Let’s Give It Up for Gaga!
Image Courtesy: Dani Hernandez
You know her. You love her.
She was born this way, and you wish you were too.
She was the soundtrack to my childhood. Every jazz dancer’s best friend. Beyond the avant-garde pop icon she has become, she has also single-handedly altered the course of the beauty industry. Ladies and gentlemen, she is Lady Gaga!
When I think about Lady Gaga, I’m instantly taken back to the late 2000s when “Just Dance” was blasting on every functioning radio in the country. This was the beginning of the Gaga era. Most people may associate the artist with out-of-the-box looks that elicit controversy or spectacle, and while these ring true, it is by far the least important aspect of the singer’s evolution of looks. She seized the opportunity of artistic expression further than most - she extended it to her entire public persona. Each look she creates is arguably an art piece, telling a fresh story.
It's difficult to talk about Lady Gaga without mentioning her outfits – and in all honesty, I pray for an exhibit one day full of them – however, to me, her makeup influence is untethered. After all, a look is not complete without either. Here are some of my favorite looks of hers to date (in no particular order)!
1. Lady Gaga at the Met Gala in 2019
Image Courtesy: PopSugar
Gaga rocking platinum blonde hair is no surprise, but this makeup look accompanying it stood out to me immediately. It reminded me a lot of a stylized porcelain doll and artist Andy Warhol due to the striking visuals and pops of color. Additionally, she wore extra-long spiky gold lashes and diamond teardrops, bringing further attention to her eyes.
2. AmfAR Gala New York Gala
Image Courtesy: InStyle
This look is a must on the list. Gaga took the addition of pearls to a whole other level alongside a striking yet essentially colorless look. The standout color is a bright Barbie pink she wore on her lips. This is a look I’ve truly never seen before; it reminds me of a haunted sculpture. To me, it tells a visual story of the past and present conjoining with the bold lip and classic, refined symbolism of pearls. Usually, we see pearls used as jewelry and not as part of a makeup look, and I love the contrast and intrigue it brings.
3. The American Music Awards 2016
Image Courtesy: PopSugar
This look is a contrast from Gaga’s usual outlandish, stark, and eye-catching looks. With this, she captures attention in a much more subtle way. I love this look because it proves sometimes less is more and that there is space for every kind of look to be showcased. Telling a story and expressing yourself creatively can come in minute or grandiose forms. This specific look also follows her release of Joanne, a personal favorite album of mine featuring pastels, a minimalist aesthetic, and a dash of country.
It's undeniable that Lady Gaga invented the idea of serving. She is daring, bold, and unapologetic. Honestly, what can't she do? I admire her ability to consistently be unique and unafraid in her self-expression. Her “self” is her canvas, and with this in mind, she has paved the way for artists to come. The Gaga Effect is in full force, and we must take advantage...
Image Courtesy: BeautyMatter
In 2019, Lady Gaga launched her makeup brand Haus Laboratories in partnership with Amazon and has since relaunched in 2022 as Haus Labs in partnership with Sephora. Just like her, her makeup brand breaks boundaries. Not only has her influence been revolutionary, but her makeup line is now altering beauty standards and the market. Her products aim to function as makeup that is healthy and safe for the skin; they are infused with varying skin aids such as fermented arnica and hyaluronic acid. She promotes clean, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup. She stated her vision for Haus Labs resembles the power of art, science, and kindness. Lady Gaga undeniably believes in the power of makeup.
In a video with Sephora regarding her brand, she said, “Makeup is all about building and all about artistry,” elaborating on how the makeup community has inspired her since she was a kid to express who she felt like on the inside. If this doesn’t represent authentic artistry, I don’t know what will.
Lady Gaga landed in the limelight at a time when pop culture in the United States wasn’t furthering the means of artistic expression the way she ultimately achieved. If Gaga has demonstrated anything, it’s that sticking to our guns will always reap the sweetest fruit in the end. She was the first pop cultural influence on me growing up, and I knew she must be the bravest and most authentic person to create art in such innovative ways. She has also been heavily associated with the LGBTQ+ community because of her fearlessness within the industry and speaking out for what she believes in. She was featured in RuPaul’s Drag Race and has makeup looks approved by drag queens such as Derrick Barry, Manila Luzon, William Belli, and more! Ultimately, it’s safe to say this queen deserves more than the applause. Let’s give it up for Gaga!
Strike Out,
Writer: Dani Hernandez
Editor: Isabel Wilder
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