Quen Blackwell Isn't an Influencer, She's MAC Cosmetics Latest It-Girl
We talked to the star about releasing her very own lip kit.
MAC Cosmetics is giving internet it-girl Quen Blackwell her very own lip combo. The kit, which is directly inspired by Quen’s signature nude lip look, includes three of her most-used MAC lip essentials. After identifying herself as a “creator” rather than an influencer, Blackwell says this partnership only further solidifies her passion for the creative process.
“I love a clean look — something simple that can be used from every day to a red carpet, and everything in between,” she tells Hypebae. “I’ve been using this combo for years, so marrying them together in this kit just feels so natural to me.” In the sea of mindless endorsements, Blackwell’s lip combo emphasizes products she’s actually lived in.
As for the products themselves, the lip kit starts with the MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in “Yash,” a muted neutral designed to look barely-there. Next, a rich brown Lip Pencil in “Chestnut” adds definition, while Lipglass Air Non-Sticky Gloss in “Frosting” finishes things off with a sheer, glassy shine.
Ahead, we speak to Quen Blackwell about dreaming up her lip kit and why she’s freeing herself of the “influencer” label.
On Working With MAC Cosmetics
It’s such a dream come true — MAC has always been the moment for me. When I first got asked to partner with the brand to star in their Sephora launch campaign, it wasn’t even a question. Now to have my own lip kit is such a pinch–me moment, my childhood self is screaming!
On the Inspiration Behind Her Lip Kit
I love how this lip kit is so versatile. You don’t always have to use every single product — sometimes you just want the gloss, sometimes just the liner. Plus, it’s so easy to just throw in your bag and take with you anywhere for a little touch up.
It always delivers the perfect nude pout — starting with the “Chestnut” lip liner to define, MACXimal Silky Matte in “Yash” for that perfect nude-brown base, and then Lipglass Air in “Frosting” on top for just a little bit of shine without any sticky feeling.
On How She’s Setting Herself Apart From Influencers
I consider myself a creator — [I'm] more than what you see on the camera. Between all my content, Feeding Starving Celebrities, and more, I’m always part of the creative process. When I create something, my heart is truly in it 100%. That remains true about my MAC lip kit. I’ve been using MAC forever, and a lot of trial and error over the years led to me finding the perfect trio for my lips. And now I get to cement that combo with this lip kit!
On Future Beauty Partnerships
We’ll see what the future holds! The most important factor when working on any project is that it feels authentic to who I am — whether it’s creating content, working with a brand, you name it. I wanted to make something that I know my younger, current and future self would keep coming back to. Whenever I partner with a brand, it’s also incredibly important that the brand aligns with my values, and MAC’s commitment to inclusivity and celebrating individuality and diversity makes it a natural fit for me. It makes me so happy that little girls who look like me will be able to see themselves represented in this lip kit.
The Quen Blackwell Lip Combo retails for $52 USD and is now available for purchase on the brand’s website.
