Dana Lekus is an internationally recognized makeup artist, beauty director, and trainer with over 10 years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry. She is the winner of the IBFA 2025 award for Best International Makeup & Brow Artist, a laureate of the International Beauty Awards XXIII in the categories Top Makeup Trainer and Beauty Community Leader, and a silver finalist at the IBI Awards 2025 in the Best Glam category for her signature project “Celestial Muse.”
Dana has volunteered as a beauty expert at top-tier fashion shows including New York Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week, as a volunteer Beauty Director at Orlando International Fashion Week, Beverly Hills Fashion Week, and Florida Men’s Fashion Week. She is also a certified trainer and technologist for international beauty brands, a judge at global beauty competitions, and the founder of her own beauty studio and volunteer glam team.
The Miss & Mister Supranational USA 2025 competition became one of the most vibrant and professionally organized events of the year — and Dana Lekus was honored to be a part of it. This national pageant serves as the official U.S. qualifier for the world-renowned international competitions Miss Supranational and Mister Supranational, held annually in Poland.
Dana Lekus had the great honor of serving as the event’s official Beauty Director and Beauty Sponsor. She led the backstage operations and supervised a team of makeup artists, hairstylists, and assistants. Together, they handled the full visual production — from concept development to final hair and makeup — for both the female and male contestants.
It was an intensive and inspiring process. Dana Lekus’s beauty team worked with dozens of finalists, creating looks for runway segments, photoshoots, gala dinners, and live broadcasts. The competition included both formal eveningwear presentations and beachwear segments. It was especially important to tailor each look to the contestant’s individuality, the stage lighting, and the specific demands of each segment.
This required a high level of flexibility and a refined sense of balance between boldness, versatility, and natural elegance — both on camera and on stage.
Photo Courtesy: Stanislav Kozub
(The volunteer glam team led by Dana Lekus — official Beauty Sponsor of Miss & Mister Supranational USA 2025 — on stage at the Grand Finale alongside the winners)
This year, the title of Miss Supranational USA 2025 was awarded to Marvelous Sanyaolu from Louisiana, and Mister Supranational USA 2025 went to Christopher Cox from Hawaii. Both finalists represented the U.S. on the international stage: Marvelous placed in the Top 12 and earned the title of Miss Supranational America, while Christopher proudly represented the country at the global male finals.
For the male contestants, Dana Lekus’s volunteer glam team provided complete grooming and styling support — including hairstyling, makeup, skincare, and complexion work — all carefully tailored for stage lighting, camera-ready finishes, and the demands of high-definition production. Men’s grooming at this level is often underestimated, yet it requires its own technical expertise and aesthetic precision.
Dana is deeply grateful to the organizers for their trust and the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious platform.
Participation in Miss & Mister Supranational USA 2025 was not just a professional experience — it was a meaningful contribution to uncovering individuality, building confidence, and empowering every finalist through beauty, image, and the shared energy of her team.
In 2025, Dana Lekus and her team also proudly served as official beauty sponsors of the prestigious Miss Peru USA pageant — a cultural celebration that honors Peruvian heritage, beauty, and female empowerment within the Peruvian-American community.
Held in a festive and elegant atmosphere, the event brought together finalists from across the country, as well as distinguished guests from the worlds of fashion, media, diplomacy, and culture. The finalists competed not only in beauty and stage presence but also in confidence, leadership, and cultural pride.
For the entire 10 days of the competition, Dana Lekus and her dedicated glam team supported the contestants with makeup and hairstyling for every key occasion — including photo shoots, press conferences, private galas, rehearsals, and the grand finale. Their consistent presence, professionalism, and care allowed the contestants to feel confident, radiant, and ready for every moment on and off the stage.
Photo Courtesy: Stanislav Kozub
(Dana Lekus and her beauty team at the Grand Finale of Miss & Mister Supranational USA 2025, together with show producer Hugo Chavez Alvarado. Team members: Yulia Morska, Svitlana Medvedieva, Eleonora Koniukh, Iunona Akhmedova, Aya Mariia Vasileva, Kristina Moroz.)
Dana led her volunteer team with precision and heart, offering:
– Stage-ready beauty looks aligned with the event’s visual identity
– On-site support for quick changes, long hours, and high-pressure moments
– Emotional encouragement and technical expertise throughout the week
Dana’s participation in Miss Peru USA 2025 was more than just a beauty collaboration — it was a contribution to cultural representation, empowerment, and the spirit of excellence. The experience once again highlighted her role as a mentor, leader, and trusted expert in the global beauty community.
“It’s not just about beauty — it’s about identity, culture, and the power of
self-expression.”
— Dana Lekus
Advice for Aspiring Beauty Artists
From Dana Lekus
Starting out is always exciting — and a little scary. You’re full of energy, but not always sure which direction to go. So here’s my main advice: don’t be afraid to follow your own path. There will be mistakes, doubts, and comparisons — but that’s all part of growth.
Never stop learning. Even after 10 years in the industry, I still learn something new every day. Don’t get stuck in one style — study materials, trends, anatomy, and even the psychology of working with clients. It will make you a more flexible and in-demand artist.
Develop your eye and pay attention to details. Train your visual taste — look at magazines, exhibitions, fashion shows. Beauty starts with observation and deep visual awareness.
Treat people with respect and sincerity. Success is not just about technique — it’s also about your attitude. Clients remember not only the final result, but how you made them feel.
Value your work from day one. Set healthy boundaries. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when your professional space is being disrespected. It’s not about pride — it’s about self-respect and respect for the craft.
Build a portfolio and surround yourself with the right people. Look for those who inspire you, who believe in you. Remember: you’re not just an artist — you’re a creator, a guide, a therapist. Through your work, you can transform not only appearances but also someone’s inner state.
The beginning is never about being “perfect.” It’s about being authentic. And if you walk this path with love — everything will come together. I know that for sure.
When beauty meets vision, transformation becomes inevitable.” или “Her artistry is a mirror that reflects not just beauty, but purpose.”
