Terry de Gunzberg on Linda Evangelista, lip balm and the power of concealer

Yahoo

18-07-2025

Entering the beauty world happened unexpectedly. I was meant to become a doctor, like many in my family. But my creative side led me to study fine art at Beaux-Arts de Paris. During a short break, I took a summer course in make-up with the Carita sisters and one day Maria Carita sent me on a Vogue shoot. I had no plans to become a make-up artist, but I fell in love with it instantly. That shoot changed everything.
Yves Saint Laurent has inspired me and my career most. Working with him for 15 years gave me a deep understanding of beauty as both art and emotion. He was bold, visionary and believed that make-up should empower, not mask.
Beauty is light. It's something that radiates confidence, energy and joy from within. It has very little to do with perfection, and everything to do with how you feel in your skin.
In terms of my beauty icons there's something deeply inspiring about women who embrace their own identity. I admire Lupita Nyong'o, Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep. They're intelligent, elegant and never try to look like anyone but themselves.
I remember a Vogue shoot with photographer Guy Bourdin where we worked on the look for more than six hours — hair, make-up, every detail. In the end, he chose a photo of the model from behind! It was both surreal and humbling. But it gave me my 'I never give up' spirit.
Linda Evangelista had a face like a canvas. She could completely transform. But honestly, I found the same joy working with ordinary women who trusted me to bring out their best.
I worked in haute couture and luxury beauty for years. So I wanted to create a brand that offered the same precision and artistry, but with skincare at its heart. I envisioned a 'couture' beauty house where formulas were advanced, luxurious and effortless to use.
Launching By Terry in 1998 was the proudest moment of my career. It was a leap of faith to leave YSL and create my own brand. I had the vision for years, but bringing it to life, with a small team, limited resources and so much passion, was unforgettable.
I am particularly proud of our exclusive 8HA technology. We developed this with a Korean lab, and have incorporated it into several of our products. It's the combination of eight different hyaluronic acids at three molecular weights, giving you record-breaking concentrations.I couldn't live without a rich lip balm, like my By Terry Baume de Rose (£42, spacenk.com), a hydrating mist with hyaluronic acid, and tea. Always Earl Grey in the morning — it's my ritual.
My routine is low-key, but I don't skip essentials. I cleanse and hydrate and always wear SPF. My signature look is glowing skin, radiance and less is more.
In my bathroom cabinet you'll find a mix of my skincare. I also love the scent of the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse body oils (£33, uk.nuxe.com).and the way they glide onto skin. I tend to change my hair products between Christophe Robin and Oribe, including the latter's Shampoo for Moisture & Control (£49, cultbeauty.co.uk)
I'm always innovating and I am involved in every stage of development. We have been growing our Tea to Tan franchise. It's our legendary instant bronzing liquid (£59, byterry.com) which we relaunched a few years ago. It went viral so we've brought out bronzers and blushers in the same range. It's designed to give you an effortless, sunkissed, south-of-France look.
Am I a smell person? Absolutely! My father taught me to blend perfumes as a child using ingredients from our garden. The scent of rose takes me back to Provence, to childhood baths scented by my mother and grandmother with rosewater.
If I could do the make-up of anyone in history it would be Cleopatra. She understood the power of beauty and scent better than anyone. Imagine creating a smoky eye for her using kohl and oils ... it would have been a dream.
I loathe heavy contouring, it removes all character from the face. A little concealer and highlighter in the right places is so much more powerful.
The beauty industry needs to be more mindful. Clean ingredients, responsible packaging and transparency are vital.
A beauty product I wished I'd designed? It's got to be Chanel No 5 (£149 for 100ml, chanel.com). Not just for the fragrance itself, but its symbolism of femininity, elegance, and brand identity.
When I am in London, Liberty is a favourite to visit. It's beautiful, curated, full of character. And Harrods, where you can get the most wild and wonderful things.