Martina Šmuková, the first winner of the prestigious Elite Model Look competition in 1992, is among the women who have managed to combine success in the beauty industry with deep philanthropy. As a former board member of the Krtek Pediatric Oncology Foundation and the founder of the Pink Bubble Foundation, which has been supporting young people with cancer for over a decade, she demonstrates that kindness and courage go hand in hand. Martina took the time to talk about her partnership with Reclar, share beauty tips, and reveal what drives her charitable efforts.
1. Martina, you’re an ambassador for the Reclar brand, particularly the Re-Merge product. What attracted you to Re-Merge, and why did you decide to become its ambassador?
I’m very cautious with these things. When I associate my name with a brand, it’s usually one I’ve tried, trust, and genuinely love. That was the case with Re-Merge. Before agreeing, I used it for several weeks. It aligned with my approach to self-care, complementing my usual products and routines while elevating them to a professional level with cutting-edge Korean technology. At the same time, it’s simple to use—nothing complicated.
When Reclar co-owner Alena Diva proposed a generous initiative to support the Pink Bubble Foundation, everything came together beautifully.
2. What does your usual skincare routine look like? Do you have any beauty tips or product recommendations for achieving beautiful and healthy skin?
For me, the golden rule is simple: get good sleep. When I wake up, I take a cold shower and drink a glass of warm water with lemon. For cosmetics, I’ve been loyal to the Sisley brand for quite some time. I used to think such luxury was unnecessary, but after three years of daily use, I can see the difference in the mirror.
I believe in long-term care, not just for external appearance. I strive for a balanced lifestyle as much as possible. It’s not perfect—none of us are—but I’ve found that even small, regular steps make a visible difference. I drink quality collagen from the Czech brand Neobotanics, which I also enjoy, and I swear by WeCare’s strengthening drinks.
3. What would you recommend to people who want to improve their skin but have little time for a daily routine? Is there a quick and effective trick?
The quickest trick might be makeup, but there are instant solutions for skin too. One recent discovery of mine is the Re-Merge device. Ideally, take 10 minutes in the evening, or even in the morning before work, for a facial massage. It’s worth waking up earlier because the healing light and radiofrequency stimulation awaken and brighten the skin.
By the way, I think we worry too much about wrinkles—they tell our stories. Dull, tired skin ages us more. When skin is radiant, we appear healthier and more youthful.
But honestly, beauty is more than skin deep. It’s vital to care for your soul as well. Every woman can be beautiful if she exudes positive energy. That begins with allowing ourselves peace, reflecting on our thoughts, forgiving imperfections, thanking ourselves for all we handle, and being kind to ourselves. Only then does makeup come into play. Highlight what you love about your face, and you’ll draw attention away from imperfections—most of which only you notice ☺.
4. Your collaboration with Reclar also has a charitable aspect. A portion of every purchase with the PINKBUBBLE code goes to the Pink Bubble Foundation, which you founded. Could you tell us more about what your foundation does?
Pink Bubble supports young people aged 11 to 30 across the Czech Republic who are facing cancer. We aim to let them know they’re not alone in their struggles. We grant wishes to give patients something to look forward to during treatment, provide one-off financial assistance, and create environments where they can share their stories, worries, and encouragement.
Throughout the year, we organize several retreats, fostering lifelong friendships among our “Bubbles,” as we call them. Who else but someone who’s experienced similar challenges can truly understand without explanation? Their humor and joy in life’s little things inspire me endlessly.
5. What inspired you to establish the Pink Bubble Foundation, and what motivates you to help in this way?
When we founded Pink Bubble in 2012, I didn’t know of any organization specifically helping teens and young adults with cancer across diagnoses. My colleague Renáta Výborná and I decided to take the risk. We knew fundraising for teenagers might be challenging, but from our previous work with the Krtek Foundation, we recognized their unique needs. Unlike young children, who rely on their parents, teens understand everything. They might feel ashamed, not want to burden their families, or feel so lost they find it hard to ask for help.
Once our Bubbles find their footing and improve, nothing stops them from reclaiming their joy and normal lives. Their priorities are sorted, and they possess incredible inner strength. We strive to offer them support at the right moment.
6. Besides purchasing products from Reclar’s online store, how can readers support the Pink Bubble Foundation?
Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference. The thought itself—letting patients know a stranger cares and wishes them well—gives them strength.
You can donate to fulfill wishes on our website or purchase lovely items like hoodies, T-shirts, silver angel pendants, or fragrant Christmas candles.
Additionally, like on Reclar’s e-shop, people can support us by buying jewelry from TIAMI featuring pink lab-grown diamonds.
7. Where do you see the Pink Bubble Foundation in the future? Are there plans or projects you’re excited about?
My greatest wish is for the part of our work involving terminal patients to disappear entirely. I look forward to a time when cancer is curable and Pink Bubble focuses solely on helping patients recover and live their dreams.
Currently, we’re placing even greater emphasis on patients’ mental well-being and hope to launch initiatives supporting their next life steps.
8. Is there an inspiring figure who guided you toward charitable work or shaped your worldview?
My parents, who always encouraged kindness, influenced me. But I didn’t have a direct role model.
As an adult, I admire incredible women who were once icons in modeling and are now deeply involved in charity work. For me, Christy Turlington Burns stands out—beautiful, unique, delicate, and strong all at once.
9. Looking back, what do you consider the greatest achievement of your career, whether in charity or the beauty world?
My greatest achievement is bridging these two worlds to give my life purpose. Modeling introduced me to influential and successful people who supported me not just as a model but as a person.
When I shifted my focus to helping children with cancer at 25, many of them supported my first charitable steps and continue to do so today. That means more to me than any Hollywood role, renowned director collaboration, or global travel.
10. Do you have a life motto or quote that inspires you and could motivate others?
Kindness is not weakness but a strength that can move the world.
Support a great cause and bring joy to yourself and others! With the code PINKBUBBLE, you’ll receive a 5% discount on every purchase, and 5% of your purchase value will go to the Pink Bubble Foundation to help young people with cancer. Your self-care will gain a new dimension—caring for those who need it most.
