Childhood and youth of Natasha Poly
The early years of the top model’s life were unremarkable. She was the most ordinary girl, freezing near newsstands at the sight of glossy magazines about fashion and style. She was born in Perm, and therefore her childhood was always very measured and quiet. She loved skiing in the woods and family outings. Her wardrobe consisted of only a few things, and the holidays of the first of September were never complete in her life without traditional nylon bows.
Natasha Poly is pregnant now
Perhaps it was this habitual grayness that pushed her to dream of sparkling catwalks. In 2000, having saved up some money, she went to Moscow for the New Model Today competition, which was held under the auspices of the prestigious Milan agency Why Not. At the Moscow stage of the show, the girl took a high second place, only slightly losing to Ksenia Stom (the future winner of the international stage). At this moment, the name of Natalya Polevshchikova was “on the pencil” of many famous masters of world fashion. She was offered several lucrative contracts. And fifteen-year-old Natasha finished high school with long breaks. During this period, the vibrant world of fashion swirled her in its whirlpool.
After the Moscow competition, Natasha began to often participate in shows and filming. She worked in Tokyo and Paris, representing Alberta Ferretti's second clothing line, shown under the Philosophy brand.
Behind-the-scenes beauty hacks
I always apply a lip liner - I choose a tone that matches my lipstick so that there is not the slightest transition: this way it doesn’t smear and lasts longer. Afterwards, I take a dry napkin and blot the entire surface of my lips with it, thanks to which the lipstick remains durable throughout the evening. I always use this trick when I go to events, especially charity events and auctions - they tend to be the longest.
If the lipstick does spread or smear, a foundation or concealer will help correct the situation: apply it to the pad of your finger and walk it along the border of the lip contour, between the lipstick and the skin. This way you will also emphasize the sexiness of your lips. This is especially important and noticeable on the red carpet, when the dress or hairstyle surpasses the makeup - such a technique will delicately emphasize it. And don't forget to wash your hands so you don't stain your dress!
I use pearl powder not only for its intended purpose. I apply it between the upper corners of my lips and along the contour. This way you get a subtle glow effect that looks especially beautiful in photographs. The main thing is not to overdo it!
I really love makeup and, when I have the opportunity and there are no contractual obligations, I prefer to do it myself. Since I am the face of the L'Oréal Paris brand, I often end up in the hands of makeup artists. Which I’m also glad about, because they teach me new tricks. I am always interested in how and what can be changed and emphasized on the face with the help of makeup.
Natasha Poly's career as a model
After receiving her high school diploma, 18-year-old Natasha Polevshchikova signed a contract with the Women Management modeling agency, which is headquartered in New York.
It is very noteworthy that just a few years ago this fashion brand was an absolute debutant in the Fashion industry. However, by the time Natasha Polevshchikova joined the ranks of the modeling agency, this company was already firmly on its feet and had its representative offices in Paris and Milan. It was the Italian branch of Women Management that oversaw the model’s career and also promoted her at her first fashion weeks. The debut of the Russian beauty took place in 2004. Natasha took part in shows of collections of such brands as Emanuel Ungarо and Yohji Yamamoto. Some time later, the girl also appeared as part of the show of the Anne Valerie Hash collection.
How to create the image of Natasha Poly It is very noteworthy that already during this period it became clear that the surname “Polevshchikova” was a restraining ballast for a model’s career. The European, American, and even more so the Asian public found it very difficult to cope with an unpronounceable combination of letters. And writing the girl’s last name in Latin was also very inconvenient. Therefore, very soon representatives of the Women Management modeling agency recommended that the ward change her name. Thus, Natalya Polevshchikova turned into Natasha Poly. The girl still bears this pseudonym.
It is worth noting that the name change very soon paid dividends. In the period from 2006 to 2009, Natasha often appeared at fashion shows in the largest “fashion capitals” of Europe, representing brands such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Versace. A little later, other fashion brands were added to them - Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, Roberto Cavalli.
In parallel with this, Natasha Poly began to often receive offers to shoot for various fashion magazines. Thus, the model soon appeared on the pages of such popular publications as Vogue, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, and Glamor. This turn of events made the girl even more popular and brought her several new major contracts.
One of the most significant stages in her future career was the invitation of the model to take part in a series of fashion shows of Victoria's Secret women's underwear. In the fashion industry, this fact meant unconditional recognition of the model’s merits. After all, only the brightest stars took (and still take) part in the shows of the legendary brand.
Natasha Poly with her husband Peter Bakker
It is worth noting that it was the work with Victoria's Secret that became a real test of the model's professional qualities. The thing is that during one of the shows, Natasha suddenly dropped her shoe and was forced to continue walking, already wearing only one of them. However, Natalya came out of this situation with honor. Without showing it, she continued walking, while managing to maintain an even gait.
Subsequently, this case became one of the illustrative ones and often became an example for other models.
