Marina Markova’s Empowering Routines

Since the age of fifteen, Marina Markova’s world has revolved around intense training, high-stakes matches, and a deep love for volleyball. With the weight of professional athleticism on her shoulders, she’s built daily rituals that serve her body and mind. At the heart of her approach is a simple question: what actually works? Here, she shares the habits that help her stay grounded, focused, and strong.

How has your Russian upbringing shaped the way you think about beauty? Are there any rituals you’ve inherited from your family?

Growing up in Russia, I saw how much importance was placed on women’s looks, especially around body image. For many of my friends, being skinny was the goal. I was lucky in that sense. I’ve always had a fast metabolism, so it wasn’t something I ever stressed about.

Russia doesn’t really have beauty rituals just for the sake of beauty. Most of them are rooted in health and wellness. That said, some traditional remedies double as beauty treatments. My mom and grandma, for example, used to rinse my hair with nettle essence. We’d boil fresh nettles—there’s tons of them in Russia—and use the water to strengthen and add shine. Calendula extract was another favorite, especially for soothing acne and calming irritation.

Discipline is clearly a big part of your life as a professional athlete. How do you carry that mindset into your everyday routine?

Discipline isn’t something you pick up once and keep forever. It’s a constant back-and-forth between what you want and what’s actually good for you. As athletes, our job is to take care of our bodies first. That’s always the starting point. Of course, we’re human too, and some days, we slack.

 

How do you take care of your skin? What are your go-to products?

I’m a big fan of Korean skincare. I’ve done a lot of trial and error to figure out what works for me. It’s tricky as an athlete—we sweat so much, and that can throw your skin out of balance. I’ve tested a lot, but I always focus on healing and protecting my barrier. Right now, I’m loving the Dr. Althea 345 moisturizer and Skin1004 sunscreen. They’re staples for me.

Do you like wearing makeup while playing? What are your must-have products?

Absolutely. I love wearing makeup on and off the court. As athletes, we don’t get to dress up much, so when we do, I go all in. A few products I always keep with me: Art-Visage eyebrow gel (it really keeps everything in place), Huda Beauty concealer, and Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High mascara. I’ve repurchased that one more times than I can count.

 

After long training sessions or back-to-back games, how do you unwind physically and mentally?

After a long day, I usually unwind by watching a show and crocheting. It really helps me switch off and enjoy a quiet moment. For recovery, nothing beats the sauna. It works wonders on sore muscles after tough training days.

Do you have any unexpected beauty hacks you’ve picked up from your teammates?

Most of my go-to tips come from the internet, but one I picked up from teammates is using hair wax and a small brush to get a super sleek ponytail. It’s quick, easy, and always looks put-together.

Are there any beauty products or rituals that have become essential in your post-game routine?

After a game, the first thing I do is remove my makeup and wash my hair, especially if I’ve used wax or styling products. I always go for a cleansing oil. It gets everything off gently, without irritating my skin.

You’ve been living in Turkey for a while now. Has anything about Turkish beauty culture surprised or inspired you? Have you added any new rituals or ingredients to your routine since being here?

I haven’t changed my routine too much since moving to Turkey, but one thing I’ve definitely noticed is how incredible my Turkish teammates’ lashes are. It’s probably genetics, but they have these naturally full, long, dark lashes I can’t help but admire. Maybe even envy a little.

What does beauty mean to you?

To me, beauty is about presence. On the outside, it’s about facial harmony, and I truly believe everyone can be beautiful in their own way, even with imperfections. But more importantly, beauty comes from confidence, kindness, and self-love. When someone radiates those, you can’t help but see them as beautiful.

What is your favorite flaw?

That’s a tricky one, because once you love something about yourself, it doesn’t really feel like a flaw anymore. But if I had to choose, I’d say my height. I’m 199 cm tall, which definitely isn’t standard. It’s been both a blessing and a challenge. It’s given me the chance to play at a high level, and it draws a lot of attention, sometimes more than I want. Finding clothes that fit or squeezing into airplane seats can be tough. I used to feel insecure about it, especially when I was younger. But now, I embrace it. I don’t see it as a flaw anymore. It’s just part of who I am.