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WULOP Kazakhstan 2026: Permanent Makeup Art from Around the World in Almaty

Oct 5
5 min read

WULOP (World Universal League of Permanent Makeup) is the world’s largest international league for permanent makeup artists, bringing together dozens of championship events worldwide and more than 10,000 artists. Every year, WULOP holds a series of competitions where the best permanent makeup artists compete for a place in the global final. This year, the World Universal League returned to Kazakhstan: on September 22–23, 2026, the official WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 semifinal took place at the Gorky Park Residence conference hall in Almaty.


The first warm days of autumn in Almaty turned into a vibrant celebration of beauty and artistry. Over two action-packed days, the event brought together permanent makeup professionals and enthusiasts from around the world, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Portugal, Azerbaijan, and other countries. In a friendly yet competitive atmosphere, artists worked on live models as they competed for victory in the semifinal across the main permanent makeup categories: powder brows, lips, shaded eyeliner, machine hairstrokes, and microblading hairstrokes. The competition also featured disciplines performed on latex (artificial skin).


  • WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 — Permanent Makeup Championship and Conference in Almaty

Participants, Program, and Championship Highlights


The venue — the stylish Gorky Park Residence Congress Hall — is conveniently located in the heart of Almaty, near the city’s Central Park of Culture and Recreation. Its spacious halls were filled with creative energy, while the first day of the championship was marked by an intense, focused atmosphere. The judges and organizing team, led by three equal organizers — Galiya Vorushina, Kairzhan Zholamanov, and Assiya Zholamanova — carefully evaluated the competitors’ work. The judging panel featured an impressive lineup of renowned industry professionals: Olga Yakovleva, Nurzhamila Nazarbek, Elena Velikotskaya, Mariya Bezrukova, Olga Kopeikina, Elena Petrova, Anna Scripcenco, Alina Kulakova, Zhanshat Azhguzeeva, Tatyana Derevyankina, Elza Pashayeva, Dina Zhabayeva, Saniya Ashirova, Aleksandra Lee, Tatiana Bekker, Yulia Bocharova, Zura Urgaliyeva, and Tatiana Tovstenco.


  • Guests and participants of WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 at the professional event in Almaty
  • Guests and participants of WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 at the professional event in Almaty
  • Guests and participants of WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 at the professional event in Almaty
  • Guests and participants of WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 at the professional event in Almaty
  • Guests and participants of WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 at the professional event in Almaty

The judging process was truly intense: by the end of the first day, the evaluation of the competitors’ work continued until nearly 10 p.m., demanding the judges’ full concentration, endurance, and professional expertise. The participants presented an impressive array of outstanding work, transforming their technical skill into true works of beauty.


  • WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 Conference — Participants and the Professional PMU Community

The second day brought a lighter, more educational atmosphere. This time, the stage belonged to speakers and masterclasses: the Prime Speaker Demo Show and Prime Speaker Main Show featured a series of live demonstrations and presentations by renowned professionals. Among the artists who shared their experience and techniques with guests were Assiya Zholamanova, Nurzhamila Nazarbek, Aisulu Zabara, Aleksandra Artyukh, Moldir Sultan, Elena Petrova, Ekaterina Serbina, Tatyana Derevyankina, Madina Klassova, Lyazzat Shatmurovna, Mariya Bezrukova, Dina Zhabayeva, Veronika Dalbanova, Alina Kulakova, Saniya Ashirova, Aleksandra Lee, Assem Nassan, Balnur Toichiyeva, Elza Pashayeva, Raushan Anuarbekova, and Nazira Arynova. The live demonstration program gave everyone an opportunity to explore permanent makeup techniques up close: the speakers not only showcased their skills in practice but also shared insights into different styles and the latest developments in the industry.


