Grammy award-winning artist Victoria Monét shares her intimate relationship with makeup, revealing the products that have shaped her style and the inspirations behind her looks. From childhood memories to professional routines, Monét delves into the transformative power of beauty and how it has influenced her life and career. In this exclusive interview, she discusses her favorite cosmetics, skincare habits, and the significance of makeup in her personal and professional life.

The Roots of Her Makeup Love

Monét’s early experiences with makeup began with simple yet impactful moments. Her first encounter with cosmetics involved using her mother’s red lipstick as a blush, an unconventional method that sparked her curiosity at a young age. As she grew older, lip gloss became her go-to product, symbolizing a natural enhancement of her features. MAC Cosmetics played a significant role during her teenage years, captivating her with their innovative lip products and stylish packaging.

This journey started with a desire to emulate the confidence and elegance she observed in her mother. During her youth, Monété admired her mom’s dedication to self-care and beauty routines, which instilled in her the importance of feeling good about oneself. These early influences laid the foundation for her evolving makeup preferences and techniques. The emphasis on enhancing natural beauty with minimal products like lip gloss and rosy cheeks reflects a philosophy that remains central to her approach to makeup today.

Professional Preferences and Daily Essentials

In her professional life, Monét relies on a mix of high-performance products to maintain her signature look. For daily wear, she prefers a no-primer approach, relying on skincare as a base. However, when getting glam done, primer is essential for longevity and smooth application. Brow pencils from Anastasia Beverly Hills are among her must-haves, along with various lip balms and oils. Sephora’s convenient delivery service via Instacart has become both a blessing and a challenge for her shopping habits.

Her skin type, characterized by a normal complexion with an oily T-zone, requires specific attention. Products like One/Size primer and Milk of Magnesia help control shine during performances. Foundations from NARS Cosmetics and Pat McGrath Labs provide the perfect coverage, while Fenty Beauty offers spot treatments that match her skin tone. Blush and highlighters add a radiant glow, with Fenty Beauty’s cheek treatments being a favorite. Eyeliner and eyeshadow choices vary between dramatic cat eyes for stage appearances and more natural, contoured looks for everyday outings. Setting sprays and powders ensure her makeup withstands any environment, while occasional jaguar-inspired designs pay homage to her musical persona.