MAKEUP BAG CHALLENGE: featuring ayelet haar
One of our favorite makeup artists Ayelet Haar recently stopped by the LXMI offices, and since she didn't have on any makeup (gasp!), we challenged her to create a look using LXMI products and only the cosmetics in her handbag. In this era of Youtube makeup room tours and shopping hauls, we thought this pared-down exercise would be a fun and real-life experiment. So, how did the artist tackle the task?
"For me, this experiment was so real because I usually leave my house with bare skin! This is why great skincare is the most important tool for an artist...it lets me go from extreme low maintenance to full glam. I have really dry skin, so even though LXMI recommends their Melt for evening, I started my makeup application with both moisturizers to give my skin a dewy look.
First, I used LXMI Crème du Nil (Cream of the Nile). I love this one because it feels super soft upon application, absorbs immediately, and leaves my skin hydrated but not slick. This slightly tacky texture is what you should look for in a daily moisturizer...it will help your makeup stay on.
Then I turned to the moisture balm, LXMI Pure Nilotica Melt. This one ingredient skin butter is a savior for my dehydrated skin, and my makeup applies flawlessly over it. So many of my MUA friends with dry skin love to add drops of face oil to their foundation, but I take it the next level and use a balm. HUGE difference.
Next I went to my eyes (before face, to avoid fallout clean-up! Love this trick.) I primed with my classic MAC Studio Fix just to give my lids some texture, and then I happened to have Makeup Atelier Sparkles in Copper ($16, beauylish.com) in my bag (looks coordinated with the LXMI packaging, right?). I patted it on my lids, and then defined my lower lash line with Sephora Collection Bronzer Powder in Los Cabos ($17, sephora.com).
I didn't want to do a full face of Powder Foundation (I carry the compact for touch ups only!), so instead I stuck with my go-to Concealers. I used a damp blending sponge to pat Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer ($9.99 maybelline.com) with Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Concealer + Corrector $8.99 (maybelline.com) generously under my eyes, and then I continued the motion where I needed a little extra coverage and highlight.
Next, I applied Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Luminizer ($14, sephora.com) right on my cupid's bow for a luminous look, to go with my glowy, moisturized skin. Final touches were Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel ($22, anastasiabeverlyhills.co
Finally (spoiler alert!) I spotted an upcoming product...LXMI Nilotica Goddess Glow...sitting on a desk, and even though it isn't launching until October of this year, I had to dab a little on my cheeks to complete my monochromatic makeup look. LOVE it and can't wait for this one to come out.
If I had been at home or on set, I would have used a few different products for sure, but I was proud of my approach in a pinch! It helps that anything looks good with dewy skin."
Yours,