Childhood
Mom once brought me my grandmother’s book from the 1960s, it contained the first tips on female beauty. I studied it from cover to cover. I even did physical exercises taken from there. I filled bags with fruit and pumped my arms! I also whipped yolks with beer and did hair masks and head massages. Once I even made dye for myself from onion peels - as I remember now, the resulting reddish tint to my hair.
Since childhood, I have felt a passion for makeup: there were purple eye shadows and neon pink lips. True, my parents did not like my experiments, they cursed a lot. Therefore, I had to apply my makeup on the sly while no one was looking. I remember as soon as my mother left for work, I took an ordinary black pencil for drawing, soaked it in water and lined my eyes with it. So I went to school!
Once I even made dye for myself from onion peels - as I remember now, the resulting reddish tint to my hair.
I was in love with the group "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". In one of the clips, the lead singer had an unevenly trimmed eyebrow. I wanted one like that so bad! And one day I got my wish. You should have seen the faces of my parents! They were shocked and thought I had become a punk. Then the whole family enrolled me in the ranks of informals and sectarians. But I started this trend at school: girls, one after another, appeared with a shaved eyebrow. Then, of course, there were cuttings of bangs - uneven and short ones looked very funny on me.
I like experiments with hair color: I admire women with bright red or even pink shades. I would like to see myself in this color someday. But not in the near future, unless in old age!
Natasha Poly's current career
In 2011, another example of recognition of Natasha Poly’s merits was Karl Lagerfeld’s offer to act as a model for the Pirelli calendar. The girl also coped with this task perfectly. Currently, Natalya Polevshchikova is one of the most sought-after and popular models in the world. Very indicative in this regard is the assessment given to her modeling career by the famous portal Models.com. Thus, a popular website, talking about the fate of the Russian woman, indicated the name of Natasha Poly in the “Industry Icons” section. The only native of Russia who has achieved this recognition before is Natalia Vodianova.
Beauty routine
The morning after a party, I always apply the Black Rose mask from Sisley to my face. This is my lifesaver! I leave it on for literally 15 minutes and my face becomes fresh before my eyes and the swelling disappears.
I believe that the best ritual for facial skin is evening care. That's why I use the Clarisonic cleansing machine every time before going to bed. The rotating brush opens the pores, allowing cosmetics to penetrate deeper into the skin. I apply any cream with my fingertips. Lightly patting the eyes and cheekbones helps relieve swelling.
I recently discovered the organic brand Aesop. I use toner and facial scrub. I love them for their light texture and fresh aroma.
Personal life of Natasha Poly
It is very noteworthy that Natasha Poly is one of the few models whose biography is devoid of dark spots, high-profile divorces and controversial actions.
Shooting the cover of the first issue of Allure with Natasha Poly Since 2003, the model has been dating Dutch businessman Peter Bakker. For five years they were virtually inseparable. In 2008, the couple announced their engagement. And three years later she got married in Saint-Tropez, one of the resort areas of France. Currently, the lovers live together in a luxurious apartment in New York.
Pomade
Red lipstick is my secret key to my mood and creating a beauty look. I wear it both to work and in everyday life. This is a complete accessory that is always with me. The brand L'Oréal Paris, of which I am the face, has a collection of personalized lipsticks dedicated to their ambassadors. My shade Natasha has a slightly cherry tint and even has a little blue pigment in it. This is some kind of magic formula for my skin tone: it makes my face fresh and my skin glowing.
Five years ago, when I was the face of VOGUE Fashion's Night Out in Moscow, at the beginning of the event I had no lipstick on my lips at all. We walked a lot from one store to another and were extremely tired. Somewhere in the middle of the evening I wanted to change my mood - and I simply painted my lips scarlet. It's like wearing a new dress! I instantly felt a surge of strength, and the evening ended well after midnight with dancing on the roof of the Central Department Store!
Hair care
Due to frequent coloring, my hair has become dry and brittle, so I try to wash it as little as possible. At home or in a hotel, I never dry my hair; I leave it to dry on its own. I just dry it slightly with a towel and rub oil into the ends. I really love Extraordinary Oil from L'Oreal Elseve. It has a neutral scent that you can't smell at all. This is especially important when I go to bed with the product on my hair. By the way, it is quickly absorbed and does not leave streaks on the pillow. It has a thick texture, so two or three drops are enough for one use. If this oil is not on hand, I can apply facial cosmetics to my hair.
I don't cut my hair at all! Previously, I only straightened the ends once a month, but now I don’t even remember the last time I did this. By the way, this, it seems to me, has made my hair much thicker.
If I'm in Paris, I always get my makeup done by Christophe Robin. He has an amazing hair line of his own. He gives me light highlighting, which at first glance is barely noticeable. It looks very natural, something like the effect of bleached hair after the beach.
I really like it when the roots stay dark. I don’t allow them to be painted over completely, because it makes my face look unnatural—like I’m wearing a mask.
