MAKE IT REIGN
At 26, she’s the most-streamed female artist on Spotify, with more than 10 million albums sold, 13 number one singles, and seven Grammy awards. And that’s just the music. With her new Viva Glam collection for M.A.C, everything Rihanna touches turns platinum.
Before meeting Rihanna, I procure the following: a rare tube of RiRi Woo—the megastar’s 2013 fire-engine red lipstick for M.A.C—and a pair of six-inch python pumps from ELLE’s fashion closet. My effort pays off: “Those shoes are killing it,” she says, eyeing my borrowed gear. “They’re sick. I keep looking at them.” From the fall runways to Twitter feeds worldwide, Rihanna’s influence is impossible to ignore, and her fans now have access to that magnetism via her frosty new M.A.C Viva Glam collection.
“It’s for rock stars,” she says. “People who like to have fun.”
You’ve topped every “world’s sexiest woman” list. Who do you think should get the title?
Penélope Cruz is the shit. If I could wake up and look like her tomorrow, that would be great. Mia Wallace [Uma Thurman’s Pulp Fiction character] is gangsta. She’s epic. I’m going to do that bob again. Those bangs.
Who is the sexiest man?
Vince Vaughn. He’s amazing. Fantastic.
Do you have any words to live by?
“Avoid obviousness.” That is a quote by Leonardo DiCaprio. That’s what makes you create something, that’s the excitement, that’s the thrill.
What’s the best part about working with Viva Glam?
The fact that every penny spent goes to the M.A.C AIDS fund: All of it helps save the lives of people who are affected by HIV and AIDS.
You’re known for your flawless skin. Do you ever have a bad-face day?
Yeah, right! Please keep telling people that! The morning of the Chanel couture show last year, I was so jetlagged that I really didn’t sleep, and I had some wine the night before. I was like, “Oh my God, I look old as shit! Who is this person?”
What’s your quick fix?
When I feel like my skin has had it, I cut all the alcohol completely and overdo the water.
Let’s say drinking water isn’t enough.
Mix moisturizer and a drop of foundation. That, some mascara, lipstick, and you’re good. And fix those brows.
How do you protect your skin at the beach?
I love going home and being reckless with the sun, but I notice now that under my eyes starts to get tan. I hate that! I have to put extra sunscreen there.
Do you have a favorite product?
Lipstick. It draws attention away from any flaws. When someone is wearing lipstick, you just assume they’re wearing a full face of makeup. And guys are stupid—they won’t notice when you’re not.
Julie Schott for ELLE US – Rewritten by Rihanna-Fenty.Com – credit if use.