Even though Detroit-native Dej Loaf is small in stature, her swagger and influence are skyscraper height. While in Atlanta to promote the premiere of her new signature lip glass, the rap empress talked about her collaboration with MAC Cosmetics and more.
Dej Loaf is one-of-four female musical icons working with MAC under the Future Forward initiative. The foursome also includes Halsey, Tinashe and Lion Babe.
Dej Loaf's caramel-tinged lip glass was made to create a glass-like finish and contains jojoba oil to help soften and condition the lips. It can be worn on its own or over lip pencil or lipstick. The lip glass was released on April 14 for purchase exclusively at select MAC Cosmetics stores and online at maccosmetics.com ($15).
Dej Loaf's is a down-to-earth, natural beauty who enjoys the mind-clearing freedom of bike riding. She is just as comfortable rocking stilettos as she is rocking yellow "Chuck Taylor" Converse.
Here are some of her thoughts about her collaboration with MAC, her work and creativity.
Q: How excited are you about being selected as a MAC Cosmetics Future Forward ambassador?
A: I'm very excited. It's every girls' dream, especially if you are into makeup. I'm sure there's a lot of young girls that are happy to see this. It is a beautiful opportunity.
Q: Have you always been into makeup?
A: Oh no, I grew up as such a tomboy...that I was not really into the makeup. I never really understood makeup until about a year ago. I fell in love with it. I then said 'Okay, I need a makeup artist to come with me everywhere.'
Q: How did you decide on the caramel-tinged, rosy-nude MAC lipglass?
A: It's a part of [me]...being natural. I'm into nude colors that blend well with my skin. I have always worn lip gloss. Nude colors blend well with my skin, so it was only right that I stick to [that color]. People always comment on my skin and ask questions. It's kind of like, 'This is what I use...this is what I do. And this is why my lips are poppin'.
Q: Does your MAC product relate to your music in any way?
A: Yeah...because that's what I do. When I'm getting dressed and I'm putting on my finishing touches. My lips are a part of [my personal beauty look]. [Beautiful lips] are part of my stage presence and when I'm performing. So yes it has a lot to do with [my music].
Q: According to an interview with Billboard you had said you want "to get into other things outside of music...creative things." What type of creative things?
A: I'm into fashion. I am not an expert. I want to learn the business. Get into movies and different things like that...and be the face and voice of the young kids growing up, young girls and guys. So much more to come from Dej Loaf.
Q: What do you like about the city of Atlanta?
A: I do have family that live in Atlanta. I just love it and it just feels homey. It's really beautiful in Atlanta. Good weather, good vibes and good people. It feels like home.
Q: How does it feel to be part of the Pandora Presents: The ATL Concert on May 5 at the Tabernacle venue, along with Young Thug and K Camp?
A: I am excited about it. I love Young Thug's music and K Camp is my homie. It's going to be a dope show. I'm excited to perform. I've been working on a lot of new music. I just dropped a mixtape called 'All Jokes Aside' . I will be performing a few new songs off of it.
Q: Who are some of your biggest musical and fashion influences?
Musically, I look up to greats [like] Jay-Z and Kanye West. People who have reached a level that is like way beyond music.
Q: What gives you your confidence and swagger?
It is from me knowing who I am. I know who I am and I'm confident in myself. It was a process. There was a time when I was a really shy kid. I kind of grew out of it as I got older. I'm still growing every day. I just want to perfect me.
Q: You were quoted as saying "never get comfortable." What did you mean by that expression?
A: To never get comfortable is to mean, don't settle for less. Don't short yourself of what you deserve. Don't just accept anything. Keep working. The work is never finished...don't ever feel like you are done. Keep going. Don't become complacent with where you are.
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