Respect, Discretion and True Professionalism
In the world of professional make-up, there are technical skills, creativity and style. But there is a value that comes before every brush and foundation: the client’s privacy.
It is a sacred value, often forgotten in an age dominated by social media, where every gesture, face or detail risks becoming content. As a professional with over a decade of experience in Italy and abroad, I feel compelled to emphasize how respect for privacy is a cornerstone of the work of a true make-up artist.
My path and the importance of discretion
My career in the world of professional make-up began in 2012, working with international agencies, mainly London and American. Since my first assignments, I have had the good fortune – and the responsibility – of working for exclusive events, private weddings, elite receptions and international projects where the golden rule was only one: maximum confidentiality.
Over time, I have had the privilege of doing makeup and closely following international stars, entertainment icons, women of high finance, world-class executives, and extraordinary clients on unique occasions. I have had the honor of working personally with Yoko Ono, Anna Wintour, Nicole Scherzinger, and Federica Pellegrini, as well as with Mastercard clients at the Venice Film Festival, with female journalists and anchors from Rai Storia, Rai Educational, and Spanish and American broadcasters, to presenters for the Oscars broadcast by the Sky Channel.
In such delicate and exclusive settings, discretion is not just a quality: it is a moral and professional duty. Respect for privacy becomes an integral part of the service, because enhancing a person’s beauty also means protecting them from prying eyes and safeguarding every detail of their time, image and personal space.
Together with my Team, I did makeup and hairstyles for George Clooney ‘s guests and family members at his famous wedding in Venice, as well as for Bastian Schweinsteiger‘s. We followed with dedication and professionalism the clients of Dolce & Gabbana and Rochas, also in Venice, guaranteeing elegance, style and total discretion.
My years spent on film sets, especially with American productions such as Walt Disney Production, have taught me the absolute value of respecting the client. In these environments, where every second is precious and every image carries weight, care is not limited to make-up: it extends to protecting the identity and serenity of those who rely on us.
Treating a client with care also means not exposing him or her, not making him or her a showcase face, but respectfully accompanying him or her in his or her moment-whether it is work, celebration or creativity. And it is precisely from this ethic that my way of working is born: sartorial, confidential, professional. Always.
Every Customer Deserves Respect, Whether Famous or Not
Discretion is not a privilege reserved for celebrities. It is a universal right.
Whether it is a bride on the most exciting day of her life, or a professional engaged in the management of a major event, what really matters is her serenity, her space, and her willingness to experience the moment in complete freedom and privacy.
It makes no difference whether a person is known or not. Every client, every face, every story deserves the same attention, the same care, the same respect. There are no faces “to post” and others to forget. You do not use someone’s image to promote yourself if that person has not specifically chosen to share it.
Backstage, during an event, in an intimate moment like a wedding or a private session, my role is not only technical. It is human. To care without encroaching, to accompany without overexposing, to protect without ever crossing a line. This is the true luxury of service: making every client feel safe, respected, never exposed.
For me, there are no “A” or “B” customers. There are only people who trust, who rely, and who must be protected. Always.
Not everything has to end up on Instagram
Today, more and more often, we see a dangerous drift: photos taken without permission, videos posted for the sole purpose of showing off one’s work, images stolen in the client’s moments of relaxation or stress. This is not professionalism. This is disrespect.
A make-up artist is not chosen for his or her ability to get “likes,” but for his or her ability to create value without encroaching. True skill is seen from the hands, head and heart, not from a carousel on TikTok.
The right to an image is inviolable
Posting photos or videos of a paying client, without her express and clear consent, is ethically improper, as well as legally risky. The right to an image is not an option: it is a sacrosanct protection. The client is not a medium for advertising. She is not an “influencer” at hand, nor a face to be used to get noticed.
If you want to promote your work through images, there is only one correct way: create ad hoc shoots, with paid models, in settings where each image has been thought out and authorized. The rest is just exploitation poorly disguised as a “portfolio.”
The professional is seen in the silence
Many colleagues and associates often ask me why, despite working with well-known names, my profile is not filled with VIP photos or “gossipy” content. The answer is simple: because it is not needed.
In fact, one of the reasons I am chosen by international productions, agencies and clients is precisely this natural aptitude of mine for discretion. Those who rely on me know that they will never be exposed. On the contrary, he will be accompanied with care, attention and protection.
A message to the younger generation
I would like those who are starting this profession today to understand the real value of true professionalism. It is not measured in followers or stories. It is measured in the ability to be able to tiptoe in and out of people’s lives, leaving a memory of competence, respect and humanity.
The make-up artist is not just a performer. He or she is a confidant, a point of reference, often the only moment of pause and respite for the client in an entire day. The relationship that is created has deep value, and it should be treated gently, not exhibited.
Republish only what the client shares
A golden rule: only publish what the client has already published or specifically asked you to share. Never force, never insistently ask. Often, famous women or reserved brides do not want to “appear.” They already do it all day for work or simply do not wish to be there. And that’s okay.
Respecting their silence, their desire to remain private, is one of the highest forms of elegance one can offer.
Professionalism is also humility
There is a misconception that often circulates: that a professional should “show everything.” But this is not the case. One can also be recognized and appreciated by remaining sober, measured, with a reserved and clean profile.
A make-up artist is more than the sum of his published works. It is what she builds with her hands, mind and soul. And that will never end in a snapshot.
In conclusion, I hope this thought will reach anyone who wants to grow as a professional. Privacy is not a limitation. It is a value. It is what makes our work truly noble. Because making up a face is also about guarding it, protecting it, honoring it. In silence.
