4 minute read
INFLUENCER: LARA SROKOWSKI
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LARA SROKOWSKI
Lara Srokowski, Beauty Director of Lancôme Australia, brings over 15 years of artistry, innovation, and passion to the beauty world. From winning global accolades to creating show-stopping looks at Australian Fashion Week, Lara’s journey is a celebration of creativity and confidence. Discover her insider tips, career highlights, and the trends shaping the future of beauty.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR JOURNEY IN MAKEUP, AND WHAT LED YOU TO LANCÔME?
My mum! She has been a Lancôme fan for over 50 years and introduced me to the brand and the world of beauty at 13. She would take me to the Lancôme makeup counter to get my glam done for high school events by the National Makeup Artist at the time. It inspired me to pursue a career with the brand and dream of being in a national role one day.
HOW HAS YOUR APPROACH TO BEAUTY EVOLVED OVER YOUR 15-YEAR CAREER?
In my early years, makeup was a way to hide insecurities and fit in. Working with Lancôme, a brand that celebrates women and happiness, shifted my perspective. I’ve learned that makeup has the power to instill confidence, which is the most beautiful thing anyone can wear. Now, my approach focuses on helping others feel like the best version of themselves.
WINNING LANCÔME’S GOLDEN BRUSH AWARD TWICE IS INCREDIBLE! HOW DID IT IMPACT YOUR CAREER?
Winning this global award twice during the lockdown years was mind-blowing and a career highlight. It was especially rewarding as I was the first Australian to win. It marked a time of adapting to digital ways of working and developing online content projects, making the achievement even more meaningful.
WHAT’S ONE MEMORABLE BACKSTAGE MOMENT FROM EVENTS LIKE FASHION WEEK?
Australian Fashion Week is one of my favourite times of the year. It’s when we push creative boundaries with makeup. A standout moment is always the energy backstage—working with an amazing team of artists and seeing our hard work come to life on the runway is incredibly rewarding.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST TRENDS SHAPING THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?
Flushed cheeks and balmy lips are key trends as we head into summer. Glowing skin remains a staple, now paired with barely-there lashes—think swapping black mascara for brown—and an overall softer approach to makeup.
HOW DO YOU STAY CURRENT WITH EVOLVING BEAUTY STANDARDS?
I’m fortunate to attend Lancôme’s annual global education seminar, which includes workshops with Lisa Eldridge and Sheika Daley, our global creative directors. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Domaine de la Rose in the South of France for our seminar—an amazing experience to stay ahead of trends.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH CREATIVITY FOR HIGH-PROFILE SHOOTS AND EVENTS?
Collaboration is key. At Australian Fashion Week, I work closely with the team to align on the vision for the runway. Inspiration often comes from vision boards or the story behind the collection, and I add my creative twist to bring it to life.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT TEACHING OTHERS IN BEAUTY?
Educating others empowers them to feel confident and express themselves through makeup. Watching our Beauty Advisors grow and improve their skills is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue sharing my knowledge.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING MAKEUP ARTISTS?
Never give up! If you have a dream, work hard and keep going. I always aspired to this role with Lancôme—it took years of learning, smaller roles, and development to achieve my national title.
ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS WITH LANCÔME YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
I’m thrilled about 2025, as it marks Lancôme’s 90th anniversary. We have exciting makeup launches and opportunities to elevate events and trainings—I can’t wait to see what’s next!
CAN YOU OUTLINE SOME CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
• Australian Fashion Week and Melbourne Fashion Festival moments are standout highlights, allowing me to express creativity and collaborate with others.
• Attending the global makeup seminar each year, and this year, leading a workshop for other national makeup artists.
• Flying to Paris to work on the #MessWithLancôme global campaign, where I created three makeup looks for an international campaign.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO SUMMER LOOK?
A glowing, bronzed complexion with a brown winged liner and a balmy nude lip. My secret? Mix a small amount of Génifique Ultimate Serum into Ultra Wear foundation for a hydrated, second-skin finish.
WHAT’S ONE PRODUCT YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Mascara! Lancôme’s Hypnôse Mascara has been my go-to for years. It’s perfect for versatile looks—one coat for natural lashes or layers for dramatic volume, delivering up to 8x more volume.
