Self-love but also art.
What does Beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
My skin is so dry that it gets even drier just from the touch of water. So I usually use moisturising in layers: toner, serum/emulsion, cream in the night time. But just toner and cream in the morning when I’m in an hurry and also mask once a week and at weekends.
I’m currently using Erborian Eau Ginseng moisture lotion, Chanel Revitalizing Serum with Camellia, Susanne Kaufmann Nutrient serum, Dr. Jart+ Biome Water Cream, and Dr. Jart+ Biome Night Therapy Mask.
In winter, I replace moisturising creams and masks with Dr. Jart Ceramidin products. I also used to love using vitamin C serums in winter, it made my skin so radiant and supple. But the Korean one I used to use I now can’t find any more. So now I’m on the lookout for a new vitamin C serum.
In Polina's File
‘The CHANEL 54 BOY lipstick is really enriching.’
‘This serum feels really enveloping when I apply it and it feels revitalising on the skin.’
‘I love this serum, it gives a radiance and confidence.’
‘I use the ’01 rose atacama powder, it’s natural, and makes everything look and feel more beautiful and fresh.’
On Haircare
If you ever see the Kaaral Hydra mask, don’t hesitate. I’m really sad I can’t find it in UK, it’s so moisturising that once you’ve washed your hair you’ll notice it takes twice as long to dry. It’s the best thing that has happened to my hair.
I’m now alternating between these: Schwarzkopf Bonacure Hyaluronic Moisture mask, Davines MOMO conditioner, Numero Restructuring mask with oats, Lador Lpp treatment, and Lador moisture balancing shampoo. I love after washing Matrix Murumuru Oil and Bonacure Spray Conditioner.
On Make-up
Depends on my mood.
It can be just combed eyebrows (I use the cheapest gel from the nearest cosmetic shop) and blush (always blush, I love blush – it immediately makes you look fresh and cute).
I also add blush under the eyebrow where the outer corner of the eye is. I have different blushes, but my favourite (already rubbed off because I use it so often) is Hermes 32, Rose Pommette.
Often I want something different and I just draw lines over my eyes with silver (Essence Eye pencil) or coloured eyeliner (Gucci Stylo Countur), my drooping indigenous eyelid allows me to do that.
For evenings out, I use now as a base: Erborian skin hero (silicone free), classic Clarins instant concealer, always blushes, Byredo mascara, Hermes Iridescent powder Rose Atacama.
Next I add according to mood or occasion: silver shadow (lime crime Venus dark)/creamy burgundy shadow (clarins), but usually it’s a dark shadow lipstick. I always have a few different lipsticks in my bag, I carry them with me every day. They are mostly all moisturising as I have dry skin, and for evenings I just apply a brown eye pencil under my lipsticks.
My favorite: Chanel rouge coco 54 boy, Hermes 22 brilliant brun Yachting, Gucci My Cousin Rachel, Hermes 27 Rose Confetti.
On Health and Wellness
Since I am from an indigenous culture, as a child I used to collect different medicinal plants in the field with my grandmother while we were herding cows. I don’t know if it really helps me or not, but I have been drinking decoctions of different plants since childhood simply because I am used to it – chamomile, mint, linden blossom, nettle, thyme.
I have been going to the banya (like a wet sauna) at least once a week since I was a child because where I come from every family has its own banya in the village. I miss it very much and I see how my skin and my well-being transform when I come to my homeland and go to the banya.
Now I live near the sea, and I believe in the healing salt air of the sea and long walks. I love walking in general and between taking the metro and walking for an hour, I always choose walking, it’s my meditation.
On Rituals
Stretching and self-massage of the head after a hard day. I also like aroma brushing, when you put a drop of aromatic oil on the comb, it is also a kind of meditation.
On Fragrance
Maison Margiela Lazy Sunday Morning.
On my first date with my husband, he called out the name of my perfume when he helped me put on my coat.
Actually I usually use my husband’s perfumes, they’re almost all black pepper or any smell of wet tarmac.
Your Beauty Secrets..
I use my lipsticks as blush for a fresh look and add moisturising eye drops to my mascara if it’s dried out.
What is always in your handbag?
Nivea Classic Blue Cream (if you have chafed shoes or cuticles suddenly dry – it happens to me often, as my hands are always in paint or glue or in cracks from embroidery), and several lipsticks in different colours, including the most moisturising, the Hermes 27 Rose Confetti.
Polina’s Directory..
Banya No.1 in Hoxton, London.
‘This Hermes blush is really evenly spreading, and has a thicker pigment.’