Our second #ForteFemale is the talented make-up artist, Karina Constantine. With nearly 20 years of experience in fashion and beauty, Karina has travelled all over the world shooting for ELLE, Glamour, British Vogue, Tatler and Harper’s Bazaar, while her clients include Kate Moss, Natalia Vodianova, Demi Moore, Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain. Karina developed a passion for spotting jewels on fashion shoots and developed her own jewellery brand in October 2020. Sourced from her native Russia, it contains an eclectic mix of gold treasures - vintage styles, evil eyes, Russian crosses and hearts.
Where are you dreaming of travelling to?
The two places I love the most - Zermatt in the Swiss Alps with its late spring, blooming meadows and its epic mountains with their melting snow and mighty rivers. I also dream of staying in my favourite hotel, Hotel Astoria. It is right next to the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, a city of art and graceful beauty.
What was the first restaurant you went to post lockdown 3.0?
The Wolseley. I love its buzzy atmosphere, champagne lunches and it has the best Welsh Rabbit in town.
What is your favourite spa or wellness space?
The Bvlgari Hotel Spa. It would have to be the body massage, followed by chilling at the pool while drinking green tea. There is something surreal about being in that beautiful zen-like sanctuary in the middle of the very hectic City.
What was the first beauty treatment you had post lockdown 3.0?
A Mani-Pedi by Anne, the very best at Tranquillity in Kensington.
What helps you get to sleep if you are wired but tired?
A good book and melatonin.
What is your skincare regime (morning and evening)?
Morning: I use a rosewater spray toner followed by a serum or a moisturiser (or both).
Evening: Firstly, I use a make-up remover, followed by a few wipes with a toner on a cotton pad and then I moisturise. I use serums, moisturisers and oils depending on what my skin feels like. Skincare is a self-care ritual that I enjoy more and more with time, and with different products from various brands to use my creativity.
Do you have one evening or more a week where you spend time masking/pampering? What do you do?
I like giving my skin a rest at night. I use two products, a rosewater toner and a night cream. I tend to get busy with pampering in the mornings (usually on weekends and days off). My morning skincare/self-care ritual is: exfoliate (I like scrubs) or use a deep clean clay masque, followed by an excellent nourishing mask. I am using the Irene Forte Pomegranate Face Mask at the moment and I love it!
Any skincare advice for our readers?
Try to get into the habit of using a water mist toner before applying a serum or a moisturiser. It "prepares" the skin to absorb the moisturiser better and quicker.
Any advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Do it - get started! Do not overthink it, it is a process that you will learn as you go on.
What's your favourite:
Book:
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins…you will not stop thinking about it.
Documentary:
Lady Day - The Many Faces of Billie Holiday.
Follow Karina Constantine
@karinaconstantine and @karinaconstantinejewellery
