What kind of woman inspires Marc Jacobs? According to his runways, front rows, and campaigns, there is no one size or shape that draws the attention of the iconic fashion designer over another. From popstars to budding ingénues, the Marc Jacobs woman has taken the form of Winona Ryder, Victoria Beckham, Miley Cyrus, and Frances Bean Cobain (the star of his latest campaign.) These stunning, rule-breaking women are joined by Dubai-based artist and beauty blogger Rhea Jacobs, who was recently selected as a Marc Jacobs Beauty brand ambassador. The 24-year-old entered the #CastMeMarc competition in 2016, an Instagram casting that accepted submissions from all over the world, and she beat out more than 100,000 contestants. With her flawless caramel complexion, bold, face-framing eyebrows, and GPS-enabled ability to flawlessly apply winged eyeliner, it’s no wonder Jacobs was handpicked by the designer himself to fly out to New York to work with the brand. Here, the budding makeup guru reveals her top beauty secrets, the best gift she’s ever received, and opens up her purse for us.
1. Finish the sentence: Being a Marc Jacobs Beauty brand ambassador…
“Began with a dream, paved its way through a competition, and turned into reality – for which I’ll be forever grateful.”
2. What is it like working with the brand?
“One of the most surreal experiences of my life was meeting the iconic fashion mogul himself. He was so kind and humble. I definitely brought that back with me. Being with a brand that understands the importance of individuality, expression, and art is essential for any creative to grow in. I’ll forever be grateful to the fantastic team that makes all this happen every day.”
3. If we opened up your purse right now, what would we find?
“A wallet with a picture of my family inside, a bottle of rose oud, Marc Jacobs Fineliner in (Big)Eyes!, and Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer for touch-ups.”
4. Describe your everyday makeup look.
“A cleansed, moisturized face with a tad of concealer, lots of mascara, and gloss.”
5. What does your “going out” beauty look consist of?
“A bold cat eye, bold lip – usually nude or crimson – and a subtle hint of highlighter. The intensity of the highlighter depends on my mood.”
6. What songs do you like to listen to while you’re getting ready?
“My playlist is dominated by old-school music: Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra, and Jimi Hendrix. Most of the time I’m usually playing Bob Marley on full blast!”
7. Do you have any beauty secrets you swear by?
“I swear by anything natural… from essential oils and shea butter, to natural hydrating agents for hair and body, such as argan oil.”
9. When did you start experimenting with makeup?
“I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup until I was 18. I started wearing it during my first year of college.”
10. What is your skincare routine?
“It begins with cleansing, followed with moisturizer and lots of sun protection.”
11. What is on your bookshelf right now?
“The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s my second time reading it.”
12. Which item in your closet do you wear the most?
“I’ve designed these sheer coats with exaggerated sleeves inspired by the silhouette of hibiscus flowers in my garden and the structure of the abaya. I wear them all the time.”
13. If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive), who would you choose?
“Bob Marley, Audrey Hepburn, and Oprah Winfrey. That conversation would be legendary.”
14. What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
“For my 21st birthday, my mother tattooed ‘Rhea my Lil angel’ on her wrist. That is by far the best gift I have and will ever receive.”
15. Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
“As a prominent and lasting figure, who is known for my creativity, craft, and making a significant difference both within our industry and otherwise. One of my biggest dreams is to use my platform to make a difference on a humanitarian scale.”
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