In conversation with @NicolayLissner: the power of natural make-up

At NATRUE, we’re proud to spotlight the experts shaping today’s natural beauty landscape. Today, we’re delighted to speak with Nicolay Lissner, a professionally trained makeup artist with 20 years of experience and a decade of specialisation in natural cosmetics.

Based in Freiburg, Nicolay runs his own studio, Make-up & Styling, in cooperation with Beauty Story — a concept that is truly unique in Germany. His work places natural cosmetics at the forefront, combining professional artistry with a strong commitment to clean, conscious beauty.

Over the years, Nicolay has brought his expertise to a wide range of projects, from well-known personalities to an exciting Hollywood production. His journey reflects not only technical mastery, but also a passion for elevating natural cosmetics within the world of professional makeup.

NATRUE: Nicolay, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into makeup and hair styling?
Nicolay: As a child, I was fascinated by the world of film and wanted to be a part of it. To pursue this goal, I chose a three-year, state-certified training as a makeup artist, regarded as one of the most comprehensive throughout the industry. After completing my training in theatre, I quickly moved into film. I worked many years in Berlin, gaining valuable experience. Today, I have returned to my hometown of Freiburg and opened my own studio, which successfully collaborates with a beauty salon in the city centre. I now even have two freelance makeup artists working independently at my studio.

NATRUE: When working with natural cosmetics compared to conventional products, what differences do you notice in terms of technique, finish, or application?
Nicolay: The biggest difference that both I and my clients immediately notice is the significantly better skin feel. Natural cosmetics feel light and allow the skin to breathe rather than weigh it down. During application, it’s crucial to use high-quality products — there are unfortunately also poor-quality products in the natural cosmetics sector. I pay close attention to ensure that products apply streak-free, absorb quickly, and create a flawless finish that is neither too greasy nor too dry. I particularly like to work with NATRUE-certified green team products for preparing the skin before makeup.

In hair styling, the natural cosmetics market is still less developed. The performance of styling products from natural cosmetics often cannot yet match conventional ones. Therefore, at the moment I still work with a mix of conventional and natural products.

NATRUE: What has been your biggest challenge when creating a look with natural products, and how did you overcome it?
Nicolay: My biggest challenge was working with actress Liv Lisa Fries about ten years ago. She played a decisive role in shaping my path in natural cosmetics. She wanted to be styled exclusively with natural cosmetics. At that time, there were hardly any professional products in this area. To meet this challenge, I had to get creative: I looked in drugstores for brands with the NATRUE seal and contacted German natural cosmetics manufacturers directly. I was fortunate to be sponsored by some of these brands, which allowed me to create a complete look with natural cosmetics.

This experience sparked my passion for natural cosmetics and showed me that there is a solution for every challenge. Today, ten years later, the market has developed enormously, and there are many high-quality brands worth exploring. I highly recommend embracing this area.

NATRUE: Which makeup and hair trends excite you the most right now, and why?
Nicolay: I really love the current trend towards more glow in makeup. For a long time, faces were often over-matted, creating a mask-like look. A subtle glow, however, makes us look younger and fresher. It signals that the skin is well-hydrated, a sign of youth and vitality. Older skin often loses hydration and appears duller. That’s why, especially for mature skin, a little extra glow can work wonders and create a radiant complexion.

In hair trends, I see an exciting development as well. The 60s and 70s are currently making a big comeback, but with a modern twist. Classic elements, like the 60s “banana” hairstyle, are reinterpreted as loose, modern “messy banana” styles. Another new trend I personally like is combining curly hair with straight ends. This style is unusual and gives a very modern and cool look.

NATRUE: Do you have any tips for achieving a flawless look with natural products?
Nicolay: To achieve a flawless look with natural products, it’s essential to choose products suited to your skin and hair type. For dry skin, prioritise hydration; for oily skin, avoid too much oil. Choosing the right shade of makeup is also important. Rather than blindly following trends or influencers, professional advice is often the better choice. An expert can help you find products that won’t unnecessarily burden your skin.

The quality of the products matters more than the quantity. This applies to hair care as well: choose products that don’t weigh down your hair. Good tools, like brushes and heat protection, are just as important as the products themselves.

NATRUE: In your workshops, what is the most common misconception people have about natural cosmetics and hair styling?
Nicolay: The biggest misconception I encounter repeatedly is confusing vegan products with natural cosmetics. Many mistakenly believe that a vegan product is automatically natural and harmless. This is not the case. “Vegan” simply means it contains no animal ingredients. Such a product can still be full of synthetic or harmful chemicals. Conversely, not all natural cosmetics are vegan, for example, as they may contain beeswax.

NATRUE: How important is a certification like the NATRUE label for you as a professional working with natural and organic cosmetics, and for your clients? Have you noticed that it influences trust or decision-making in your work?
Nicolay: For me as a professional in natural and organic cosmetics, certifications like the NATRUE label are extremely important. They not only support my professional judgement but also give clients the confidence that they are using a high-quality, tested product.

I have observed that these seals strengthen trust and positively influence purchasing decisions. A certified product immediately appears more credible and valuable, proving that claims of “natural” and “organic” are not empty words but backed by strict standards.

NATRUE: Finally, what advice would you give to young artists who want to focus on sustainable, natural beauty?
Nicolay: My main advice for anyone focusing on natural and sustainable beauty: prioritise good quality from the start. To assess quality, look at the ingredients and use modern tools, such as AI, to scan labels and get explanations of the composition. This allows you to quickly understand products. I use this method myself, as even professionals don’t always know everything.

Choosing natural cosmetics is also a strong argument for the future of our planet. There is still much to explore, especially in the field of hair styling products. If you need guidance, I am happy to offer advice and support.

For more information about Nicolay Lissner, check out his own website and Instagram