'Being in Russia and going out is an event in and of itself. The culture of going to see a ballet or opera is so different from how it is here. I still cringe when I go to the Met and see somebody wearing jeans. There’s just nothing I can do—it was the way I was brought up. When I went to Moscow this past winter, I went to the premiere of the Bolshoi Ballet, and I saw women changing their shoes in the bathroom. It's so sweet to me—it really elevates the whole event.

Since living in New York, I try to keep that bit of Russia with me. I still make it a point to go to Lincoln Center or see the Mariinsky Ballet when they had their stint at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. I’m such a homebody though. Usually, I just like to come home and spend time with my babies. I find that feeding, bathing, and putting them to bed every night is very therapeutic. It’s honestly the best part of my day! But by the time they’re in bed, I’ll call the babysitter and be ready to go out again. It was my New Year’s resolution to try and explore new places more often.

GETTING READY

I like to have a shower when I get home and wash my hair every day—it feels dirty if I don’t—with Bumble and bumble’s Curl Conscious Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner, although from time to time, I steal my husband’s Head & Shoulders because, being a parent, you sometimes just need the quickest fix. When I was growing up, I had very long hair—that’s a very Russian thing for girls—and my grandma would braid it every morning. Then, during a rebellious period, I chopped it really short and dyed it platinum blonde, then red, and at some point, black. But once I went through that period, I just let it grow out to my natural hair color. I only use natural wood combs that I buy in Russia. They are handmade by old ladies there. I just like it—it makes me nostalgic for home.

When I have more time, I like to take baths to relax. I love L’Occitane’s Verbena Shower Gel used as a bubble bath, and I also really like the Hermés Eau de Pamplemousse Rose at the moment. I get Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Soaking Solution in Relax & Relief at Duane Reade sometimes, and I like to have candles around everywhere.

I always prepare my bag before I leave the house with Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment. I use it at least five times a day. It makes my skin smooth but never sticky. Then I always carry Chanel Allure Spray Deodorant with me, and it doesn’t smell like regular deodorant—it smells like Chanel Allure.

GETTING DRESSED

I don’t think I take too many crazy risks when it comes to choosing an outfit. I think my style is more effortless than anything else. Right now, I love J.W. Anderson, but I love mixing high and low-end brands, including things like Gap and Topshop. I also can’t part with my sneakers! I always wear the Adidas Stan Smith Shoes either in white or black. Then for evening, I like Lanvin or Balenciaga for nice flats. There’s nothing as chic to me as a Saint Laurent white tuxedo. When I’m back in Russia, it’s easier to get away with a fashion statement, so sometimes I’ll take a risk there.

SKINCARE & MAKEUP

I wash my face with Acqua Di Parma Colonia Packaged Soap, and then I use Shiseido’s Benefiance WrinkleResist 24 Night Emulsion—or in the summer, I’ll use Estée Lauder’s Soft Clean Silky Hydrating Lotion. Then, I use YSL Touche Éclat, just to freshen up where I need it and brush my brows with Lancôme’s Modèle Sourcils Brow Groomer in Brunet.

For the evening, I like to do a smoky eye and waterline my eyes in brown or black— depends on my outfit. Because I work with Allure, I get to experiment with different makeup, but I always love Tom Ford, MAC, and Chanel. I use Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner for lining and MAC’s Technakohl Liner in Graphblack for a smoky effect—I draw it around my eyes and then smudge with my fingers. Sometimes, when I have time, I’ll also use a shadow. I think the quality of Nars Single Eye Shadows is really good, and they sit very well on the eye.

Then, to finish, I just discovered the Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara—you know, the one with the little, spikey-hedgehog ball at the end— and I think that is really great. I finish my look off with one of my favorite reds, L’Oréal’s Color Riche Lipstick in British Red. Being a mom and having a busy schedule means I only have a few minutes to get ready. Also, I’d rather spend more time talking to people than staying here and doing my makeup.”

—as told to ITG

Anya Ziourova photographed by Tom Newton. Read Anya's Top Shelf here.