Make Me Over! Interview with Tina’s makeup artist

Jamie had the chance to interview Valentina Sguera for the Tina Turner Blog. Valentina is a free lance make up artist who had the chance to work with Tina for a Armani event! Read the interview below!

Valentina, tell us about yourself, how long have you been a makeup artist for?

I have been a makeup artist for 13 years and I work on TV, photo shoots and fashion shows. This is my web site www.valentinasguera.it In the red carpet section you can find a Tina Turner photo at the Armani event.

How did the job come about to work with Tina at the Armani event in Rome?

I sometimes work for L’Orèal Paris and the national makeup artist asked me to work with him at the event.

What was your initial reaction to knowing you would meet and makeup this living legend?

I was excited and terrified at the same time, because I love her but I was afraid she was crazy and flawed like most of the stars I have met in my life. Also my English is not so good so I was afraid that I would not be able to communicate with her.

So tell us about that day…when you walked into Tina Turner ‘s dressing room…

It was last year, the 5th of June. Rome was very warm and I was running late. Tina was in the Hotel Hassler in Piazza di Spagna. The hotel is at the end of a long staircase and I was carrying my big makeup bag. When I arrived at the Hotel I was completely sweaty. It was not my best day! I asked at the concierge for Tina Turner and he showed me to her room. I also had the hairstylist there with me who didn’t speak English at all. We knocked on the door and Erwin Bach came to open it. After a few seconds Tina came out and welcomed us with a big smile.

What did you talk about?

We talked first about hair cuts and I told her we didn’t have tweezers. She laughed loudly and then I remembered I meant scissors, not tweezers! She apologized with me because she didn’t speak Italian. Then she explained to me how she wanted the makeup.

Did Tina have any music playing in her hotel room?

Yes but I don’t remember what she was listening to.

Tina is known for mostly doing her own makeup and once said she only used to let makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin touch her face. It must have been an honour to be allowed to make up Tina…

Sure, in fact for the makeup she asked me to use her own product and she had only Kevyn Aucoin products.

And can we just say you did an amazing job! Tina looked beautiful that evening. You also took a selfie with Tina! Was that your suggestion or hers?

It was my suggestion, I could not go without having a picture with her.

Lastly, would you work with Tina again?

I would love to work with her again, she is an exceptional person.