Marina and the Diamonds Talks Beauty Icons, and Must-Have Makeup
The latest album, “FROOT,” from Marina and the Diamonds. (Photo: Marina and the Diamonds.)
Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, a.k.a. Marina and the Diamonds, is bringing her killer style to the Governors Ball stage this weekend. Her third album, “FROOT,” debuted Top 10 on Billboard last month and is becoming an international hit (check out her awesome video below if you haven’t already). Yahoo Beauty got the scoop on her album, how she preps and unwinds on tour, and her makeup tricks and tips.
Yahoo Beauty: Have you always had such a strong sense of style and identity?
Marina Diamandis: Yes, when I was about 14, I started shopping for things myself and also making alternations and trying to make clothes. My style has definitely become better as I’ve gotten older. I accessorize way less and I don’t try to do three looks in one go. My beauty look now is ‘50s eyeliner with eyeliner in the waterline, and then a big red lip—that’s my signature.
Do you have a go-to red lipstick?
I do, I found it here its actually in Sephora’s Matte Cream Lip Stain ($13). It really doesn’t come off, which as a singer that’s the only one I’ve found that was completely fail-safe
For liner do you use liquid or a pencil?
Yep, liquid. I really like how Alexa Chung’s Eyeko liner goes on, so that’s been my favorite but Bobbi Brown gel liner ($25) is quite nice as well.
You’re performing at Governors Ball. How does your makeup vary on stage versus a photo shoot or a music video?
When performing, I try and do a lot less in terms of coverage, because of sweat—you don’t want to cake your skin in makeup. With photography and video shoots you have to have a really good coverage. It’s not a major difference, but I think with video shoots it is more of an opportunity to experiment with something new that might not look great in real life. In the last video we did this bright day-glow coral pink eyeliner and it looked amazing in the video but in real life it’s not so great.
Do you have any secret weapons to prevent sweating on stage?
I don’t know if you can avoid sweating, but Make Up For Ever has a waterproof foundation called Face & Body ($40) that’s really good.
What about a must-have product on the road?
I like Simple makeup wipes ($5). When I get on the plane I take everything off and then put argan oil on my skin.
And which products do you keep with you at all times?
I always have Laura Mercier nude lip liner ($23) for whenI want a more natural look and then add a little lip balm for definition. And Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick ($28)—it’s like full coverage right where you need it. Concealer and a lippy.
Any other beauty secrets?
I use coconut oil for everything. I know it is everywhere right now, but since 2012 I started using it in cooking and then I started using it on my face and hair. And I was like, ‘Sh*t this is a miracle! It is like a magic cream!’ And now it is everywhere, but it really is amazing. Definitely my go-to.
Now Boots has come to the US at Walgreens and Duane Reade. Did you go to Boots all the time growing up?
Yes, it was in my tiny town in South Wells. So it really tickles me see the Boots logo in America because I grew up with it. Boots No. 7 is amazing.
I love going into the Boots stores whenever I am in London.
Do you?
Yeah I always am on the hunt thinking, “What do they have that we don’t have?”
That’s how I am the CVS pharmacy.
Really?
Yeah, as soon as I get into town I’ll go, even if its 10pm.
What’s your favorite drugstore find in the States?
I used to get so many false eyelashes, but now I am not doing that so it would probably be nail varnish—you have really bright, amazing colors so I always get those.
Who are your beauty icons? Are they British or American?
They’re a mix! Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and my mom. I suppose in the modern world, I really like Angelina Jolie. She is undeniably beautiful. For musicians, I always loved Gwen Stefani, Madonna, and Shirley Manson from Garbage. She always looked really cool.
“Gold” is the sixth track on Marina and the Diamonds’ album, “FROOT.” (Photo: Marina and the Diamonds)
How is your new album different from your previous work?
The last record was very contemporary—fun pop, and electronic. This one is a lot more live, with more guitars on it. It is a quite shift in direction!
What are you listening to right now?
I really love, Shamir’s song called “On the Regular.” There’s a duo called Broods, one of my friends Tove Lo, who I am sure you’ve heard of.
Who would you love to perform with?
I love Röyksopp. And Shirley Manson because she’s so awesome, and she’s such a nice person.
What do you do to unwind after concerts and festivals and need to decompress?
I haven’t got it quite figured out yet. Doing meditation or just sitting still for 20 minutes and focusing on breathing exercises—it’s very similar to singing. And also going on a bike ride. Disconnected from my phone and the Internet.
Check out Marina and the Diamonds “FROOT” below:
Disclaimer: Bobbi Brown is the editor in chief of Yahoo Beauty.
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