As disgusted as I am about the atrocity that is "Stupid Hoe" (a.k.a. this year's "Massive Attack" but I think the aforementioned could possibly be worse), I was still excited to read April Long's interview with the flamboyant femcee in the February issue of ELLE Magazine. I'm hoping Minaj can bring us a "Monster" to make up for the musical misstep.

Previously we learned Minaj depended on black soap and facials for her nearly flawless skin and in this new interview, she again reminded us the star product in her makeup bag: "I can't see myself without pink lipstick. I can go without it for a couple of days (see below), but if there was no more pink lipstick in the world, I'd be useless. Seriously."

1. Remember the disastrous contouring and highlighting Nicki Minaj displayed at the American Music Awards Nominations Party in October 2011? As it turns out, she cites it as the best tip she learned from a makeup artist. "I contour by using a lighter shade of foundation under my eyes instead of concealer. I take it down in a triangle by the sides of my nose, and then apply blush on top."
2. While Nicki Minaj is known to dabble in nail art occassionally (her ice cream cone manicure was done by celebrity nail technician Kandi), she stopped getting long, elaborate nails because one time, she had to pull over and sleep "in a $50 motel where truckers sleep." Minaj hit her hand and ripped "off [her] nail and the skin" in the process. Since that day she vowed never to wear long nails again. "I was in so much pain," remembers Minaj.
3. What Nicki wears on days off: "I'll still wear pink lipstick, and maybe some lip conditioner." Pictured is Nicki Minaj's Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick (a bright flamingo pink with a satin finish), $14.50 and Ricky Martin's Lip Conditioner in Clear, $15.
4. Perhaps my favorite beauty tip Minaj shared was the way she applied her blush. "I don’t do round, rosy cheeks; that’s for old people. It’s played out. I like the color to be like a diagonal line across the cheekbone up to the temples. It really changes the shape of my face."

Which of these makeup tips do agree with? Shop Nicki Minaj's favorite beauty products:

Eyeliner by M·A·C
Body Lotions & Creams by Ulta