WORDS: MIA MEDAKOVIC
INTERVIEW: TATIANA BUTOVA
PHOTOS: FROM THE PRIVATE ARCHIVE
TATIANA BUTOVA IS AN INTERNATIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST. THREE YEARS AGO, DURING THE PANDEMIC, SHE MOVED TO SERBIA WHERE HER CREATIVE TRANSFORMATION BEGAN.
What inspired you to become a makeup artist?
I was inspired to become a makeup artist by my travels. Or rather, by the diversity of female beauty I encountered. I lived in different countries and also traveled a lot and hunted for beautiful faces. My original inspiration came from living in the Dominican Republic, but now I mainly live in Serbia and Mauritius. Balkan beauty is unpredictably attractive. There are so many beautiful faces here. I’m really impressed.
I always wanted to show how many beautiful faces there are in different races and nationalities. So, it was also a great opportunity for me to discover new cultures and realize how close we are to each other, despite external differences, such as skin color, religion and places of birth. I think that if we segregated each other less based on nationality or social class, the world would be a kinder place.
A great love of mine is to give transformations to women who can’t afford a makeup session. This is a great opportunity to show that they can be special and look just like Hollywood stars. I have a lot of short video reels on my Instagram showing before and after of makeup sessions for my housekeeper staff and others. And it’s nice to see their reactions. I hope, one day I will collect my works and make an exhibition “Feminine beauty around the world”.
Where did you receive your training as a makeup artist?
I was trained by Russian makeup artists and also took master classes from European maestros.
Who are your clients in Serbia and who were in Russia?
In Serbia, my clients are completely different women. These are models when we work with photographers for magazines or advertising. Including women of elegant age, who are actually my favorite clients. It’s a real pleasure to work with them. They are usually the most intelligent and grateful type of clients.
Sometimes it’s girls who need makeup for a special event or something like that.
I didn’t work in Russia, I just studied there. But I work in Mauritius and Indonesia. Usually this is done in collaboration with photographers or brands when they shoot advertising. Then they invite me.
How do you choose the makeup for your clients?
I choose makeup for my clients intuitively; of course based on their beauty type, facial features and individual wishes. But as a rule, emotional contact occurs, a kind of synergy, and then creative meditation occurs with a brush in my hand.
Which is the most popular color for this winter?
This winter I can highlight the three most fashionable colors in clothes and accessories. Eclipse, Conch Shell and Forest Night. If we are talking about makeup, then I would focus more on those colors that suit everyone personally; not relying only on trends.
Tell us about your experience preparing the client for a photo shoot.
For a photo shoot, the preparation process is usually exactly the same as for regular work. The only difference is that initially we discuss images, references for makeup, clothes, and hairstyle. The model, makeup artist, stylist, and the photographer are all involved. After the skin preparation and cleansing, makeup is applied. The only difference is that it’s usually more emotional for me personally because I love it so much. Creative energy and team work, both favorites of mine.
Should makeup enhance your look or make you look more natural?
I am a great supporter of makeup improving the appearance without losing its naturalness. The main task is to refresh the face and place the right accents. The task of a makeup artist is not to change beyond recognition, but to emphasize to perfection. This is my motto.
How do you keep your makeup equipment clean?
Cleanliness of equipment is the most important and responsible part of preparing for work. I always prepare my brushes in advance, cleaning them with special disinfectants and, of course, everything necessary for this is always at hand during the work process. First of all, when working with people, we must remember: do no harm, and then create beauty.
What cosmetic products do you use every day in your work?
I use a lot of different products. I can highlight my favorite brands. This is Esteé Lauder, Christian Dior, Sanesh Makeup Forever is love forever, Huda Beauty, NARS, and some mass market brands such as KIKO Milano, and I just love MAC brushes.
The topic of RYL Magazine for January is “How You Speak Describes Your Soul”, do you think your art and work describe yourself?
Yes, of course, art and work in the beauty industry allows you to study your soul from different sides and senses the souls of those with whom you work. This is very inspiring and fills me with incredible energy, which I want to share with the world as well as to give positive emotions to the people around me.
I would really like to thank RYL magazine for such a wonderful topic and the opportunity to share my impressions of my creative path. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I wish prosperity to RYL magazine and its most interesting, charismatic and talented guests.
