Born in California, but raised in Sweden, makeup artist and cosmetic designer Gucci Westman has some pretty major street cred—she fancies up the faces of Hollywood heavyweights such as Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Gwyneth Paltrow, works with top designers (like Oscar de la Renta) during fashion week, and is the Global Artistic Director for Revlon. And as if all that weren’t enough, she’s married to Rag & Bone’s David Neville (a closet full of Rag & Bone—can you imagine?!). But let’s just face it, when you’re born with a name like Gucci you’re bound for greatness! Lucky for us the in-demand mother of two found time to sit down and talk all things travel—including jetlag cures, her preferred in-flight beverage, and the skincare routine she packs when she’s away from home.
How often do you travel?
Depends—I have really paired it down lately, however having said that I flew last week and I’m getting on a flight today!
Where are your favorite destinations to travel to?
Japan, England, Italy, France, and Barbados.
Where is your ‘happy place’ to visit?
England and Sweden.
What brand of luggage do you use?
What about your carry-on bag?
Luis Vuitton and Chanel.
Do you bring a camera when you travel?
Yes, a Leica and a Samsung with a vintage leather case.
What are your in-flight travel essentials?
Dr. Haushka Rose Day Cream, Aesop face oil ,Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment roller aromatherapy, La Mer Lip Balm, Jurlique face mist, cashmere socks from The White Company, cashmere flight bag with eye mask and cashmere blanket from Holt Renfrew, my Tom Ford reading glasses, my Hermes Globe-Trotter diary, and an Alex Mill hoodie sweatshirt.
Do you have any travel rituals or superstitions?
I usually bring a Saint Christopher necklace and I always say a little prayer at takeoff and landing. My kids do it as well.
Aisle or window?
I always pick a window seat because it makes me feel so safe and cozy. The aisle makes me feel vulnerable.
Preferred in-flight beverage?
If I’m going overseas I love a mimosa…and lots of water.
How do you entertain youself at 35,000 feet?
Usually movies and a good book. I have about 70 pages left of The Goldfinch…I’m struggling.
What’s your go-to travel uniform?
My Eres cashmere sweatpants.
What’s the one item you never leave town without?
My skincare routine.
How do you deal with jetlag?
Exercise. It really gives me energy, along with lots of good liquids, green drinks, and coconut water. I also take a hot bath when I arrive at the hotel and have a cup of Yogi Bedtime Tea in the caramel flavor.
What’s your exercise & health routine when you’re away from home?
I do hot yoga or go for a run, but it depends on what is being offered. In LA I know the classes are good, but I’m not a huge fan of wasting an hour if it’s not going to be hard (no pain, no gain).
What are your favorite items to order from room service?
At the Chateau Marmont in LA I always order the sea bass with avocado, and either a kale salad or the artichoke soup.
What’s the one surprising thing you always pack?
A Cire Trudon travel size candle in Manon.
What are the beauty-essentials you always travel with?
In my checked bag I have Rahua shampoo and conditioner , or Davines for color treated hair (because I hate when my hair goes red). I have a clear skin probiotic mask and a lactic acid scrub, which are both by Eminence—it helps to do the mask in the shower and leave on for 10 minutes, followed by the scrub. It’s so invigorating and really helps with jetlag! In LA I always wake up really early so I have plenty of time to pamper myself. I also bring Dr. Hauschka Lemongrass Body Wash, and Dr. Haushka Regenerating Body Cream that I mix with Santa Maria Novella Anti Stretch Mark Oil (I love the smell!)–I just bring a tiny bottle of it. I make sure to pack my Tata Harper aromatherapy rollers, Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, Dr. Haushka Eye Cream, La Roche-Posay sun stick, La Roche-Posay sunscreen in 50, Revlon Skinlights bronzer, Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara and Revlon Nearly Naked foundation. These are all things I love that make me feel as much ‘at home’ as I can while I’m away.
What are your favorite pieces to pack in your suitcase?
I usually just pack the things I’m currently wearing. On this trip I have a Celine sweater vest, Celine sandals, Rag & Bone shorts, Rag & Bone high-waisted jeans, and a Rag & Bone white and blue stripy long sleeved shirt. Plus I always bring my Newton running shoes, as well as shorts, a sports bra and a top (all by Nike).
Are you an over-packer or an under-packer?
If I’m very excited about an upcoming trip then I’m definitely over-packer.
Do you have a packing strategy?
Yes, in general I prefer to have lots of options. I also go in and out of using those nylon bags—we do that for the kids and label everything (my nanny makes it so easy). I love when I feel really organized and those bags help a lot.
Have you ever had a travel disaster?
Yes, that would be losing my makeup bag! But I called an old assistant and was able to borrow their kit for the day and it turned out great. Usually those things are fine…annoying, but fine. Oh, and I did miss a connecting flight from France to NYC once. I was with the whole family, and I was meant to work the following day but had to cancel. We ended up making a lovely two week holiday of it!
If your luggage was lost, what are the 5 items you’d buy at the local drugstore?
A great moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen and bronzer.
Favorite find/souvenir from your travels?
I love all of the antiques we have bought, mostly in France , near my mother-in-laws’ house—the linen napkins, the lamps, the vintage silverware—it’s a great feeling to not be skinned for antiques!
What’s your favorite childhood memory of traveling?
My mom always took us to Laguna Beach in California—I loved it. I remember great vegetarian restaurants everywhere!
Travel destinations on your bucket-list?
Africa, India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Gucci Westman photographed in England
