Shakira Reveals Insecurity Led Her to Use More Makeup in Her Younger Years
By Website Content Manager
In a recent interview centered on beauty, the pop icon shared that she faced self-esteem issues at the beginning of her career.
Shakira has long been her own makeup artist, but in her younger years, she tended to apply it more heavily.
In a recent conversation with Allure reflecting on her past beauty looks, the 48-year-old singer opened up about how, despite being admired for her appearance in the early 2000s, she was battling low self-esteem during her rise to fame.
The interview, part of a “Beauty Then & Now” feature promoting her new haircare brand, Isima, included a moment where Shakira revisited a photo of herself from the inaugural Latin Grammy Awards in 2000. Her look at the time featured dramatic eye makeup, bright pink blush, and the signature glossy lips of the Y2K era.
“I used to spend even more time getting ready when I was younger,” she shared. “I think it was a mix of inexperience and insecurity that led me to wear so much makeup and focus so much on my appearance.”
“And now,” she noted, “I feel a bit more self-assured.”
Although Shakira’s makeup routine — and confidence — has evolved over time, she has almost always maintained full control over her beauty looks.
As she explained in her interview with Allure, the singer is typically the one doing her own makeup. “There have been only a few occasions where I’ve let someone else do it,” she said, emphasizing how rare that is.
These days, she embraces a more minimalist beauty style, especially in her music videos and stage performances. Whenever she’s in the spotlight, she prefers to keep her look natural.
“When I’m performing, I have to feel authentic,” she said. “I can’t wear wigs or super high heels. I need to move freely, and my appearance has to match that.”
Over the years, she’s figured out what suits her best — including her go-to mascara, L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original, which she’s been loyal to for nearly 20 years. “For me, it’s the best one,” she told the magazine.
Her approach to hair, however, has gone through a bigger transformation. In the same interview, the “Whenever, Wherever” hitmaker reflected on her hair’s evolution — crediting healthier products and less bleaching for the improvement. Looking back at a 2002 photo from a performance at Madison Square Garden, she joked about her damaged locks, saying, “too much bleach,” before sticking out her tongue.
In addition to launching her new haircare brand — which includes playful names like “Curls Don’t Lie” — Shakira is also currently on her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, kicking it off in signature style with dazzling outfits and her own carefully crafted glam.