Traveling the world as a hair and makeup artist has taken me to some extraordinary destinations. Yet few experiences compare to my journey to Antarctica — a place that feels almost otherworldly, where nature exists in its purest and most powerful form.
I had the privilege of joining this remarkable expedition with Kym Rapier, CEO of the Kym Rapier Foundation. Visiting Antarctica had long been a dream of hers — a journey to the very axis of the Earth. As her exclusive hair and makeup artist, I had the honor of accompanying her on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
For me, the trip was both exciting and challenging. I must admit that I’m not naturally someone who loves extreme cold, and Antarctica is known for its intense climate. Fortunately, during our visit the temperatures were milder than expected for the Antarctic summer, which made the experience far more comfortable than I had imagined.
Even so, working in such an extreme environment requires thoughtful preparation. Antarctica is one of the driest places on Earth, which means that skincare and protection become absolutely essential.
Each day, I focused on deeply hydrating my client’s skin and applying high-SPF sunscreen, as the reflection of the sun on the ice can be incredibly strong. Instead of using a traditional everyday foundation, I chose a more hydrating formula to maintain a fresh, luminous finish — allowing the skin to retain a natural glow despite the dry climate.
For the eyes, I kept the makeup soft and refined. My client has naturally beautiful eye color, so I enhanced it using delicate pastel tones rather than anything too dramatic. For the lips, we always opted for creamy lipsticks paired with gloss to maintain hydration throughout the day.
Hair styling was adapted to the environment as well. Since my client frequently wore warm hats outdoors, elaborate hairstyles were unnecessary. Instead, we embraced elegance through simplicity — a smooth blow-dry styled into a ponytail or a low braided ponytail. And of course, her signature fringe was always left softly styled, adding a touch of effortless sophistication.
Beyond the work itself, the journey was simply unforgettable.
We explored Antarctica by private jet, flying over vast landscapes of ice and visiting remarkable locations, including penguin colonies where we were able to observe these incredible animals in their natural habitat. One of the most extraordinary moments of the expedition was our seven-hour flight to the South Pole — the very axis of our planet — where we received a warm and memorable welcome.
For me personally, this journey became even more meaningful because it coincided with a very special milestone in my life.
While standing at the South Pole — the point where all the world’s time zones begin — I celebrated my 40th birthday. Touching the axis of the Earth on the exact day I turned forty was a moment filled with emotion and gratitude. It was a powerful reminder of how extraordinary life can be when passion, work, and adventure come together.
Antarctica is a place very few people ever have the opportunity to experience. Being able to travel there while doing the work I love made the moment even more meaningful.
The journey was also filled with adventure — from exploring the vast icy landscapes to climbing mountains and embracing challenges far beyond my comfort zone. Every day brought a sense of wonder and discovery.
Experiences like this remind me how unique my journey as a hair and makeup artist has been. My career has allowed me not only to work with inspiring clients, but also to travel the world and witness places that most people only dream of.
Antarctica will always remain one of the most extraordinary chapters of that journey.
