Lizzo’s “Special 2our” Makeup “Holds for Hours” Thanks to These Two Complexion Products

“There should be a makeup seal of approval stating which products are world tour-tested.”

Samantha Holender's avatar
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Published In Features
lizzo makeup for special 2our
(Image credit: Courtesy of Alexx Mayo)

I was lucky enough to see Lizzo’s “Special 2our”—and yes, it was phenomenal, amazing, jaw-dropping, all-the-positive-adjectives. But singing, flute playing, and dancing aside, I couldn’t stop focusing on the “About Damn Time” singer’s makeup. It didn’t budge one bit and looked flawless from opening to encore. Weeks have passed, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her glam. So, ahead of her Chicago show, I decided to get the scoop straight from her longtime makeup artist Alexx Mayo. And let me just say: The MVP products are already in my bag. 

“We do one makeup look per show, so it’s super important that the products I use hold for hours while she’s on and off stage,” he exclusively tells Marie Claire. “I partnered with Clinique to create her glam looks and their products have truly proven to withstand even the longest days. There should be a makeup seal of approval stating which products are world tour-tested.”

So, which products make the cut? Clinique’s Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation is Mayo’s “go-to” for a base layer. “It works double time, serving as a serum and foundation to improve the skin’s appearance and create the perfect, long-lasting matte finish,” he says. But layering is key—so the Blended Face Powder, which is oil absorbing and lightweight, gets added on top before blush and highlighter. 

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lizzo makeup for special 2our

(Image credit: Courtesy of Alexx Mayo)

Once that’s all said and done, it’s time to get creative. “Lizzo’s concert looks are meant to reflect her personality and match the energy that she brings on stage, which anyone that has seen her shows knows: She’s bold, fierce, and playful so everything is bolder, and more colorful, and more playful,” says Mayo. “I really try to think outside-the-box on how we can make the biggest statement with each look because her fans expect it!”

Take the Chicago show, where he recreated an “80s, rockstar, glamazon” vibe, complete with bright green eyeshadow, intense mascara, and a nude lip. To shop the Lizzo’s entire look—and have the longest-lasting makeup of your life—shop ahead.

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Samantha Holender
Samantha Holender
Senior Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.