These days, pop superstar Anitta is an uncensored force changing the face and flavor of Brazilian beauty.

Anitta, born Larissa de Macedo Machado, grew up in the working-class Honorio Gurgel neighborhood.

The act landed her an audition with a local record label.

Portrait of Brazilian musician Anitta looking off camera for Allure’s May 2021 Global Beauty issue. She wears pink eye shadow, glossy red lipstick, and a temporary tattoo of a hummingbird on her cheek. Her hair is wet with swooping baby hairs.

Shes performed at the Olympics, led Carnaval parades, and played big festivals around the world.

You see, until recently the 28-year-old was her own manager, overseeing every aspect of the Anitta brand.

And if there was one job requirement for that position, it was brutal honesty.

Brazilian musician Anitta on the cover of Allure’s May 2021 Global Beauty issue. She wears pale pink makeup, and has pink flowers framing her eyes. Photograph by Mariana Maltoni.

I accept myself, but I enjoy changing.

For me [plastic surgery] is like changing my hair.

I hate liars, she says.

The worst thing to me is lying.

From her bisexuality to her heartbreaks to herplastic surgeries, Anitta hides nothing.

Her life is perfect, and feeling bad about themselves.

Its not that I dont accept myself, she says.

I do accept myself, but I enjoy changing.

For me, [having plastic surgery] is like changing my hair.

When Im onstage shaking my ass or showing my body, Im not thinking about [being sexual].

Im thinking about freedom.

Because all I want is for people to be free to be whoever they want to be without judgment.

Larissa is not much of an ass-shaking person.

Anitta was born out of my desire and need to be a brave woman.

Thats how I created that character.

Brazil has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world.

They say, Oh, thats boring, thats annoying.

They think its a waste of time.

So I make a run at show things in my videos that people are going to discuss.

At the end of the day, thats how I like to send a message.

Atencion shows women of all shapes, skin tones, and ages twerking and giving themselves breast exams.

So what does Brazilian beauty mean to you, Anitta?

When you go to Brazil you see lots of types of women.

We all look different, she says.

But then you see the energy.

You feel the energy.

And that is what Brazilian beauty is about.

Okay, and our big butts.

He puts the hair at the hairline, so you cannot see it.

They take care of everything, so when you leave, your scars are healed and perfect.

They are very good.

I also had a tattoo removed there.

MASSAGE

SPA Renata Franca, Alameda Gabriel Monteiro da Silva 1974, Sao Paulo

The drainage massage is amazing.

Its not one of those massages that is too soft and not the one that kills you.

And if you do this every day or every other day, your body is just, Woo!

SkinCeuticals Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50:I use this to protect my face.

Click hereto read Anitta’s cover story in Portuguese.Click hereto read Anitta’s cover story in Spanish.