On her earliest encounter with make-up
I discovered make-up when I was really young, watching my mother put it on in the mirror. I was fascinated by her ability to transform herself and become kind of this powerhouse of a human being going out into the world, being a strong working woman. I was really insecure as a child, so watching my mother do that gave me a lot of strength. Then I started to experiment with make-up, and it was a way for me to discover my self-confidence. When I became a musician, I started to really explore the artistry of make-up and that took everything to a whole other level. So I would definitely say my love of make-up has both, like, a family origin, as well as a deep passion for self-expression and artistry.
On her relationship with beauty today
It’s deeper than it’s ever been before because now not only am I still wearing make-up as somebody that loves to wear make-up and to create, but I’m now creating make-up for other people. So I spend a lot of time researching skin health. I do a lot of research on product performance. I learn as much as I can about ingredients and the way that we can innovate. My dream is to continue to be a part of a company that believes in the art of make-up and the science of make-up and it being good for you.
The best beauty advice she’s ever received
It was from my mum. She used to always say, “Just take care of yourself.” I think that that extends far beyond just the way you look. I think it is a part of how we feel, it’s about health and self-care.
On taking care of her skin as she gets older
The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve started to become curious about how you can keep your skin looking as healthy as possible. What I’ve really learnt is that the most damaging thing that you can do from the very beginning is to not wear sunscreen. One of the biggest problems we experience with our skin is inflammation. So it was important to me that when we made complexion products at Haus Labs that we addressed inflammation. So we’ve worked with a lab really closely to formulate a fermented arnica that’s 860 per cent more effective than regular arnica; it reduces redness in the skin. So what’s lovely about our foundation is it’s really good for you. At the same time, we’re not sacrificing the performance or artistry to put a good ingredient inside of it. So these are the ways that we’re starting to push the boundaries, and I’m really excited about where we’re headed.
On the ethos of Haus Labs
Our key principles are: a spirit of art, a spirit of science, and the spirit of kindness. As long as those three things are present, I feel like we are doing the thing that we’ve set out to do. I used to always say, “The world doesn’t necessarily need another beauty brand, but if we can create something that is pushing the boundaries of what it means to make make-up, then it’s worth it.” We want to make make-up for people that love to explore the artist within themselves and see themselves as a canvas. We want to be the supplier of tools, and for those tools to be truly good for you.
On what make-up means to her
To me, make-up is about self-care, self-expression and artistry. But I think that make-up can be anything to anyone. I think that it’s really up to you. There are some people that wear a lot of make-up and it could maybe mean very little to them, and some people that wear a little bit but it means the world to them. I think all of those things are wonderful and all of those things are okay. I have a very close relationship with make-up, but it’s because I’m fascinated with its ability to improve my mental health. I just want to be a part of whatever story the customer is having with make-up. I want to help them with that story.
On finally launching in the UK
It’s a huge honour. I’m so excited to be launching in the UK. I can’t tell you how much amazing make-up I have seen in the UK over the years performing there as a musician, especially from the fans. I have also been inspired working with make-up artists like Val Garland. I remember as a very young girl watching the McQueen shows and seeing the way that make-up went from barely there to high-fashion prosthetics and references to Leigh Bowery. It’s incredible the way the UK has influenced the world in terms of fashion. I love it so much. The Chromatica Ball was very much inspired by the UK and its relationship with art, fashion and make-up.
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga launches exclusively in Sephora Westfield White City and on Sephora.co.uk from 6 June
