of skin cream, concealer and mascara. For me, “natural” means that the make-up is in harmony with the personality. There are women who emphasize both their eyes and apply an intense color to their lips. It corresponds to their way of being, how they see themselves or how they want to be. This is the point at which it becomes honest and therefore natural for me.
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