Megan Thee Stallion has been sending shockwaves through the industry since the release of Hot Girl Summer in 2019 and then again, this summer, with the now iconic WAP alongside Cardi B. Championing self-love and self-acceptance, Megan’s influence has been felt far and wide. Back in June, the rapper landed herself a campaign for Savage x Fenty and has now been revealed as Revlon’s newest global brand ambassador, following in the footsteps of models Ashley Graham and Adwoa Aboah.
For a young Black woman like myself, this feels momentus, and it seems the internet agrees. In response to the news, tweets range from “I’m so proud of her, this is huge!” to “Wow, I feel seen, go Meg, and thanks Revlon, I’m copping everything.” The importance of women of colour taking up space in industries, which have repeatedly failed us, is paramount. As beauty brands attempt to rectify previous whitewashing in the wake of the recent global Black Lives Matter movement, this feels like an authentic collaboration — especially given Revlon’s history of including Black women in its campaigns when other beauty brands wouldn’t (most notably Naomi Sims in 1970).
“We were drawn to her confidence and fierce ambition as much as her power to hold nothing back,” says Silvia Galfo, Revlon global brand president. “She loves to express herself with make-up and is a constant inspiration to her fans on living boldly.”
A beauty fanatic herself, it was only fitting that Megan did her own make-up for the campaign: smoky blue cut-crease eyeshadow and a killer red lip. Fresh from the campaign launch, we caught up with the singer to discuss skincare tips, inclusivity and her plans for Revlon.
Congratulations on this collaboration with Revlon. How did it come about?
Y’all know how much I love to stay looking cute, trying different things with my make-up, being adventurous. I feel like there’s a lot of things that I’ve got in common with Revlon as a brand and they saw that, too. I’m so happy that I get to be the new global ambassador—Revlon is a brand I’ve loved since [I was] a kid.
What attracted you to collaborate with Revlon?
Revlon is all about living boldly. That means being real to yourself, and having fun while doing it. That sounds like the ‘hot girl’ code to me—I know the hotties feel the same as me, and the Houston Hottie don’t just put her name to anything.
How important is it for you to be part of a brand that creates affordable and inclusive make-up?
I grew up with Revlon products—they were always my go-to. It’s important that products that look fire on every type of person are affordable. Beauty is inside all of us, and it’s only right that everyone can bring that out in themselves, however they choose.
What are your favourite Revlon products?
Right now, Super Lustrous The Lip Gloss is the thing I use to give my lips that hot girl colour every time. Then I use [Super Lustrous The Lip Gloss] Crystal Clear shade if I want to keep it natural and cute.
Can you share any inside scoops about future launches with the brand?
Damn, you’re really trying to get secrets out of a girl, huh? I kept this whole thing quiet for too long to start letting the cat out the bag now. Just know there’s going to be a whole lot of real hot-girl shit, and I know you’ll love it. When have I ever disappointed y’all?
Growing up, what was your relationship like with make-up, and what is it now?
I’ve always loved doing my make-up, it allows me to be creative. That’s never changed.
How important do you think it is for Black women to create space in the beauty industry?
One of the earliest things I remember about the Revlon brand is that it featured women of colour consistently in its campaigns. In the 1990s, that wasn’t too common. So coming up, I’ve always had respect for [Revlon] for holding that space for Black women. Moving forward, it’s important for all involved in the beauty industry to hold space for everyone.
Do you think that the beauty industry is becoming more inclusive and progressive or is there still room for improvement?
There is room for improvement, always. There are huge steps being made to be inclusive, but we have to be sure that this isn’t just on a performative basis and that the industry is providing opportunities, credit and representation for minorities.
You’re very experimental with your make-up, I loved your most recent tutorial. Do you often do your own make-up?
I do my own make-up all the time. It’s one of the only times I actually get to be by myself, so it’s very therapeutic… It’s my little escape!
When you work with make-up artists, are you involved in the process of the look or are you happy to play along with their ideas?
Y’all know I have a lot of opinions and I’m going to voice them! When I work with a make-up artist, it’s a collaboration. It’s like music—I love working with other people because you get a different perspective, but I can hold my own by myself for sure.
If your make-up bag was on fire, which three products would you save?
Definitely my liquid eyeliner, lip gloss, and highlighter so I’m always glowing.
You have amazing skin. What are your beauty secrets?
The key to fresh-looking skin is lots of water, exercise and eating your fruits and veggies. It sounds simple, but your skin really pays you back for it.
Do you see yourself progressing to a more creative role in future, and potentially launching your own make-up line?
I’m always coming up with ideas, my brain is always running. I have lots of plans, but I don’t want to say them out loud just yet. Three years ago, I could have never predicted I’d be where I am now, working with an incredible brand such as Revlon. I just want to do the best I can as a global ambassador, championing real diversity and putting on for my hotties the whole time I’m doing it.
