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Ricky Martinhas spent about four decades in entertainment, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at him.
Emmanuel Sanchez-Monsalve, Illustration by Channing Smith
Not to say that he doesn’t have the kind of face that sells magazines or makes folks swoon.
If Martin is anything, it’s well-maintained.
“I started [to feel] this need to really get closer to wellness,” Martin tellsAllure.
The partnership is still going strong as, apparently, are the effects of the products on his skin.
If his face is any indication, they’re working.
On July 14, the singer made his return to music with a new album, aptly calledPlay.
It’s an offering Martin describes as “very chill, very elegant.”
Grown and sexy, if you will.
It’s the result of decades of experience, cultivation, learning, and allowing himself to evolve.
We speak to Martin about his forthcoming musical efforts, his beauty routine, and his legacy.
ALLURE: Let’s talk about your new albumPlay.What was it like putting that together?
Ricky Martin:The creative process is so insane.
You just never know how you’re going to be seduced by the muse.
Very chilled, very relaxed.
It’s an exquisite album.
ALLURE:What does your skin-care routine look like?
It’s this very beautiful gel that you’re able to just put onto your skin.
It’s filled with essential oils.
As you’re treating it, the skin tells you, this is what I need.
That’s one I can put on in the morning, at noon, and at night.
That’s my magic.
Those 15 to 20 minutes of silence just to be with myself it’s all about Kumiko and me.
ALLURE: What drew you to Kumiko Skincare products specifically?
RM:I’ve been on the road since I was 12 years old.
I’ve tried all kinds of creams.
All kinds of products.
The list is endless.
And all of sudden, Kumiko came into my life.
The instant gratification that you get with Kumiko is something that I never experienced before.
This is magical!"
I contacted the founder of Kumiko, Catalina Aguirre.
I told her I want to be part of this movement of wellness.
I explained to her a little about where I am at this time and age.
I told her everything I’ve been through with my skin.
She was like, “Well, this is the solution to all your problems.”
I’m a little bit obsessed with Kumiko, to be honest.
ALLURE:What do you smell like?
RM:I’ve been obsessed for a couple of years now withLoewe 7 Anonimo.
It’s very masculine.
Doesn’t matter where I go.
Men and women tell me, “What is that?
It smells so good.”
It’s the kind of fragrance that I can smell on myself.
How does it feel to see that representation?
RM:It is so cool, and it’s so important.
At the end of the day, it’s all about dignity.
It’s about people being comfortable in their own skin regardless of what others think.
That’s what coming out is about.
It’s about self-love.
When I came out, it felt so amazing.
I always say I wish I could come out again.
How incredible it felt!
I know it’s not the case for everyone.
The closet has no light.
And still, I believe there’s a lot that needs to be done.
Yes, I do have an agenda.
My agenda is to make them feel comfortable with themselves every time I post something on social media.
My kids are just cool with life.
We talk to each other.
We hug each other.
In this household, we are not afraid to say “I love you.”
They don’t get embarrassed to say “I love you, dad” in front of their friends.
It’s a day-to-day situation.
We have to reinforce and boost our self-esteem every day.
Today I feel amazing.
ALLURE:In December, you turned 50.
How did you feel to reach that milestone birthday?
I started music when I was 12 years old.
I started in the industry in 1984 and I’m still here, I knock on wood, healthy.
Still with this need to keep learning.
I guess this comes with a level of maturity.
[Ed note: as if that’s even possible!]
I just love what I do.
I’m still inspired.
The audience is still there.
The numbers speak for themselves.
I’m in a really special place where gratitude is my force.
