{"id":167693,"date":"2025-07-16T11:30:01","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T15:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/?p=167693"},"modified":"2026-05-22T16:14:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T20:14:45","slug":"makeup-artist-satoko-watanabe-blends-precision-and-edge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/?p=167693","title":{"rendered":"Makeup Artist Satoko Watanabe Blends Precision and Edge"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.<\/em><\/p>\n<style>\n.quote {\nline-height: 1.2em !important;\npadding: 35px 25px;\n}\n.wp-caption {\n    margin-top: 65px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<figure id=\"attachment_141369\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141369\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2025\/07\/Satoko-updated-.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1676\" height=\"1811\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-167695\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-141369\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/satoko-watanabe\">Satoko Watanabe<\/a> | Image courtesy of <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/agency\/artlist\">Artlist<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/satoko-watanabe\">Satoko Watanabe<\/a>, Makeup Artist <\/p>\n<p><strong>Hometown:<\/strong> Tokyo, Japan<br \/>\n<strong>Based:<\/strong> Paris, France<br \/>\n<strong>Representation:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/agency\/artlist\">Artlist<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>How would you describe your work?<\/strong><br \/>\nI\u2019m always looking for new, contemporary landscapes. I go for beauty with refined technical skill, but I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s your trademark?<\/strong><br \/>\nMy trademark is a bold, graphic, or edgy touch to make it pop on natural-looking skin. <\/p>\n<p><strong>How did you first discover your passion for makeup? Was there a specific moment that made you realize this was your career path?<\/strong><br \/>\nI 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\u2019ve been doing the same thing since I was little! I especially loved calligraphy and took it seriously, learning a lot from it\u2014the 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\u2019m 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\u2019s one of my little secret joys.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s your process for conceptualizing a look? Do you start with references, color palettes, emotions, or something else entirely?<\/strong><br \/>\nWhen I\u2019m creating makeup looks, I take a step back and really examine the model\u2019s face. I always start with their unique features. I\u2019ve been obsessed with photos since I was a child, so I have a lot of visuals in my mind \u2014 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\u2019s generally pretty intuitive.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Are there specific materials or textures you love working with? Do you find yourself drawn to certain finishes?<\/strong><br \/>\nI\u2019ve always been into naturally beautiful skin\u2014it\u2019s been that way from the start, not just because of makeup. That\u2019s what I focus on. The confident, beautiful women I\u2019ve met don\u2019t try to cover up or change their faces with makeup, and that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What non-fashion influences (art, film, literature, music, etc.) shape your creative perspective?<\/strong><br \/>\nCity 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\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What other jobs have you had?<\/strong><br \/>\nI\u2019ve been lucky to stay in this industry. At first, I couldn\u2019t 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 \u2014 definitely a memorable start!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can you share your experience collaborating with <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/client\/yves-saint-laurent\">Saint Laurent<\/a>, as you have worked with the brand since 2018?<\/strong><br \/>\nI  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\u2019s home in Marrakech! Now, I feel like part of the family, and I\u2019m grateful for the chance to work with this amazing Maison and get a glimpse into fashion history. <\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s one thing outside of your work that you would like people to know about you?<\/strong><br \/>\nHaving quiet time to myself is really important, almost like meditation. I\u2019m usually around many people, so I need those moments to connect with myself and listen to my voice. I\u2019ve 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\u2019s a fresh makeup concept I\u2019m excited about or a thought about where I\u2019m heading next.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What have been the biggest challenges you\u2019ve faced professionally?<\/strong><br \/>\nWhen 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\u2019t be done alone. Now, though, I\u2019m fascinated by the joy of creating together with passionate artists worldwide.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What advice would you give aspiring makeup artists looking to break into the industry?<\/strong><br \/>\nWhat 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. <\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s something about your job that still excites you after all these years?<\/strong><br \/>\nMy personal life theme is to \u201clive like I\u2019m traveling.\u201d 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, \u201cMaybe this will help me do soulful makeup better?\u201d Even now, if I see a product I don\u2019t know, I\u2019m like, \u201cI need to try this right away.\u201d I\u2019m still passionate about growing in my craft and feel lucky to have found something I love.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who&#8217;s one to watch?<\/strong><br \/>\nPhotographer<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/oVgtOKzQUk8?si=9Pqk4WqbT7Sawwmr\" data-rel=\"lightbox-video-0\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Yuriko Takagi<\/a>, I truly respect her as a creator, a Japanese person, and a woman.<\/p>\n<h3>Selected Work<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_141376\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141376\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2025\/07\/SW-Interview-2022-SS.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1615\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-167704\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-141376\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><br \/>\nAnyiel Piok Majok by Davit Giorgadze | Image courtesy of Artlist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/interview-magazine-schiaparelli-couture\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Schiaparelli Couture for Interview Magazine<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nThe makeup came together in a way that really highlighted Schiaparelli\u2019s daring and surreal world. It\u2019s always such a fun and creative process to share the brand\u2019s vision with the whole team and build that world together.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_141376\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141376\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2025\/07\/SW-AnOther-Magazine-2023-AW.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1035\" height=\"1350\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-167701\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-141376\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><br \/>\nZora Sicher | Image courtesy of Artlist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/another-magazine-beyond-the-pleasure-principle\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Beyond the pleasure principle for AnOther Magazine<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nWe started the shoot with a natural makeup look, but during the session, <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/people\/zora-sicher\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Zora (Sicher) <\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/people\/rebecca-perlmutar\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rebecca (Perlmutar)<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_141376\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141376\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2025\/07\/SW-Saint-Laurent-2024-FW.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"3333\" height=\"5000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-167702\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-141376\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><br \/>\nChlo\u00eb Sevigny by Juergen Teller | Image courtesy of Artlist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/saint-laurent-chlo-sevigny\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Saint Laurent Fall 24 Collection<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nFor shoots with <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/client\/yves-saint-laurent\">Saint Laurent<\/a>, 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/people\/chloe-sevigny\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chlo\u00eb (Sevigny.)<\/a> Actors deeply understand their image, and I always learn something new from them. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_141376\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141376\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2025\/07\/SW-iD-Magazine-2021-FW.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1350\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-167705\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-141376\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><br \/>\nMica Arga\u00f1araz by Drew Vickers | Image courtesy of Artlist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/i-d-magazine-i-d-magazine-fall-2021-covers\/1570280\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">i-D Magazine Fall 2021 Covers: The In Real Life! Issue<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nI chose this photo because it\u2019s a great example of how a strong look can come from just minimal makeup that brings out <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/models\/mica-arganaraz\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mica (Arga\u00f1araz\u2019s)<\/a> features. i-D has always been one of my favorite magazines, so this first cover shoot really stuck with me. <\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_141376\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141376\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2025\/07\/SW-Blau-International-2020-FW.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1498\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-167706\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-141376\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><br \/>\nLovisa Inga by Ola Rindal | Image courtesy of Artlist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/blau-international-n3\/1425997\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lovisa Inga by Ola Rindal for Blau International<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nThe 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 \u2014 it was such a fun, creative moment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019m always looking for new, contemporary landscapes. I go for beauty with refined technical skill, but I\u2019m&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":450,"featured_media":167695,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6476,12752,13941,10414,16,13943],"tags":[12921,13154,14948],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167693"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/450"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=167693"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167693\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":167718,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167693\/revisions\/167718"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/167695"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=167693"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=167693"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=167693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}