Simply Abu Dhabi XXII

T erry de Gunzburg is an icon within the beauty industry, albeit one that perhaps not everyone is familiar with. If I was to mention the Touché Eclat to you, however, I'm sure you'd know what that is and why she is an icon – she invented that incredible product way back when she was working with YSL Beauty. Since 1998, her own By Terry line has gone from strength to strength, creating innovative and results-driven products with a luxurious feel. Once you have discovered how amazing her cosmetics are, you'll be hooked. So many beauty editors, makeup artists and industry professionals rave about her collection that many of the pieces are now cult classics to covet. All aspects of beauty are covered with Haute Couleur, Haute Cosmetology and Haute Perfumery, which completes a vast array of exquisite offerings we can adorn and complement our lifestyles with. With a rare glimpse into the life and work of Terry herself, I find out what drives her, which products are integral and get a few tips from the top... What inspired or motivated you to become a makeup artist? It was almost by chance! I have always been inspired and attracted by colour and art, so I guess that deep inside I knew I was always meant to be in a creative industry. Even though I was studying science at the time, I decided to take a summer internship at the prestigious beauty school of the Carita sisters, the legendary ladies that dominated the world of beauty. That’s when my life took a new turn. Vogue urgently needed a makeup artist for a shoot, and just out of the blue, Maria Carita decided to send me. They loved my work and from that day on I was 100% inspired! What’s the most interesting aspect of your role? It’s definitely introducing women of all ages and backgrounds, from novices to the most experienced, to a world of beauty based on an approach to makeup that is simple and straightforward, yet also all about expertise. I like to build a rapport with women, giving them beauty tips designed to make their lives easier and increase their confidence, and ensure that everyone is given the professional and unique results she deserves. What has been your greatest challenge so far? My greatest challenge so far, and always, is to stay loyal to my integrity and the brand’s integrity. I try not follow the marketing trends and fashions too much but I stay true to the philosophy of the brand – timeless quality and luxury, using the finest and rarest ingredients. What do you consider your greatest achievement? My greatest achievements in life are my four children…andmy fifth child, By Terry! Without my children, my greatest critics and advisors, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve the success of the brand as it is today! How do you ensure a healthy work/life balance? A healthy work/life balance is crucial to be able to be successful. My family to me is extremely important, so I need to make sure that I have precious moments and quality time with them. My husband and I both travel a lot for work, so often spend time apart. I try to make the most of it when we are together, as we have so many cultural interests that we like to share: dinners, the opera, art openings, exhibitions and dinners with friends. At the weekends we like to spend time with our children and grand-children. On holidays we make the most of it and all gather together with family and friends – whether it’s skiing or in Provence, we have the most wonderful moments. What initially inspired the By Terry cosmetic line? In 1998, I stopped working with Yves Saint Laurent and decided to create my own brand. I had been thinking of this for a while and finally was able to do what I liked most: anticipate trends, while always meeting women's needs. I had developed a new idea of exclusive luxury, applied to the world of beauty. Rarity, creativity and modernity are the essential components of this signature. I wanted to offer the same standards of excellence, expertise and service as Haute Couture Fashion – a made-to-measure service that met women’s individual needs. That’s 2 9 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I By Terry Terry de Gunzburg