Tastemakers and Trendsetters: Sarah Lucero, Stila Cosmetics Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry
Sarah Lucero, Stila Cosmetics Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry.
In Tastemakers and Trendsetters, we talk to inspirational leaders in the world of spa, beauty and wellness. This week we chatted with makeup artist Sarah Lucero, Stila Cosmetics Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry.
How long have you been working as a makeup artist and what inspired you to get into the industry?
I’ve been a makeup artist for 24 years. I’ve always had a passion for art and loved doing anything creative. I love beauty and fashion, so getting into makeup felt right. I stuck with it and continued to grow at Stila. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work as a makeup artist and I have never stopped learning along the way!
Can you share a little about your role as Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry and Innovation for Stila Cosmetics and some of the projects you've worked on with Stila?
I get to do so many different things at Stila, such as meet with beauty editors regularly to share my advice on trends, new products, and everything else in-between. I train the Stila artists each season and we work together on fashion shows and photo shoots for the brand. I love seeing the team grow and do their own products too. There is room for everyone to shine in this industry and it’s a team effort always!
Lucero has worked as a makeup artist for 24 years.
Are there any projects you are most proud of?
I’m most proud of the work I did with Betsey Johnson for many years as the lead makeup artist for her fashion shows. Betsey is a creative genius and always has fun! The creative process was always exciting and new to me. She believed in me and trusted me to do my thing backstage. She taught me how important it is to always enjoy the process. Her fashion shows had the best backstage energy and every model loved being there to celebrate Betsey!
I love working with the product development team and helping create new products or bring a new color to the collection. I’m a working makeup artist, so I always know what products are out there and what’s missing. Some products make it and some don’t—but I still have fun using the lab samples or colors I created and keep them in my makeup kit! Stila has something really exciting coming out in Fall 2020. I’m so proud to have been a part of that project. This is a beauty secret I can’t share until it launches. Stay tuned…
What are some of your favorite products?
I love the Stila Stay All Day Watercolor Brow Pens. Stila developed these pens about 10 years ago when I was going through breast cancer and had lost my hair and eyebrows to chemotherapy. I tested them out on myself during that time and it was the only brow product that worked on me, stayed on my skin, and looked natural. Many people asked me, “Why didn’t I lose my eyebrows?” and they couldn’t believe it was all the Stila brow pen. So that product is extra special to me and will be forever! I wear Convertible Color in Camellia every day, and I never leave the house without 2-3 coats of my favorite mascara, Stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara. I’m also obsessed with Dr. Barbara Sturm and use all of her products.
Who inspires you?
Lynn Tilton, my husband Jeremy, and anyone who has a true passion for what they’re doing.
Secret to success?
Having the right attitude is so important and it’s also a choice. Be uncomfortable because that’s where you will grow and continue to evolve.
Wellness tip?
Get outside and move your body. I love to hike and always feel so much better inside and out when I’m done hitting that hill! I live in LA so my husband and I always go to Griffith Park and hike up to the Observatory.
What are some of your favorite ways to relax?
Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica is my favorite place to reset my energy and stay on top of my health. I’ve been going there for over 10 years and Dr. Mao has changed my life. I love acupuncture and I do the detox sauna treatment as often as I can. I’ve learned how to manage my stress through breathing meditation.
Best advice?
Make sure you follow your passion and do what you really love doing. You will become successful because you will be good at it and enjoy doing it. Take time to laugh and have some fun! The creative ideas will always flow and grow when you are in your zone. Always make time for an unexpected adventure!
Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy