Interview: Must-Have Beauty Secrets and Top Product Tips from Cardi B’s Makeup Artist Erika La’Pearl
“Be bold and free with your makeup looks, and you’ll find what works for you! It starts with confidence. Love yourself and your beauty!”
Celebrity makeup artist Erika La’Pearl is known for creating glamorous makeup looks on famous clients including Cardi B, Victoria Monét, and Toni Braxton. We caught up with La’Pearl to learn about her journey in the industry and get all her top beauty tips and secrets.
A behind-the-scenes look at Erika La’Pearl doing Cardi B’s makeup.
Can you share a little about your journey in the industry?
I have been in the industry for over 15 years now! Over these past few years, it has not only been a journey, but also a blessing. I am fortunate to do something I love, travel, and make people feel and look good.
I started working on the Miami Heat dancers. From there, my journey took me to working in the entertainment business with Cardi B, Victoria Monét, Tammy Rivera, Monica, K. Mitchell, Mona Scott Young, Trina, and many others! I am still growing as a makeup artist, so I am happy and humbled by all the opportunities.
A behind-the-scenes look at Erika La’Pearl doing Victoria Monét’s makeup. Monét took home the award for Best New Artist at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Are there any projects you are most proud of?
Some projects I am most proud of are Cardi’s 2021 BET Hip Hop awards, Cardi B’s 2023 Met Gala Look, Live Television Appearance’s with Jimmy Fallon featuring Cardi B, Cardi’s MTV Video Awards, and her 2021 maternity photoshoot, to name a few.
VLUXE Imperial Mink lashes, one of Erika La’Pearl’s favorite lash products
What are some of your favorite products?
I love using i-ENVY lashes for bold glam, that’s my go-to! My faves are the VLUXE Imperial Mink lashes, and Press & Go lashes!
Any trends you are noticing for makeup and lashes?
I am loving the “dewy glow” or a soft glam look! I’m also obsessing over the 90s lip look and wispy lashes. Tanned skin, a natural, wispy lash, and a bold lip is the way to go!
A behind-the-scenes look at Erika La’Pearl doing Toni Braxton’s makeup.
What are your most requested styles lately?
I love i-ENVY Press & Go lashes in the style “Every Day” because it gives the appearance of a natural looking lash. I also love i-ENVY’s VLuxe Royal Silk lashes. I use these on Cardi, as well as VLUXE Imperial Mink in the style “Josephine” regularly.
Erika La’Pearl loves using Press & Go lashes to create a wispy, natural lash look that enhances the eyes.
Favorite i-ENVY lash tips?
I love using Press & Go lashes to give a wispy, natural lash look that also enhances your eyes. These lashes are perfect for the on-the-go girlie. It’s easy!
Just apply the individual lashes to the top and bottom of your eye lids by skipping the lash glue and just using i-ENVY’s pre-bond technology (in other words, it’s a sticker on the lash base) that will last you throughout the day and night of events. Also, stacking is another lash tip I do to give a bolder lash look.
Erika La’Pearl creates a makeup look on Cardi B.
You are known for your work with Cardi B. Do you have any Cardi B beauty secrets you can spill?
I love working with her, and she is easy and fun to work with! I love to enhance what I think are her best features, which are her eyes and lips. I love a good winged eye look on Cardi with a matte lip!
What is your secret to success?
Never afraid to listen to what the client wants and give your opinion as the expert. Always be willing to learn something new and always be open to changing with time and trends.
Do you have any favorite wellness tips?
Hydrate! Drink lots of water, make sure your skin and lips are always moisturized, and always wear sunscreen.
What’s the best advice you can give to beauty and makeup fans?
Following trends are cool, but I suggest finding what works for you and what you specifically like, then building on that. Watching tutorials, trying out products, practicing, and having fun, will help you figure out what looks good on you. Be bold and free with your makeup looks, and you’ll find what works for you! It starts with confidence. Love yourself and your beauty!!
[Images courtesy of Erika La’Pearl and i-ENVY]
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Sports Illustrated, Healthline, DAYSPA, Beauty Launchpad, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16