The super-busy Lira sat down and opened up her make-up bag, specially for us!

What's keeping you busy right now?

I was recently nominated in the category Best International Act at the upcoming 2012 BET Awards as well as appearing in the second African edition of L'Uomo Vogue (the Italian men's version of Vogue). I'm putting the final touches on my live DVD Lira: The Captured Tour as well as working on my debut American album Rise Again and planning a U.S. tour for the Winter. I'm also going to Italy next month for the opening of the Antonio Falduto directed drama The Italian Consul in which I play the supporting lead role. So, as you can see, I have a lot going on!

What's the one thing you simply can't live without?

It would be my lotion – a mixture of Vaseline, Glycerin, Cocoa Butter, and Bio-Oil. This is my mother's concoction that I use to replenish my skin on a daily basis.

If we were to turf out your make-up bag, what would we find in there?

- Iman's Second to None Cream to Powder Foundation. I absolutely love it. It is a light foundation that leaves you with an even, powdered and radiant finish to your skin.
- Luxury Blushing Powder in Blush Peach to make me feel even toned and pretty.
- MAC Eye Shadow in Antiqued (Fresh Water) as I like to play up my eyes.
- Revlon Custom Eyes mascara. It serves several purposes with just a switch of a dial. I can get long clean eye lashes or I can bring on the drama for a more glamorous look.

With regards to facial skincare, what are your favourite products?

For my face I use Innoxa Hydrating Moisturiser. My face is relatively dry but tends to be oily around the forehead and nose areas. It took me a while to find a product that would adequately hydrate the rest of my face without making it oily. I have been using Innoxa for over a year and find my skin just soaks up the moisture and leaves it with a healthy natural glow.

What products do you use on your hair?

I keep my hair moisturised with Soft Sheen-Carson Sta-Sof-Fro natural hair products. It works like magic. They have a lovely gel and braid oil moisturising spray that I use. I also really like Organics deep conditioner, it leaves my hair very soft.

I have a really get-up-and-go hairstyle. It's very low maintenance. I give it a good wash about once a week as well as a deep conditioning treatment like once a month. I just work to keep it clean, moisturised and soft. I don't need much but an afro-pick comb to get it styled – I use this every morning and run it through my hair in a circular motion to create a nice texture and what I call 'The Organised Mess'.

Which perfumes do you wear?

My favorite perfumes are Flower Bomb by Viktor and Rolf, which I use in winter seasons or Addicted to Life by Christian Dior, which has a beautiful spicy fresh yet flowery scent I'm loving for summer.

What's the best beauty advice you've received or have to give?

Probably using my lotion concoction. I've been following my mother's regimen ever since I was a child – she is in her mid fifties and still has beautiful skin. Also the best beauty tip is always drink lots of water, get enough sleep, stay active and wear sunblock – your body and skin will love you for it!

And how'd you take care of that bod?

I am pescetarian, meaning I eat only fish and vegetables. I find that this gives me enough energy to handle the demands of my life and career. I hardly ever get sick. In fact, I haven't been ill in many years. I'm not as active as I'd like to be, but the dance rehearsals make a huge difference to my life – I get to do it a few times a month. Although I'd love to commit to a more regular work out regime, I find that by eating well, I already make a huge difference to my general health.


What nail polish colours are you rocking at the moment? 


Right now I'm rockin' Maybelline Express Finish in Cerise/Cherry

What is your favourite go-to handbag? The one you use the most?

I like Sling bags – they're not cumbersome. They are great for keeping all the stuff I need in a small convenient bag that does not get in the way when I work. I'm in love with my Blue Elements sling bag at the moment.