Connect with Dmitrii Puchnin on Instagram @beautybydimitry
Meet The Pros: Dmitrii Puchnin
From Russia to the Runways
Hello beauty lovers! It’s me, Dmitrii Puchnin—though many of you might know me as Dimitry. I’m a hairstylist and pro makeup artist, and I’m so excited to share my journey with you.
I was born and raised in a small village in northern Russia. From a young age, I was already drawn to the world of beauty—so much so that, as a schoolboy, I would organize photo sessions for my classmates using a bed sheet for a backdrop and my mother’s makeup! That passion for beauty and my desire to share my experiences helped me climb the ranks in Russia, where I worked as a educator for a large beauty company, collaborated with celebrities on TV, created looks for editorial magazines, and even won the prestigious Russian Hairdressing Awards.
Eventually, my work earned me an extraordinary talent visa, allowing me to move to New York—a city filled with endless creative opportunities. Now, my makeup and hairstyling grace the pages of magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel, Elle, and Cosmopolitan. My creations have also been featured on the Fashion One world fashion channel. One of the joys of my career is trying out the latest beauty products from different brands and finding new favorites for my kit and to share with my clients.
Dmitrii's Top Tips for Aspiring Makeup Artists
So, how can you make your mark in the beauty industry? Here’s my advice to all you aspiring makeup artists out there:
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Base, Base, Base: Everything starts with a solid foundation. Invest time in mastering the basics—learn anatomy, study art history, and understand color theory and lighting. These fundamentals are your building blocks for developing your own unique style and creativity.
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Observe and Get Inspired: Inspiration is all around you, so make sure to soak it up! When I started, I chose five artists whose work really inspired me. I observed their techniques, adopted what I liked, and eventually developed my own style. Don’t be afraid to learn from the best, but remember to let your personality shine through.
How I Made It in the Industry
Reflecting on my own journey, there were a few key strategies that helped me reach where I am today. First, it’s important to separate commercial work from creative art. Find your niche—whether that’s working as a brow artist in a salon or specializing in bridal makeup. It may not always be glamorous, but this type of work gives you financial stability and allows you to build a client base. With that security, you can invest in your creative projects—like collaborating with models and photographers to experiment with new techniques and create amazing content.
Never Stop Learning
In this industry, you have to stay on your toes. One of my mantras is, never stop learning. Even if you feel comfortable doing makeup, challenge yourself to learn additional skills. Take up hairstyling, photography, styling, or even jewelry-making. The more skills you acquire, the more creative freedom you’ll have. It will keep your work fresh and exciting, and prevent you from feeling stuck doing the same thing over and over again.
My Gerard Cosmetics Must-Have
Now, let’s talk about makeup! From Gerard Cosmetics my absolute favorite product is the cool-toned Red Immortal Lip Pencil. As someone who loves a bold red lip, this pencil is a must-have. It creates the perfect red lip that’s sure to captivate anyone! You can use it just to line your lips, or, if you don’t have lipstick on hand, you can lightly fill in your lips with the pencil alone. It’s a versatile tool that’s always in my kit.
Gerard Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Immortal Red
Pro Tip for Elevating Your Makeup Artistry
Here’s a fun pro tip I love to use: If you’re working on a creative shoot and need a monochromatic red look, you can actually use the lip pencil on more than just the lips. Spread some of the pencil onto the back of your hand and use a brush to apply it as an eyeshadow or blush. It creates a harmonious, monochromatic beauty look in an instant!
Remember, you’re not just an artist—you’re also a business project. Invest in the right tools and products to help you grow, experiment, and keep pushing the boundaries of your artistry.
That’s a wrap, my beautiful friends! Thanks for joining me on this little tour of my journey and my favorite tips. Stay creative, stay inspired, and never stop growing!
Dmitrii's work on the cover of Lofficiel Magazine
Dmitrii's work featured in Harpers' Bazaar Kazakhstan