Meet Anna Novikova | Professional makeup artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Novikova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It all started as a passion when my husband suggested I do makeup for a model at a photoshoot. Although I had always done makeup for myself, I had doubts due to my lack of professional training. At that time, I had just graduated from the faculty of architecture and was working at the city council’s architecture office. The work wasn’t creative — mostly paperwork — and I had always been an artistic person: I did a lot of drawing both in university and in art school. This all pushed me to seek a creative outlet. That’s when I decided to take a basic makeup course to acquire the necessary skills.

At first, it was just a hobby, but with each project, I became more confident and enjoyed it more and more. Eventually, my passion led me to start my own business, which was a natural next step in my journey. I’ve always wanted to bring creative ideas to life and help people feel beautiful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply rooted in my background in visual arts and architecture, which has given me a unique perspective on balance, proportion, and creativity. What sets me apart is my ability to merge these elements with makeup artistry, creating looks that are not just beautiful but also structurally and aesthetically harmonious. One of the things I am most proud of is how I’ve built my career from the ground up, turning a personal passion into a professional journey that allowed me to win prestigious competitions and work on international platforms like The Makeup Show in New York. What excites me the most is the endless potential for creativity in makeup and how every new project presents a chance to push my own boundaries.
My journey has been a mixture of passion, hard work, and determination. It wasn’t easy, especially in the beginning, when I had to juggle a full-time job in architecture with my growing love for makeup. There were many sleepless nights — especially during the NYX Face Awards, where I spent hours perfecting my looks — but those challenges taught me resilience. I overcame them by constantly learning, attending masterclasses, and stepping out of my comfort zone. The key was never giving up, even when things got difficult. Moving to the U.S. with nothing but hope was another huge challenge, but I trusted the process and took every opportunity that came my way.
I’ve learned that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Every time I faced fear or uncertainty, it ultimately led to the most significant personal and professional development. Another important lesson is the value of perseverance — success doesn’t come overnight, and every step, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture. I also realized how essential it is to surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. Their support can make all the difference when things get tough. Lastly, it’s important to stay curious and keep learning — the beauty industry is always evolving, and staying up-to-date is key to staying relevant.
I want the world to know that my brand represents more than just makeup; it’s about empowering individuals to feel confident and embrace their uniqueness. My journey shows that with passion, persistence, and the right support, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams. My story isn’t just about beauty — it’s about courage, creativity, and the belief that even the most unexpected paths can lead to incredible opportunities. I hope to continue inspiring others to pursue their passions and trust that they can build a career around what they love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I would suggest an action-packed week-long itinerary focused on nature and beautiful spots. We would start at Rosas Overlook — a stunning viewpoint, especially when the clouds descend below the mountains. Then we’d drive along the scenic mountain roads of Topanga and Malibu. We’d definitely visit El Matador Beach with its picturesque cliffs and the ocean, as well as Griffith Observatory for a panoramic view of the city at sunset.
I would also include other natural spots like Millard Falls, The Point at the Bluffs, and Point Vicente Lighthouse. For tourist attractions, we’d stop by Santa Monica Pier, Getty Center, Natural History Museum, and California Science Center. It would be an unforgettable week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, I’ve been fortunate enough to cross paths with many inspiring people along my journey. Even the briefest encounters, where someone says just the right word, can shift my perspective and leave a lasting impression. My friends, parents, and husband have always been there to support me.

For instance, at masterclasses, speakers often told me that I had talent and that I should continue creating without hesitation. While my parents were initially skeptical, once they saw the results of my work at the NYX Face Awards, all their doubts faded away. They always knew I had a talent for art, but makeup didn’t seem like a serious career to them — especially since they preferred I stay in my position at the city administration. But I didn’t give up. I kept diving deeper into the world of makeup, winning competitions, and being invited to judge them. That’s when all my relatives realized this was truly my calling, and their support grew even stronger. My grandmother has always supported me, no matter what I pursued.

My clients were always in awe of my work, which gave me even more confidence. When I moved to the U.S., I was lucky enough to meet incredible people who offered me tremendous support right from the start. Lara Ganz, Donna Clark, and Fer Baserga said, “Anna, you are so talented, and you can do anything!”

Later, I met a wonderful woman, Madeline Leonard, the owner of an agency, whom I connected with by chance. She believed in me, and thanks to her, I presented a demo at Danessa Myricks’ booth during The Makeup Show in New York and attended various events for makeup artists. These moments will forever remain in my heart.

Each of these connections, words of encouragement, and unwavering support has played a vital role in shaping my story, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of it.

Website: https://novikovamakeup.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/novikova.annie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.novikova.505

Yelp: https://yelp.to/Rk0iXmpNGK

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@annanovikova?si=6tqSkPdwSSdgNg1r

Image Credits
Danessa Myricks
Angela Zhang
Alyssa Lucienne
Angelina Pirtskhalava
Margarita Prokof’eva
Kristina Menissov
Tetiana Gaidar
Neraida Bega
Mackenzie Evita
Anastasiia
Margarita Prokofeva
Olga Nikulnikova