My favourite things: Legendary celebrity makeup artist Kabuki

3 July 2017

By Fashion Quarterly

Celebrity makeup artist to the likes of Rihanna, Katy Perry, Madonna and Michael Jackson, Kabuki knows a thing or two about style.

His work has been featured in Italian, French and US Vogue and he’s the maestro behind Carrie Bradshaw’s infamous look. In New Zealand for the launch of his Kabuki Magic makeup collection for MAC earlier this year, makeup artist Kabuki shared some of his favourite products, fashion and haunts with Fashion Quarterly.

Vivienne Westwood boots, $1070

Shoes: VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

“I have quite a few shoes from her and I love the freedom of design; you don’t find that often with men’s shoes.”

Vivienne Westwood scarf, $560

Comme Des Garçons jacket, $1,690 from Scotties

Go-to label: VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

“Because I kind of grew up with it. To me she’s the real deal. Also Comme des Garçons; I love clothes that when you put them on you feel liberated in some way.”

Jewellery: VINTAGE

“I love the Paris flea market for vintage; I like to discover little things.”

To relax: MOVIES

“I have a huge television that comes down from the ceiling where I watch classic movies I’ve recorded from TCM. It’s like my own private movie theatre.”

Destination: JAMAICA

“I just did a shoot with Joan Smalls there and it was incredible. It helped that I stayed at a beautiful luxury resort. The coolness of the people, wild nature, it’s just breath-taking.”

Currently coveting: NOH THEATRE MASKS

“I’ve been eyeing them online… there’s something timeless about them. They’re dramatic and yet they’re restrained.”

Skincare: AVÈNE CICALFATE RESTORATIVE SKIN CREAM

“I use this myself and I also use it on shoots.”

Hair product: ORIBE DRY TEXTURIZING SPRAY

Must-have makeup tool: MAC KABUKI MAGIC PRECISION BRUSH

“It was based on a brush that I once had and could never find again — it doesn’t exist anymore. It’s a very soft eyeshadow-blending brush; you have so much control with it.”