Make-up artist Benjamin Becher

AND GRETEL Benjamin, when did you discover your passion?

Benjamin: I discovered my passion for makeup at a very early age. As a little boy, I always stood next to my mom while she applied her makeup; I can still remember those moments so well. I was fascinated by everything about it: the products, the textures, and the colors. She was so gracefully handling the colors, and above all, the positive change after she finished applying her makeup.

That moment when women look at themselves in the mirror after applying makeup and they get that look as if the world is at their feet – that moment still fascinates me today! Being a hair and makeup artist isn't just a job for me; it's a journey I take my clients, models, and celebrities on.

UND GRETEL How would you describe your style?

Benjamin: Over the past few years, I've been working on refining it. When it comes to makeup, I try to emphasize the model's features without masking them. I would say light and shadow, highlights, and contouring are my defining features in makeup. I would describe my style as: distinctive, modern glam with a certain imperfect perfectionism.

AND GRETEL What does "beauty" mean to you?

Benjamin: For me, beauty means feeling good. With all their rough edges, it's precisely these that make each person truly special. Beauty isn't what we're led to believe in the digital world. Beauty manifests itself in each individual. True beauty comes from within, and this manifests itself in each individual in its own unique way. This individuality allows us to see true beauty.

UND GRETEL Let's be more specific: Which makeup piece could you and your clients never do without?

Benjamin : Phew, that's a difficult question. For me, concealer and eyelash curlers are two of the must-haves that every woman and man should own. Concealer is my absolute SOS secret weapon for small imperfections that you want to quickly conceal, or to simply add a little freshness to your face. The eyelash curler is the makeup tool that I think has been with me for the longest time. Small and handy, they really help me shape every single eyelash.

UND GRETEL In general: Which makeup tool do you think is overrated and which is underrated?

Benjamin: One makeup tool that's totally overrated in my opinion is the silicone makeup sponge—a complete waste of time with zero effect, other than smearing all sorts of creamy textures from A to B. On the other hand, one makeup tool that's underrated in my opinion—I've already mentioned it—is the lash curler. I get much better results with the lash curler, as the slight bend creates curl and allows me to apply a much more intense mascara.

UND GRETEL Which is your favorite UND GRETEL character and why?

Benjamin My UND GRETEL favorite is definitely ILGE, the Translucent Compact Powder . A soft-focus powder that fits in every handbag. I not only love the product design, but especially the fantastic effect that ILGE creates. An ultra-fine, transparent powder that looks white in the compact, but transforms into a transparent, super-mattifying powder on the skin. I like to apply it with the UND GRETEL powder puff included in the compact; it's a great way to reduce unwanted shine. Absolutely my favorite for at home or on the go!

UND GRETEL Benjamin, and when was your first UND GRETEL moment?

Benjamin: My first UND GRETEL moment was quite a while ago. I think it was in the early days of the brand. The two founders, Stephanie and Christina, invited me to the UND GRETEL office, where they showed me the innovative products for the first time. I was blown away by the variety of colors, the velvety textures, and the design. Since then, UND GRETEL products have been an integral part of my makeup kit.

UND GRETEL Will you share with us your 5 easy makeup tips that everyone should know?

Benjamin

No. 1
Use concealer and foundation selectively to avoid a mask-like effect.

No. 2
A bronzer that makes you look sun-kissed and also gives your face a little contour, apply it as sparingly as possible and in the right places on your face.

No. 3
Apply mattifying powder only in specific areas to fix the skin or as a soft focus – this is how we maintain the skin’s natural glow.

No. 4
Never draw your eyebrows too boldly, but always stick to the natural direction of growth. The shade should also never be too dark; always choose a shade lighter than your natural eyebrow hairs. This will ensure the most natural effect possible.

No. 5
Take care of your lips. It's incredibly important to use proper lip care—whether it's summer or winter. Lip care is often neglected.