“You’ve got to have that ‘I just woke up’ look, kind of like Anne Bancroft in The Graduate,” Gregory Arlt was quoted as saying in a 1999 interview. Such words still apply to the look he greatly favours. A true beauty guru, Arlt predicted the no-make-up look and dewy finish trend that has taken the beauty industry by storm, a true testament to the visionaire-extraordinaire that he is.

The LA-based make-up artist never fails to start with applying moisturiser and dabbing on concealer to even out his canvas—decades before this two-step ritual made it in every make-up tutorial handbook. He works with some of the world’s most famous faces such as Dita Von Teese, Gwen Stefani, Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Cher, and Liza Minnell.

These days, the in-demand make-up artist is busy trotting around the globe, sharing his talent by doing make-up master classes, editorials. He may also be backstage at the fashion collections in Milan, Paris, and New York, designing make-up looks for top designers.

He imparts his most coveted beauty tips and industry knowledge through many television appearances in Europe, South America, and Asia. He appears regularly as a beauty expert on TV shows like Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, and The Style Network. He is also working on his first beauty book titled Beauty Exorcist with renowned photographer Steve Erle.

Philippine Tatler: What upcoming trends do you see in grooming and skincare?

Gregory Arlt: I see a great deal of innovation coming from the Korean market. Masks, serums, lifting products, and the like. Buzzwords like “lifting,” “anti-ageing,” and “firming” are dominating product labels. I can also see make-up evolving and merging into even more of a skincare focus, with SPF and long term benefits being added to foundations, powders, and even concealers.

PT: Do you think there is still a difference in the approach to women and men’s skincare and grooming?

GA: Yes and no! The only real difference besides packaging targeted to men is the steps. Women will take more time and add more steps to their routine than men. Most men, once in the habit of a grooming routine, want the basics—cleanse, shave, and moisturise.

Gregory Arlt and Dita Von Teese

PT: They say that modern men are now more concerned about their appearance than women. Is there truth to this?

GA: Absolutely. The metrosexual trend that was born a few years ago has evolved completely. In this age of social media and selfies, I’ve seen more men taking more interest in their appearances. Most men are usually concerned with what’s going on from the neck down—abs, muscles, biceps—but in this competitive job market, looking good is everything.

PT: Do you think this is going to be more prevalent in the coming years?

GA: It’s been a slow ride, but men are now venturing past the standard cleansing routine and getting into anything and everything that will make them appear—and feel—younger. Beard maintenance, hair colour to get rid of the grey, brow tinting, and even the use of tinted moisturiser and concealer is now becoming the new norm. I think we’ll see more of it as it becomes even more accepted.

PT: What are five things that men and women should always have on their bathroom shelf ?

GA: MAC Fix +, which is a multi-use vitamin spray that hydrates and moisturise with ingredients such as chamomile, cucumber, and caffeine powder. It can also set makeup. Moisturiser. I always recommend one with an SPF to make sure you’ve got that covered. SPF! Sunscreen is literally the fountain of youth. The sun is the biggest culprit to premature ageing and this really helps to prevent that. Concealer. Everyone needs something to hide the evidence of a long night, breakout, or discolouration. A signature fragrance! Fragrance literally puts the exclamation point at the end of the sentence with regard to getting ready.

Read more on the latest edition of Philippine Tatler. Grab a copy from any leading newsstand or bookstore or download it on your digital device via Magzter, Zinio, or Pressreader.