CoverGirl and Janelle Monae Unveil Makeup Collaboration
With hundreds of millions of female Star Wars fans, CoverGirl is harnessing spokewoman and singer Janelle Monae and the transformative powers of makeup to allow women to tap into different sides of their personalities — namely their dark side and their light side. Taking cues from the cinematography and special effects of the upcoming film “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” (in theaters December 18) CoverGirl’s global creative design director and makeup legend Pat McGrath created seven stunning beauty looks, which can all be created using the brand’s new limited edition StarWars collection. One of these look’s was created on Monae herself.
“I am one of the biggest Star Wars fans,” Monae tells Yahoo Beauty. She recalls the first time she saw the films. “I was so taken aback by the set design, the costumes, Princess Leia’s hair, Luke [Skywalker] — this person leading and doing good with his influence. When I saw it, it just stuck with me. Throughout all of my work I have a strong science-fiction element, and George Lucas and his wife Mellody [Hobson], they’re mentors to me. I got the chance to talk to him and ask him so many questions, and I’m just so thankful to be a part of this campaign.”
The look McGrath created for Monae is called Resistance Pilot. “Out of the seven characters, she’s the most easy breezy,” says Monae. “She’s daring. For me, I’ve chosen to wear black and white, and every now and again I have a little prestige, a pop of color, and as you can see it’s this bright orange. It’s really good to be inspired by her character and switch it up and take you all by surprise. We have different sides of ourselves, so it’s always great through makeup and through clothing to show off a different side of your personality.”
Makeup artist McGrath is also an avid Star Wars fan, which made this project a thrill. “I love everything about Star Wars,” says McGrath. “Waiting for each film, listening to the rumor mill, the costumes, the makeup, everything. It’s just inspiring.” Creating looks that illustrated the dual sides was a no-brainer for the expert. “I knew what to do. I was really excited…The light side is more about metallics and earth tones. The dark side is all about power, geometry, and working with black and metallics.”
Aside from Monae’s love of cosmetics (she knows how to work a red lip!), the singer is all about girl power, and feels the Star Wars franchise and its strong female characters has done a great job of furthering that message. “It’s always amazing to have more women in leadership powers especially in science fiction and film… We have so many dynamic women in this world and we all deserve a chance to let our light shine.”
The collectable, limited edition CoverGirl collection consists of six lipsticks, three nail polishes, and 10 mascaras adorned with quotes like, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Click through the slideshow to see all seven of CoverGirl’s Star Wars themed looks and the corresponding products, available in mass retailers now for $5 to $8.
Related:
CoverGirl Launching ‘Star Wars’ Makeup Collection with Pat McGrath