When the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine led to a humanitarian crisis, thousands of people fled their homes and sought safety in neighboring countries. The conflict has displaced millions of people, and the situation is rapidly deteriorating as the fighting intensifies. Among those displaced is Viktoria Koroliuk, an uber-talented makeup artist and part-time model. In 2022, Viktoria moved to Prague for safety and has found the move both challenging and rewarding. It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, Viktoria’s life seemed so “normal.” She lived in Kiev with her family, many of whom remain there. Born in 1990, Viktoria was raised in a household with her parents.
Originally from Lutsk, Ukraine, Viktoria has always been passionate about makeup and beauty. She began experimenting with different styles and techniques at a young age and eventually decided to turn her hobby into a profession by studying makeup artistry in Kiev.
After completing her studies, Viktoria started working as a freelance makeup artist, building up her portfolio and gaining experience in the field. However, she soon realized that she wanted to explore new opportunities and expand her career. In 2018, she opened her first beauty corner in Lutsk, and after a successful start, she opened a school for makeup artists within two years. Then Viktoria made the decision to move to Kiev, where she knew there would be more opportunities to grow her business in the capital. Unfortunately, the war started, and Kiev was bombed from the first day of the Russian invasion. On 24.02.22, she escaped Ukraine to Prague, alone and without knowing anyone there. Viktoria faced many challenges in building a life in a new country and starting from scratch.
However, her talent and hard work soon paid off, and she quickly made a name for herself in the Prague beauty scene. It took her a few months to fit into the new foreign community, but she began working with high-profile clients, including models, Miss Czech Republic Beauty Contest participants, fashion designers, actresses, and musicians, and her work was featured in magazines and other publications. Viktoria’s unique style and attention to detail have earned her a reputation as one of the top makeup artists in Prague. She is known for her ability to create a wide range of looks, from natural and understated to bold and avant-garde.
In addition to her work as a makeup artist, Viktoria is also passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. She regularly holds makeup workshops and masterclasses, teaching aspiring makeup artists and enthusiasts about the latest trends and techniques in the beauty industry.
Despite the challenges she faced in making the move from Kiev to Prague, Viktoria is grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have come her way. She continues to work hard and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of makeup artistry and is excited to see where her career will take her next. In the meantime, we are thrilled to have her featured in Swimsuit Illustrated – we will continue to watch her!
