Dua Lipa It’s one of those perfect mixes that arise from time to time in life because they are full of contradictions, of real truths, and they are not afraid to show them even if they run the risk of ‘be judged for it.
It is about this woman born in London 29 years ago, to Kosovo Albanian parents who took refuge in the British capital during the war in former Yugoslavia, fleeing violence, horror and pain. An aspect that has always marked Dua Lipa in her way of approaching life and fame: fighting to be free.
Quizás por eso, la cantante ha sido elegida Embajadora Global de Maquillaje de YSL Beauty, una de las marcas que lleva en her ADN desde su birth apuesta por la libertad de la femme en cada momento, en cada prize de ropa, en cada lipstick.
Dua Lipa receives EL ESPAÑOL in New York with tight black leather pants and a semi-transparent t-shirt. It’s big but close. He smiles curiously, introduces himself simply as “Dua” and waits to see what we want to know. She is more willing to speak, to give her opinion on various subjects than those around her. She’s not afraid, she’s a free woman with some pretty strong opinions on what empowerment is, what beauty is, and how far she’s willing to go.
Dua Lipa, putting on makeup.
QUESTION.- You are the new ambassador for YSL Beauty, what message do you want to send with this new challenge?
ANSWER.- I believe beauty is subjective. I really appreciate uniqueness, being unique, because beauty is constantly evolving. What I love about YSL Beatuy, and that’s why we’ve had such a long relationship, is that I love the duality of super feminine and masculine; being able to do what feels good at all times. I identify with this because there are days when I want to be more feminine and others when I feel more androgynous. This kind of duality is important even in makeup, because you can do less, if you want, and it feels good, and other times you can step it up and get glamorous. Makeup makes these changes fun.
Q.- What message does a woman’s makeup convey?
A.- When a woman feels good, we notice it. Her makeup is amazing, her clothes are stunning…there’s a feeling of confidence. For me, makeup really makes me feel empowered and I love the way I put on lipstick and feel like myself. Without a doubt, makeup is a way to express yourself and show your style in a different way.
Q.- You are also the image of Libre, the perfume of YSL, what does freedom mean to you?
A.- Freedom is being able to live your own life, to live unapologetically and to do things you are proud of without listening to the opinions of others. It’s freedom for me. Most important.
Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
The British singer declares herself a fan of our country and Spain returns the favor. Social media went wild when it was announced that he would be headlining the next crazy cool in Madrid and she couldn’t feel happier. But if you ask him what attracts him to Spain, besides the food, it will be clear.
Q.- You are a great admirer of Pedro Almodóvar…
A.- Yes and I would love to be an Almodovar girl one day.
Q.- What is your favorite Almodóvar film?
A.- It’s hard to say one… Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown And Distant heels. this enchants me too trembling fleshin which Penelope appears [Cruz] very young, with Javier Bardem’s mother and Javier Bardem himself. These are my favorites although I love them too I spoke with her.
Q.- What do you like about these films?
A.- These are films that greatly empower women, which make them be themselves, without apologizing. Almodóvar’s work always has female protagonists, they are absolute stars, so strong, so themselves… who talk about how much Pedro loves women in the way he presents them, his stories, with many nuances. It’s funny, but also moving and dramatic. It gives women lots of layers and I love it.
Q.- In your latest work, “Houdini”, you appear and disappear in the video by magic. What would Dua Lipa like to escape?
A.- To be honest, when I think of Houdini, I don’t necessarily think of it as an escape in a negative way. I have learned so much about myself that I know what is good for me and what is not. I’m still learning, but I’m at a point where if I see something that doesn’t align with who I am or what I believe, then I walk away. This is where you have to take sides and bring out Houdini to move away from what is not good for you, from what does not do your heart good.
Q.- What situations are not good for Dua Lipa?
A.- In those where you always have to say yes, you have to learn to set limits. In relationships or friendships, if someone does something that bothers you or if the differences are so huge that they can’t be resolved, you can leave. Over time, you learn to let things go and know what’s really important to hold on to.
Q.- Just when it seems that taboos regarding women and their image are being overcome, social networks introduce an additional burden with filters. Aren’t they sometimes a prison?
A.- Social media gives a very unrealistic idea of what women and people in general are like, what we should look like. This is a downfall for younger generations who only admire virtual people and see this idea of beauty that is not realistic. We need to experience life in real time, have more face-to-face interactions, to understand what we need to focus on.
Q.- You deleted part of your social networks in order to start from scratch. Is this possible for someone in your situation?
A.- It’s been something fun, like a new start, new music, a new album and a new hair color… I know that in these times, no matter what I do, even if I delete all my photos , they will be visible. Internet anyway. In fact, there are still photos published on the networks but I also don’t want to erase everything that happened last year and that happened to me incredible things with which I am still connected… But it’s a new chapter, yes, and a very fun game.
Dua Lipa with the latest YSL lipstick launch.
Dua Lipa never forgets where she comes from, she even flaunts it. The smells of Kosovo, family meals, her grandmother, her memories… and her mother, from whom, she admits, she learned her first lessons in makeup and life.
Q.- When you were little, did you steal your mother’s makeup?
A.- Yes and actually, it was my first experience with makeup. It was just about experimenting with what my mom had up her sleeve and trying different things.
Q.- What did you like most about her toiletry bag?
A.- She always lined her eyes in an incredible way in front of the mirror. It was very good and I was trying to do the same thing but it didn’t fit very well. Now I have calibrated it better. Also, this love I had for lipstick and putting it on my cheeks is something I love doing.
Q.- What makeup product do you always carry in your bag?
A.- The lipstick. And I don’t just wear one, I probably have seven now. I’m obsessed with lipstick. If I didn’t wear makeup, I would put on lipstick and feel ready for anything.
Q.- What is your favorite lipstick color? What does this color represent for you?
A.- The one I’m currently wearing is my favorite, Loveshine 15. I like the nude and browner tones. This is the color I have painted myself with since I was young because I feel it highlights my eyes and I feel very comfortable with it.
Q.- Do you never wear lipstick?
A.- Sometimes, but red lips don’t look good on me. I look like Snow White [jajaja].
Q.- Do you prefer discreet makeup or clearly visible makeup?
A.- It depends. When I’m on a red carpet, I love glamor and trying new looks. But in my day, I prefer something simple. I always wear lipstick and most of the time mascara and I leave the house very quickly. Both of these touches are easy and I like to arrive on time, so they are perfect.
Q.- Are you a 28-step woman who loves to clean and take care of your face, or are you a “less is more” type?
A.- When it comes to cleanliness, I’m the type to take off my makeup, wash my face, and take care of my skin with tons of things. I like to do everything I can to keep my skin really clean and hydrated. And when I put on makeup I also have my steps, I know exactly in what order I have to do it.
Q.- What values have marked your development in music?
A.- Family and friends, but above all the curiosity I have for everything. It is important to always maintain it because it teaches you a lot about life. And then this is reflected in my music where you feel that I am thirsty for new experiences because, whether they are good or bad, they are always a lesson.
Q.- What’s on your iPod now?
A.- What I listen to the most is Bon Iver, Primal Scream and Tame Impala.