Rising Stars: Meet Zaure Karatayeva of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaure Karatayeva

Hi Zaure, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my journey back in 2013 in Kazakhstan when I realized that a typical 9-to-6 office job wasn’t for me. I craved creativity, freedom, and self-expression. A conversation with an inspiring woman sparked my interest in the entertainment industry. Growing up in a family of creative minds—my grandfather and uncle were artists, and my mother was an architect—I always felt a deep connection to art and a desire to create.

When I began training as a makeup artist, I thought my work would mainly revolve around enhancing beauty. However, within the first few months of assisting my mentor, who worked with well-known artists and media personalities, I realized that this industry demands so much more. It’s about storytelling, transformation, and understanding how makeup translates on stage and on camera. This early experience allowed me to work on concerts, TV shows, music videos, and series, as well as with private clients both on location and in salon.

Over time, my career path led me to the U.S.—first to New York, where I continued working in beauty, fashion, and events, and later to Los Angeles, the city that truly felt like home for my creative ambitions. L.A. became the epicenter of my career, where I found endless opportunities to grow, collaborate, and push my artistry further in the entertainment industry. While I am now primarily based in Los Angeles, I continue to maintain professional connections and occasionally work in New York, as the city remains an important part of my journey.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been far from smooth. In the beginning, I had to gather knowledge piece by piece, often struggling with self-doubt. During my first year, I balanced a job in banking with my growing passion for makeup, but I soon realized that if I wanted to build a successful career, I needed to fully dedicate myself to the profession.

I also quickly understood that mastering makeup techniques alone wasn’t enough to truly establish myself in the industry. I invested nearly all of my early earnings into education—learning hairstyling and developing basic special effects makeup skills, such as light wound modeling, blood effects, and texturing. While my expertise in SFX remains at an introductory level, this experience gave me greater confidence and expanded my professional skill set.

As my career developed, I realized that continuous learning is an essential part of success. Every year, I took advanced training courses, refining my techniques and mastering new methods. The beauty and entertainment industries are constantly evolving, and I’ve learned that staying relevant means continuously adapting and growing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Today, I specialize in professional makeup, hairstyling, and basic special effects. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work as the lead makeup artist on eight feature films released in theaters, as well as on more than ten TV series. I have also created looks for over 150 music videos, worked on concerts, award shows, and major events, while continuing to collaborate with brides and private clients.

A significant part of my portfolio includes projects I’ve worked on in Los Angeles, where I’ve had the chance to grow professionally and refine my skills in the entertainment industry. Working with well-known artists and public figures has taught me how to craft looks that are not only visually striking but also tailored to different lighting conditions, styles, and the overall atmosphere of each event.

One of the defining moments in my career was working on the look for a client attending the Grammy Awards. Seeing my work showcased at such a prestigious event made me realize that I had reached a new level in my career. It was a milestone that reaffirmed my ability to succeed in the competitive world of beauty and entertainment.

What sets me apart is my approach to enhancing natural beauty rather than completely transforming a person’s features. Many of my clients have shared that in the past, makeup artists altered their facial structure so much that they didn’t recognize themselves. My goal is to highlight and refine what makes each client unique, ensuring they still feel like themselves—just a more polished, confident version.

I also believe that staying relevant in the industry means constantly evolving. Every year, I invest in advanced training to refine my techniques and adapt to the ever-changing trends in beauty and entertainment. This dedication allows me to provide my clients with fresh, modern, and personalized looks that complement their individuality.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was naturally curious but also quite shy and unsure of myself—I often found it difficult to take initiative. However, creativity was always a part of me. From an early age, I loved drawing, and in my teenage years, I attended an art school, exploring different painting techniques.

Despite my artistic inclinations, I initially lacked confidence, and it wasn’t until I entered the world of show business and film that I truly began to grow, both personally and professionally. The fast-paced and demanding nature of this industry pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me develop confidence, resilience, and strong communication skills. Learning to navigate this environment became a defining experience that shaped the way I approach my work today.

The lessons I gained from working in entertainment—adapting quickly, understanding people’s needs, and delivering results under pressure—became the foundation of my career in the beauty industry. Even now, these experiences continue to influence my creative process and my ability to connect with clients on a deeper level.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaurebeauty?igsh=MWxmaGRwc3h0ODh4cw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BF36zKsm7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
My portrait (in a white jacket):
Photographer: @nt__nyc
Stylist: @gulbana_bespay
MUAH: @zaurebeauty

The bride and me:
Model: @victoriadavisyoga
Photographer: @agne_sopyte_photo,
@sopyte_photography
Hairstyle: @shurveronika
Makeup: @zaurebeauty
Dress: @svetlanabridalcouture

Girl in nature with a flowing dress:

Model: @iamainah_
Photographer: @victorigraph
Style: @vikki_torri_a
MUAH: @zaurebeauty

Girl with begudi, Girl in black gloves:
Model: @wrenny.photography
Photographer: @snowqueenla28
MUAH: @zaurebeauty

Halloween:
Model: @snowqueenla
Photographer: @snowqueenla28
MUAH: @zaurebeauty

Chinese style:
Photographer: @jkishere
MUAH: @zaurebeauty

A beauty with a mirror in her hands and a high hairstyle:
Model: @iva_nova_nata
Photographer: @snowqueenla28
MUAH: @zaurebeauty

Girl with thin eyebrows and 2 buns:
Model: @wrenny.photography
Photographer: @snowqueenla28
MUAH: @zaurebeauty