Maya Galore Shares Her Clean Beauty Philosophy & How She Stays Uplifted

When you play one of Maya Galore’s YouTube videos, it’s easy to see why the beauty vlogger has garnered over 180,000 subscribers (and counting). Based in St. Louis, MO, Maya brings a genuine enthusiasm for bold colors and clean beauty — she’s that best friend who can’t wait for you to try what she’s discovered. She also hosts Galore Glam Academy, online crash courses for those who want to become beauty influencers like her.

This holiday season, bareMinerals had the pleasure of working with Maya, whose can’t-miss makeup tutorials using our limited-edition collection bring the color and festivity, no matter how intimate your events will be this year. Here, we chatted with Maya about how she plans on celebrating this year, her favorite clean makeup and the history-making woman she’s named after.

Has your makeup routine changed over these last several months? If so, how?

My makeup routine has become a lot more streamlined over the last few months. With minimal venturing outside of the house, my daily routine is a lot more simple. Brows, concealer, bronzer and a bit of highlight have been my must-haves, with everything else taking a backseat.

What is your philosophy when it comes to beauty?

Outer beauty is a direct reflection of the beauty within. The more you feed your inner beauty, the more beauty reflects on the outside!

What is your first memory of makeup?

My first makeup memory is seeing my mother apply her two beauty staples in the mirror every morning growing up: brow pencil and burgundy lipstick. Because of her, these were my first staples as well. Give or take the lipstick shade, these were my teenage years!

What does ‘clean beauty’ mean to you?

To me, clean beauty means caring about more than how a product makes you look on the outside. Choosing clean beauty means I am taking responsibility for myself and my health, as well as taking advantage of the opportunity I have to help my environment and others around me, regardless of how big or small my impact is.

What is your favorite bareMinerals product?

My favorite bareMinerals product is the STRENGTH & LENGTH Serum-Infused Mascara! I have the shortest lashes, so I love how it not only gives me length, but aids in making my lashes stronger over time.

What are you loving most from our holiday collection?

I would have to say I am loving the MINERALIST Hydra-Smoothing Lipsticks the most! I love to play with different lip colors around the holidays.

How are you celebrating the holidays this year?

I will be celebrating the holidays with my 9-year-old daughter Amirah. We will be wearing matching pajamas, decorating, watching holiday movies and drinking countless glasses of eggnog all season. It’s our tradition!

If you could only own one makeup product, what would it be?

It would definitely be a bold lip color. There’s nothing like a woman with a bold lip that commands attention. Powerful, feminine and bold!

We’re all about sharing THE POWER OF GOOD, whether it’s good ingredients powering a product, or doing good for yourself and others. Who has been a force of good in your life?

My mother is an amazing force of good in my life. Not only has she instilled in me what it means to be an overall good person, but she is good to so many others who need her, in addition to her family. She helps children daily to overcome struggles of self-esteem, family trauma and loss and she does this so unapologetically and selflessly. She is my constant reminder of the power of good.

What’s a good way to start the day?

An energy-boosting breakfast, R&B music, a fool-proof skincare routine and a grateful heart.

What’s one good song where you know all the lines?

“Almost Doesn’t Count” by Brandy. My favorite song of all time!

What’s one good place you’ve visited and loved?

I absolutely love visiting Los Angeles. To me, the views of the ocean and the palm trees lining every street still look unreal, given my mid-western roots. I’m hoping to move there someday, or at least somewhat close to it.

What’s a good book you’d recommend?

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

What’s one good habit you’d love to have?

I’d love to have the habit of working out at least three times a week. I try my best, but I can never seem to meet that number consistently!

What’s one good beauty tip you’ve learned?

Religiously stick to a skincare routine morning and night. Having healthy and clear skin makes any and every makeup tip work even better.

Name one woman from history whose good work inspires you.

Maya Angelou inspires me and always has. Her literary work remains as relevant as it was when it was created. It’s more than words on paper; it spoke life into every woman who read it. I’m honored to be her namesake.

What’s something you know makes you feel good, even on stressful days?

A bubble bath paired with a great-smelling candle, followed by a tear-jerking romance movie will always be my go-to feel-good routine, especially on my most stressful days!

Check out Maya’s holiday makeup tutorials: a monochromatic cranberry look and a festive bronze eye.

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