This month, Dominican-American fashion model, Cris Urena was named the new face of Maybelline New York.
You probably recognize her, as she appeared in several publications including Elle, CR Fashion Book, Muse, W Magazine, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue (as one of their 2014 rookies). Additionally, she has appeared in advertising campaigns for Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Ralph Lauren, and Topshop, while walking the runways for DKNY, Phillip Lim, and Rag & Bone.
She grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts and moved to the United States when she was in elementary school.
As a teenager in high school, Cris Urena volunteered at local nursing homes and hospitals. This is where she developed her passion for nursing, and it’s what motivated her to study that in school.
Although she was enrolled in nursing school and aspired to become a nurse, her path was about to change.
One of her friends sent Cris’ pictures to a modelling agency. The New York City agency contacted her, and Cris decided to pursue a career in modelling and relocated to New York City in 2011.
See the rest of this post for an insightful Q & A with Cris Urena, which shows you her personality and her style!
My favourite response that she gave during the interview was when she described what makes a woman beautiful: “A woman is beautiful when she is confident with herself and shows her happiness from within.”
Also, I’ve included the official press release about her being the new face of Maybelline.
All the information and photos in this post were provided to me by Maybelline Canada‘s PR.
Q & A with Cris Urena, the New Face of Maybelline New York
On Fashion
Have you always been passionate about fashion?
I wasn’t aware in my childhood how passionate I would be about fashion as an adult. I was quite a tomboy in middle school.
How would you describe your style?
My style is diverse; it all depends on my mood. My style is comfortable and stylish with a touch of sensuality.
What’s your favourite piece in your wardrobe now?
My favourite piece at this moment is a short Isabel Marant skirt.
What show has been your favourite to walk in and why?
Phillip Lim Fall/Winter 2013 – it was tough-biker look with a sense of polish.
Who are your biggest fashion influences?
Coco Chanel and Phillip Lim are my biggest fashion influences.
Who are your favourite designers?
My favourite designers are Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant, and Phillip Lim.
Who is your dream team glam squad (makeup artist, hair stylist, and wardrobe stylist)?
My dream team glam squad Amy Chin (makeup), Danielle Priano (hair), and Nicholas Grasa (stylist)!
On Beauty
What makes a woman beautiful?
A woman is beautiful when she is confident with herself and shows her happiness from within.
What are your thoughts on the power of makeup?
I love that the power of makeup can translate how you feel from day to night.
Did you learn any beauty tips or tricks from your mother or grandmother?
My mother always used a homemade exfoliating mask made of brown sugar, honey, and carrots.
What makeup items do you always have with you?
Eyebrow sculpting gel, blush, and mascara.
What is the one makeup item that you cannot live without?
One makeup item I can’t live without is definitely mascara.
What is your signature makeup look?
I love to spice up the “no make-up” look by applying a fun lip color or adding emphasis to my eyes.
What is your favourite beauty look to rock at night?
My favourite look to rock at night is a smoky eye with a nude lip or to just go with a strong lip.
Who is your beauty icon?
My beauty icon is Bianca Jagger because I admire her strong attitude and amazing sense of style.
How do you translate catwalk to sidewalk?
The sidewalk should be every girl’s catwalk!
What beauty trends are you most excited about for the fall/winter season?
I am most excited to try out a berry and brown lip colour.
What is your beauty routine from the moment you wake up in the morning?
I wash my face with a soft herbal cleanser, pump on some propolis serum moisturizer, and then end with some sunscreen.
What is your favourite fragrance?
My fragrance of choice is Chanel Coco Mademoiselle!
What hair products do you like to use?
I love the Kiehl’s Amino Acid shampoo and conditioner to wash and the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to style.
What is your skincare routine?
I always make sure to have a clean face. I then moisturize and protect with a sunscreen. I also maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated as is the best for my skin!
On the Maybelline New York Brand
How does it feel to join the Maybelline New York family?
I am so excited and honoured to be a part of the Maybelline New York family! I am grateful every day to have this amazing opportunity.
What does it mean to be a Maybelline New York spokesperson?
To be a Maybelline New York spokesperson means that I can be a role model for women of all ages and hope that I can inspire them with my story.
What does “born with it” mean to you?
“Born with it” means to have personality and confidence to inspire other women around you.
What are you most looking forward to when working with Maybelline New York?
