Lizzo’s Iconic Makeup Artist Alexx Mayo Shares His Beauty Secrets for the Star’s Boldest Looks
No one has consistently wowed us with bold, unforgettable and ever-changing makeup looks quite like Lizzo on her Special Tour, and Alexx Mayo is the genius behind it all.
He's the makeup artist responsible for developing different makeup looks every night for the star while she's on tour—and one of the reasons each new makeup creation takes over our social media feeds after each and every show. Her glamorous lashes are also reliably on point with a little help from fabulous lash sponsor Ardell Beauty. The tour is currently on a break before the next North American leg begins on April 21, and we were able to catch up with Alexx to learn all about his rapport with Lizzo, his favorite makeup techniques and how lashes truly tie all of Lizzo's looks together. Read our full interview below.
Sweety High: What's your history as a makeup artist? How did you get to where you are today, working with some of the world's biggest stars?
Alexx Mayo: I started my career in retail and developed my clientele from the counter. I slowly started working with photographers and really networked with other creatives and began shooting with magazines which then connected me to models and celebrities.
SH: How did you start working with Lizzo? What do you think it is about your approach and technique that has made you her go-to guy?
AM: I was referred to Lizzo by a friend for the "Water Me" music video. From the second we met each other, we started chatting as if we had known each other for years. I think I have been able to show her so many possibilities with her look that it never gets tiring. We always just have fun and play, and I think our energy really produces some really great looks.
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SH: What's the most exciting part about whipping up a different makeup look for Lizzo on every night of her tour? What's the most challenging part?
AM: The most exciting part of doing something different each night is being able to express myself creatively and to have someone know how to rock the look we are going for. The most challenging part is having enough time to do what I want to do!
SH: Is there one essential product or technique that's used in every one of Lizzo's looks?
AM: Lashes are essential to every look we do, and I'm thankful to have so many different styles from Ardell Beauty that we can go as natural or as dramatic as we want.
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SH: Can you talk about how you incorporate Ardell Lashes into Lizzo's looks? How do their different options make it easy to keep developing new styles for her without feeling repetitive?
AM: Sometimes the look really doesn't come together until you have the perfect lash. There are so many styles to choose from that help accentuate an eye look or shape and always make her feel more expressive and powerful. My favorite lash style to use is Ardell Wispies 700 because they give you fullness and length without being overwhelming.
SH: Do you have one favorite Lizzo look from the tour so far?
AM: It's so hard to choose! But I would say seeing her reaction and the way she felt was the baby blue look we did in Antwerp, Belgium!
SH: What's your No. 1 makeup tip for the makeup lovers out there?
AM: Don't be afraid to play and experiment. It's just makeup that can always be removed.
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SH: Is there anything you can tease about what's coming up on the tour?
AM: So many looks, so little time! I can tell you that we will definitely keep playing with color in new ways and having fun in the process.
Can't wait to see all of the bold makeup looks at Coachella? Click HERE to find out what to expect, according to MUA Charlie Riddle.