The most influential Russian influencers: Controversy, makeup and classic television personalities
There are many influential influencers in Russia, some even have tens of millions of followers. Are they improving Russia's reputation, or is it the other way around? It's certainly interesting to look at what's happening on the influencer scene that's shaking up this eastern country. Some of them encounter very unpleasant comments from their followers.
Among influencers, you will find journalists, comedians, but also models, presenters, and in Russia, popular television presenters. Since their activity is international, and the war also has many opponents, many of them struggle with controversies.
Oksana Samoylova
(businesswoman, 16.6 million followers)
On her profile, she mainly focuses on modeling, beauty, and her own cosmetics brand Sammy Beauty. However, she is also quite controversial.
Among the most well-known cases is the fact that in one of her posts she asked children if they would like to go to a children's home for neglected children at age 17. This would get them a free flat from the state once they turn 18.
"I hope Oksana is doing this just for popularity, even so it is irresponsible. Jokes about leaving for a children's home undermine children's sense of security and cause anxiety and stress,"
The psychologist Ana Saveljeva pointed out at the time. Oksana herself is the mother of two school-aged daughters. For example, she shared their first day of school on social media.
Ksenia Borodinová
(presenter, television personality, 20 million followers on Instagram)
From the life of the cream, that's what her Instagram profile could be called. She shares scenes from her life there, promotes her personality. As an influencer, she also focuses on promoting luxury apartments. But not in Russia. In Georgia... And that's not exactly a good hit, it seems. Haters really "love" her.
"The city is beautiful, no doubt about that. But the attitude towards Russians is terrible, what's the point of buying a house there!"
the following Roksana argues with her in the comments.
"Are you normal, going to the russophobes, Ksenia, do you have any sense?"
monamur54 writes.
"Isn't your huge country enough for you. Batumi is in another country, where you are not welcome because you are here as occupiers,"
writes makunachinchaladze.
It is clear that among his followers he does not just have fans.
Pavel Volya
(comedian, presenter, actor, 15.3 million followers on Instagram)
He is the creator of his own Volya show, which recently celebrated its two-year anniversary. He invites guests, comments on events with detachment and pursues his comedy career. On his profile, he also shares his family, memories of his past acting career and occasionally appears as a model. He is quite popular in Russia, but this is also due to his long career.
Maryana Ro
(7.4 million followers on Instagram)
The second most followed influencer in Russia makes videos, sings and acts. Her fame was aided by her collaboration with the vlogger EeOneGuy. Today, a large part of her income comes from collaborations with commercial brands from the world of cosmetics and clothing companies. She mainly deals with viral topics such as makeup, beauty and entertainment. Interestingly, 62% of followers are from Russia, 15% from Ukraine, and the rest are from all over the world.
Goar Avetisvan
(make-up artist, 12.3 million followers on Instagram)
She mainly deals with cosmetics and makeup. She stands out for transformation makeup (she rejuvenates her models by up to 30 years, for example) and tutorials. Otherwise, she shares classic girly content, from life and from the world of fashion. Pleasant, inspirational...
Karina Kross
(lifestyle, 21.5 million followers on TikTok)
The witty TikTok substitute is also one of the most influential influencers. She primarily fills Instagram and TikTok with humorous skits. Musical videos and vlogs from behind the scenes of her work she publishes on her Instagram account.
Marita Plieva
(comedienne, 4.9 million followers on Instagram)
She excels at perfect facial expressions and comedic skits. She also shares her journey for a nice figure and sketches from her private life. She films some funny scenes together with her boyfriend.
Roman Abalin aka NFKRZ
(1.24 million subscribers on Youtube)
He is one of the influencers with Russian roots who records in English. He actively engages in the analysis of Russian propaganda. He also adds context and topics of world politics. He is therefore a suitable source of information for someone who grew up in Russia but moved away. Roman lives in Lisbon. He is thus someone who can theoretically afford to delve into big controversies without the risk of it having consequences for him.
Sources: author's text, Instagram, aischedul.com, zena.blic.rs, youtube.com