I love that Maybelline New York shoots are always so creative and spontaneous. From the makeup, hair, wardrobe and the inspiration, the shoots just feel so New York.
Describe Maybelline New York as a brand.
Maybelline New York is confident, beautiful, creative, and empowering.
What was the first Maybelline New York product you ever used?
The first Maybelline New York product I ever used was the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation for prom… it was my first time wearing foundation!
What are your favourite Maybelline New York products?
My favourites are Maybelline Great Lash Mascara and Eye Studio Brow Drama.
On New York City, Favourites & General Topics
What does New York City mean to you?
New York City is where dreams are possible!
Describe New York City in one word.
Inspiring.
What are your favourite places to shop for clothes in New York City?
Barney’s, Intermix, and Journelle.
What are your favourite restaurants in New York City?
Butcher’s Daughter, Hudson Clearwater, and Hillstone.
What do you do for leisure or fun in your free time?
I love to see my friends, go out for brunch and dinner, and spend time in museums.
Where would you like to travel?
I like to travel to my homeland, the Dominican Republic. My other favorite places visit are Costa Rica and Tulum, Mexico.
What is your favourite food?
Beans with rice are my favourite! I also really love fish, fruit, salads, and avocado toast.
Do you enjoy reading? What is your favorite book?
I really enjoy reading spiritual books, but one of my all-time favorites is “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran.
Do you exercise? What is your favourite workout?
I exercise few times a week to stay in the best shape. My favourite workout is anything with my personal trainer Marc Gordon!
What type of music do you listen to?
I listen to pretty much everything, from indie and classical to R&B and Latin!
What three songs are constantly on repeat?
Lean On – Major Lazer
Can’t Feel My Face – The Weeknd
Reckoner – Radiohead
Official press release
MAYBELLINE NEW YORK SIGNS DOMINICAN-AMERICAN MODEL CRIS URENA
NEW YORK, November 2015 – Maybelline New York announced today that Cris Urena, the stunning Dominican-American model has become the brand’s newest spokesperson. She joins Maybelline New York’s prestigious roster of women including Christy Turlington, Adriana Lima, Jourdan Dunn, Emily DiDonato, Gigi Hadid and a host of others.
Unbeknownst to Cris, her friends sent her picture to a modeling agency and soon after left nursing school and moved to New York City to pursue a full time modeling career. After being cast in the Spring/Summer 2012 Peter Som and Hervé Léger shows, she went on to shoot advertising campaigns for Ralph Lauren and a new passion for fashion and beauty was born within her.
“Cris was an obvious choice for us, not only because of her striking natural beauty but also because she is much more than just a beautiful woman. Cris embodies Maybelline New York’s brand values. She has New York’s energy, edge, and style and has the ability to inspire all women to define their personal beauty. We are excited to have her as part of the Maybelline family,” says Leonardo Chavez, Global Brand President, Maybelline New York.
Cris is thrilled to be joining Maybelline New York because of her early memories of the brand, which was one of the first cosmetic products she had ever used. “The first time I used Maybelline was in high school to get ready for my prom. It was my first time wearing foundation! I wore Dream Matte Mousse which was a favorite of all of my friends at the time and which is still a favorite of mine today.”
When she is not traveling the world for work, Cris can be found at home cooking for her friends and family. Growing up she loved to cook and still today it is an important part of her life. She loves cooking for others as seeing their satisfied faces puts a smile on her face.
Cris has recently appeared in campaigns for Uniqlo, Topshop, Gap and many others as well as being one of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2014 Rookies. She has also collaborated with the world’s most renowned fashion photographers including Mario Sorrenti, Bruce Weber, Alasdair McLellan, Sebastian Faena, and Santiago & Mauricio.
Cris will make her television and print debut for Maybelline New York this fall. You can follow Cris on Instagram @crisurena.
What is something you would want to ask Cris Urena? Did you learn anything new when you read the Q & A? If you could interview any fashion or beauty model, who would it be and why?
What a great experience! Thanks for sharing with us!
Hey Melissa!
Cris Urena is in a prime position to inspire millions of women AND men! 🙂 It’ll be interesting to see how she uses her mass influence.
Maybelline’s PR was sweet enough to provide me with the Q & A. After reading it, I knew I wanted to share it because it’s always interesting to me to learn more about someone and to see people as more than just a pretty face.