Anton Zimin is a Russian makeup artist with M∙A∙C Cosmetics. After 14 years in the industry, he is now inspiring the next generation of makeup artists at the brand. An artist who has traveled the world, Anton has worked his magic everywhere, from international fashion magazines to Fashion Week in London, Paris, New York, and Milan. Recently, he was a judge on “Slay Model Search Asia”, an international modeling competition showcasing trans beauty and talent on the national television of the Philippines.
As one of the models – who is lucky enough to be painted by him, I had the opportunity to catch up with Anton, who shared his experience of working for one of the world’s top makeup brands and a true ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Anton Zimin.
How long have you been working in this industry? What has changed in this industryfrom your perspective?
The industry now revolves around social media and fast-changing trends. I think trends are more focused on the individual now. If you look at fashion shows five years ago, there was only one makeup look for all models, and that has changed.
M∙A∙C Cosmetics celebrates diversity and individuality and prides itself on being a brand that welcomes people of “All Ages, All Races, and All Genders”. To me, makeup is about embracing one’s true beauty, so all different kinds of faces and features are beautiful. These days, we work with fashion designers and brands to embrace the natural beauty of each model. This takes a lot more preparation time, but it’s necessary.
How did your passion for makeup start? What keeps your motivation and love of makeup?
After five years of working as a pastry chef, I switched careers and started working as a hairstylist. I also practiced makeup and that is when I realized I loved makeup and wanted to showcase my creativity and artistic sense for self-expression. Becoming a professional M∙A∙C artist is an ongoing process. You must be curious, always learning and training to stay ahead of everyone. The constant experiment with new product innovations, with new textures, formulas, and even new trends, motivates me all the time.
As a Senior Artistry Manager at M∙A∙C Cosmetics APAC, what is most challenging and exciting for you?
After years of training and experience, I am excited that my role has evolved to a trainer/ mentor. I get to share my passion and inspire my fellow makeup artists through makeup tutorials, masterclasses, and demonstrations. It’s a lot of responsibility and certainly challenging but it’s rewarding at the same time as we build the artistry community together.
The thing that excites me the most, I think, is fashion week because I love it. I can use new products on the models and get to perform my artistry in a stimulating environment. It’s different every time with so much creativity involved in the whole process, and that is always exciting. Of course, I love all the M∙A∙C Cosmetics campaigns that I am a part of, from imagining a makeup look to seeing the final result on the model on billboards, websites, and social media. That is an amazing feeling.
What were three career-changing moments for you?
The first was when I was booked for International Fashion Week for the first time in 2013. After that, it would be working with renowned photographers in fashion magazines such as Grazia, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel India, Cosmopolitan, and Men’s Health. The third would be when I was promoted to work as the Senior Artistry Manager at M∙A∙C Cosmetics APAC. I’m now based in Hong Kong and work with 11 local markets in the region, which has been a great experience.
How committed is M·A·C Cosmetics to the LGBTQIA+ community?
Since M·A·C was founded in 1984 by two men in the LGBTQIA+ community, it has stood for something simple: All Ages, All Races, All Genders. M·A·C VIVA GLAM is a public charity established in 1994, and 100% of the selling price of the VIVA GLAM Lipstick goes to organizations aimed at creating healthy futures and equal rights for underserved communities, to fight against HIV/AIDS, supporting women and girls and the LGBTQIA+ community. We welcome employees and makeup artists from all genders and all races and continue to support Pride events around the world throughout the year. We are proud to be a forever trusted ally and a place where LGBTQIA+ people have been welcomed to express their creativity, play with colors, and be their true selves since day one.
M∙A∙C Cosmetics partnered to become a major ally for Slay Model Search Asia — a competition that celebrates the beauty and talent of trans models. You were also one of the judges in that. What do you think about this partnership?
The competition was epic — it was the perfect stage for the talented trans models to chase and achieve their dreams. Being able to work with trans talent and to hear their personal stories first-hand really made an impact on me and I hope the industry and the public are just as touched. By participating in this show, we’re sharing that M∙A∙C Cosmetics strongly values and supports the empowerment of the LGBTQIA+ community (and not just only during Pride Month).
Being on the judging panel on behalf of M∙A∙C Cosmetics, I was happy to see the transformation of the models to feel the most beautiful, fearless, and confident on stage.
Do you have any advice for new makeup artists?
It’s all about work, work, work. You need to have a vision, a goal, or something that you would like to achieve. Keep working hard, and you’ll get to where you want to be.
Thank you, Anton. It’s such a pleasure to learn about you and your passion for the beauty industry. We hope to see you thrive in the future and continue inspiring young makeup artists around the world.
