Issa Rae Doesn't Care If You Criticize Her Look
Her show may be called Insecure, but writer, actress and all-around badass Issa Rae is anything but. And these bold summer beauty looks? Equally boss. Here's Issa on everything from blocking out the haters to what it was like becoming the face of CoverGirl.
Why confidence is a continuum:
“Confidence comes from knowing your shit is good. I’m for sure confident when it comes to work and trying to fulfill my dreams. Socially, the confidence has teetered, but that’s growing as I’m coming into who I am.”
“This look makes me feel mysterious and sensual,” says Issa. Feel just as fierce by rimming your lids with an oceanliner (like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in "Deep End," $20). A creamy formula makes blending up to your creases a breeze.
How she doesn't hear the haters:
“There comes a point when you have to block it out but remain humble-that’s the balance I’m trying to navigate.”
Why appearances are personal:
“I’m going to look how I want to look-it’s going to be on my own terms. If people criticize my look, it really does not matter to me. It’s about how I feel.”
“When I wear bright colors like this, people tend to be more conversational, like ‘Oh, this girl is cool to talk to,’” says Issa. To rock raspberry all over, sweep Make Up For Ever Artist Color Shadow in "M-820," $17, on lids (tops only-red along lower lash lines can make you look tired), and coat lips with Covergirl Exhibitionist Lipstick in "Temptress Rose," $10. Then go mingle.
On that season two glow-up:
“I thrive off fresh starts. I will do a cleanse or diet-I need a reset button. So seeing myself on TV for a season was an excuse to be like ‘I want to lose a couple of pounds.’ I want to look my best, be my best, and feel my best.”
Becoming the face of CoverGirl was...
“Kind of surreal. Like, ‘Wow, y’all are choosing me?’ It was for the little girl in me who never thought that this would be possible. There’s power in representation. There’s affirmation in representation.”
Some days you want to do the least, not the most. “A cat eye says, ‘I’m putting in effort,’ and it doesn’t matter what else I’m wearing,” says Issa. A liquid liner with a wheel-like applicator (it looks like a mini pizza cutter), such as Covergirl Perfect Slice Liquid Precision Eyeliner, $8, makes the look even more effortless. For a perfectly smooth line, use one finger from your opposite hand to lift the eye gently, creating a taut canvas. Intimidated by liquid liner? Trace the shape with a pencil first.
How she wants women of color to be seen onscreen:
“I prioritize making darkskinned women desirable. You don’t see a lot of dark-skin representation. That’s been overlooked. Also, seeing them as beautiful, in addition to desirable, which are two very different things.”
For nights you’re tempted to trade in your friend plans for your couch, pop on a metallic lip. “It puts me in a life-of-the-party mood, even if I don’t feel that way inside,” says Issa. Stumped on shades? Rose gold is flattering for all (Issa’s wearing Covergirl Exhibitionist Lipstick in "Call Me," $10, gunmetal looks great on cool undertones, and bronze is hot on warm complexions.
Why body lotion is life:
“I have dry skin. My friends will be like ‘Girl, did you actually put on some lotion?’ My favorite one is called Kiss My Ash from Naturals by Gina B. It smells so good.”
Remember that ’90s-movie makeover cliché of ditching the glasses? We’re calling BS on that in 2018. “I feel most myself when I’m wearing glasses,” says Issa. Heighten your frames’ impact with lush lashes. Fake them by applying lash fibers-tiny synthetic filaments that add bulk and length (try Lanc?me Big Lashes Extension Fibers, $12)-in between coats of your go-to mascara.
Stylist: Jason Rembert
For more of Issa, pick up the July 2018 issue on newsstands June 5, or click here to subscribe to the digital edition!
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