NICKI MINAJ TELLS GLAMOUR MAGAZINE WHETHER HER UNDERSTATED BEAUTY LOOK IS HERE TO STAY

When Nicki Minaj launched her second fragrance, Minajesty, last October, we talked to her about her new-at-the-time less-is-more approach to beauty. Less than a year later, the rapper is launching another new scent. As she gets ready to launch Minajesty Exotic Edition live on HSN (catch her July 11 at 12:01 A.M. ET), we thought we'd check in with her on her beauty evolution, makeup tips, and, of course, what makes her new scent so special.

Lipstick: First, you've done so many different beauty looks. Where do you find your inspiration?
Nicki Minaj: I experiment a lot with my own hair and makeup when I'm on downtime. I'm inspired by anything and anyone I see. I follow magazines and designers on social media to keep my eye on things, and my stylists bring me what they think is hot in the market place.

Lipstick: A few months ago you told us you felt sexier with pared down hair and makeup. Do you think understated beauty is a direction you'll continue with?
Nicki Minaj: Not sure if I'll continue with it. In fact, I'm sure I won't. I'll mix it up. It’s just how I feel at the moment.

Lipstick: So, when you want to feel your best, what makeup look do you wear?
Nicki Minaj: Lashes tend to make me feel prettier. In my downtime, I don't use them, but for shoots, when I put them on, they definitely add a boost of confidence.

Lipstick:Speaking of shoots, what has been the most helpful beauty tip you've learned from a hairstylist or makeup artist?
Nicki Minaj: I learned how to do brows and eye liner by watching one of my makeup artists. I think every woman should at least be able to do that. It adds a pop of glamour to a fresh face.

Lipstick: Can you tell us what's in your makeup bag right now?
Nicki Minaj: The usual: foundation, liners, pressed powders, lip gloss.

Lipstick: And what beauty product do you always carry when traveling?
Nicki Minaj: I always pack my own moisturizer and face wash, which contains no alcohol. Alcohol is the enemy when it comes to my skin.

Lipstick: Do you have a favorite beauty treatment?
Nicki Minaj: I've recently started threading my eyebrows and love it.

Lipstick:Let's talk about your newest fragrance. How is Minajesty Exotic Edition different from your previous scents? What was the inspiration behind it?
Nicki Minaj: Each fragrance in my collection has its own artistic expression:
Pink Friday captured my signature look at the time, with pink hair and intoxicating notes that inspire fans to feel larger than life. It is sassy, fearless, and feminine.
Minajesty is a more expressive side, and has more sultry notes—empowering my fans to be in charge of their own lives. It is sultry, glamorous, and confident.
This new brand, the Minajesty Exotic Edition, continues to inspire fearless confidence, inviting my fans to have fun with life—taking risks and traveling outside their comfort zone. It is exotic, flirtatious, and glamorous.
Lipstick: Where would you wear this new fragrance to?
Nicki Minaj: It feels very daytime, but I'd wear it anytime I need a bit of excitement.
Lipstick: Switching to hair, the hair color on the bottle is blond. Which hair color makes you feel the most like yourself?
Nicki Minaj: I prefer my natural hair that I'm doing now actually. I've grown to like [it] the most.
Lipstick: One last question: If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be and why?
Nicki Minaj: A trainer—LOL! That's what I need more than ever in my life right now.
via Glamour.