On The Best Matte Red Lipstick, John Waters, and Writing a New Album!

Introduce yourself!

My name is Izzy. I'm from Brazil and I moved to New York about 10 years ago. I sing and sometimes play guitar in Hunters.

Where did the name Hunters originate from?

It has nothing to do with hunting. I'm actually a vegetarian, and do not support hunting. The name comes from the actor Tab Hunter. We loved him in his role as Todd Tomorrow in John Waters movie Polyester.

How would you describe Hunters music?

I don't like to describe it. I like it to leave it open to be whatever I want it to be when I'm writing. 

What are you guys coming out with next?

We are in the process of writing our next record. My head is in a completely difference space right now. I got a concussion--actually, my second one--in February at one of our shows and it was pretty scary. I couldn't play, listen to music, watch T.V., read, or go on my phone for about six weeks. I had to eliminate almost any type of auditory and visual stimulation. During that time I did write a lot of lyrics. I would write without looking and wasn't able to read what I written. I had to start listening to music very slowly, and it couldn't be anything crazy. So I started off listening to some old favorites, like The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Smiths, and Echo & the Bunnymen. It was very nostalgic not having any kind of distraction and listening to music I used to listen to when I was 17. So my influences for this record are coming from a very different place. 

What are some of your biggest musical inspirations?

Frustration. 

Who are some of your ultimate beauty icons in music?

Nick Cave, Kurt Cobain, and Debbie Harry.

If you could form the ultimate fantasy girl band with musicians living or dead, who would be in the band?

Kim Gordon (bass/vox), Pj Harvey (guitar/vox), Donita Sparks (guitar/vox), and Dee Plakas (drums).

What posters did you have on your wall growing up?

I had this huge David Bowie poster and a couple Nirvana posters. I also had a couple movie posters and some random magazine photos.

What do you usually keep in your makeup bag?

Tinted moisturizer, red or pink lipstick, and black mascara.

What are your all-time favorite beauty products?

NARS Dragon Girl red lipstick pencil. I love matte lipstick because it stays on longer. 

What is your signature scent?

I don't really have one...I guess Dove soap?

What is your hair care routine like? I know it’s been a few different colors! Do you dye it yourself?—if so, what do you use?

I went to hair school so I am a bit OCD with hair color. When I had pink hair I used to make pink conditioner and use it every single time I washed my hair because it faded so fast. It was a mess and our bathroom still has pink spots all over the place from it! When I was blonde, I used to get it bleached by some friends at a salon I use to work at or I would do it at home by myself. My hair was getting really damaged from bleaching it so often and I was ready to try something different so I decided to dye my hair dark. I had been platinum since 2004 and had pink hair for almost 3 years. I wanted to try something different and out of my comfort zone.

What’s the best and worst beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Best and most annoying advice is to remove your makeup before bed. It's such a pain in the ass, and I don't do it as often as I should. Worst advice would be to wash your hair everyday. It's not a good idea.

What’s the best advice you can pass on to our readers?

Challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Don't let fear and other people stop you.