Loyal to his passion for the artistic world of
make-up, Henrique Salvador recalls his 34 years of professional experience,
spent with iconic figures, such as Paris Hilton, Fabio Porchat and Susana
Werner. In an interview with V&G, the make-up artist talks about his
projects and inspirations, while also touching on the fashion industry’s decadence
in Portugal. Among other topics, he explains the luxurious nature of his
career, in constant contact with celebrities and, as you would expect, reveals
some tips for a true luxury make-up, largely dependent on the use of quality
products such as Chanel and Dior.
Henrique Salvador
«I didn’t need the digital world to do Paris Hilton’s make-up»
Who is Henrique Salvador?
I am a very active person, I love work and I like to be punctual in any circumstance. I grew up in a good time, although the make-up business was not yet well regarded at the time, as there were few men working as make-up artists. I was born in 1970 and the crazy 80s meant that I saw a lot of Bravo! magazines. There were also many figures that influenced me to discover the world of make-up, such as Boy George, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and Michael Jackson.
Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background?
Seeing the amazing make-ups in magazines, I would try to recreate them, as similar as possible, on myself. My passion for make-up grew day by day. At that same time, I had the opportunity to meet Ana Salazar, the first personality in Portuguese fashion. I started working for her as a shop assistant when I was 17, and later I went to fashion shows with her. Then one day, by chance, the models’ make-up wasn’t what they wanted and I tried to do the work myself, which worked out well. From then on, I did Ana’s make-up many times. Then I started to get out there, into the world, doing everything: working with designers, modelling schools, travelling, doing bridal make-up all over the country, giving classes, doing a series of workshops... I have never said ‘no’ to anything throughout my career. I have formed ties with many public figures, I had the privilege of working for Filipe La Féria, when I created the show about Amália, I did The Birdcage with José Raposo, I worked in a musical that included the actress Rita Pereira, I did the Dolce & Gabbana catwalk show in Portugal, in fact, I did up to 60 catwalk shows a year. I also have experience in films, I’ve already done four films, worked with the first lady of Angola and also at the christening of Cristiano Ronaldo’s son. My work has given me the privilege of facing challenges and being in constant contact with well-known figures. Nowadays, I also accompany other generations and I notice that some things have changed in the fashion industry. There is much less fashion in Portugal, we have ModaLisboa and that’s about it. In the old days, there were fashion shows everywhere.
Is there anyone who inspires you in the make-up world?
I don’t look for inspiration from other make-up artists, although I like to see their work. But I have my friends in Portugal who inspire me. You see, at a time when there were no social networks or inspirations, I had to learn everything I needed to on my own. Even today, I don’t live off technology, I just live off my work. I didn’t need the digital world to do Paris Hilton’s make-up, for example.
I am a very active person, I love work and I like to be punctual in any circumstance. I grew up in a good time, although the make-up business was not yet well regarded at the time, as there were few men working as make-up artists. I was born in 1970 and the crazy 80s meant that I saw a lot of Bravo! magazines. There were also many figures that influenced me to discover the world of make-up, such as Boy George, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and Michael Jackson.
Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background?
Seeing the amazing make-ups in magazines, I would try to recreate them, as similar as possible, on myself. My passion for make-up grew day by day. At that same time, I had the opportunity to meet Ana Salazar, the first personality in Portuguese fashion. I started working for her as a shop assistant when I was 17, and later I went to fashion shows with her. Then one day, by chance, the models’ make-up wasn’t what they wanted and I tried to do the work myself, which worked out well. From then on, I did Ana’s make-up many times. Then I started to get out there, into the world, doing everything: working with designers, modelling schools, travelling, doing bridal make-up all over the country, giving classes, doing a series of workshops... I have never said ‘no’ to anything throughout my career. I have formed ties with many public figures, I had the privilege of working for Filipe La Féria, when I created the show about Amália, I did The Birdcage with José Raposo, I worked in a musical that included the actress Rita Pereira, I did the Dolce & Gabbana catwalk show in Portugal, in fact, I did up to 60 catwalk shows a year. I also have experience in films, I’ve already done four films, worked with the first lady of Angola and also at the christening of Cristiano Ronaldo’s son. My work has given me the privilege of facing challenges and being in constant contact with well-known figures. Nowadays, I also accompany other generations and I notice that some things have changed in the fashion industry. There is much less fashion in Portugal, we have ModaLisboa and that’s about it. In the old days, there were fashion shows everywhere.
Is there anyone who inspires you in the make-up world?
