Makeup artistry needs more creators like Vlada Krukovskaua. We just linked up with MUA Vlada, who let us into all her secrets on how she stays killing it in such a heavily-saturated industry. Through merging bold colours with artistic styling, Vlada creates a visual that tells a story. If you’ve been looking for creative direction in your beauty looks, keep reading to find out how Vlada does it.
Interview by Lauren Mohindra.
What inspired you to become a makeup artist?
“It came naturally to me. When I turned 20, I started to wear bright makeup,and my friends started asking me to do makeup. Gradually they started inviting me to shoots, in 2018 I graduated from university and started working regular jobs, I was a consultant, a waitress, a courier and at the same time I took part in some small creative shoots, thus gaining experience and a portfolio – I developed in the field of makeup, and a few years later I became a stylist and became a photographer for my own work! I’ve been doing this for 9 years now.”
How would you describe your makeup style in one sentence?
“I like punk style, emo and goths, I like sloppy “shabby” makeup, I like glam, piercings and dark circles under the eyes – I like to mix all this in my looks.”
Your makeup looks are known for contrasting the “ugly makeup” trend (makeup that doesn’t cater to conventional beauty norms), with high-fashion elements. What is it about these aesthetics that inspire you?
“I’ve liked different subcultures since I was younger. At 13, I liked to imitate the emo style, now it is a modern adaptation of this. I’m comfortable with this style, in real life, of course, I don’t put on makeup like that, but each of my makeup looks for me is not just makeup. For me, makeup is more a story of creating different “characters”.”
How are you able to constantly keep coming up with fresh ideas for beauty looks?
“It’s a matter of observation, experience and habit of doing something on a regular basis. Now, when I create new ‘characters’, it’s pure freestyle with a mix of the tricks I’ve developed over the years. Of course, there are times when I burn out or, I think that maybe I have stagnated and I need to come up with something to “jump” out of my head, and I really strain my brain, but nothing comes out!”
Your looks are immediately recognisable due to the up-close, headshot nature you capture them in. Is there a reason you tend to photograph your work at this angle?
“I love these angles. Although it may look a little monotonous to other people, this is why makeup looks better on my feed. I really worry about the external visuals of my Instagram, I like everything to look harmonious.”
What person or character do you aim to emulate in your work, and your personal life?
“Rihanna. I’m a die-hard Rihanna fan! She is a style icon – I literally look forward to every appearance she makes, thinking “what will she wear this time?” or like “what a cool look, how did she come up with it?”. Of course, she is a talented and multi-faceted person; a world-famous singer, a businesswoman, and she’s even starred in films. For me, this is an example of an amazing person. I’ll never limit myself to choosing one thing for myself, just like Riri. At the moment I’m focusing on my career, but by the time I turn 35, I would love to have a family and become a mother.”
If you could be someone else for a day, who would it be, and why?
“Of course, Rihanna! I would love, for one day, see what it is like to live under the eyes of the paparazzi and have universal access to every brand and opportunity imaginable.”
What are your favourite colours to work with?
“I love black, khaki, and pink. I also use camouflage both in styling and makeup elements. Oh, and I like to use red for eyelashes and lenses.”
What’s one beauty product that you couldn’t live without?
“To be honest, I haven’t had a strong need for makeup products lately. I basically prefer not to wear makeup. So, I don’t know… toothpaste!”
Who’s your biggest makeup inspiration?
“I love Catalina Sartor, she does some seriously crazy stuff.”
Who’s the most famous person to react to any of your work?
“Playboi Carti!”
What’s your all time favourite beauty moment in pop culture?
“I like the aesthetics of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in their prime eras. Thin eyebrows,highlighted hair, and low-rise jeans.”
Who’s your dream client to work with?
“Marilyn Manson, Rihanna, Playboy Carti, and Julia Fox.”
