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Tyra Banks is back in the studio and whipping up something sweet for fans this Christmas, with the release of her new holiday single, “Santa SMiZE.”
Inspired by her “SMiZE & DREAM” ice cream brand, “Santa SMiZE” is a hip-hop and dance-inspired track that features the supermodel rapping, singing and chanting “get-on-up callouts” in an ode to holiday cheer and festive desserts. As the TV star tells Billboard, “‘Santa SMiZE’ is my love letter to family, culture, chaos, global treats, and the feeling of letting go, letting loose and not taking the holidays too seriously.”
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Of course the song name is also inspired by the America’s Next Top Model host’s iconic phrase, smize, which she famously describes as “smiling with your eyes.” Banks has perfected her smize on hundreds of magazine covers, billboards and TV shoots over the years, and she says her new track let her “bring my entire smize wardrobe out.”
“There is no one perfect SMiZE because they are moods,” she says, noting “the playful SMiZE for the cheeky moments; the quirky SMiZE for the unexpected twists; the energetic SMiZE for the beat drops; the bonkers SMiZE when the track goes wild; the family party SMiZE that feels like everyone is invited; and of course, the full diva SMiZE, because Santa SMiZE is that girl.”
Still, Banks reveals a few go-to products that help her get her smize on, specifically a “hot, intense, ‘do not play with me but you can kiss me after’ smize.” Here’s what the model recommends.
1. Black Kohl Eyeliner
This one, from Laura Geller New York, is on sale at Amazon and features a formula with vitamin E and touch of caffeine to reduce puffiness and help lift the eyes.
2. Dark Chocolate Eyeshadow
Banks recommends using “dark chocolate eyeshadow to soften the edges.” This “Cocoa Shimmer” stick, from Julep, is a creamy eyeshadow with a hint of shimmer. The hydrating formula glides on easy and reviewers love the built-in smudger. This is Amazon’s bestselling eyeshadow online with more than 4,000 units purchased in the last few weeks alone. Choose from two dozen shades if this “chocolate” colorway isn’t for you.
3. Thickening Mascara
Banks recommends a “thickening mascara” to enhance your eyelashes, and this one, from Buxom, is a fan-favorite for its ability to define, lift and lengthen. The “ultra black” colorway further helps to create the look of thicker lashes, with Buxom touting 3x more volume from a clump-free applicator brush.
4. Blurring Powder
The final step to perfecting your smize, according to Banks: “a Patrick Starr powder to lock it all in so you do not melt under the club lights.”
This translucent setting powder is from Starr’s beauty brand One/Size and works on a variety of skin tones (though other shades are also available online). The loose powder offers shine control and helps to blur fine lines and imperfections to create a more even, matte appearance.
“Santa SMiZE” helps to usher in a new phase for Banks’ ice cream brand, which is currently only available in Australia. Though “SMiZE Cream” has gone viral for its “hot ice cream” (essentially a “sippable” soft serve), the media mogul hopes to expand the brand beyond food, with the character of “Santa SMiZE” leading the way.
“Music is a big part of our storytelling,” she says. “Hot Ice Cream went viral, with people all over the globe curious and eager to taste it. But not everyone can get to Australia or now New York to try it. The song becomes the doorway, so anyone, anywhere, can step into our world and connect with us through the music. It goes beyond Hot or Cool ice cream. It is a celebration that brings everyone into the fun.”
Listen to Banks’ new holiday song, “Santa SMiZE” below.
