Teen Vogue interview
There are few women who embody celebrity as perfectly as Beyoncé Knowles. She had hearts all around the world "Jumpin' Jumpin'" as the leading lady of Destiny's Child, and then we fell "Crazy in Love" when she embarked on her solo career, only to watch her finally claim her rightful position as a full-fledged "Diva" shortly thereafter. With 16 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award-winning film, a fashion line (not to mention the highest honor of all - a Teen Vogue cover!) on her stellar résumé, one might say that Miss Knowles has done it all. Who could blame her if she decided to take an extended break from work? But let's be serious. This is Beyoncé we're talking about. The songstress delighted beauty editors and fans alike early last year with the launch of her first fragrance, Heat: a warm, fruity concoction with subtle hints of spice. And now, she's gearing up for the highly-anticipated release of Heat Rush, a fresher, lighter take on the original scent. We got the chance to ask B a couple of questions about her newest fragrance, career moves, body image, and the lovely Tom Ford. Check out what she had to say!
You were selected as the celebrity with the Best Body Image by Teen Vogue readers in 2010. Do you have any words of wisdom for girls who are struggling with their image?
That was very nice and I am flattered. Thank you Teen Vogue readers. The best thing I can say to young ladies is accept the body you're in. If you have curves, love your curves. The thing to strive for is to have the best healthy body you can have. It's really not about being skinny or being curvy. What matters is that you love yourself and you are taking care of your health.
How has makeup, skincare, or fashion helped you with your image?
I love fashion and I love getting my make-up and hair done. I love being a girl and being feminine and putting on my favorite stilettos, but I learned a long time ago from my mother that beauty is from within. When you feel confident and secure, that's beautiful.
A lot of your songs - Irreplaceable, Me, Myself, and I, Ring the Alarm, Diva, etc - focus on female empowerment. What does it mean to you to be a powerful woman?
It means that you get to speak your mind and make decisions wisely that matter now and in the future. It means controlling your destiny and creating your own legacy.
You have a policy that you don't talk about your personal life. Why is that so important to you?
I've always been a private person. I just feel there are some things that should be precious to you that you only share with your family and closest friends.
What are your favorite beauty products you can't live without?
I can't live without my favorite fragrances, Heat and Heat Rush. I love putting on fragrance. It's the finishing touch to any wardrobe.
You have great hair...You're always switching it up. Do you like it better wild and curly, or straight and sleek?
I don't really have a favorite way to wear my hair. I love experimenting and changing things up. When I'm not on stage, I do like to just wear a ponytail. That's simple, clean and easy.
We get a lot of questions from girls about how to maintain ethnic hair. Do you have any tips for those same girls who are trying so hard to get "Beyonce hair"?
No matter what the texture of your hair is, it needs care: shampoo, conditioner and a good leave in conditioner. My best rule for any hair type, do not do your own color.
You just released Heat Rush, a spin-off of your original fragrance. How are they different?
Heat is a spicier scent and is bursting with the Red Vanilla Orchid. Heat Rush is fresher and lighter and the Yellow Tiger Orchid is the top note in the fragrance. I love them both for different reasons but they both feature my favorite flower, which is the orchid.
Which fragrance would Sasha Fierce more likely wear - Heat or Heat Rush?
Sasha may love Heat more because she is as fiery as the fragrance.
The real question, of course, is which one does Jay like better?
They are both approved by him.
What is your first memory of fragrance?
My first memory of fragrance was from my mother. I can still remember her scent and her stilettos and I still associate the two. She would put on her fragrance and then moments later I would hear her stilettos as she prepared to go out. She introduced me to fragrance.
How much fragrance do you put on before a big night out?
Enough to leave a lasting impression without being overbearing.
You've distinguised yourself as an actress, too, with acclaimed roles in Cadillac Records and Dreamgirls. Will we be seeing you on the screen again soon?
Thank you so much. I love acting and I hope to do another film this year.
There are rumors about a 2011 album release. What can we expect from your latest project?
I am in the studio working hard and having a lot of fun. Can't give you details yet, but I am excited to work on new music to share with all my fans.
You've been widely recognized in the fashion industry as an icon, which explains your inclusion at the highly-exclusive Tom Ford show. What was it like walking in Tom's show? Did you get to keep the dress?
That was amazing. Tom Ford is a genius and I was honored.
You were selected as the celebrity with the Best Body Image by Teen Vogue readers in 2010. Do you have any words of wisdom for girls who are struggling with their image?
That was very nice and I am flattered. Thank you Teen Vogue readers. The best thing I can say to young ladies is accept the body you're in. If you have curves, love your curves. The thing to strive for is to have the best healthy body you can have. It's really not about being skinny or being curvy. What matters is that you love yourself and you are taking care of your health.
How has makeup, skincare, or fashion helped you with your image?
I love fashion and I love getting my make-up and hair done. I love being a girl and being feminine and putting on my favorite stilettos, but I learned a long time ago from my mother that beauty is from within. When you feel confident and secure, that's beautiful.
A lot of your songs - Irreplaceable, Me, Myself, and I, Ring the Alarm, Diva, etc - focus on female empowerment. What does it mean to you to be a powerful woman?
It means that you get to speak your mind and make decisions wisely that matter now and in the future. It means controlling your destiny and creating your own legacy.
You have a policy that you don't talk about your personal life. Why is that so important to you?
I've always been a private person. I just feel there are some things that should be precious to you that you only share with your family and closest friends.
What are your favorite beauty products you can't live without?
I can't live without my favorite fragrances, Heat and Heat Rush. I love putting on fragrance. It's the finishing touch to any wardrobe.
You have great hair...You're always switching it up. Do you like it better wild and curly, or straight and sleek?
I don't really have a favorite way to wear my hair. I love experimenting and changing things up. When I'm not on stage, I do like to just wear a ponytail. That's simple, clean and easy.
We get a lot of questions from girls about how to maintain ethnic hair. Do you have any tips for those same girls who are trying so hard to get "Beyonce hair"?
No matter what the texture of your hair is, it needs care: shampoo, conditioner and a good leave in conditioner. My best rule for any hair type, do not do your own color.
You just released Heat Rush, a spin-off of your original fragrance. How are they different?
Heat is a spicier scent and is bursting with the Red Vanilla Orchid. Heat Rush is fresher and lighter and the Yellow Tiger Orchid is the top note in the fragrance. I love them both for different reasons but they both feature my favorite flower, which is the orchid.
Which fragrance would Sasha Fierce more likely wear - Heat or Heat Rush?
Sasha may love Heat more because she is as fiery as the fragrance.
The real question, of course, is which one does Jay like better?
They are both approved by him.
What is your first memory of fragrance?
My first memory of fragrance was from my mother. I can still remember her scent and her stilettos and I still associate the two. She would put on her fragrance and then moments later I would hear her stilettos as she prepared to go out. She introduced me to fragrance.
How much fragrance do you put on before a big night out?
Enough to leave a lasting impression without being overbearing.
You've distinguised yourself as an actress, too, with acclaimed roles in Cadillac Records and Dreamgirls. Will we be seeing you on the screen again soon?
Thank you so much. I love acting and I hope to do another film this year.
There are rumors about a 2011 album release. What can we expect from your latest project?
I am in the studio working hard and having a lot of fun. Can't give you details yet, but I am excited to work on new music to share with all my fans.
You've been widely recognized in the fashion industry as an icon, which explains your inclusion at the highly-exclusive Tom Ford show. What was it like walking in Tom's show? Did you get to keep the dress?
That was amazing. Tom Ford is a genius and I was honored.
