what’s in alex’s makeup bag?
As a skin care SNOB being an aesthetician for a decade, and having struggled with cystic acne, I am super particular about what I use on my face. That being said I am also a new mom and who even has time, amirite?! I live for easy, flawless skin care and make up that can make me look like I got a full 8 hours of sleep.
I always start with a good base of my 5 step skin care routine, cleanse, tone, serum, moisturizer and eye cream followed by sunscreen (oops, is that 6 steps?) I'll share my favourite sunscreens that have a tint to them for an everyday makeup look. A multipurpose brow pomade that also stimulates hair growth. Yes, you heard me. Grows. Your. Brows. I NEVER leave the house without my trusted concealer and mascara. Add a little bronzer and blush and out the door we go!
Each of my trusted products are linked below, including my holy grail secret item, and you can watch my 5 minute everyday routine.
1. Bali Body Face Tan Water
My secret weapon. I apply this twice a week before bed and wake up with a flawless, healthy glow. Who doesn’t feel better with a tan?
2. Smashbox Halo Tinted Moisturizer - Natural
This is my everyday “foundation”. Provides minimal coverage, but smoothes and even your skin tone. Can also be used as a primer before applying your foundation. I just apply this with my hands all over my face and neck
3. EltaMD Tinted Face Sunscreen
MY FAV sunscreen! The tint is extremely minimal, more of a dewy finish. Contains Zinc, it will not clog your pores. Zinc will actually help heal any blemishes. This line was created to be used after invasive skin care treatments, so you know it’s good.
4. Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Balm - Vanilla
I don’t typically wear lipstick so this is my go to everyday and it smells deeeelish!
5. Plume Nourish & Define Brow Pomade - Chestnut Decadence
OKAY. A Canadian, 100% natural product that GROWS YOUR BROWS. I also use this as my eyeliner for a natural look. Very creamy texture and easy to apply.
6. Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist
A fan fav for over a decade. A toner, primer, and makeup setter & refresher all in a pretty little bottle
7. MAC Bronzing Powder - Matte Bronze
I love a matte bronzing powder. Great for warming up your skin tone and creating some definition.
8. Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation - Linen
I don’t alway wear foundation, but when I do, this it is. I use a foundation brush to buff it in then finish with my beauty blender
9. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer - NC20
Started using this when a makeup artist friend used it to cover “a friends” hickey and never looked back. I use this for my under eye concealer and to cover any blemishes.
10. NARS Blush - Orgasm
I use this on my cheeks and on the bridge of my nose for a sun-kissed look.
11. R.E.M. Volumizing Mascara - Midnight Black
The most perfect mascara to ever be created, thank you Ariana. But actually, it gives a fluffy look and very buildable.
12. Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
I love to set my concealer and foundation with this using my beauty blender. Also works wonders for baking.
13. R.E.M. Highlighter Topper - Miss Mercury
I LIVE for a good highlighter. I want to look like a disco ball at all times. I use a fan makeup brush to apply this above my cheek bones, brow bone, nose and my upper lip.
14. Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner - Nude
A nude liner is the quickest way to brighten up a tired eye. Apply on your waterline. If you have a smaller eye, it will also make them appear wider, as opposed to using black, which will make them appear smaller.
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