I don’t look for inspiration from other make-up artists, although I like to see their work. But I have my friends in Portugal who inspire me. You see, at a time when there were no social networks or inspirations, I had to learn everything I needed to on my own. Even today, I don’t live off technology, I just live off my work. I didn’t need the digital world to do Paris Hilton’s make-up, for example.
«I have never said ‘no’ to anything throughout my
career»
Who were the most illustrious figures you came into contact with through your work?
The most famous was Paris Hilton, but also Brazilian personalities, such as Cláudia Raia, Susana Werner, Fabio Porchat and Miá Mello. When it comes to Portuguese figures, I would highlight Rita Pereira, Teresa Guilherme, Wanda Stuart, Ruben Rua, Manuel Luís Goucha, Eunice Muñoz, Claúdia Vieira and many others. But even face to face with well-known figures, I have never become nervous. Even so, the only personality I would have liked to have had the opportunity to do her make-up was Amália; I would have loved to have met her.
What characteristics does a successful make-up artist need to have?
Well, it requires a lot of work, but there are always constraints. For me, success is working and not waiting to be successful, because today I might have work and tomorrow I might not. It’s about working, working and working.
Tell us about the future, what plans do you have?
I have never made plans, in fact, I go by the motto «don’t make plans for life because life has plans for you». Of course I organise my life, but things just happen. It has always worked out that way.
Who were the most illustrious figures you came into contact with through your work?
The most famous was Paris Hilton, but also Brazilian personalities, such as Cláudia Raia, Susana Werner, Fabio Porchat and Miá Mello. When it comes to Portuguese figures, I would highlight Rita Pereira, Teresa Guilherme, Wanda Stuart, Ruben Rua, Manuel Luís Goucha, Eunice Muñoz, Claúdia Vieira and many others. But even face to face with well-known figures, I have never become nervous. Even so, the only personality I would have liked to have had the opportunity to do her make-up was Amália; I would have loved to have met her.
What characteristics does a successful make-up artist need to have?
Well, it requires a lot of work, but there are always constraints. For me, success is working and not waiting to be successful, because today I might have work and tomorrow I might not. It’s about working, working and working.
Tell us about the future, what plans do you have?
I have never made plans, in fact, I go by the motto «don’t make plans for life because life has plans for you». Of course I organise my life, but things just happen. It has always worked out that way.
«Success is
working and not waiting to be successful»
For a special occasion, heavy eye shadow or a striking lipstick?
It depends, when we’re talking about beautiful lips, you invest in a lipstick, but it also depends on the occasion. I like 80s make-up, well accentuated eyes. If you want to highlight the eyes, you don’t highlight the lips, and vice versa.
What are the secret ingredients for luxury make-up?
First of all, good skincare products. A well cleansed and moisturised skin, followed by a few moisturising drops. After that, apply a pre-base suited to the person’s face, while not overloading the skin so as not to alter their facial features. The final step depends on the preference in terms of glow, as well as the person’s own style and the context in which it will be applied. I am quite selective, I only use quality products. The product has to be good, meaning it has to be durable and provide comfort to the skin. Luxury make-up definitely makes a difference
For a special occasion, heavy eye shadow or a striking lipstick?
It depends, when we’re talking about beautiful lips, you invest in a lipstick, but it also depends on the occasion. I like 80s make-up, well accentuated eyes. If you want to highlight the eyes, you don’t highlight the lips, and vice versa.
What are the secret ingredients for luxury make-up?
First of all, good skincare products. A well cleansed and moisturised skin, followed by a few moisturising drops. After that, apply a pre-base suited to the person’s face, while not overloading the skin so as not to alter their facial features. The final step depends on the preference in terms of glow, as well as the person’s own style and the context in which it will be applied. I am quite selective, I only use quality products. The product has to be good, meaning it has to be durable and provide comfort to the skin. Luxury make-up definitely makes a difference
Are there any appropriate circumstances to wear a red
lipstick?
You should always wear red lipstick. Sometimes, moisturised skin combined with a red lipstick is enough to create magic.
Can you name the best make-up brands you have ever used?
I like Giorgio Armani, Chanel and Dior. I am very attached to the Inglot brand, when it comes to lipstick to Planeta Mulher and also Sisley and Caudalie for skincare.
You should always wear red lipstick. Sometimes, moisturised skin combined with a red lipstick is enough to create magic.
Can you name the best make-up brands you have ever used?
I like Giorgio Armani, Chanel and Dior. I am very attached to the Inglot brand, when it comes to lipstick to Planeta Mulher and also Sisley and Caudalie for skincare.
T.
Joana Rebelo
P.
Nuno Almendra / Rights Reserved
