We’ve always loved Gwen Stefani‘s immaculate makeup: the signature bright red lips, those luscious long lashes. So it’s no surprise to hear that the singing star learned the tricks of the trade at a young age. “I started in seventh grade,” Stefani shares in the latest issue of ELLE. “We had home economics, and they’d bring someone in to show you how to put your makeup on.” And her studies in cosmetology continued through college, where she majored in art. “I can draw and paint. That’s my background,” she explains. When touring solo, or with her No Doubt bandmates, the L’Oreal Paris spokesmodel does all her own stage makeup. “I learn from makeup people now, but in the past I had a real problem with makeup artists,” Stefani admits. “I remember my first experience with a makeup 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 makeup … From that time on, I’m thinking, I’m not going to let someone do my makeup, because they don’t know how to do it.” She’s happy to let hair stylists work their magic, though. “For the last couple tours I’ve had hair people, which is the luxury of my life,” she says. “I’m like, ‘Why did I do it myself this whole time?’” And in an industry where looks mean everything, Stefani isn’t ashamed to admit she cares about her ultra-glam outward appearance. “I mean, I’m very vain. That would be my middle name,” she says. “Of course I am, you know what I mean? I love the visual.” For more on Stefani and other women in music, visit ELLE.com or pick up the May issue of ELLE, on newsstands April 12.