At 30 years old, Inna from Novorossiysk, Russia, had never experienced what most people take for granted: the confidence to pursue romantic relationships. Living with facial differences had shaped her entire life, creating barriers that felt impossible to overcome. That changed when she reached out to Moscow-based makeup artist Goar Avetisyan, whose work goes far beyond cosmetics.
The Power of Transformation
Goar Avetisyan has built an empire on a simple but powerful belief: every woman deserves to feel like a Hollywood star. With over 12 million Instagram followers, this Russian-Armenian makeup artist has become internationally recognized for her dramatic transformations, particularly her charitable work with women facing medical conditions, scarring, and facial differences.
Born in Armenia in 1993 and raised in Moscow, Avetisyan initially studied economics at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. But her true passion lay elsewhere. By age 12, she was experimenting with makeup, and by 16, she was transforming friends and family members. What started as a teenage hobby evolved into a mission that has touched millions of lives.
A Journey to Moscow
When Inna contacted Avetisyan’s team, there was initial hesitation. Her facial condition presented significant challenges, and the team wasn’t certain the transformation would be possible. But Avetisyan’s response was characteristic of her approach: “At least I want to try.”
The makeup artist personally covered all expenses for Inna’s journey from Sochi to Moscow. This wasn’t just about makeup—it was about giving someone a gift they’d never experienced: the chance to see themselves differently, even if just for one day.
The Transformation That Changed Everything
Using advanced color correction techniques and specialized products, Avetisyan worked her magic. The process involved multiple steps: carefully applied color correctors to neutralize discoloration, strategic contouring to create symmetry, and glamorous eye makeup that drew attention to Inna’s natural features. The final touch was an elegant dress that completed the transformation.
When Avetisyan posted the results on Instagram, the response was overwhelming. Thousands of followers offered financial support to help Inna access medical treatment. The outpouring of generosity moved Avetisyan to tears.
“I’m in shock, I have no words, I’m crying,” she wrote. “I never could have imagined that so many people would react to her story and want to help her. I can’t find the right words to express what I feel and how grateful I am to you. Hugging you all very tightly.”
More Than Just Makeup
Avetisyan’s work represents something deeper than cosmetic expertise. For the past several years, she has offered free transformations to women dealing with cancer, severe skin conditions like neurocutaneous melanosis, burn scars, and other facial differences. While she runs a successful beauty school and salon chain in Moscow, these charitable makeovers remain her passion project.
“Makeup is therapy for the soul and helps one to love yourself,” Avetisyan explains. “When they ask me how much the transformation costs, I say that for the last three years I haven’t made any money from doing them. These transformations are my soul—it’s not for money.”
Her work has been featured in international media outlets including The Daily Mail, PopSugar, Good Housekeeping, and Russia Beyond. She’s collaborated with beauty influencers like Huda Kattan and built an international beauty empire that includes makeup schools across multiple countries.
The Bigger Picture
Stories like Inna’s highlight an important truth: confidence and self-worth aren’t superficial concerns. For people living with visible differences, the psychological impact can be profound, affecting everything from career opportunities to personal relationships.
Avetisyan’s transformations offer more than temporary beauty—they provide women with a reference point for how they can present themselves, boost their confidence, and remind them that their visible differences don’t define their worth.
“I think makeup, a new dress, and accessories I give to my subjects—this is the positive energy they really need,” Avetisyan shares. “I adore my work. I put my soul into every transformation. I live for these emotions. I can’t even say how happy I am that I’ve helped at least one person.”
Beauty in All Forms
While Avetisyan’s transformations are undeniably stunning, her message goes deeper than covering imperfections. She emphasizes that beauty exists in multiple forms, and every woman possesses inherent worth regardless of appearance. Her work simply offers women the choice to present themselves however makes them feel most confident.
Today, Avetisyan continues her mission through her beauty school, salon chain, and cosmetics line, while still dedicating time to free transformations for women in need. At 31 years old, she’s already helped countless women like Inna rediscover their confidence and face the world with renewed strength.
As for Inna, her story reminds us that sometimes all someone needs is one person willing to say, “At least I want to try.” That single act of compassion can change everything.