Beauty Biographies is a column where we ask some of our favourite people to reflect on the beauty items that have influenced their lives and have a sentimental place in their heart. From their grandmother’s perfume to the eyeshadow they wore to their first dance these are the products that have had a significant impact on them and that instantly transport them back to a particular time, place, or person.

Lolo Zouaï is a citizen of the world. Born in Paris to a French mother and Algerian father, the 23-year-old R&B singer relocated to San Francisco with her family when she was just a baby, creating a global patchwork heritage which really shines through in her work. Combining the hip-hop of her San Fran upbringing with inspirations from childhood Arabian melodies to create her cool-girl sound, Lolo’s dreamy vocals, which move between French and English, mix seamlessly with her chilled beats.  

With a solid fan base in France, Lolo is now conquering the rest of the world, recently selling out a show at Corsica Studios in London. Her break-out single “High Highs to Low Lows” has racked up over 20 million streams worldwide and if that’s not enough, she’s just been named as the face of Tommy Hilfiger. Here Lolo talks about the beauty products from her childhood summers in France that she still swears by.

Yves Rocher Black Eyeliner

My mom liked to order make-up from this French brand Yves Rocher. She doesn’t wear a lot of make-up at all, but whenever she would go out she would put on this eyeliner. The first time I ever wore make-up was for a middle school choir performance, and I kept asking my friend next to me if it had smudged!

All Natural Rose Water Spray

I discovered rose water a few years ago and have been using it almost every day since. It gives you a pretty glow and it’s so refreshing and natural. It’s especially nice right before bed or when you wake up.

Labello Lip Balm

I had a chapstick addiction growing up. I spent every other summer in France and this chapstick was only available there. The smell brings me back to my childhood so I was really happy when Nivea started making the same one in the US.

EM Cosmetics True Gloss

Michelle Phan reached out to me about a year ago because of my music. She sent me everything from her make-up line and I became obsessed with these lip glosses. The packaging is really nice and the colour stays on – it even plumps your lips a bit. She’s the sweetest and has been a huge supporter of my music since day one!

Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow

This eyeshadow brings me back to when I was 15. I had a phase where my friends and I would steal make-up from big corporation drugstores just for the thrill (kids, don’t do this!). I took this eyeshadow and barely wore it. I ended up getting caught and my mom was so disappointed in me. I learned my lesson though - don’t let your eyeshadow crease and definitely don’t shoplift.

Lolo's album "High Highs to Low Lows" is now available.