How Jennifer Lopez Remains an Age-Defying Unicorn

Updated on 2/7/2016 at 10:00 AM

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We live in a time when the word "goals" is thrown around loosely to describe such things as a mundane cupcake, a cute puppy, or a pair of sneakers. But when it comes to inspiration, Jennifer Lopez defines it. At age 46, after giving birth to twins within the past decade, the pop star is now headlining a high-intensity, two-hour show called "All I Have" at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. It's not like she hasn't had a full résumé until now, creating chart-topping hits, starring in movies, hosting TV shows, and being a spokesperson for L'Oréal Paris.

Recently, I attended a performance from her residency in a seat so close I could see her va-va-voom eyelashes. And I can attest that J Lo is, in fact, a unicorn. She epitomizes beautiful, booty-full (had to) body goals. Glowing, age-defying skin goals. Beach-wave hair goals. Energy goals (she didn't take breaks aside from quick costume changes). Triple-threat goals. Life goals. Goals, goals, goals. To say the least, she is an impressive, good-looking woman.

This kind of elite success isn't the result of luck but rather hard work. I went on a private backstage tour, where I learned that the wardrobe crew has to create backup versions of her designer shoes — she dances so hard that she often breaks her heels. There's a massage table and elliptical in her almond-colored, sandalwood-scented dressing room. Jenny from the block is not cruising through life but rather working her iconic ass off for what she has achieved.

We all know you can't look that good unless you're taking proper care of yourself. To get the scoop on that bronzed skin, fit bod, and on-point makeup look, we interviewed the star via email. Keep reading to discover more about J Lo's beauty routine, in her very own words.

J Lo on Getting Glam For the Vegas Stage

POPSUGAR: You always serve up serious glam, but Las Vegas seems like it calls for extra glitz. How did you intensify your beauty look for the Sin City stage? And how do you keep it from melting off while you're dancing?

Jennifer Lopez: So true! If not in Vegas, where? Between Rob Zangardi [wardrobe] and Mariel Haenn [wardrobe], plus Mary Phillips [makeup], Tom Bachik [nails] and Lorenzo Martin [hair], I am so fortunate to collaborate with some of the top creative visionaries in beauty and fashion. The results you'll see are flawless attention to detail and countless hours spent planning with this talented group of people. Touchups are always necessary between performances, but a setting spray, waterproof mascara, and long-wear foundation are crucial from the start to make sure meltdown is kept to a minimum. I really like the L'Oreal Paris Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray ($17) and Foundation ($12). Expect to see lots of lashes, and a spectrum of lip color.

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray

From

$17

J Lo Shares Her Mascara Hacks

PS: Your eyelashes are so long that I could see them from the audience. So I have to know: what are your mascara application tricks?

JL: Primer goes first, then after a few minutes I'll coat with color. I usually opt for blackest black and comb it out while coating, so lashes are bold but never clumpy. I love L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Superstar Mascara ($10) right now.

J Lo Talks Antiaging

PS: I am fascinated by your skin care routine because your complexion is always so gorgeous and glowy! What's the secret?

JL: My makeup artist always says that people should think of their skin care as their makeup, which is so true. I'm religious about SPF use and really think that there is no other way to maintain a healthy glow — which is kind of ironic because in our younger years we always want that instant gratification of a tan. I also think that regular workouts, lots of water, and fresh foods all play into the quality of skin's appearance, plus the obvious removal of makeup at the end of the day. Without all of these, you're not setting your face creams or facials up for success.

J Lo's Advice For Being Unique

PS: You started so many trends that are popular and copied today: contouring and strobing, luscious lashes, neutral lips, etc. What do you predict the next big beauty trends and moments of 2016 will be?

JL: I think it's less about trends and more about what works for you as an individual. For me personally, it's more about the total look from head to toe than sparking trends. Sometimes we push the envelope and try something that's fresh and new, and other times it's all about the tried and true.

J Lo on Hair Care

PS: Your hair has amazing texture — that effortlessly cool, relaxed wave. What products and techniques get it to look that way?

JL: A lot of them — and, for appearances, a professional! My day to day is fairly simple. I like a deeply hydrating shampoo and conditioner, since my hair gets put through a lot on set, and, if I have the time, an oil-based deep treatment like L'Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Curls Re-Nourish Mask ($6) is a nice treat.