Anton Zimin is a Russian makeup artist with M∙A∙C Cosmetics. After 14 years in the industry, he is now inspiring the next generation of makeup artists at the brand. An artist who has traveled the world, Anton has worked his magic everywhere, from international fashion magazines to Fashion Week in London, Paris, New York, and Milan. Recently, he was a judge on “Slay Model Search Asia”, an international modeling competition showcasing trans beauty and talent on the national television of the Philippines.
As one of the models – who is lucky enough to be painted by him, I had the opportunity to catch up with Anton, who shared his experience of working for one of the world’s top makeup brands and a true ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.
How long have you been working in this industry? What has changed in this industry from your perspective?
The industry now revolves around social media and fast-changing trends. I think trends are more focused on the individual now. If you look at fashion shows five years ago, there was only one makeup look for all models, and that has changed.
M∙A∙C Cosmetics celebrates diversity and individuality and prides itself on being a brand that welcomes people of “All Ages, All Races, and All Genders”. To me, makeup is about embracing one’s true beauty, so all different kinds of faces and features are beautiful. These days, we work with fashion designers and brands to embrace the natural beauty of each model. This takes a lot more preparation time, but it’s necessary.
How did your passion for makeup start? What keeps your motivation and love of makeup?
After five years of working as a pastry chef, I switched careers and started working as a hairstylist. I also practiced makeup and that is when I realized I loved makeup and wanted to showcase my creativity and artistic sense for self-expression. Becoming a professional M∙A∙C artist is an ongoing process. You must be curious, always learning and training to stay ahead of everyone. The constant experiment with new product innovations, with new textures, formulas, and even new trends, motivates me all the time.
As a Senior Artistry Manager at M∙A∙C Cosmetics APAC, what is most challenging and exciting for you?
After years of training and experience, I am excited that my role has evolved to a trainer/ mentor. I get to share my passion and inspire my fellow makeup artists through makeup tutorials, masterclasses, and demonstrations. It’s a lot of responsibility and certainly challenging but it’s rewarding at the same time as we build the artistry community together.
The thing that excites me the most, I think, is fashion week because I love it. I can use new products on the models and get to perform my artistry in a stimulating environment. It’s different every time with so much creativity involved in the whole process, and that is always exciting. Of course, I love all the M∙A∙C Cosmetics campaigns that I am a part of, from imagining a makeup look to seeing the final result on the model on billboards, websites, and social media. That is an amazing feeling.
What were three career-changing moments for you?
The first was when I was booked for International Fashion Week for the first time in 2013. After that, it would be working with renowned photographers in fashion magazines such as Grazia, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel India, Cosmopolitan, and Men’s Health. The third would be when I was promoted to work as the Senior Artistry Manager at M∙A∙C Cosmetics APAC. I’m now based in Hong Kong and work with 11 local markets in the region, which has been a great experience.
How committed is M·A·C Cosmetics to the LGBTQIA+ community?
Since M·A·C was founded in 1984 by two men in the LGBTQIA+ community, it has stood for something simple: All Ages, All Races, All Genders. M·A·C VIVA GLAM is a public charity established in 1994, and 100% of the selling price of the VIVA GLAM Lipstick goes to organizations aimed at creating healthy futures and equal rights for underserved communities, to fight against HIV/AIDS, supporting women and girls and the LGBTQIA+ community. We welcome employees and makeup artists from all genders and all races and continue to support Pride events around the world throughout the year. We are proud to be a forever trusted ally and a place where LGBTQIA+ people have been welcomed to express their creativity, play with colors, and be their true selves since day one.
M∙A∙C Cosmetics partnered to become a major ally for Slay Model Search Asia — a competition that celebrates the beauty and talent of trans models. You were also one of the judges in that. What do you think about this partnership?
The competition was epic — it was the perfect stage for the talented trans models to chase and achieve their dreams. Being able to work with trans talent and to hear their personal stories first-hand really made an impact on me and I hope the industry and the public are just as touched. By participating in this show, we’re sharing that M∙A∙C Cosmetics strongly values and supports the empowerment of the LGBTQIA+ community (and not just only during Pride Month).
Being on the judging panel on behalf of M∙A∙C Cosmetics, I was happy to see the transformation of the models to feel the most beautiful, fearless, and confident on stage.
Do you have any advice for new makeup artists?
It’s all about work, work, work. You need to have a vision, a goal, or something that you would like to achieve. Keep working hard, and you’ll get to where you want to be.
Thank you, Anton. It’s such a pleasure to learn about you and your passion for the beauty industry. We hope to see you thrive in the future and continue inspiring young makeup artists around the world.
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