Beauty Standards and Makeup Trends
Insights from Professional Makeup Artist Nadiia Monchak
Recently I was invited by students from the Gymnase de Nyon to participate in their final high school research project (“Travail de Maturité”) about beauty standards and the influence of social media.
As a professional makeup artist with more than 15 years of experience, I shared my perspective on makeup trends, beauty standards and the role of social media in the beauty industry. Below you can read the full interview.
About the Expert
Nadiia Monchak is a professional makeup artist with more than 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. She specializes in bridal makeup, event makeup and personal makeup lessons.
Based in Vevey, she works with clients across Switzerland including Montreux, Lausanne and surrounding regions.
Interview
1. Where are you from exactly and what brought you to Switzerland?
I was born in Ukraine and lived there almost all my life. I have been living in Switzerland for the last four years. My family and I came here because we were forced to leave our home due to the war and the aggression of our neighbour, Russia. Switzerland became a safe place for us to start a new chapter of our lives.
2. When and how did you become passionate about make-up?
My passion for makeup started when I was a teenager. I loved experimenting with makeup on myself and also doing makeup for my friends. I was fascinated by how makeup can transform a face and highlight natural beauty.
3. What did you study / learn as a profession?
When I first became interested in makeup professionally, there were no specialised makeup schools in Ukraine. Because of this, I searched for professional makeup artists who offered private lessons and courses.
Later, private beauty schools started to appear and I also studied there. In addition to that, I attended many masterclasses by international makeup artists who came to Ukraine from different countries. This helped me learn different techniques and styles.
4. What were your obstacles during this study path?
I did not feel many obstacles during my learning path because makeup has always been something very creative for me. It felt more like discovering an art.
For me, makeup is a combination of artistic vision, style and intuition. There is something almost magical in the process of enhancing someone’s beauty with makeup.
5. Do you enjoy doing someone’s makeup every day and if yes why?
Yes, I truly love doing makeup and I would happily do it every day.
Every face is unique and every person has their own personality and beauty. For me it is always inspiring to meet new people and help them feel more confident and beautiful. When a client looks in the mirror and smiles, it is the most rewarding moment of my work.
6. What are/were the best make-up trends in your opinion?
In my opinion, the best makeup trend is individuality and natural beauty.
Instead of creating the same look for everyone, makeup should highlight a person’s unique features. Trends that focus on natural skin, soft textures and enhancing natural beauty are the most beautiful and timeless.
7. What beauty trends that you saw on social media do you use every day?
On social media I mainly follow professional makeup artists who have strong experience in bridal, editorial and mature skin makeup. Their techniques and opinions are more valuable to me than fast beauty trends.
Beauty trends today change very quickly, but classic makeup techniques remain important. For me the most important thing is highlighting natural beauty and softly correcting small imperfections.
8. How is your everyday life as a makeup artist? Please describe it.
My working days can be very different. Some clients come to my studio, while for others I travel to their location, for example for weddings, events or photoshoots.
One thing that is always the same is preparation. I prepare my makeup kit, clean and organise my brushes and choose the products I will use. Hygiene and organisation are very important in my profession.
9. Is there a big difference between the beauty standards/makeup styles in Switzerland versus back in Ukraine?
Yes, I noticed a difference when I first arrived in Switzerland.
In Ukraine many women wear makeup in everyday life when they go out. It is often considered part of personal style and self-care. Makeup can sometimes be more visible and expressive.
In Switzerland I see that many women prefer a more natural look and often do not wear daily makeup. From my clients’ requests here, natural and nude makeup styles are the most popular.
I also think that cultural attitudes toward beauty are slightly different. In Switzerland there is often a stronger focus on simplicity and natural appearance, while in Ukraine many women enjoy using makeup as a form of self-expression and creativity.
10. What are your favourite or underrated makeup brands?
Today the beauty industry offers a very large variety of brands, from luxury to mass market. Every makeup artist can find products that work best for them.
In my professional kit I use many different brands. For example, I like foundations from Make-Up Atelier and lipsticks from MAC, but I also use other brands depending on the product. For me the performance of the product is more important than the brand name.
11. Do you have any favourite tips when doing someone’s makeup?
Yes, during makeup sessions I like to share advice with my clients. I explain which colours suit them best and what products could work well for their personal makeup routine.
I also organise self-makeup lessons where I demonstrate techniques step by step so that people can repeat them themselves.
12. What’s your favourite part about your job?
My favourite moment is when I finish the makeup and give the mirror to the client for the first time. Seeing their emotions and reaction is the most valuable part of my work.
13. Do you have an opinion about animal testing?
Yes, I am personally against testing cosmetic products on animals. I believe modern technologies allow companies to create safe and effective products without harming animals. I support cruelty-free beauty and ethical practices in the beauty industry.
Looking for a Professional Makeup Artist in Switzerland?
If you are looking for a professional makeup artist for your wedding, a special event or a personal makeup lesson, feel free to get in touch.
Nadiia Monchak – Professional Makeup Artist
Vevey • Montreux • Lausanne • Switzerland
Contact:
https://monchak.ch/makeup