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When celebrities and supermodels need flawless brows, they turn to Anastasia. Here, she explains how every woman can get an equally gorgeous look at home.
By Marissa Kristal

You’ve been hailed as the definitive brow expert. What prompted you to leave Romania in 1989 and launch a career in beauty?
Romania was different before the communist regime fell. There was no sense of individuality or career growth; you had to stick with the same career forever! I was very intent on coming here so that I could follow my passion for aesthetics and develop a sense of achievement. When I arrived in Los Angeles in 1989, there wasn’t a booming brow business, and I felt that I could create a small space for myself in a trade that I felt good about. I had no idea it would become what it has today.

A decade after you moved to the U.S., you launched Anastasia Beverly Hills—a line inspired by old Hollywood.
Yes, the line is doing exceptionally well, and it imitates old Hollywood in a few ways. First, I utilize an antique French design on all my packaging components. Second, I deliver a variety of high-grade cosmetics that have a glamour that old Hollywood starlets enjoyed. In addition to glamour and polish, Anastasia Beverly Hills puts women in full control of their beauty regimen. Our brow kits contain high-quality professional tools. Our foundations and powders wear on the skin without caking or clogging pores. Our blush range is very wide, with colors from peach to rust, and we offer 30 shades of eye shadow that are suitable for almost anyone.

You mentioned your brow kits. Can you tell us a little more about the Brow Express Palette?
The kit’s components—pencil, powders, tweezers, and stencils—are the same ones I use in my salon. The stencils and tweezer are ideal for creating the best brow shape, and our brushes are angled for precision filling and come with an attached mascara comb for a natural look. The brow gel is a flake-free, all-day-hold item that I can’t live without. I spent a long time formulating perfect brow powder shades to complement women’s hair color as well as the undertones of their hair and skin.

How does product development work at Anastasia Beverly Hills?
It’s a lengthy process that I enjoy very much. A new product takes six to eight months to create, and I go though various stages with the testing and packaging concepts. I source my products from all over Europe to ensure the best equality, and each year I take a two-week trip there to see what’s new in fashion and to get inspired.

You’ve worked with countless celebrities, from J.Lo to Madonna. What’s it like grooming their brows?
Working with the stars is an honor, but it’s also an honor to work on all of my clients. I really love what I do, and I feel privileged to have a salon and a business that allow me to follow my passion.

How can real women achieve a similarly beautiful look?
They should begin by understanding that eyebrows set the stage for perfect makeup. Brow shaping can open the eyes up, polish a look, and even make a woman appear 10 years younger. The first key to getting great brows is good product. As for tips, when deciding on your brow arch, it’s always good to use a stencil to ensure an even look on both sides. To stimulate brow growth, avoid everyday tweezing and harsh scrubbing in the brow area. I prefer to cleanse my face with a soft chamomile cleanser that isn’t too harsh on my skin or brows. To make your eyes pop, even when using a safe eye shadow color such as latte or soft beige, use a green eyeliner on the inner lid. I’ve seen amazing results with this trick, no matter what the woman’s eye color is.

What can we expect to see next from you and the company?
Right now, I’m contemplating beauty schools—it would be the next step for me as an artist and educator, as well as for the growth of Anastasia Beverly Hills.

Brow stylist to the stars Anastasia.

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