Master OF the Trade

M.A.C's Director of Makeup Artistry EMEA, Baltasar González Pinel, recently visited India. In an exclusive with ELLE India, he discusses the role of art in make-up, the brand's innovative new launch, and trends that are likely to explode in the upcoming season. Sukriti Shahi in conversation...

- Sukriti Shahi

ELLE: In one of your interviews, you mentioned Spain being your first source of inspiration. In which ways does it inspire your art?

Baltasar González Pinel (BGP): Spain has a huge cultural influence. Historically, it's full of moments in terms of painting and architecture that are inspiring. I think my connection with my country got stronger because, growing up, I discovered art there which had me intrigued. You get attracted by things that you can see, and that probably became my approach to art. Inspiration for make-up artistry, to a great extent, comes from art. However, I do take inspiration from different cultures, but Spain remains special.

ELLE: Tell us about the moment you decided you wanted to enter the world of make-up.

BGP: I was attracted to fairies as a child. There were times when looking at fairy images, I used to feel that if I changed the shape of the eye or the hair, it could change the entire look. It felt like a special power. And it got me thinking, what if I can do make-up in real life? I felt I was ready to take it up as a profession. For me, the challenge was to move from painting on a flat surface to a face and working with textures. I study beauty and make-up scientifically, and that’s my job.

ELLE: As a brand, M.A.C has a character of its own. How do you ensure that your personal sensibilities fall in sync with the brand?