Giulia Carini: Explosions of colour and creative power in collaboration with KURO

Recently, Giulia collaborated with KURO founder Bianca on two unique beauty shoots. Under the titles A New Frontier and Colibry Lady, they brought a renewed vision of beauty to life — from futuristic, metallic looks to dreamy creations inspired by the vibrant colours of nature. Meeting Giulia was a perfect opportunity for KURO to highlight not only this special collaboration, but also the vision of an artist who fuses art and make-up in a truly original way.

Giulia, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your work?

“My name is Giulia Carini. I’m an artist from Parma, Italy. After completing my Master’s degree in English Language and Literature, I worked in different fields — but eventually I followed my passion for colour. In 2015, I started my career as a make-up artist, and since then I’ve had the opportunity to work for brands like Valentino, Gucci, Dior and many others at international fashion weeks.”

When did your fascination with colour begin?

“It actually started back in primary school. We had to draw maps of the Italian regions and colour them in — each one in a different shade. I loved it. Later, during Carnival, my love for colour deepened. I couldn’t wait to dress up as a flower, an odalisque or a Native American girl with brightly coloured make-up, glitters and red lipstick. The idea of becoming someone else through colour really captivated me.”

When did you realise you wanted to become a professional make-up artist?

“That happened when I discovered Make Up For Ever products. I was so fascinated by all the colours and possibilities that I kept teaching myself new looks. Eventually, I enrolled in the Make Up For Ever Academy in Paris. Later I attended several workshops in New York, London and Berlin.”

How have painting and make-up influenced each other in your work?

“Right before Covid, I started experimenting with painting. While working at the shows in Paris, I bought watercolours and paper. The lockdown gave me time to study colour, play with it, and discover a deeper connection between my painting and make-up work. These two disciplines are completely intertwined. Sometimes I create masks that replicate the make-up design from a shoot. I also use artistic materials like pastel pencils and ink pens in my facecharts, alongside make-up products.

Painting gives me incredible freedom to experiment with shapes, textures and colour combinations — and that freedom flows directly into my beauty work. It allows me to create from the heart, without rules.”

What makes your work as a make-up artist unique?

“My work is always an artistic translation of my personal vision. A theme has to spark my imagination. Only then can I create something that truly carries my signature.”

What do you focus on when working on a face and choosing pigments or textures?

For me, the face is like a blank canvas on which I can create using all kinds of pigments and textures. The condition of the skin — whether dry, oily, sensitive or reactive — is essential for achieving the desired result. Depending on the look I want to create, I always pay close attention to the colour and thickness of the eyebrows and the shape of the lips. When choosing a colour palette for a beauty editorial, I always take the model’s skin tone into account. And I absolutely love freckles — so I usually leave them visible, without covering them up with foundation.

What’s your favourite hair colour to combine with make-up?

I don’t really have a favourite, but if I had to choose, I’d say a very light blonde. Just like a clean canvas, it gives me space to build freely.

How do you prep the skin before applying make-up?

Before applying any make-up, I cleanse the skin with micellar water, scrub the lips or other areas if needed, and then apply an intensely hydrating cream with a facial massage. I finish by applying lip balm.

What does colour mean to you, and how do you express that in your work?

“Colour is my language — it’s how I express emotion and mood. When I feel sad or anxious, I find peace and renewed energy by immersing myself in colours. I often work with a central theme that serves as a thread throughout the editorial. My colour combinations always follow that path so that the final look feels cohesive and strong.”

How does nature inspire your use of colour?

“Nature is the ultimate colour teacher. The subtle shades in the sky, the sea, flowers and trees give me energy and help me build my own colour palettes.”

Are there specific colours that inspire you most?

“Yes! Ultramarine blue reminds me of the ocean — it’s both dramatic and calming. Red stands for passion and fire. Magenta gives me the vibrancy of flowers and sunsets. Violet evokes mystery. And gold — with its eternal glow — adds a divine dimension to my work.”

How do you choose colours that enhance a story, and how do you develop your palette for a shoot?

“I always start by researching the shoot’s theme. My moodboards are usually inspired by art, theatre, illustration, cinema and fashion from different eras. Based on that, I select the colour combinations, textures and tones that fit the atmosphere we want to create.”

How do you ensure that hair and make-up tell one cohesive story during a shoot?

“Bianca and I exchanged ideas constantly — before and during the shoot. We made sure that the hair and make-up matched in terms of colour, texture and shape, right down to the smallest details like glitters or feathers. Bianca is incredibly creative and intuitive. Her hair ideas are always spot-on and really elevate the overall look. She’s especially skilled with wigs and extensions — it’s impressive.”

What do you admire most about Bianca as a creative partner?

“She’s not just technically strong — she always brings something unexpected to the table. Her ideas are refined yet bold. I’m constantly amazed by how well she enhances or transforms a look. Our collaboration felt like a true creative synergy.”

How do you see the evolution of colour in fashion?

“Colour is eternal and fundamental. Trends may change, but colour will always be a powerful way to tell stories and express emotion.”

How do you continue to grow as an artist, and how do you hope to inspire others?

“I keep studying, learning new techniques, travelling, experimenting and challenging myself. My hope is that my work inspires others to embrace their own creativity and continue to evolve.”

The visuals from A New Frontier and Colibry Lady will soon be available on KURO’s website.