This article first appeared in the Fall 2019 issue of NewBeauty. Click here to subscribe.
Thirty-five years later, Prince’s love interest in Purple Rain, Apollonia Kotero, likes to think of herself as living the “mellow life”—meditating and going “au naturale” with makeup whenever possible. “He [Prince] always said: ‘Don’t leave the house without makeup, you never know who you’ll meet.’ I always remember what he said, but, sometimes, I need a break!”
Morning ritual: Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga
Evening ritual: Prayer, aromatherapy via True Botanicals Stress Relief ($36) and I love my Sleep Mask from Spacemasks. If I feel like a late night snack, I go for almonds and string cheese.
Daily indulgence: I walk to IL Cielo Restaurant for lunch. It’s known as the most romantic restaurant in Beverly Hills. Very feminine and glam, the vibe, food is delicious!
Splurge: Jewelry and shoes
Cause for celebration: I’ll get a two-hour massage, but traveling is my sanctuary of celebrations.
Deserted island beauty products: All Giorgio Armani and GA cosmetics. All La Mer and NARS.
Recent discovery: The Original Hollywood Fashion Secrets fashion tape. No wardrobe malfunctions for me!
Favorite place in the world: Hawaii. I live on Oahu and in Beverly Hills.
Favorite movies: Cinema Paradiso, Willy Wonka (the original) and The Greatest Story Ever Told
Favorite music: Bebel Gilberto, Arcade Fire, Tame Impala, Billie Eilish and ALL PRINCE.
Favorite read: The Selected Poems of Federico Lorca, Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss; Tragic Kingdom The Art of Camille Rose Garcia
Favorite artists: Man Ray, George Yepes, Camille Rose Garcia and God
Favorite restaurant: Le Grand Vefour Paris, France, IL Cielo Beverly Hills and Hi-Collar cafe in NY
Go-to gadget: Jaybird wireless ear pods
Always have: Voice-activated tape recorder, crystals, Catholic Guilt and my iPhone
Morning beauty routine: Ice cold water on my face, Tom’s Toothpaste is a must, a dab of coconut oil on my lips, a brisk shower, and then I cover myself in La Mer Moisturizing Cream ($180).
Nightly beauty routine: Chamomile tea. Then, I gently scrub my face with a Buff Puff and add La Mer Regenerating Serum ($365) on my face and hands. I’m trying not to watch the 11 p.m. evening news to avoid stress before sleep. So far, so good.
Daytime makeup: I try not to wear makeup as often as possible. As an entertainer, you live in full face and body makeup. I start with TI-Silc Sunblock SPF and add my fav Smashbox Photo Primer ($36), but my base is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($64)—and I build from there depending on the occasion.
Evening makeup: La Mer Moisturizing Cream and a little more drama with colors. A nice red lip color always makes a statement when you walk into a room!
Prized possession: The art Prince drew for me. He was a terrific artist. I have his artwork in a safe in a bank in a city in a country.
Current wardrobe rotation: Custom-made jackets from Nicole Sassaman with the art from my music album covers. Alice + Olivia makes me smile. Stacey Bendet creates FUN fashion. It’s artistic. Loving my new Dolce & Gabbana Sorrento Sneakers with rhinestones in red.
