Why are our gymnasts so beautiful? 6 secrets of the official makeup artist of the national team
Natalya Dolotov December 9, 2023, 17:15 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Natalya Dolotov told how images for performances are created.
Our athletes are naturally beautiful. It is a fact. But now we will talk about what allows us to enhance this beauty and create a certain image. We are talking about hair and stage makeup. Recently, more attention has been paid to these moments in rhythmic gymnastics. Until now, no one gave importance to the visual image of athletes. They did it all themselves, without the help of experts. Now the team has a stylist.
How are images created for athletes? Makeup artist and beauty expert talks Natalia Dolotov.
official stylist of the Russian rhythmic gymnastics team
“There are practically no rules when it comes to hair and makeup. Just some basic points that indicate precision and absence of disintegrating elements. Therefore, they were more of a general guide.
Until last season, all the athletes looked pretty much the same, since they put together the classic bun and put on makeup themselves. Or they didn’t at all. “Now, athletes and viewers not only have an understanding of what the finished image should look like, but also an idea of what is beautiful on the mat and what will look out of place.”
In the photo, Dina and Arina Averina.
Photo: personal archive of Dina Averina.
What should the makeup be like?
1. Bright, but not vulgar
First of all, competition makeup must be bright. This is because people, including judges, spectators, and fellow competitors, observe athletes in competition from a distance. They can be 10, 20 or even more meters away.
At sporting events, the stands are usually arranged in such a way that spectators look at the athletes from above, so makeup is necessary to convey the image and mood, as well as to highlight all facial features.
However, it should not be vulgar and include all the colors of the rainbow, as this can create the wrong impression of the athlete. Extravagance is not welcome here.
In the photo, Yana Kudryavtseva, silver medalist of the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, 13-time world champion.
Photo: personal archive of Natalia Dolotov.
2. Durable but comfortable
Makeup should not feel like a mask on the face so that the athlete feels comfortable. At the same time, you must be persistent, because the competition lasts a long time.
Sometimes it happens that they start early in the morning and are busy throughout the day, including training and lunch. Sometimes there is more training or choreography and then nightly competitions. Therefore, it is important that makeup lasts.
To combine all the options, it is important to use professional makeup and cosmetic application techniques. This is the task of a makeup artist. He must make sure that the athletes feel comfortable and do not feel a thick layer of “putty” on their face.
In the photo, Lala Kramarenko, three-time world junior champion, European champion in the team competition – 2021
Photo: personal archive of Natalia Dolotov.
3. Highlight dignity
Makeup really helps convey the image and mood of an athlete. Facial features become expressive. The athletes look even more professional. Additionally, makeup can highlight individuality and personal style.
4. Suitable for image and program.
In the image of an athlete for a competition or championship there must be, above all, harmony. Often the costume is selected based on the theme of the performance itself, and here makeup is no exception. It must suit the mood and idea of the performance. Then the image of the athlete will be harmonious and complete.
Yana Kudryavtseva
Photo: personal archive of Natalia Dolotov.
5. Fast
Creating an image should not take five hours, because the athlete still needs to prepare and perform his rituals. At the same time, it is desirable that you do not have to get up at two in the morning. The makeup artist must set a certain period of time in order to fit within this period and create the image.
6. Accent
It is important to highlight different parts of the face and use bright shades that are clearly visible even from a distance. But at the same time it is worth remembering the balance of makeup and harmony with facial features. It is necessary to emphasize expressive elements such as eyes and lips, but at the same time maintain naturalness and grace.
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