Make up immersion with Gregoris Pyrpylis

Gregoris Pyrpylis, 34 years old, make up artist – Paris, France. @gregoris

Firstly, can you tell us about your journey to become who you are today?

To begin with, being a make up artist was not my dream when I was young . My dream was to become an English teacher. Make up was more of a revelation to me, I discovered the artistry of make up “accidentally” in 2006 while I was studying English literature at the university of Athens where I met my best friend till today. I did her make up once for fun but I realized that this is it! That’s what I want to do! So I went to a make up school, then I worked for Mac Cosmetics, then I found an agency in Athens and I also signed with Maybelline NY as the official make up artist of the brand for Greece and Cyprus. And then in 2012, I took the big step and moved to Paris, where I got the job as a 1st assistant to the legendary Tom Pecheux, and I was also represented by CALLISTE Agency. I stayed with Tom for about 2 years and a half, and then my first international contract came as a global skincare ambassador for Bioderma laboratories. I worked with them for 2 years and at the same time, I started working on my own in the beauty and fashion industry with many celebrities. After Bioderma, I signed with Shiseido as the EMEA make up ambassador and I worked with the brand for 2 years, till last year.

What were the key steps to transform your passion into your job?

My key step to transform my passion into my job was mainly the fact that I never sat and said : “Ok now I’m a professional make up artist and that is my job”. Till today speaking, I see this job as a fun project. Certainly, it’s a job and sometimes I have bad days too, but every single time I pick up my brush and I’m in the moment of creation, I forget everything and I remind myself how lucky I am to do a job that is a true passion.

As a make up artist how would you describe your style?

Regarding my style as a make up artist I would definitely say that I love celebrating the uniqueness of every single individual and I dislike everything that comes with rules and faux pas. I believe in enhancing beauty and never transforming it.

What is the product you use for all of your creations?

The skincare product I use ALL THE TIME  would definitely be the rejuvenating serum from Tata Harper because it’s a very lightweight and thin texture, yet very hydrating and suits every skin type. A makeup product would be any shade from the Glossier Cloud Paint… It’s truly the color of life in a tube!

What do you love the most in your job?

What I love the most in my job is that every single day is so different! You get to meet new people, discover new talents that may say something or show you something that will inspire you… And make you grow as an artist.

And last question (maybe the hardest), if you had to choose your favorite make-up you’ve ever done which one would it be?

Unfortunately I can’t answer in that answer! Every single look I create, it goes to the hard disk (of my brain) and finds its place. Certainly there are a few looks that throughout the years, I really kept as great memories but it would be unfair (for me) to pick one. But for sure, if you see a make up look on my Instagram it means that it has made it to the top of my favorites.