  • Prime Speaker Demo Show at WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 — Live Demonstrations by PMU Artists
  • Prime Speaker Demo Show at WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 — Live Demonstrations by PMU Artists
  • Prime Speaker Demo Show at WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 — Live Demonstrations by PMU Artists
  • Prime Speaker Demo Show at WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 — Live Demonstrations by PMU Artists
  • Prime Speaker Demo Show at WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 — Live Demonstrations by PMU Artists
  • Prime Speaker Demo Show at WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 — Live Demonstrations by PMU Artists

On the main stage, the announced speakers and distinguished guests included Olessya Parkhomenko, Zura Urgaliyeva, Julia Gapurzhanova, Japanese artist Reiko Goto, Oksana Osinnikova, Elena Velikotskaya, Albina Lazareva, Galiya Vorushina, Kuralay Imanbayeva, Oksana Belyaeva, Nazym Kalmzhanova, Olga Kopeikina, and Zhanshat Azhguzeeva. Their presentations covered some of the industry’s most relevant topics, from modern techniques and emerging trends in color and shape to many other aspects of contemporary permanent makeup.


  • Main Stage Speakers at WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 Delivering Professional Presentations
  • Main Stage Speakers at WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 Delivering Professional Presentations
  • Main Stage Speakers at WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 Delivering Professional Presentations
  • Main Stage Speakers at WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 Delivering Professional Presentations

Partners and Interactive Zones


One of the key features of the conference was its partner zones and interactive booths, where guests could explore professional equipment and materials for permanent makeup. At the Defenderr, Etalon Mix, and NE Pigments booths, artists were able to test machines, cartridges, and pigments directly on latex — specialized artificial skin used for practicing techniques. Visitors could try different needles and pigments in practice and receive guidance from company specialists. The partners also prepared a variety of activities for participants and guests, including demonstration sessions, competitions, and prize giveaways, adding an engaging and entertaining dimension to the conference.


Another partner of the event was RRBeauty (Kazakhstan), which offered a special benefit to all attendees: every championship and conference participant and guest received a discount on all products through the end of September. This thoughtful offer reflected the welcoming spirit of the event and gave artists an opportunity to stock up on materials for their future work.


Olga Yakovleva deserves a special mention. Although her official role at the championship was as a judge, she also represented Defenderr at the company’s partner booth, where visitors could test equipment and pigments. Guests had the opportunity to speak with Olga personally and receive practical guidance on needle stroke and needle protrusion, as well as choosing machines and cartridges suited to an artist’s individual technique and working style. Her expertise and attentive approach drew particular interest, with visitors regularly stopping by the Defenderr booth throughout the event. In addition to consultations, the Defenderr zone hosted interactive activities and giveaways for guests, bringing even more energy and engagement to the conference.


WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 — Event Highlights


The two days of WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 became a true celebration of permanent makeup artistry. Competitions and professional demonstrations, the exchange of experience with international colleagues, the welcoming atmosphere of the educational conference, and the gala dinner and awards ceremony brought this major event to a memorable close. The organizers — Galiya Vorushina, Kairzhan Zholamanov, and Assiya Zholamanova — succeeded in bringing hundreds of professionals and guests together around WULOP Kazakhstan. For those two days, Almaty became a center of beauty, creativity, and professional exchange: participants left with new knowledge and lasting impressions, while permanent makeup artists were once again reminded that borders between countries become secondary when people are united by a passion for their craft and the pursuit of excellence.


  • WULOP Kazakhstan 2026 Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony

If you’re just discovering the PMU industry and want to better understand how this technique works, how it differs from conventional makeup, and what possibilities the modern industry offers, we recommend reading our in-depth guide “What Is Permanent Makeup? A Modern Understanding of the Procedure”.


Editor’s Note: This material is intended for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on information from open sources, publicly available event materials, and information provided to the editorial team at the time of publication. The lists of organizers, judges, speakers, participants, partners, and brand representatives have been compiled from the information available to the editorial team and may be incomplete or contain individual inaccuracies, including in the spelling of names, assigned roles, or the event program. If you notice a factual inaccuracy, an error in the spelling of a name, title, or role, or believe that important information regarding participation has been omitted, please contact the editorial team. The photographs used in this publication were provided to the editorial team by the organizers of WULOP Kazakhstan 2026. References to companies, brands, and trademarks are used solely for informational purposes and to identify event participants and partners. All rights to the respective trademarks, names, and other intellectual property belong to their respective owners.



Publication date: October 5, 2026

By Sergey Yakovlev

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