Makeup Artist Satoko Watanabe Blends Precision and Edge

Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.

Satoko Watanabe, Makeup Artist

Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Based: Paris, France
Representation: Artlist

How would you describe your work?
I’m always looking for new, contemporary landscapes. I go for beauty with refined technical skill, but I’m just as into that edgy, unfinished vibe. I like blending those two opposites and love how it turns out. Sometimes, when something feels fresh or interesting, I choose to stop and leave it that way on purpose.

What’s your trademark?
My trademark is a bold, graphic, or edgy touch to make it pop on natural-looking skin.

How did you first discover your passion for makeup? Was there a specific moment that made you realize this was your career path?
I have always loved colors, playing with brushes, and painting. As a kid, I used to always ask for brushes as gifts, so my mom still laughs and says I’ve been doing the same thing since I was little! I especially loved calligraphy and took it seriously, learning a lot from it—the beauty of a single, confident stroke, its energy, the elegance of space.Trying to fix a mistake, even subtly, ruins everything. Makeup is easy to wipe off, but I’m always chasing that same kind of vibrancy and living brushstrokes. Sometimes, something raw and real can be more potent than something overly polished and edited. When I apply eyeliner or lip liner, I rarely sketch first. Instead, I use one brush and keep practicing to see how far I can capture that natural, accidental beauty. It’s one of my little secret joys.

What’s your process for conceptualizing a look? Do you start with references, color palettes, emotions, or something else entirely?
When I’m creating makeup looks, I take a step back and really examine the model’s face. I always start with their unique features. I’ve been obsessed with photos since I was a child, so I have a lot of visuals in my mind — everything from old-fashioned and beauty ads to art, subcultures, colors, designs, and just random things I like. Once I understand the concept of a shoot, I usually get some kind of image in my head, and that becomes my starting point for coming up with ideas. It’s generally pretty intuitive.

Are there specific materials or textures you love working with? Do you find yourself drawn to certain finishes?
I’ve always been into naturally beautiful skin—it’s been that way from the start, not just because of makeup. That’s what I focus on. The confident, beautiful women I’ve met don’t try to cover up or change their faces with makeup, and that’s probably a big inspiration for me. I came to Paris to do something genuinely creative. For the first 10 years, I was experimenting and playing around with unexpected materials, taking more of an artsy approach. I try not to limit the materials or ideas I use. Even then, though, the skin tone underneath was always key. It can make or break the vibe, so I always pay attention.

What non-fashion influences (art, film, literature, music, etc.) shape your creative perspective?
City and people. I lived in Tokyo for 14 years, and the subculture, street style, fashion, and music there had a huge impact on me. I’ve also loved traveling since my late teens. There were times when I lived in different countries for a few months, experiencing lots of cultures and people. I grew up in mostly monocultural Japan, and I think its unique natural beauty and strong craft spirit became part of who I am. Now, after living in Europe for a long time, meeting people from all kinds of backgrounds inspires me, and all those influences have blended together and shaped how I see and create.

What other jobs have you had?
I’ve been lucky to stay in this industry. At first, I couldn’t find assistant jobs in fashion, but I really wanted to be on set as a makeup artist, so I worked as an assistant in special effects for movies too. My debut on set was when I sprayed fake blood in a Japanese Yakuza film at age 20 — definitely a memorable start!

Can you share your experience collaborating with Saint Laurent, as you have worked with the brand since 2018?
I started with small jobs and then was gradually trusted with bigger shoots. In June 2025, I was really honored to handle a campaign shoot at Saint Laurent’s home in Marrakech! Now, I feel like part of the family, and I’m grateful for the chance to work with this amazing Maison and get a glimpse into fashion history.

What’s one thing outside of your work that you would like people to know about you?
Having quiet time to myself is really important, almost like meditation. I’m usually around many people, so I need those moments to connect with myself and listen to my voice. I’ve learned how important it is to stay connected to that inner passion and curiosity. Those quiet moments are when my best ideas come up, whether it’s a fresh makeup concept I’m excited about or a thought about where I’m heading next.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced professionally?
When I first started doing makeup, I was attached to my own style, and it was tough. In fashion makeup, catching trends and expressing current trends is essential. Once I decided to be flexible and try different styles, I enjoyed it much more. When I was younger, I sometimes found it frustrating that this work couldn’t be done alone. Now, though, I’m fascinated by the joy of creating together with passionate artists worldwide.

What advice would you give aspiring makeup artists looking to break into the industry?
What I love about this job is that even if we keep doing the same thing, what we focus on changes over time. Staying curious and mixing research with playfulness along the way helps.

What’s something about your job that still excites you after all these years?
My personal life theme is to “live like I’m traveling.” This job is perfect because every day is different, I get to see the world, and have borderless experiences. I believe those moments come through in my makeup. When I was younger and had a heartbreak, I used to think, “Maybe this will help me do soulful makeup better?” Even now, if I see a product I don’t know, I’m like, “I need to try this right away.” I’m still passionate about growing in my craft and feel lucky to have found something I love.

Who’s one to watch?
Photographer Yuriko Takagi, I truly respect her as a creator, a Japanese person, and a woman.

Selected Work

Schiaparelli Couture for Interview Magazine
The makeup came together in a way that really highlighted Schiaparelli’s daring and surreal world. It’s always such a fun and creative process to share the brand’s vision with the whole team and build that world together.

Beyond the pleasure principle for AnOther Magazine
We started the shoot with a natural makeup look, but during the session, Zora (Sicher) and Rebecca (Perlmutar) suggested adding one or two beauty shots might be fun. So I came up with the idea of doing red eyebrows. It ended up adding a nice twist to the story, and I loved that spontaneous moment with the team. This shot is one of my favorites!

Saint Laurent Fall 24 Collection
For shoots with Saint Laurent, we usually discuss the general mood first, and I am often left to handle the finer makeup details. Working with models allows for complete transformation, but the approach is usually more personal with actresses. For this shoot, I developed the look in collaboration with Chloë (Sevigny.) Actors deeply understand their image, and I always learn something new from them.

i-D Magazine Fall 2021 Covers: The In Real Life! Issue
I chose this photo because it’s a great example of how a strong look can come from just minimal makeup that brings out Mica (Argañaraz’s) features. i-D has always been one of my favorite magazines, so this first cover shoot really stuck with me.

Lovisa Inga by Ola Rindal for Blau International
The styling concept and the makeup really came together to help build the character for this shoot. That day, I blocked out the brows and drew on new ones in a single stroke — it was such a fun, creative moment.