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Hiromi Ueda’s beauty philosophy focuses on enhancing individual beauty to “bring out the best and unique beauty, rather than covering or hiding imperfections,” she shares exclusively with ELLE.com. Born and raised in Osaka, Japan, Ueda was influenced by her older sister, and the two would subscribe to American TV to access fashion shows and overall American culture. “It’s influenced me a lot for what I’m doing now,” she says. Young Ueda was constantly going through her sister’s makeup, much to her older sister’s dismay. Fast forward to today and her older sister is excited at what Ueda has in her bag and on her vanity. Hiromi Ueda has been a professional makeup artist for over 20 years, working with greats like Diane Kendal and perfecting her artistry across editorial, runway, and campaigns. Between it all, she’s even opened an artisan deli combining Japanese, Italian, and French goods in her London neighborhood—“I love food,” Hiromi says with a smile.
Today, the multihyphenate is adding a new title to her lengthy portfolio: Global Makeup Artist for Armani Beauty. She succeeds Linda Cantello, who held the role for fifteen years. “I’ve always admired Mr. Armani and resonate with his passion towards beauty and our way of thinking about beauty,” Ueda says. She’s worked with high-profile photographers, including David Sims, who gave Ueda a breakthrough opportunity to work on an Arena Homme+ editorial together in 2015. Since then, she’s worked with photographers including Karim Sadli, Lachlan Bailey, and Sølve Sundsbø, and at fashion week in Europe for designers like Molly Goddard.
Before this announcement, Ueda worked on the makeup looks for the latest Armani Privé, Giorgio Armani, and Emporio Armani fashion shows and Giorgio Armani campaigns. “I can’t wait to collaborate with the Armani beauty team to evolve their product line and create some amazing images together,” she says. ELLE.com had an exclusive interview with Ueda, where she discusses how her Japanese culture influences her overall work, shares advice for up-and-coming makeup artists, and divulges her past and current muses.
Congratulations on your new role! What is your favorite Armani Beauty product and why?
I always use the Luminous Silk Foundation, which is an amazing formulation, as everybody knows. I’ve always loved it. It’s such a radiant finish and it’s such a beautiful and versatile product.
I believe culture permeates throughout all that we do. How does your Japanese culture influence and impact your work?
I grew up being reminded of the importance of cultivating inner beauty and kindness. For me, it’s important that it’s not just about how you look. Everything about well-being—what you eat, what you do, just being kind to others, it’s really important to me.
Have you ever had a muse?
I grew up watching 90s supermodels. So, I always loved Linda Evangelista. Shalom was also my muse for a long time. They are very glamorous and something like a dream. When I was younger, I looked at their fashion, makeup, and hair, and I always looked at their images and got inspired by how beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated they were.
Name a model whose face you are obsessed with.
Sacha Quenby. I love working with her.
I saw you own a Japanese-Italian, vegan, and vegetarian deli with French artisan girls. What inspired the combination of these cultures of food? How did your work and experience as a makeup artist support your foray into the food industry?
In Japan, food is a big [part of the] culture, and my husband’s from Italy, and he used to work in a fine dining restaurant as a manager. During the pandemic, we struggled to source any good, artisan products. There was a supermarket close by, but there were not enough daily options. My mum always had a coffee shop and served lunch. We wanted to create something in our local area.
Danielle James is the Digital Beauty Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was the Fashion and Beauty Director of HelloBeautiful.com and MadameNoire.com. She’s written for The Cut, InStyle, Allure, The Business of Fashion, Nylon, Essence, Good Housekeeping, and more. She enjoys sailing, thrifting, Japanese whiskey, Naomi Campbell’s runway walk, and Rihanna in the comment section.