Photography, Art Direction, Wardrobe Styling: Ji Yeo

Rachael Krutchkoff, also known as Rocky, started off wanting to become a psychologist. “I always imagined I would be helping others with self esteem and growth,” she says with gratitude. “I think I have found a different way to do that through this job by helping to make people feel confident. I LOVE THIS JOB!”

Model Elizabeth Lopriore shows off Rachel’s signature preternatural glow

By way of Los Angeles, the now 28-year-old New York City based makeup artist talks us through the beginning of her career face-painting children’s birthday parties when she first moved to the city. “Then [I] eventually went to beauty school to learn nails,” says Krutchkoff.

She credits nail art as her gateway into makeup.

“Nails are so fun to do because you are holding someone’s hand and designing on such a small scale which I loved,” says Krutchkoff. “But makeup felt more like a medium I connected to because I was looking into someone’s eyes and bringing out all the beauty that is right there. Using everyone’s individual unique features not as a blank canvas but as a vibrant living moving breathing canvas.”

From that moment she ended up going to three different makeup schools after that and it became everything she lived and breathed.

“We had a mandatory makeup class and without knowing anything about the world or even watching a single makeup YouTube tutorial in my life,” says Krutchkoff. “I fell completely in love and it all just made sense.”

Always saying yes to new challenges and remaining motivated by people who nurture a reliable and fresh environment, she takes time to thank, “Incredible women in this industry everyday changing the norm to make fashion an actual fun place to be in; its growing inclusivity and diversity.”

Isis Nicole: What's the most valuable thing you've learned in beauty thus far?

Rachael Krutchkoff: Probably the versatility of products. Using skin food as a lip mask or lip stains as a flush of color for the cheeks, for instance. Beauty should never feel stressful. It’s so much fun to play around. And always make sure the model or client feels comfortable!

IN: Where did your desire for perfecting skin come from?

RK: I relate to Marie Kondo’s tidy up method for living spaces when it comes to skincare. She walks into the house and listens to what it needs. Once she is finished getting rid of anything that doesn’t spark joy, everyone in the house feels at peace and more in control of their lives. Does this moisturizer spark joy for your face? Does this toner help to reduce breakouts? The way Marie Kondo wouldn’t add new objects to an already cluttered and disorganized house, I won’t add makeup to the skin unless the skin feels “ready” for makeup. Bouncy, hydrated, exfoliated, breakouts treated and mattified etc.

IN: Where is your favorite place to visit and favorite way to spend your time out there?

RK: Dancing in Cuba was my favorite trip of all time. [Also] this year I have had the opportunity to travel to different music festivals for work, and it has been amazing to be a part of that.

IN: What makes you strong?

RK: Pilates or boxing.

IN: And what makes you happiest?

RK: Nature

IN: What’s something you daydream about now?

RK: Putting my makeup studio together and what color glam chairs to get.

IN: How much of a role does social media play in your life?

RK: I love connecting with people who have questions about makeup and seeing what everyone is working on, however, I have come to a place where if I am spending a few days off or away I will delete [social media] off my phone. I try to maintain a healthy balance.

IN: What’s your favorite scent?

RK: I have used Dior ‘Hypnotic Poison’ since I was 13-years-old and now sometimes I will switch it out for Dyptiques rose hair perfume.

IN: Do you have a favorite restaurant in NYC?

RK: Anyway Café.

IN: What’s the coolest thing you've learned about yourself?

RK: That I have octopus hands and under pressure I can hold and work with ten different things at once.

IN: Favorite piece of advice?

RK: Hang out with your kit and really get to know everything in it.

Let’s Face It: Rolling with Rocky