Tag: beauty

e.l.f. Cosmetics Uplifts Emerging Artists With a New Soundtrack to Your Beauty Routine

When it comes to self-expression, music and makeup are powerful tools that often go hand in hand. That’s why Spotify is excited to spotlight a new project from e.l.f. Cosmetics: Get Ready With Music, The Album. The cosmetics brand worked with a diverse group of artists to create 16 original tracks for its very own album, celebrating beauty, belonging, and expression.

A creative twist on the popular “get ready with me” social media trend, the album showcases both up-and-coming talent and more established artists, including Betty Who, Charlotte Rose Benjamin, Mariangela, Meduulla, Alana, Black Gatsby, Jenita, Dianna Lopez, Zoe Ko, Olivia Reyes, Tasty Lopez, and Cakes da Killa.

Infused with the creative energy and spirit of these artists, the songs encourage fans to embrace their individuality. By highlighting these rising stars, Spotify and e.l.f. aim to foster a sense of community and belonging among our listeners, bridging the worlds of music and beauty. And with e.l.f. Cosmetics leveraging our ad platform, the brand not only expands its reach but also connects more authentically with music fans.

To celebrate the launch, For the Record caught up with Patrick O’Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer at e.l.f. Cosmetics, and pop trailblazer Betty Who, whose track “Wings” is all about self-love. We chatted about the project: how it came to be, what it represents, and the artistry that ties it all together. 

Patrick, what inspired e.l.f. to create this album?

Patrick: We were inspired by the countless “get ready with me” beauty videos that have flooded our social media feeds. Our community loves to listen to music while they get ready, so we wanted to create an album that would be the perfect soundtrack for their beauty routines. Then we did some more digging and found out that 92% of women say listening to music while getting ready boosts their mood, so we knew we were onto something good!

We have a history of merging beauty and music, including our chart-topping single with Manuel Turizo, “ojos. labios. cara.” and our previous holiday album, e.l.f. The Hauls. Our new entertainment arm, e.l.f. made, allows us to fully immerse ourselves in this creative project and take on entertainment with more vigor. The album is a megaphone for emerging artists and gives them a platform to step into their whole selves and share their magic.

How did you land on the featured artists?

Patrick: We wanted to create an album that reflected our unique global community, so we tapped into a group of artists that represents the diversity of our e.l.f. beauty enthusiasts. We included global artists like Betty, as well as local talent like Olivia Reyes, who was a contestant on The Voice and is one of our employees at e.l.f.!

We first heard Olivia sing last year at a company off-site and all the stars aligned. We knew there was so much power in her voice, and we had to share it with our community. By featuring artists from different backgrounds and experiences, we’re continuing to celebrate inclusivity and champion every eye, lip, and face.

Betty, what was it like to work on this project?

Betty: It’s been such a pleasure to work with e.l.f. throughout this process. I love being in the studio and being on set, so this collaboration has given me such a fun opportunity to combine those two passions. I think I have a lot of crossover with e.l.f. in the kind of art I want to make. Their message of inclusivity and accessibility really speaks to me.

Betty Who

Tell us about “Wings,” your song on the album.

Betty: The second I heard “Wings,” I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I think of music as a mantra sometimes—the songs we listen to are spells that we’re casting, if you want to get *witchy* with it. So this is the perfect song to inspire confidence and self-love, even on days when those feelings feel far away.

Music and makeup are forms of self-expression. Why do you think they’re both so special and important to promote?

Patrick: Music and makeup can have a profound impact on how we feel about ourselves. We’re merging these worlds because they can help us connect with others, express our individuality, and feel more confident. Ultimately, we can help our community unlock their full potential and feel empowered to be themselves.

Betty: The possibilities of self-expression through makeup are endless. Makeup is such a beautiful and fun way to try new things and decide who we are on a day-to-day basis. Some days I’m subtle, some days I’m an over-the-top diva! Having the ability to choose who I want to be on any given day is so freeing.

What’s your “get ready with me” anthem?

