Nessa Barrett has had a busy year. She poured her heart and soul into her debut album, Young Forever, which was released in October. The album, which includes songs like “Die First” and “Talk to Myself,” serves as a personal account of Nessa’s past relationships, internal battles with self-image, and even a tribute to her late best friend, Cooper Noriega. Nessa performed at the While We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas, which serves as a love letter to the emo and pop-punk genres, and had a special one-night-only performance at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theater within the same month of releasing the album.
Because of her sweet demeanour and raw approach to her music, the 20-year-old TikToker-turned-musician has amassed a dedicated fan base of nearly 27 million followers across social media. But what made Nessa Barrett the celebrity she is today?
Nessa sat down with Seventeen to discuss everything that makes her unique. She delves into her favourite beauty products, stuffed animals for emotional support, and even her dream car. Here’s what’s included in Nessa Barrett’s Seventeen Starter Pack.
Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush and Sephora Collection #96 Blush Brush
Nessa, like most TikTok beauty fans, has discovered a tried and true staple in Dior’s Backstage Rosy Glow Blush. Nessa applies her blush with the Sephora Collection Pro Blush Brush #96, but she says any brush will do. With good reason, the baby pink blush has gone viral. “I never leave the house without it,” Nessa says to Seventeen. “I think I go a little overboard with the blush; it’s a signature thing for me and my makeup.”
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
“I’m the biggest gatekeeper, but only for my scent and perfume,” Nessa admits, admitting that she used to quickly show the label without saying the name. She’s since revealed that she’s wearing the Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, which has already gone viral on TikTok. “I’ve been wearing this perfume since high school, even before I moved to LA,” Nessa explains.
Custom Claw Clip
Claw clips are making a big comeback, and Nessa is definitely on board with the popular beauty trend. As an ode to her spam account and alter ego, Baby Cowboy, she customised and bedazzled her own clip with the word “cowboy” (the ones that get it, get it).
“[The clip] is a knockout. I don’t always want to put my hair up, so I clip it onto my sweatshirt to add some character “Nessa elaborates.
Stuffed Animal
“Stuffed animals are 100% on my starter pack,” Nessa tells Seventeen. “I think that there’s something so comforting about this — anything that makes you feel like a kid again.”
Extra Peppermint Chewing Gum
Raise your hand if chewing gum makes you feel better about yourself. 🙋🙋🙋 At the very least, it boosts Nessa’s confidence.
“I feel a little insecure if I don’t have a piece of gum in my mouth,” Nessa explains. “I’m just thinking, ‘Oh my God, does my breath smell?'”
Journal and Pen
“I like doing things the old-fashioned way,” Nessa says of keeping a journal. “It’s nice to write things down in your phone’s Notes app, but do you really feel it?” She keeps a journal in which she writes everything from her thoughts and therapy exercises to poetry and lyrics.
Pill Case
Nessa has been open about her mental health and her therapy and medication journey, as well as her diagnoses of borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and depression. She has since started taking mood stabilisers and ADHD medication to help her, which she keeps in pill cases from Urban Outfitters.
Nessa has also used her platform to share her personal experiences, ultimately assisting others who are going through similar experiences. “I realised I had to be honest when I decided to be vocal about all of my experiences and advocate for others who don’t have a voice.” “I was like, ‘hey, I really need to work on myself,’ because if I want to help other people, I need to be able to help myself first,” Nessa said on the cover of INFLUNCD in January 2022.
Her manager/BFF, Bree Shepherd
Bree Shepherd, Nessa’s manager, is the person she can’t live without. “This is Bree, my mother, sister, and best friend, and she does everything I’m too lazy to do,” she jokes before pulling Bree in for a hug. “We’ve been through a lot, and I wouldn’t be the same without her. I never leave the house without her “She goes on.
Porsche Convertible Car
Nessa finally bought her dream car, a Porsche convertible, after years of hard work. “I’m overjoyed because I finally got my dream car. I also have a key “She informs Seventeen. “I’m that girl who’s like, ‘Oh my God, are we leaving yet?'” she laughs as she swings the key around her finger.
In-Ear Monitors
If you’ve ever been on stage with a band, you’ve probably heard of in-ear monitors. All of your favourite singers wear these to hear themselves over the instruments and messages from producers backstage. Nessa has a few performances coming up after the release of her new album and wanted to get a new pair of in-ears.
“I got new ones for these next few shows coming up, so I’m very excited,” Nessa says. “I’ve honestly been using them as headphones, so I can get comfortable.”
Tattoos
Nessa is best known for her adorable tattoos, in addition to her relatable and moody music. “I have periods where I’m a little insecure, and I sometimes wish I didn’t have any at all,” Nessa says. “Then I just remember that without my tattoos, I probably wouldn’t be who I am.”
