This joie de vivre Starrr emanates — and his maternal instinct — is perhaps why he was selected to return as host of the NYX Face Awards. The competition, which is celebrating its seventh year, narrows down contestants through a series of makeup challenges and sends the top six finalists — all fan voted — to Los Angeles to compete in the final challenge: creating a video with a pro team based on the theme of the live show. The person who delivers on the best artistry, technique, and storytelling wins.
Starrr first competed in the competition in 2015. "It's another Cinderella moment for me," he says. "This is like the Olympics or American Idol of makeup. I was in the top six. Although I didn't win, I'm hosting it now for the second year in a row. It's a passion of mine, and same goes for other red carpets and brand deals. If I have a passion and it resonates with me, it'll resonate with my followers to be inspired to reach for the same goals."
This year's theme was No Filter; the contestants were asked to create a final video embodying the importance of living life authentically. Like past years, the competition is rigorous and demanding, albeit fun and exciting, and transpires during a short period of time. For some of these contestants, they've never traveled on a plane.
That's where Starrr comes in: as the trusted host and confidant. With a million-dollar smile, a rub on the back, and signature Starrr charm, he's able to disarm the contestants while interviewing them on stage, as well as the audience. He plays with both his femininity and masculinity, often alternating between a flutter of the lashes and a deep, booming baritone. What could be a superficial beauty competition is infused with purpose, partly because of the theme but also because of Starrr. "This community should be about lifting each other up and self-expression," he says to the crowd with vigour. Their reactions are that of agreement and giddiness.
Image Source: NYX Professional Makeup