Betty: Well, we’ve obviously made the perfect playlist for getting ready with this album. And something about my song “Wings” makes me feel like all my best friends are standing in the mirror next to me while I get ready, gassing me up.

Patrick: One of the things I love about this album is that there are anthems for every mood. Depending on how I’m feeling, I might choose a different song to help set my intentions for my day ahead. It’s hard to choose a favorite because they’re all in heavy rotation as I’m getting ready in the morning, in the car to work, and when I need that extra boost on the weekends.

Describe e.l.f.’s album in three words.

Betty: FULL. OF. BOPS!

Patrick: Inclusive. Magnetic. And e.l.f.ing empowering!

Stream Get Ready With Music, The Album on Spotify.

Beauty and Fashion Creator Meredith Duxbury Dishes On the Music That’s Been Dominating Her Playlists

Photo credit: Jared Kocka

We love helping listeners discover new music on Spotify, and when it comes to features that help them find their next favorite songs or artists, personalization tops the list. With Spotify playlists like Discover Weekly and daylist; playlist-enhancing features like Smart Shuffle and Jam; and curated, AI-powered experiences like DJ; nearly 2 billion music discoveries happen on Spotify daily.

But it’s not just fans who love discovery. Creators around the world are constantly sharing their favorite playlists, products, and people with their followers, which in turn helps fans fall in love with the next best thing. And in For the Record’s ongoing Discovery Monday series, we connect with creators to pick their brains about recent finds, from new music to podcasts and beyond.

This month, we talk to beauty guru and model Meredith Duxbury. She’s known for her candid videos where she shares her makeup routine, fashion tips, and life updates. And while Meredith’s Instagram is full of haute couture and glam, fans also love her unique lip syncs to rap hits while applying makeup—a talent that combines her passion for music and beauty.

What have you been up to lately? 

I’ve really been enjoying diving back into my creative side. I’ve been loving the new soft ’90s grunge makeup aesthetic that‘s trending. It feels very editorial and runway to me. It’s so fun experimenting with makeup styles that are inspired by ’90s and early 2000s runway shows. Pat McGrath’s archival runway looks are my favorite. 

Your beauty videos have earned you millions of fans on social media. What beauty routine is your favorite to film?

Definitely a full glam look. The colorful glam looks are the best for social media because you can be the most creative with them and they get the most attention. 

There are lots of opinions shared in the beauty space—especially online. How do you maintain your confidence and positivity?

I remind myself why I started and what impact I have on the people who are following me. For me, I want my page to be a getaway for people, something that they look forward to and something that inspires them. When you frame your mindset this way, none of the negativity matters. 

You’ve done videos where you apply makeup while lip-syncing. Which was most fun to film?

They’re all super fun for me, but the rapping/hip-hop ones are my favorite because they have so much energy to them. I can also do more dramatic facial expressions with this genre of music, which people love.

What are some of your favorite tracks to get ready to? 

I absolutely love a good 2000s throwback playlist. It makes me feel so ready to take on the day or night. 

Do you ever discover something new through your fans?

Yes, 100%. I’m learning daily from my followers and it’s amazing how tight our community is. We are all here for each other and it feels like a big family. Anywhere from new makeup tips to ways to relieve anxiety, I’m always learning new things from them. 

Any recent genres you’re loving? 

I’ve recently discovered lo-fi jazz. Spotify has such great jazz playlists, the options are endless. I discovered these playlists through the jazz genre and definitely recommend checking it out. 

What’s your favorite way to discover on Spotify?

 I love Smart Shuffle. It’s such a fun way to surprise yourself with new songs or artists you’ve never heard of. 

Our Niche Mixes playlists can really help you discover your new favorite artist or song. Any new mixes you’re into? 

I love the Feel Good Morning Mix. A lot of the songs I have on there are already on some of my other playlists, so it’s nice to have a mix of some songs I’m already familiar with and some that are newly discovered. 

 

Like Meredith, you can discover new music with your own Niche Mixes on Spotify. From 80s Running Mix to the Driving Sing Along Mix, there’s a lot to explore.