Rapper Eve Talks Her Career, Skincare Routine, and More

With hit songs like “Gotta Man” and “Love Is Blind” that’ve stood the test of time, it hardly feels like 26 years since hip-hop icon Eve released her debut album, Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady. Four studio albums, a Grammy, and four top 10 Billboard hits later, the Philadelphia lyricist’s rap legacy is cemented in stone.

Over the last two decades, however, fans have watched Eve evolve, successfully venturing into film and TV—an effort attempted by many music artists but achieved by few. And while she’s far more than the looks she serves, one would be remiss to nod to her career and not mention her trendsetting beauty and fashion through the years: blonde pixie, fire red spiky layers, paw print tattoos, oversized fur coats, a big diamond-studded R chain, waist-length buss-downs, etc.. Whether it’s tomboy chic or girly glam, we’ve yet to see a vibe Eve can’t pull off.

Currently a co-headliner on the “Where The Party At Tour,” the rapper, actor, and author carved out some time to talk to Byrdie about her long, thriving career, life outside of work, and, you know, we had to get her beauty secrets, too. Read ahead for our chat with Eve.

On Her Career Now vs. Then

“In the beginning [of your career], you’re kind of just getting to the next thing. You don’t even have time to reflect on anything, whether it’s good, bad, or in between. Now, I’m grateful. I never take for granted being on tour, that people want to hear my songs still, and see me perform. I’m a lucky person.”

On the New Generation of Women in Hip-Hop

“There are so many great artists. I love Doechii. She’s incredibly exciting. I love Glo Rilla. She’s super dope. I’m happy there are so many females in the landscape. There was a time when there was nothing, which is insane. It’s nice that there are so many different female voices out there.”

On Her Longevity

“I don’t think about it really. I had a moment after finishing my book, [Who’s That Girl?], and then after completing the audiobook. I was like, Oh, damn! Like, I’m really proud of myself. I’ve done a lot of fucking cool shit. And I’m still here, you know? I felt like I could pat myself on the back, which I had never done before.”

On What She’s Most Proud Of

“I’ve had so many amazing moments. It’s not just one thing [that I’m proud of]. The Grammy I got for “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” is one moment because that’s one song I wrote by myself. Career-wise, I’m proud that I was able to pivot into movies and TV and producing. I was also able to collaborate with Prince, and that’s huge. I felt very special. I thought it was a joke for the longest time. My manager told me, ‘Prince wants to do a song with you,’ and I was like, ‘That is a lie. That man doesn’t even know I exist.’ And then I got the phone call, and I was like, Wow—this is huge!”

On Touring and Performing

“Being on stage is my favorite part. I’ve always loved performing. It’s where I feel most present, because I live in my head. In my day-to-day life, I’m thinking about this, that, and the other like we all do. But on stage, I’m in my body and connecting with people energetically.”

On Her Tour Skincare Routine

“Girl, I’m obsessive! I’ll bring my glycolic peels with me. I bring my scrubs. Right now, I’m using the Zo Skin Health Exfoliating Polish. I’m obsessed with serums—vitamin C and retinol are also super important. I even have my red light mask.”

On Her Makeup Essentials

“You know what’s so funny? In real life, I’m so low-maintenance. I’m a skincare girl, and when it comes to stage or photo shoots, I still like to look super ‘clean.’ For me, the Milk Makeup Hydrogrip Primer is essential, and I love a Dior foundation. I use the [translucent] Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm on my no makeup days. I also love lip gloss or oil. Right now, I’m loving Clarins Lip Comfort Oil.”

On Her Iconic Hairstyles

“I cannot stick with one hairstyle. I will get something and be like, Yes, this is it! I think I’m gonna stick with this. And then six or eight weeks later, I need to change the color or length. The beginning of my career is probably the longest I had the same hairstyle, with the short, blonde hair. And after that, it’s been different every few weeks.”

On Being a Mom and Wife

“My favorite part of being a mom is pretty much everything except for the tantrums. He makes me happy; he’s funny because of his little discoveries. He makes me look at things in a whole different light and slow down a little bit and try to understand where he’s coming from. What’s nice about being a wife, for me with my partner, is being able to still be who I am individually and being celebrated and supported. We’re friends, and I never believed in that before. But he is truly my best friend.”

On Wellness and Balance as a Celebrity

“Living in London helps a lot. I’m not around a lot of industry stuff. A lot of my friends aren’t even in the business at all. That helps a lot because when I do get together with friends, we talk about other things. I feel like I’m living a double life sometimes, which is so funny. I’m one person at nursery drop-off, and then I hit a stage and I’m another person. In saying that, it does make it easy to have that balance because I don’t have to be on all the time. And that is important to me.”