Tag: GRWM

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.

‘Get Ready With’ Social Media Star Alix Earle’s New Spotify Playlist

a black and white photo of Alix Earle smiling at the camera

If you’re plugged into social media, chances are you’ve come across Alix Earle. The 22-year-old University of Miami student has become famous, in part, thanks to her “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) videos. In these clips, Alix shares candid slices of her life as she prepares for an event, a dinner, or just a day of college classes. 

The frank way she shares her stories makes her viewers feel like a close friend who is hearing the latest scoop. Fans may not have been able to travel to LA with Alix, but they can watch as she swipes on her mascara and recounts the fun, crazy experiences she had while there.

Now Spotify is collaborating with the undisputed queen of GRWM content to create the ultimate GRWM playlist. From mid-2000s hip-hop to girl-power anthems, the list of tracks is a perfect companion as you get ready for a night out with friends. For the Record had a chance to talk to Alix about her videos, the playlist, and the music that soundtracked different moments in her life.

How important is playing the right music when you’re getting ready for an event or a night out?

Music is so important. My roommates and I have a speaker connected throughout the house. When we play music, it just sets the vibe for whatever we’re doing—especially when we’re going out. Putting on music that makes you feel good. That’s my favorite type of music to listen to when I’m going out.

How did you approach picking the songs on the GRWM playlist you made on Spotify?

There are a lot of old, 2000s throwbacks like Rihanna. Songs that are gonna get you super excited. And there are songs that bring me back to my childhood when I was with my mom listening to these songs, sitting in the back of the car getting hyped with her.

Whose songs or artists remind you of getting ready for middle school?

I loved the Black Eyed Peas and Fergie. That’s what we were into in middle school.

What song or artist reminds you of getting ready for your first date?

Taylor Swift. If this date goes wrong, I know she will steer me in the right direction. I can come back and, like, feel with Taylor.

Can you share a destination where you like to go and what songs get you hyped for the trip?

Probably driving down to the Keys with my friends in Florida. It’s always a fun time—especially the road trip. That’s the time you’re listening to R&B and Frank Ocean. That vibe of music is really fun for those long, beautiful, scenic car rides.

To get through a sad or stressful time, what would you have listened to?

There’s this song called “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” by Paloma Faith. I found it and played it on repeat for like two hours in my bed, and was just crying.

Are there any podcasts you listen to while you’re getting ready or hanging out?

I listen to Call Her Daddy a lot when I’m not listening to music. And I also like to listen to the Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain podcast.

Why do you think people are so attracted to your “Get Ready With Me” style of content?

I think it’s just very authentic to me. I’m talking a lot about what I do, and I think it’s exciting. It’s also a certain style of video where it’s very stop and go in the cutting and editing; people don’t have a long attention span nowadays. And I think having a personality in a video adds a lot more than just using a sound from TikTok.

 

Now that you’ve gotten to know Alix, it’s time to get ready with her playlist below.