South African singer Lira takes five minutes out of her busy schedule to talk hair, beauty and fashion
With her Cover Girl looks and model figure, afro-soul singer Lira is currently the highest selling artist in South Africa. With a string of awards under her belt, including African Music Awards, MTV Africa Awards and MOJO Awards, as well as Glamour Magazine South Africa's Woman of the Year, she came to global attention during the World Cup in South Africa. Her previous four albums have all gone platinum and her current debut album Feel Good has done well Stateside.
Are you a hair junkie?
Not really. I use Sta-Sof-Fro natural hair care products because after trying out a few hair brands I found that this keeps my hair soft and shiny without making it greasy. I never want to worry about my hair and I find this product reliable.
Favourite scent?
Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf. I love its scent in the winter season. And I've just discovered Addicted to Life by Christian Dior (£61.95/100ml) which is a beautiful, spicy yet flowery and fresh fragrance that I love in the summer months.
What about make-up?
I totally love MAC Cosmetics. The shades are just right for me and I use them both on and offstage. I use the NW45 to NW43 Studio Fix and pressed powders. I love how they give a flawless, clean finish without clogging my skin or leaving it dry. Just brushing on the pressed powder gives me an even tone and it looks natural.
You have fabulous skin, what do you use?
For my body I use a mixture of cocoa butter, Bio-oil and glycerine BP. This is something I have watched my mother do since I was a child -- she's now in her mid-Fifties and has beautiful skin. My skin is quite dry, so I have struggled to find a lotion that worked. This combination leaves my skin hydrated, glowing and very soft. I guess it's working because I love how my skin feels and I receive lots of compliments.
For my face I use Innoxa Hydrating Moisturiser which is a South African brand. My face is relatively dry but tends to get oily around the forehead and nose areas. I have been using it for over a year and I find my skin just soaks up the moisture, leaving it with a healthy natural glow.
When it comes to fashion do you prefer high street or designer labels?
I like high street for daywear -- these tend to be unique, understated but colourful pieces to wear off-stage. For on-stage and red carpet appearances I love designer pieces. Some of my favourites include South African designers such as Stoned Cherrie, Sylvester Falata, Bongiwe, Walaza, Gert Johan Coetzee and David Tlale, as well as BUNMI who is a designer from Nigeria.
