Mutya Buena: How do I look?

The way I look is important to me, but I don't feel that I need to conform to a particular style. I've never used clothes as a way to fit into a scene. What's important is that I feel comfortable and still feel like myself, even when I'm performing.

Growing up in London, I was surrounded by people of all ethnic backgrounds, so the fact that I have an unusual heritage - my mother's Filipina and my father's Irish - never really occurred to me. Fitting in has never been top of my priorities, maybe even the opposite. Not that I consciously make an effort to be different, but I've never aspired to look like a Barbie doll and have always had my own take on current trends.

When I first started working in the music industry, I was aware that it is largely superficial and there is, inevitably, a collection of people who get to a certain point on the merit of their looks, as much as their talent. A lot of pop stars are constantly done-up, but my thing is about comfort first. I'm not competing with those people, so it doesn't make me self-conscious. I never compare myself with them, but I suppose I am quite in awe of how perfect they always look. I'm more about being myself and letting that and my ability shine through.

Being overly groomed stops me performing to the best of my ability. I once went on stage in pink fluffy slippers because I knew they'd set me up for a good performance. My stylist just shook her head and sighed. I've had a few arguments with stylists over the years, usually when they try to preen my style too much. It's annoying when people dress you up how they want to see you.

Really, what's important is that what I'm wearing doesn't restrict me. I'm happy with the way I look and want to show who I am in my own eyes, not fit in with someone else's perceptions of how I should be.

It's funny when people try to pin-point my style, like it's "urban" or whatever. I just dress like any other girl with an eye for fashion; I like skinny jeans and leggings at the moment. Back in the day, I used to wear baggy jeans because my four older brothers wore them. I'd team them up with little Aaliyah-style half tops.

My mum entered me in beauty contests when I was younger, so I'd dress up in really girly clothes too. That did me the world of good, as I now feel comfortable in most things.

There's a whole heap of outfits that I look back at and think "oh dear". I used to have this haircut which just wasn't a good look in any way; it was really short, with little twists at the front and longer bits at the back. I was young, but still old enough to know better really.

It's annoying being in this job when you have the inevitable off-days, like waking up with bad skin. You don't want to touch it and then you go to work and get smothered with make-up. It's horrible.

Strangely enough, my looks have changed for the better since having a baby. Looking after a two-year-old keeps me fit, which is good as I don't have the time or patience for the gym. I don't bother with treatments or expensive products, but I do indulge when it comes to my nails; that's my thing.

What's important is that I know who I am and what I'm doing - that will always stand me in good stead.

Interview by Charlotte Philby

Photograph by Eva Vermandel

A life in brief

Mutya Buena was born in London on 21 May 1985. She co-founded the Sugababes in 1998 and spent seven years as part of the pop trio. Having enjoyed four Top 10 albums and seven No 1 singles with the band, she left in 2005 and had a baby girl, Tahlia May, with her boyfriend Jay. Since then she has launched a solo career, collaborating with artists such as George Michael and Groove Armada. Now signed to Universal Records, her debut solo album, Real Girl, is to be released on Island Records on 4 June