Get Glammed Up With Maya's Beauty Faves!

Head Shot Photo Credit: Seth Kushner / Makeup: Lasonya Gunther

A self-described fan of bohemian-couture, the soulful songstress, Maya Azucena is the real deal in my book. As a performer who tours the world over, Maya knows the importance of looking her best on stage and in pictures as evidenced in this Billie Holiday-esque shot.

In a recent interview with Maya, she clued me in on what some of her fave beauty products are. In fact, you could use some of these very products to help create the look you see here. Just have a look-see at these steps:

Step 1: Use a foundation that gives you good coverage. Maya won’t be caught dead without her M·A·C ‘Studio Fix’ Powder Plus Foundation ($26, nordstrom.com). In her words, “I use MAC makeup almost exclusively. Their eye makeup has held up the best out of the many I’ve tried, especially when it comes to lasting throughout a concert or a long event.” With MAC’s Studio Fix, you get a flawless complexion with a one-step application of foundation and powder.

Maya says that the most important part of her makeup is the eyes.  “MAC’s color choices are wonderful and stay vibrant even if I perspire during a show.”

Step 2: To get these mesmerizing eyes, use MAC’s Spring Color Forecast Eyeshadow ($36, nordstrom.com). This quad compact has all of the colors you need to get eyes that make a statement. Apply the second lightest shade all over your entire eyelid as a base. Next, use the lightest shade on the brow bone to accentuate the shape of your brow. Next, apply the the third darkest shade into the crease of your eye and blend back and forth with your brush. And lastly, with a flat eyeshadow brush, line your eyes with the darkest and blend.

Without the perfect mascara, you’re mesmerizing eye makeup is hardly complete. One of Maya’s makeup bag essentials is L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara ($7.25, drugstore.com).

Step 3: Get a great application of mascara every time. Pull the wand out of the tube. Place the brush at the base of your lashes and vibrate the brush from left to right. You lengthen your lashes while removing clumps at the same time. Repeat steps on the top side of your lashes.

Step 4: I threw one of my picks into the mix. To give the apple of your cheeks that perfect glow, I’d use Estée Lauder’s ‘Bronze Goddess’ Bronzing Blush ($35, nordstrom.com). This gel bronzer blush has serious staying power.

Step 5: Since Maya says she’s pretty “flexible when it comes lip gloss and lipsticks,” I chose Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss, Legend - ($26, barneys.com) to wrap up this look - no lipliner necessary. I love the unconventional packaging that makes carrying this gloss in your clutch or jean pockets a breeze. No bulge here.

This seasoned performer has learned a thing or two over the years about what makeup looks do and don’t work for her. Her advice to you is “not be afraid of your complexion - you’re beautiful with the attributes you were born with, just learn how to  work with it!” I couldn’t have said it any better.

Besides sharing the contents of her makeup bag with us, Maya’s got many other projects she’s working on…
 
“I just did a couple of very cool projects, including producing a show as part of the Sounds Like Brooklyn festival named “Dance For Brooklyn with Maya Azucena.” The show incorporated three dance troupes (Tap, Modern-Classical, and Afro beat freestyle) into my concert. The energy was ridiculous. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke who represents Brooklyn, flew up from DC to speak at my event. I also did an amazing photo shoot a week ago with the talented photographer Heather Swanson, nearly nude, with 300 silk butterflies around me. The makeup artist, Rachel Fitzgerald, did a subtle yet artistic job that looks fresh, young and unique. Looking forward, I am finishing up my new CD, CRY LOVE, and hope to have the project released by this Summer. In the meantime, the music video for my advance single, “Get It Together,” is in rotation on Centric and BET. (vimeo.com). I shot another music video for a song named “Love Is Love” that’ll be on a mix CD with indie-rapper, Mazzi.  “Love Is Love” should be on television within a month or so. Keep in touch with me by visiting my website: www.MayaAzucena.com.”

To see how Maya keeps her skin and hair looking amazing check in later for future entries!

 Hue Knew It? I did.

 

Disclaimer: Some of the products mentioned in this entry have been provided by public relations agencies.