Wyles Daniel
A beauty expert shares the key insights that are changing the way we think about beauty.
Goodbye, clean girl era! Bold accents and 100 percent individuality are taking center stage. How can sophisticated runway glamour be adapted for real life, and why is makeup becoming a form of psychological therapy today? Top makeup artist and international judge Anna Ovasafian, who holds a California Cosmetology License, spoke about these topics in an exclusive interview.
For many years, Ovasafian has specialized in complex makeup—from conceptual photoshoots to runway looks—and her signature has become her work with color and creative shapes. This winter, the makeup artist became a winner of the prestigious international TE’ORA Beauty Championship, taking first place in the Creative Makeup category. She also won third place for creating an evening look.
Makeup as Therapy
Fashion is no longer telling us to conceal skin imperfections. Instead, it recognizes them as a symbol of strength. This is precisely why global runways are setting the trend for Imperfect Beauty.
A striking example of this trend in action was the beauty program at the Battle Boutique 2026 charity project, which took place recently in Los Angeles at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall. The project was created to support women veterans who can sometimes struggle to adjust to civilian life after their service.
Anna Ovasafian made a key contribution to the event. She developed a psychological rehabilitation program for participants through transformation and served as the lead artist for the Style & Glam section.
At the event, she focused on two things. First, she created makeup looks for the participants while teaching them not to feel self-conscious about their appearance, but rather to gently incorporate their individual skin features into a new civilian style. Second, for women whose scars or burns affected their confidence, Anna Ovasafian created camouflage makeup—a full-coverage yet natural-looking complexion.
As a result, the women received not only beautiful photographs to use on job-search websites, but also the freedom to choose how they wanted to look and what they wanted to communicate to the world.
“I’m seeing a very strong response to this topic among beauty professionals,” explains Anna Ovasafian. “I am a member of the Association of Beauty Professionals, where, as an industry expert, I share my knowledge with other professionals. I actively promote the idea of makeup as therapy, and I see more and more professionals changing their techniques to learn how to integrate things like scars and burns into a look rather than hide them.”
Micro-Pollen Instead of Heavy Glitter
At the latest New York Fashion Week, several iconic brands, from SHOWPONY to Wiederhoeft, transformed models’ faces into shimmering canvases, generously covering them with large glitter particles. On the runway, it looks like a mesmerizing work of art that takes us back to an era of bold maximalism.
But how applicable is it to everyday life? Large, adhesive particles tend to shed and can look overly theatrical in everyday settings.
Anna Ovasafian suggests a more subtle way to adapt this sophisticated runway trend. She recommends replacing heavy glitter with weightless, microscopic shimmering pollen. The product is barely noticeable under ordinary lighting, but with the slightest movement, it creates a luxurious, delicate finish on the skin that looks as though it is glowing from within.
Anna Ovasafian emphasizes that the real mastery of this technique lies in avoiding defined edges and softly, almost imperceptibly, diffusing the glow across the face.
“To recreate this sophisticated runway effect at home without turning your makeup into a carnival mask, you need to use the right technique,” the beauty expert shares. “Press the shimmering pollen onto the skin with your fingertip or a fluffy natural brush, focusing exclusively on the high point of the cheekbone, the bridge of the nose, or the inner corner of the eye. As for the base, try applying the pigment with soft, circular motions onto foundation that is still slightly damp, before it has fully set.”
Pale Cheeks, Bold Lips
After a prolonged trend toward bright pink cheeks, the “anti-blush” technique is now coming into fashion. Makeup artists are moving away from vivid pink and peach shades in favor of muted, pale, and beige-gray tones that almost blend into the natural color of the skin.
This technique allows you to subtly sculpt the shape of the face without overwhelming it with accent colors. As a result, the focus shifts to the lips.
The key colors of the season are wine, plum, and blackberry shades with cool undertones. But forget about heavy lip contours and sharply defined edges. The so-called “just-kissed” effect is now in focus.
“Achieving the desired effect is simple: gently press a translucent tint or lipstick into the lips with your fingertips, starting from the center,” explains Anna Ovasafian. “To soften the edges, you can use a fluffy natural eyeshadow blending brush. This will leave the borders slightly blurred.
“It is important to remember that dark lips do not tolerate competition. To keep the makeup looking clean and modern, it is better to leave the eyes and brows neutral. One coat of mascara is enough for the lashes, while the brows can be brushed into place with a clear gel.”
Ultimately, today’s beauty trends have proven that makeup is no longer a set of rules. Today, fashion gives us complete freedom of choice. The most important thing is to use cosmetics as a tool for self-care—one that highlights personal strength and individuality.