Recreating your favourite star’s boujie lifestyle on a budget!
By Amy McMahon
Zendaya; you know you’ve made it when you only use one name. Showing her many talents from a young age, she made her debut on the Disney Channel show Shake It Up with Bella Thorne in 2010. Barely in her early twenties, Zendaya is already a household name with 52.7 million followers on Instagram.
With this being said, Zendaya never comes across as fazed by the fame at all. She seems to command each and every outfit she is in, and always has an air of confidence about her. When asked about her unwavering confidence, the actress revealed; “A lot of things contribute, but having a good skincare routine makes all the difference.” Studies have shown it is important to start a skincare routine once you hit your 20th birthday – including anti – ageing products.
Take note and take out your cheque book because it is expensive to have flawless skin like Zendaya. Her skincare routine includes a €140 mask by La Mer (the Intensive Revitalizing Mask, available at Brown Thomas) – that’s one product and it’s only a mask, not even an everyday moisturiser! Seeing as we are all struggling students here, I found one product Zendaya swears by for a much lower and pleasing price of €8.05 (available online). Zendaya regularly uses the Rose Petal Witch Hazel toner by Thayers, which acts to smooth and hydrate the skin while minimizes pores. That’s going straight in my basket!
Zendaya’s style is always changing, but one wardrobe constant is her signature red lip. In my opinion, someone who can rock a red lip is bold, confident and unapologetically themselves and Zendaya is no exception. If you’re craving a crimson lip too, you can copy the exact look using Zendaya’s favourite, NARS Semi-Matte lipstick in Jungle Red. You can pick this lippy up for €27 in Brown Thomas, or if you’re feeling lazy for €29 on ASOS.
Jack of all traits, master of none does not apply to this inspiring young woman. As well as being a successful actress, singer and dancer, she also established her own app and website (Zendaya.com) as a centre for all things Zendaya. In The Greatest Showman, Zendaya played trapeze artist Anne Wheeler, yet another skill to add to her already amazing CV. There are tonnes of great societies and clubs to join on campus that capture the Zendaya spirit. GUMS and DramSoc are always looking for a helping hand backstage and regularly hold auditions. Join DanSoc for everything from hip-hop to salsa; beginner to advanced classes are held weekly so everyone is welcome no matter what your experience. I recommend joining the peppy Pandas (CheerSoc) if you’re hoping to be the next Anne Wheeler.
One of the main reasons Zendaya inspires me is the way in which she embodies self – love. I truly believe we do not value ourselves enough and need to take a leaf out of Zendaya’s book. She recently uploaded three photos of herself in a row on both Twitter and Instagram with the caption “1/3 posts coming…just a warning, I’m feelin myself lmao.” We should all have that confidence! I challenge you to live like Zendaya and the next time you’re feeling great about yourself, let the world know – what do you have to lose?
If you’re wondering what to wear for such a display of self – love, I have it all sussed. Perfect for a night out with your friends or for a date, Zendaya wore this stunning LBD at the start of September. I have created a look nearly identical to the original for a lot less. A close second to the dress Zendaya wore is this black ripped jumper (€19.95, Zara) paired with this skirt (€25.95, Zara). The button detail on the jumper makes the piece look much more expensive. Finish the look with a pair of tights (€6, Penneys) and heels or boots, and you’re ready for any occasion. Nasty Gal has a great selection of black heels and boots, sizes 3-8 and starting from €18 at the minute. And always remember to use your student discount!
