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The High Note
Welcome to The High Note. Here, we interview your favorite musicians about the ins and outs of their beauty and wellness routines, as they perform and record their hits. We’re diving into the iconic makeup looks they wear on stage, the signature scents they spritz in the studio, how they care for themselves on the road, and so much more.
Talking to Normani for 30 minutes on a Thursday afternoon was exactly what my soul needed. On stage, she’s a magnetic performer who commands every room with buttery vocals and intricate choreography. Offstage, she’s simply Normani Hamilton—a 30-year-old woman navigating life with the same curiosity and care as the rest of us.
As we spoke over the phone, the “Wild Side” singer was refreshingly candid and fully present, choosing her words thoughtfully as we talked about everything from girlhood to glam. It quickly became clear that she approaches every aspect of her life with intention. That grounded mindset shapes how she moves through her career, protects her peace, and decides which opportunities are worth saying yes to. If something doesn’t genuinely align with her, she’s simply not interested.
Her latest collaboration with NYX Cosmetics is a perfect example. It’s a full-circle partnership with a brand she’s loved since her pre-teen years and still reaches for today to create her signature stage glam. Ahead, Normani reflects on her earliest beauty memories, the pre-show rituals that center her before stepping on stage, and what she’s most excited about for the rest of the year.
Her Earliest Beauty Memory
“My earliest memories in terms of beauty would be the women surrounding me in my life. I vividly remember my mom influencing me a lot, whether that was her style or her lip combo. In the early 2000s, my favorite thing was when we'd go to the beauty supply store, and I'd get a lip liner and gloss from NYX. I was so intrigued by the different shades, especially for brown skin. I feel like beauty supply stores have always done such a great job at representation, making sure there’s something for everybody.”
How Makeup and Music Go Hand in Hand
“Beauty is another form of expression—beauty, style, choreography, they all work together to execute the overall vision. Growing up, I wasn’t the most vocal, which is ironic because now I feel like God made me use my voice. But I was very shy about speaking. My best way of articulating myself was through art—whether that was dance, what I chose to wear, or my mom doing my makeup for a dance competition. Beauty let me tap into that alter ego and find the confidence to go up there and do what I feel called to do. So today, makeup and beauty play a huge part in the overall creative process and whatever we’re trying to convey.”
Her Current Approach to Beauty
“My style has definitely evolved in the beauty space. I’ll look back at some of my looks from the Fifth Harmony days, or even earlier in my career, and I’m really proud of the progression. I give myself grace because certain trends were relevant for that time. But I’d say I’m more refined now, and timeless. I love neutral tones. I think it’s about figuring out what’s best for you instead of focusing on what everyone else is doing.”
The Beauty Tips She’s Learned From the Pros
“I have an incredible makeup artist, Alexander Echeverri, and we’ve spent time curating what feels best for me—what makes me feel like I’m showing up as my authentic self. I’ve picked up different tips, especially about skin. As long as I have great skin, I don’t have to use so much foundation. I also love to underpaint. I’ll start with contouring to structure the shape of my face, then do a little color correction and concealer.”
Her On-Stage Glam Essentials
“I’d have to say my NYX Lip Liner and a Butter Gloss—the shades can vary depending on the look. A great setting spray is really important for the stage, especially since I sweat a lot at my hairline and upper lip. I’d also say contour, because stage lights can wash you out. I love a glossy lid—it just brings everything together, especially under the lights. And one more thing: brow gel. I have such thick brows—it’s a blessing, but sometimes I need multiple layers of brow gel to keep the hairs in place.”
Her Pre-Show Rituals
“I love solitude and stillness. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that people aren’t privy to before we even make it to the stage. Prayer is really important, too. I need at least 30 minutes by myself to gather my thoughts, review anything I need to before I go on, and practice my words of affirmation before I go out there. My team knows how important it is to me, so everyone around me respects that.”
Her Goals for 2026
“In terms of career, I’m working on putting out my second album—we’re in the process of curating it, and that’s what I’m most excited about right now. It’s been a while since my debut album came out, and God has been giving me so much creativity that I’m excited to share. I’ve also been prioritizing doing more in film and television. Personally, I’d say reclaiming my peace. I’m practicing gratitude a lot—there’s so much I’m grateful for, and my life is so full. Not to say life isn’t hard at times, but I have so much to be grateful for. I’m really focusing on that, pouring into the people who pour into me, and doing more of the things I love day to day, like going to the movies with my family. The simple things.”
Read the original article on Byrdie
