Not a lot of 17-year olds can say they’ve danced in front of packed out stadiums, written a best-selling memoir and been named one of the 30 Most Influential Teens by Time mag, but Maddie Ziegler can. Her ascent, since her first appearance on reality show, Dance Moms, aged 8, has been stratospheric.
Her long-standing partnership with pop royalty, Sia, has seen her star in music videos that have brought in over 5 billion views. She’s sat on the judging panel of top dance show, So You Think You Can Dance in the states, and now, she’s added makeup entrepreneur to her CV, thanks to a new collaboration with Gen Z smash hit makeup brand, Morphe.
You see, along with her long list of accomplishments, Maddie’s worked with some of the best hair stylists and makeup artists in the biz. And, having got herself ready for countless performances, she’s developed some pretty impressive artistry techniques of her own.
Her new Imagination Collection, which launches on Thursday, is a kaleidoscopic riot of colour that has Maddie’s imprint all over it. It comprises The Imagination Palette, £24, a 20-shade eyeshadow playground with pops of neon, glitter, metallic and brights. The Dew Bomb Face Gloss Stick, £12, which melts into skin and gives a luminous sheen and her Lip & Cheek Kits, £18, which offer up multi-purpose convertible colour – wear it where you want; eyes, lips, cheeks.
We spoke to her about her beauty routine, makeup fails and vision for the collection.
How did this collaboration come about and what does it mean for you?
Since I can remember my biggest dream was to have my own makeup line. I already had so many ideas myself so when Morphe reached out it all just fell right into place. I’ve been such a fan of Morphe for so long so I couldn’t have been more honoured to create a collection with them.
What 3 products do you always have in your stash?
Concealer, cream blush, and eyebrow gel.
Do you have a favourite beauty or make up hack?
It’s not so much a hack but I love multi-use products. The reason I wanted to create the cream blushes in my Lip & Cheek Kit was because not only can use them on your cheeks, you can wear them on your lips and your eyes. Makeup has no rules so if you’re feeling like you wanna wear blush on your lips go for it!
What products give you the biggest confidence boost?
Concealer probably gives me the biggest confidence boost because I do sometimes feel insecure about my acne scars that I’ve had in the past, so when those are covered I feel better. But ultimately having a bold fun eye makes me feel beautiful. The colours from my palette make me feel confident, as I can just be creative and dream up whatever look I’m in the mood for.
What’s been your biggest beauty disaster?
One time when I was competing we had to wear rhinestones on the side of our faces and my mom accidentally glued them on with E6000 glue instead of eyelash glue. Let’s just say it wasn’t a pretty experience!
What’s the best piece of beauty/skincare advice you’ve ever been given and by who?
My makeup artist Tonya [Brewer] has always given me the best advice when it comes to beauty. I think makeup all starts with having a great base so Tonya always told me to moisturise not only my face but my neck and my chest. That keeps your skin looking young and smooth for longer.
I don’t agree that makeup is just to look pretty or cover up imperfections. I believe makeup is a way to show and express your art form. Sometimes the looks themselves speak louder than words.
What does your self-care routine consist of?
Self-care is vital in my life. Yoga is something that calms me down. Doing something as simple as taking three deep long breaths really resets me when I need it.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of wellness?
Cryotherapy was pretty hard-core. There was a period where I went every day for months. It’s not the most relaxing thing standing in basically a freezer for three minutes. I know it doesn’t seem like much but trust me I felt like an icicle. 100% recommend though!
What’s a beauty trend you’ve never been able to get on board with/a technique you’ll never master?
Something I never got on board with was dark bold brows. There was a point where everyone was doing these intense block brows and I was never into it. I prefer feathery natural looking ones.