At Milk Makeup, we believe it’s not just how you create your look; it’s what you do in it that matters. That’s what our motto Live Your Look is all about. It means forgetting the rules. Having the freedom to show up as you every day, whether that’s with graphic liner or a glossed lip. Being seen and celebrated for living your truth. And there's no better way for us to show what that looks like than passing the mic to our Milk Fam.
In this series, we're opening it up to our community to share their inspirations, self-expression, beauty routines, and so much more. Get to know the faces behind our campaigns who are as inspiring off camera as they are on. This week, we're getting to know Niara, who starred in our RISE Mascara and Bionic Fam campaigns. Find out a little bit more about the model, DJ, and quintessential Gemini.
Niara has one speed, and it’s Gemini-fast. It’s what allows her to constantly tap into the various facets of her personality and live on the move—her favorite state of being. Between starring in our campaigns for RISE Mascara and the Bionic Fam, DJing, and testing different scent combinations for her incense business, she definitely keeps her schedule full. “I want to accomplish so much and be able to conserve time,” she says. Her ideal superpower should come as no surprise: to be in multiple places at once.
On set, we managed to catch up with her long enough to find out more about the things that inspire her to move through life at the speed of light. Below, get to know Niara’s thoughts on adaptable style, the best genre of music, and finding purpose every morning.
How would you describe your personal style?My personal style is a balance between my masculine-feminine energy. I’ll have days where I want to wear a suit or days I want to be super feminine and show off my curves. I feel like my style adapts to whatever I’m in—Gemini stuff. I just like balancing between the two; I don’t like being stuck in one particular look. What’s your daily relationship with beauty?When I have a lot of hair, I love a minimal look—but when you can see all of my face, I like to play with my eyes more. I’ve always been the type of person who likes liner and playing with my lashes. I love having my eyebrows done and clean, smooth skin. I don’t do lips a lot; I like a neutral look. I think having a great skincare routine is my approach: If my skin is acting up, I’d rather not put on any makeup. I definitely focus on making sure my skin is healthy, hydrated, smooth, and bright. What does your skincare routine look like?I’ve always had eczema-prone skin so I just need products that have simple things: things I can pronounce, things I can look up. I use a hydrating toner that I put on my face and let it soak in, and then I’ll just follow up with a serum or an oil. |
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If you could only use one Milk Makeup product for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I love Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Sprayso much. It keeps my skin hydrated and makes me look dewy, not shiny. I’ve used different things where I feel like I just look sweaty, like where’s the hydration? Especially at a gig, the Hydro spray is something I can just put in a bag.
And my partner, she wears Highlightersticks. They’re definitely amazing. I love that even if I don’t have makeup on, it gives a little pop.
If you could have a one-way ticket to anywhere, where would you go?
I would go to Paris. I was there two years ago and was like a fish to water. I just was like, I could live here. Even if it was for six months. I enjoyed the culture and loved the fashion so much, and the music. I’m a DJ, so I was going to record stores, finding things I would never find in New York. And I love that in Paris, you can get on a train and go to other places.
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What album or song is on repeat for you right now?
There’s this subgenre of Afro music—Africa has over 200 genres of music, and within that, there’s a subgenre called alté Cruise. The vibe is futuristic, soulful, refreshing, rhythmic, deep, and it’s just beautiful. You can jump into house music from that, or you can get into other R&B, classic Afro, or UK soul. I love that it’s pretty much a blend of my favorite genres.
What’s your favorite hobby?
I have my own business where I make incense. At first it was just a hobby, and I would burn them at my parties. But now I’ve been able to sell them. I love going to the store, seeing the oil man, trying different scents. It’s one of those things I would do even if I didn’t have my business—it’s called Kusudi, which means purpose in Swahili.
What’s your favorite beverage?
I would say tea. If I want to turn up a bit, I can turn it into a Hot Toddy.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to be in different places at the same time. It’s me tapping into my Gemini. I just can’t escape it; I want to accomplish so much and be able to conserve time.
What gives you purpose in the morning?
I just feel blessed to be able to take care of myself with what I love. I think my passions are what wake me up in the morning—how they’ve been able to help me help other people. Also, I love that my sister is so proud of me. So I would say my passion gives me purpose because it stems into so many things.
Follow Niara on Instagram @niarasterling.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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