Make-Up Genius Peter Philips on Fighting Humidity, Age-Appropriate Contouring, and the Comeback of Stick Foundation

T The make-up savant, who has been working with the couture icons since 2000, has succeeded in doing much more than just changing our whole way of thinking about make-up. Peter shows tremendous creativity and serves as the image director of Dior Beauty: for over ten years, he has overseen the development of popular lines such as Diorshow, Forever Glow, and Dior Backstage. No exception to the rule: a trio of face essentials has hit the market, including an all-around stick foundation, a sculpting and bronzing stick, and a defining duo palette for blush Colour & Glow.

"It has become the norm with make-up to do sweeping and outlining, contouring," explains Peter. "With our Forever Skin Perfect Stick Foundation, you can now learn how to blend it easily across several shades. Additionally, you will understand how to blend around and highlight to your heart's content with our Forever Skin Contour.

That means, how important is makeup experimentation?

It's all experimentation! Today, this generation is playing with makeup just as I had done over 30 years ago. Trends come back, and it's fabulous to see a new generation discover techniques we used to play with. It's great that they can reinterpret and reinvent those trends—make-up is all about this creative journey. I just have fun when I try new things, make mistakes, and rediscover the joy of expression.

Age Depends. Contouring is an age-dependent activity. The young love contouring using darker shades because it highlights the youth's natural fullness of the face. And just as we lose that plump, heavy contouring looks unflattering with age. It would be better if we were to enhance and give colors instead of just shadows. It's not just about the shape of your face; it's also about your changing lips. A soft glow is what gives that so-junior appeal.

How should we deal with make-up in such humid climates like the UAE?

Powder: it's your BFF in humidity, as long as you use it in moderation. You can use it to set your foundation but in hot climates too much product spells disaster. Thin layers are the way to build up—and blend well too. That way, your make-up stays fresh and won't melt down your face. If you need additional touch-ups during the day, that is perfectly fine—those make-up is staying, flawless as your best face.

What's next?

In the works, there is a lot, but I have to keep mum! Formulations can be a little tricky, and we're constantly finding ways to refine and discover more possibilities. All I can say is exciting things are in the works, and I just can't wait for all of you to see what's next.

If you weren't a make-up artist, what would you be?

I like working and want to become an architect or an interior designer. Since childhood I have always been interested in buildings and design.

How have consumer trends shaped Dior's beauty products?

Social media also educated the consumers about make-up. Techniques like the emphasis through highlighting and contours, which were previously secret backstage rituals, are now very well understood. Stick foundation has been a game-changer because you can experiment with contouring and highlighting whether you need a more natural look or full coverage. We have invested in a new generation of stick foundation with a long-lasting, blurring finish suited for both subtle and bold make-up styles.

Do you have a favorite beauty trend?

I find that the biggest trend right now, in my opinion, is makeup itself: people started experimenting and self-expression. Contouring and blushing are pretty great and developing, with influencers of various ages coming into their routines and learning new subtleties. Nowadays, trends are more about those little details, like using a nude eyeliner or soft highlights around the lips. Understated touches enhance natural beauty and make makeup feel kind of approachable for everyone. That is pretty thrilling to see people really embrace their uniqueness and work out ways to enhance their features without getting overwhelmed by the bolder trends of the past.