Sexy snaps behind Martha Kalifatidis’ soaring success

The red wine-spilling MAFS star has transformed herself into one of Instagram’s most bankable beauty and lifestyle influencers — here’s how she did it.

For Martha Kalifatidis, the differences between 2019 and 2021 couldn’t be more stark.

Two years ago the Sydney make-up artist made headlines for her red wine spilling antics on Married At First Sight.

Martha’s role on the show was so controversial she was reportedly forced to go into hiding when the finale aired.

But fast forward to today and Martha is celebrating her real life engagement to MAFS “husband” Michael Brunelli, with the couple one of only a handful of matches to make it past the reality show.

Martha posted a series of revealing photos of her and Michael to Instagram from their holiday in Mexico. Picture: Instagram/@marthaa_k

She’s also one of Instagram’s most bankable beauty and fashion influencers, signing a five-figure deal with mega retailer Pretty Little Thing in November.

Martha ended the year with a lavish overseas holiday in the US and Mexico with fiance Michael.

As their trip winded down, Martha shared a series of racy snaps of her and Michael in their hotel room bed, prompting one follower to joke: “I think I fell pregnant just looking at these.”

It’s the kind of envelope-pushing content that has made the former reality star so popular with brands — and more importantly, her fans.

Martha embraced the upside-down bikini trend. Picture: Instagram/@marthaa_k

The MAFS star is known for embracing some of the raciest fashion trends out there and in January posted a selfie of her in a skimpy triangle bikini from Sommer Swim on Instagram.

Martha wore the bikini top upside-down, exposing her underboob in a style loved by US celebs like Kourtney Kardashian and Kylie Jenner.

But Martha isn’t afraid to show even more skin, even when it comes to branded content, and shared a topless selfie promoting cult moisturiser Bangn Body in February.

In a video posted to her Instagram story in October Martha also appeared topless demonstrating how to use boob tape to promote brand Hold.

She posted topless to promote moisturiser Bangn Body. Picture: Instagram/@marthaa_k

In the hours after posting the Aussie brand said it had seen a massive spike in customer interest.

“When she posted we saw over $15,000 in sales,” Hold founder Mathieu Mariole told news.com.au less than 24 hours after the video went live.

“We were overwhelmed with the support. It is so exciting to know our product will help so many, especially now that everyone is heading out again.”

Mr Mariole said Martha had been the “ideal” spokesperson for the brand as she was “so comfortable with her body”.

“We love that Martha is so confident as that embodies everything that we are and what we want our customers to feel,” he said.

Martha also earned boob tape brand Hold $15,000 in mere hours. Picture: Instagram/@marthaa_k

Martha revealed in July that her work and lockdown has seen her put on weight — a refreshing admission amid Instagram’s picture perfect influencers.

“I think part of it is getting older and metabolism changes,” she said on her Instagram Story, according to Daily Mail Australia.

“But for the most part my job requires me to be stationary! I spend most of my waking hours staring into a screen.

“If I’m not making content, I’m editing it. Also the hours I work are actually gross and I have no balance … but I’m working on it.”

But in September Martha had been able to make healthy changes and lose weight thanks to Michael’s 30-day fitness program Tru Fit.

Martha has also been open about her weight changes due to lockdown. Picture: Instagram/@marthaa_k

“Go to bed early – nothing productive happens after 9.30pm,” Martha wrote on Instagram.

“Wake up at sunrise – for your hormones and mental health, 30 min a day exercise and 10,000 steps.”

In November it was revealed Martha had signed an ambassador deal with PrettyLittleThing reportedly worth five figures.

Announcing her new role, Martha credited Michael for landing the deal and cheekily warned him to prepare for a gruelling six months of work ahead.

“Can we hear it for @mbrunelli who will be taking photos of my ‘fits for the next 6 months,” she wrote on an Instagram Stories post.

“I’m pretty shameless if you can’t tell and poor bruiser dies inside. We love a supportive man.”

In December Martha and Michael announced their engagement. Picture: Instagram/@marthaa_k

Martha ended the year with news fans of the MAFS couple had waited years to hear: Michael had popped the question with a stunning emerald-cut diamond ring that sat horizontally.

In a joint Instagram post after announcing her engagement, Martha and Michael thanked fans for sticking with them “through the hate, the rumours, the trolls and of course the good times”.

You’ve laughed with us and lived through our down moments, you’ve pushed us to do more and you’ve kept us accountable when needed,” they wrote.

“A lot of you have defended us online, and we do secretly see it, with some of the most savage clapbacks to the trolls!!”

“We love having a laugh with you in our comments and DMs and consider so many of you our virtual friends.”