Gucci Westman's Serum Sensation

After five years of running her make-up brand Westman Atelier, what inspired Gucci Westman to make a careful and highly anticipated foray into skin care? The short answer is science, and the five years since the launch of her brand has been dedicated to researching her most recent launch.

Westman, who did the make-up for Gwyneth Paltrow at her 2018 wedding, and who is flown around the world to cater to her A-list clients who also include Reese Witherspoon and Anne Hathaway, wanted to create a "perfect storm" skincare bursting with active ingredients. 

Westman worked with leading Korean skincare scientist Dr. Raymond Park, the inventor of multi-lamellar emulsion, the world’s first skin-like, non-prescription formula to treat and protect the skin barrier.

Together, they poured their collective expertise into just one product: Skin Activator, a potent, skin-refining serum which has already been shown to calm skin in five minutes, and moreover in just a couple of weeks is already proving to be a sell-out at some retailers.  

"I wanted the performance," Westman recently told the New York Times. "I needed science, I love science, I wanted to be known for innovation."

While consumer testing is still underway for Skin Activator, the grown-up followers of Westman's make-up ethos already know this product will work. "I’ve always believed that everything starts with the quality of the skin," says Westman. "Our makeup line has always been skin first, with the highest level of skincare actives at work in every formula."

The ingredients in Skin Activator include four kinds of hyaluronic acid for moisture and plumping, and niacinamide to correct pigmentation. Lesser known ingredients include Noni Fruit to support collagen production and smooth lines, L-Arginine to restore skin bounce, and prickly pear cactus extract for soothing.

Westman reports that the serum, which can be worn on its own or under make-up, creates an extraordinarily fresh and radiant complexion—without looking too makeup-y. 

“What’s so special about this formula is the delivery system, "she says. "It mimics the skin’s own structure to deliver exactly the right ingredients at the right time without shocking or aggravating the skin. So, it’s always giving skin what it needs to be the best version of itself.” With a pedigree like this, we don't need convincing.

Catch Skin Activator while you can.

Skin Activator, £138, by Westman Atelier at Net-a-Porter and Selfridges,