Makeup is for everyone. That is the sentiment shared by Halsey’s fans and users of about-face, the beauty brand founded by the artist themself, Ashley Frangipane. “Ultimately, I want about-face to be the brand of creative expression and that builds self-confidence with the best innovations," Halsey tells ELLE.com.
Curated around ideas of sharing the imagination and work of their customers, the brand embraces the individuality and uniqueness of its products and the people who use them.
“My fans and about-face customers are more creative and talented than I ever could have dreamed," Halsey notes. "Every single day, I see someone do something with an about-face product that inspires me. Hearing people comment that about-face products have gotten them out of a creative rut or given them the confidence to be bolder with their makeup, and seeing their creations is so rewarding.”
Below, seven superfans who deserve an MBA in Halsey open up about their favorite products from the about-face brand and the excitement of the new DayTripper line.
The Daytripper collection is available now on about-face.com, with new shades of the Light Lock Lip Gloss ($20), Matte Fluid Eye Paint ($24), Light Lock Stick ($25), and Light Lock Powder ($30).
IInspired by the ’70s and music festivals, the founder, who also does the makeup for the campaign shoots, said, “I designed the DAYTRIPPER colors to be playful, fun, and reminiscent of the styles from music festivals of the ’70s.” They continued, “I wanted this to be nostalgic and aspirational for the times that were and where we know we will be again."
Of course, the creator is a fan of their brand. “I live and die by our Light Lock highlighter collection. I can honestly say I have tried hundreds of highlighters out there, and ours are the best. We have a liquid, a stick, and a powder, and for most looks, I end up layering all three,” they explain. Halsey used the liquid highlighter in Sunstruck under their foundation as a glowy contour. They also add a drop of their Light Lock liquid highlight colors into moisturizer or foundation and blend for an all-over dewy look. "There are no right and wrong or rules to shine," they add. "Even though some beauty gurus would say you’re not supposed to put highlighter on the tip of your nose, I do and I love it. I’ll never stop!”
about-face Light Lock Highlight Fluid in Sunstruck
“My favorite products are the Shadowsticks because they are foolproof. I just swipe it on and blend the edges with my fingers and bam, I've got an eye look. I think it's so important that about-face is for real people, no matter who they are or what they look like, that people see themselves reflected. I hope that about-face will allow people to express themselves in ways they haven't before, to confront their fears and insecurities, and internalize the fact that there are no rules."
“It’s important for brands to represent everyone and not the idea of what beauty should look like. In a world where we want diversity & inclusion, why should only women get to wear makeup, feel good about themselves, and use something that gives them confidence? The colors are so pigmented & they do not budge. Every single product is so versatile. I love that I can mix to create different shades too. I can use the Nudist Judas Lip Paint on my lips or as an eyeliner!”
about-face Paint-It Matte Lip in Nudist Judas
“Tap through about-face’s IG story to see a seemingly endless array of people flexing their creative muscles with the brand’s lip and eye paint formulas. Its punchy hues, ‘Makeup has no rules’ slogan, and unapologetic founder have inspired the masses—including myself—to be bolder with my makeup choices. Please repeat after me: Beauty is for all. It takes on different meanings to different people, inspiring expressions of creativity and strong emotional connection. It’s noteworthy that about-face has created a brand ‘for everybody, no matter the person,’ because it shows that Halsey and others behind the brand are conscious of the different views of beauty that exist and are striving to ensure everyone feels seen.”
about-face Daytripper Matte Fluid Eye Paint in Replicant
“I’ve always loved Halsey ever since their first EP, Room 93, came out. I’ve gone to multiple concerts and I always was obsessed with their versatility in fashion and music and it’s really cool that they’re reflecting that in the space that I’m most familiar with. about-face has that similar versatility in the products where you can do just about anything with them—and it makes them something that’s become a staple in all my makeup looks since I can use them for anything."
Inspired by his friend Lance (@lanceaguas), Indigo (@indigotohell), created this skull look using the about-face black shadow stick and light lock highlight fluid. When it comes to makeup, he states that it genuinely has no gender. “For the LGBT+ community, it’s never been about gender, it’s always been a powerful source of empowerment and celebration of artistic and inner expression. It’s about time that brands start to recognize that! about-face pushing towards this is a crucial step; the industry to let go of that facade.”
about-face Shadowstick in Kill the Lights
“about-face has raised the bar when it comes to beauty brands. Makeup has no gender; it's about expression, showing your creativity, and just being you. It shows people just getting into makeup that you don't have to be a pro, and you don't have to be a woman to enjoy makeup. My favorite product has to be the Matte Fluid Eye Paints! I love that you can mix them to create your shade. Halsey made them like paints, which allows me to create art that doesn't move. I also love that I can wear them on the lips.”
about-face Matte Fluid Eye Paint in Smoke Signal
"My favorite products are a three-way tie between Paint-It Matte Lip Color in Slumber, Matte Fluid Eye Paint in shades Smell Before Rain and Cloned, and the Matte Fix Lip Pencil in Clockwork. Halsey has always been so experimental and ahead of the curve when it comes to their beauty looks. My favorite part of the products they created are how versatile and loose with the rules they are. My favorite thing to do is to use their Matte Lip Colors as blush or bronzer. Makeup is supposed to be a fun way to play around, and I’m glad Halsey is taking some stuffiness out of the industry.”
about-face Matte Fix Lip Pencil in Clockwork
"I've been a long-time fan of Halsey's music and their dedication to embracing who they are and supporting fans in that way too. Being plus-sized makeup was the one thing that I could see in a magazine or store and actually wear. I'm a fan of about-face not just because it's the brain-child of Halsey, but also because the products hold up. They're long-lasting, vibrant, and affordable. The best part is you can mix and play around with everything to create unique shades and designs. My go-to is always the light-lock lip gloss, the sparkly colors and nourishing oils have me reaching for the different shades like its chapstick."
about-face Daytripper Light Lock Lip Gloss in Its Not You, Its Me
