Shakira reveals why she took longer to get ready and wore 'a lot more makeup' early in her career

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Shakira has said she once spent far more time in front of the mirror than she does today.

The pop icon revisited her early-2000s looks for an Allure 'Beauty Then & Now' video promoting her new hair-care line and discovered how much her self-image has shifted.

Shakira admits she took 'more time to get ready' in her early career

Looking at a photo from the 1st Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2000, the singer broke down the reasons behind her lengthy prep sessions.

She recalled the nerves of an up-and-coming artist navigating red carpets for the first time before sharing her memories.

“Back then, when I was younger, I think I took even more time to get ready,” the singer said.

“I think the lack of experience, probably and the lack of confidence made me wear a lot more makeup, and be extra concerned," she continued. She said now, “I’m a little more confident," as People reported.

The Colombian superstar also revealed she rarely lets anyone else handle her glam.

She told Allure, “Usually my own makeup artist,” and added, “I’ve allowed a couple of makeup artists to touch my face over the years, but it doesn’t happen that often,” she clarified.

Shakira recalls feeling 'like one of those troll dolls' after bleach-blond era

Shakira revisited her once-signature platinum mane and laughed at the damage it left behind.

While watching an old pic, she said, “My hair was so broken and brittle. And I looked one of those troll dolls,” while bursting into laughter.

She immediately added, “Too much bleach,” playfully sticking out her tongue at the beginning of the video.

Comparing the image from 2000, she continued, “I was very blond as you can see. Lots of bleach happened.”

When she reviewed another photo from the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2023, the star pointed out her then-softer shade: “It was all me.” Still, she noted, “Still that's not my natural color.”

Shakira needs to feel as 'natural as possible' on stage 

As her stage show evolved, Shakira leaned into lighter makeup and carefree hair. She explained that stripped-down glam lets her signature moves shine.

“When it comes to beauty and when it comes to performing, I need to feel as natural as possible,” she told the outlet.

“I can’t perform with wigs. I can’t perform with super extra high heels. I need to be as organic as possible, because the way I move is like that," Shakira said.

After years of experimenting, she sticks by one product: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara. “To me, it’s like the best one,” she told Allure.