(Cover) - EN Star Style - Gwen Stefani began wearing cosmetics when she was in seventh grade.

The 41-year-old American songstress is rarely seen without her trademark red lips and dramatic eye make-up, and the star admits she has had a long time to perfect her beauty regime.

She first started to experiment with make-up at school when she was in seventh grade, where most students are around the age of 12.

I started in seventh grade, she told the US edition of Elle. We had home economics, and theyd bring someone in to show you how to put your make-up on.

Because Gwen has such a skill for cosmetic application, she normally does all her own stage make-up. The star concedes that professional make-up artists can sometimes have some words of wisdom to impart, though.

I learn from make-up people now, but in the past I had a real problem with make-up artists, she added.

I remember my first experience with a make-up artist was doing the first No Doubt album, the one that was shelved. Go back and look at how ugly I look. It is the worst make-up From that time on, Im thinking, Im not going to let someone do my make-up, because they dont know how to do it.

Although she isnt a fan of professional make-up artists, the singer is more than happy to let hairdressers take control. The stars famous platinum blonde locks require a great amount of upkeep, so having people help her look good eases the pressure.

For the last couple tours Ive had hair people, which is the luxury of my life, she smiled. Im like, Why did I do it myself this whole time? (C) Cover Media