Jerrika Karlae talks new cosmetics line, shares style tips for spring

Many know Jerrika Karlae as the gorgeous fiancée of Atlanta rapper Young Thug, but this beauty is making a name for herself aside from her high-profile relationship. Karlae is putting on her girl boss hat and tapping into her own entrepreneurial gifts. She is currently gearing up with her production team to relaunch her anticipated swimwear collection, Karlae Swimwear and debuting her newest business endeavor, Karlae Cosmetics, a line of beauty products for women of color. Karlae shares how she develops the concept behind her projects, how she learned to sketch and she gave a few style tips for spring fashion.

Let’s talk about your upcoming projects. What the status of the relaunch for your swimwear line and how do plan to differentiate your new pieces from the last collection?

I think the pieces are executed way better than they were before. I say that because at first I was in a rush to just put anything out. I had initially promised everyone that I was coming out with a swimwear line and I posted sneak peek photos. I was in a rush to finish everything and I don’t feel as if it was executed at its best. Honestly, I think the finishes are going to be way better. My demand for them is going to be bigger so I have a bigger production team that came on with the relaunch. The whole look of it is different. It’s more of a subtle, contemporary look. It’s not so much like the fun looks. Before I had deep V’s and corset swimsuits, so, this time, it’s very simple.

How did you learn how to sketch?
I can’t sketch, but I can rough sketch. I had a friend and his name is Ellie. He’s into the fashion business and is an amazing sketch artist. I did a rough sketch and copied some figures of off google and drew the swimwear on top of it. He came over and fixed up everything for me. It came together perfectly.

What kind of products will you be featuring in your new line, Karlae Cosmetics?
[There are too] many to name, but to begin I am a fan of brows. I am into the whole brow thing now because they really do make a difference on your face. I have some really good brow pencils and brow powder. They both go hand-in-hand and you can use the pencil for the outline of your brows plus the powder for filling it in. The best thing about it is that it’s affordable. Everyone will be able to get it. Also, I wanted to make sure that the makeup like the foundation sticks, could be for Black women. We really don’t have someone we could look to that’s like a Kylie Jenner, but she isn’t Black. I wanted to do something for us. I feel like my line is really dedicated to women of color.

Can you share style tips for spring?

I would say to first identify your body type and that is the number one thing. I know it doesn’t have anything to do with fashion but it does because if you wear something that doesn’t compliment your figure it throws the outfit off. From there you will know what you can and can’t wear and what looks good. I have a long torso so I have to wear things that make it look like I have a figure by using certain fabrics. Another style tip is wearing black. You can’t go wrong with black. A nice black turtleneck with some black leggings and a nice boot or a nice pump is always a good one. I always try to stick to black if I can’t really figure out what I want to put on. With summer coming up, I think the hot thing is hair styles. I am into hair these days. Before I would wear like the typical weaves, but I think hair has a lot to do with it. Get into your hair and put a cute bun in it or do a cute short cut because it makes a big difference with your outfit.

You’re known for wearing a variety of versatile hair looks. What color or cut do you plan to try next?
I recently saw a salmon pink and it was so cute because the roots were all black and the ends were pink. At the same time the cut of it was so classy, so I love that. I think I’m going to either try like a pink or I might go back blonde.

Where do get your style inspiration from?
Honestly, I get it from social media. I’m not going to lie. This is another tip for women as well. I would go on certain women’s pages who I like or look to for fashion advice and I would snapshot pictures of them. I wouldn’t steal their look but I would go get the pants or a piece from the outfit. If you’re trying to identify your look just go and see what you like or go on social media. It’s like a pool full of fashionistas and there is nothing wrong with mimicking someone’s style. Just make sure you give credit, but other than that it’s OK.

What is your ultimate beauty secret?
Honestly, I feel like makeup is simple. I don’t feel like it’s what everybody makes it. It looks better when you have it done by a professional but my ultimate secret is a good concealer. I feel like with a good concealer you can conquer anything. All you need to do is get some good coverage up under those eyes. You might look a little tired or sleepy but if you have a good concealer it’s going to make you look like your awake. A lot of people always ask me and tell me I have really good skin or it doesn’t look like I am wearing any makeup. I actually have on makeup. I will have on some NC45 from MAC. It’s the pot concealer and I will get a good beauty blender and put it under my eyes. Honestly, it will take you a long way.