‘Don’t have Cartier’: Model mocked for sharing ‘real’ life in Dubai

An expat working as a model in Dubai wanted to be “real” with TikTok about her life – but her post didn’t go down as she’d hoped.

A Russian expat living in Dubai has been criticised for sharing the “real” side of her life living in the luxurious city.

Anna, who documents her “life as a modest model” on TikTok as @magentablond, shared a video this month captioned: “Welcome to side of tt [TikTok] where we don’t shy to be real”.

She wanted to show another side of living in Dubai that wasn’t the extreme luxury seen in videos posted all over the social media platform – but it didn’t go down well with everyone.

“I live in Dubai 2 years and I’m not afraid to say that …” the TikToker began.

The 26-year-old shared she sometimes uses the Dubai Metro rail system, can’t afford to eat at restaurants and coffee shops everyday, doesn’t use Dyson products to do her hair and doesn’t go to beauty salons.

“I do everything at home by myself,” she said.

Anna is a ‘modest model’ in Dubai. Picture: Instagram / @magentablond

The Russian-born expat said she wanted to show a side of Dubai that isn’t seen on TikTok. Picture: Instagram / @magentablond

Her list also included the fact she doesn’t own a Cartier bracelet and she has to work to maintain her life in Dubai.

The video has been viewed 1.2 million times.

Some said Anna’s take was “refreshing”, “relatable” and “honest”.

“Thank god somebody that shows a slightly more realistic version of life rather than pretending that everyone has millions in this city,” wrote one person.

“Oh thanks for being real we are so done with fake rich Tiktokers,” said another.

The 26-year-old said she sometimes uses the Metro. Picture: TikTok / @magentablond

And doesn’t have a Cartier bracelet. Picture: TikTok / @magentablond

But others were a lot less enthusiastic about the “real” look at her life.

“Welcome to our normal life,” one person wrote.

“I am Emirati woman and I have to work as well, that’s normal,” shared another.

“You’re so brave. ️Thank you for sharing this must’ve been so hard for you,” another wrote sarcastically.

“This is just reality,” someone else said.

“Is there anything we could help with or donate??? It may be so hard to live like this and not having a Dyson,” penned a fourth.

One TikTok user pointed out she still had a Louis Vuitton bag, which Anna clarified it was just for a photo shoot.

As for the money she spends on cosmetic injections, Anna said she gets lip filler done once a year.