InStyle (December 2017)

Gwen Stefani’s Red Lips

The singer on her muses and must-haves

WHEN IT COMES TO MAKEUP …

I've always been obsessed. I remember looking at cartoons and animated princesses when I was younger and being intrigued. I'd watch my mom put on her makeup, thinking she was so beautiful. I can't remember not being interested in it.

I GOT INTO RED LIPSTICK WHEN …

My grandma gave me a bunch of colors in my Christmas stocking when I was 18. I tried one on in my car and saw it in the rearview mirror. I remember loving how it made me feel: daring.

MY FAVORITE PRODUCT IS …

Actually, there's no one product I stick to because I genuinely love experimenting with different looks. One of the most important things is something for my lips. I love a bold lip. Today I'm wearing the red shade I wore on my last shoot, Revlon's Super Lustrous in Love That Red. Some days I could do brows and lips and that's it.

A LOOK I NEVER WANT TO REVISIT IS …

Well, the craziest thing that's ever happened to me is probably a chemical cut—when my hair fell out during the Tragic Kingdom tour and I consequently experienced short hair for the first time, and not by choice.

MY BEAUTY ICONS ARE …

Old Hollywood starlets. Growing up in Anaheim, so close to Hollywood, I've always been obsessed with their silver-screen looks. I definitely adapted that into my own from a very young age. I'd plaster posters of Marilyn Monroe on my bedroom walls and spend hours trying to replicate her hair and makeup.

I STAY FIT WITH …

Daily prayer—my spiritual fitness comes first. I'm into running, walking, doing lunges, old-fashioned gym workouts.

THE BEST BEAUTY ADVICE I'VE EVER RECEIVED IS …

That classic tale of how beauty comes from within, which my mom told me. So does creativity. Being creative with makeup is a way to find new confidence. No matter what's going on in my life, makeup is like war paint for the day.