From Bland to Glam in 6 Simple Steps

Makeup artist Vadim Andreev spends his days working his magic on some of the worlds most beautiful models but it’s his way of transforming the average citizen from ordinary to extraordinary that has made him famous in his home country of Russia, and now in America.

Growing up in Saint Petersburg, Andreev first learned his craft at age 16. Using everyday women as his canvas, the makeup artist has made it his mission to show women (and some men) how easy it is to go from wallflower to traffic-stopper with the right cosmetic tools, tricks, and talent. Just like the A-list actresses of the world do.

The 29-year-old Andreev perfected his transformative routine by giving workshops and master classes to brides-to-be. And the only postproduction help comes from the usual fiddling with color contrast and exposure, and the odd whisking-away of errant hairs with the eraser.

All the women shown here are nonmodels, and, clearly, made up to the nines — simply with the intention of showing people the power of makeup. Obviously the heavily made-up look is not necessarily one everyone wants (or needs) to embrace, but it sure is fun to look at.  Here, the makeup artist shares his top tips for going glam.