How did you get started in beauty?
As a model, I absorbed makeup artist secrets, and spent hours experimenting with makeup at home, inspired by video tutorials. Ever since school, I loved putting on makeup for performances, using only one palette my mom bought. In St. Petersburg, I enrolled in the Lokon Academy as a makeup artist, but left, finding the programme outdated. I decided to immediately work and develop as a professional and model. Now I realise I missed out on a lot of useful skills, but back then, I was simply too lazy to travel. I was self-taught for four years before completing a basic course in Moscow. It gave me the most important thing—self-confidence and helped me tame my inner impostor.
Which of your works/looks (as a model and as a makeup artist) do you remember most?
In my career as a makeup artist, I’ve particularly enjoyed projects with famous personalities: actresses Kristina Kashirina and Irina Bezrukova, popular blogger Anna Supakova, and others. I confess, I declined an invitation to work with Lyubov Uspenskaya, fearing I wouldn’t be able to handle such a responsibility. As a model, I’m particularly proud of my recent contract shoot in Turkey. We worked on a catalogue for the well-known clothing brand CORAL, among other fashion labels.
This issue is dedicated to artificial intelligence. Do you think AI is the future, or will it hinder human modelling?
I trust brands that showcase their products on real people in real clothes more. Many companies are currently saving money by using AI photo shoots for marketplaces, but this doesn’t motivate me to buy at all. Artificial intelligence can be useful in combination with real shoots to create truly creative and unique projects for which resources are currently lacking. For example, AI can help develop looks and makeup that are then brought to life. It would be great if AI became a tool that complements our capabilities, rather than completely replacing them, allowing us to work in tandem with it.
What makeup is in fashion now?
Natural and relaxed looks are trending, moving away from super-precise lines and multi-coloured shading. A subtle, carefree, “used” look is appreciated, where slight blurring and imperfections look organic—not the result of poor technique, but as an intentional artistic effect.
At the same time, radiant, glowing skin, blush, and moisturised, glossy lips remain popular. It is important to remember that the “clean girl” aesthetic is just one trend. Bright, femme fatale, or grunge looks are also at the peak of popularity, as long as they offer inner comfort.
What, in your opinion, should be a must-have in a model’s makeup bag?
• Light foundation and concealer: to even out skin tone and conceal imperfections.
• Blush and contour/bronzer: to correct and define the face. Creamy textures are preferred for a natural effect.
• Powder: two powders are recommended (one for a natural satin finish, the other for spot application – transparent).
• Eyebrow products: pencil/liner and setting gel – eyebrows play a key role in your look.
• Lip products: pencil, gloss, lipstick, or tint, which can also be used on the cheeks.
