Courtesy of Getty Images
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
Updated March 27, 2024: This article on the best products from Alix Earle’s makeup routine was updated with new product picks from Earle and editor testing review notes.
Alix Earle is everyone’s GRWM girl crush. Whether it’s tips for glowing skin, an eye-popping technique for longer-looking lashes, or the liquid blush you simply must try, when Earle recommends a product, shoppers — and her 6.6 million TikTok followers — take note. We tested the essentials Earle uses in her everyday beauty looks, selecting the top 33 that deserve a spot in your makeup bag.
Since Earle took off on TikTok in late 2022, a few things have stayed consistent in her beauty looks, like wide-awake eyes, flushed cheeks, and ultra-glowy, bronzed skin (she lives in Miami, after all). Earle’s party-ready makeup looks and approachable tutorials have turned sleeper hit beauty products into veritable sensations. Take Drunk Elephant’s Bronzing Drops, one of the first items that Earle popularized. Her rave reviews caused the liquid bronzer to sell out for weeks at a time, even though the item has been available for five years.
Beyond Drunk Elephant, Earle’s makeup bag includes a few repeat brand appearances: Benefit Cosmetics, Tarte, Nars, and Rare Beauty makeup products make cameos in many of her GRWM posts. Earle has been candid about her experience with severe acne and the skin care products for hormonal acne that she loves, sharing the spot treatments, pimple patches, acne serums, and acne-friendly foundations that she relies on during flare-ups. Almost every item in her makeup bag is friendly for breakout-prone skin types.
Any TikTok-loved beauty product that Earle uses rarely goes on sale and tends to sell out quickly, so when you find an Alix-approved product in stock, you’ll want to order it quickly. Four editors put Alix Earle’s makeup routine to the test — yes, we’re glowing! — these are the items that we can’t put down.
Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Top Products in Alix Earle’s Makeup Routine
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Bronzing Drops
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “My fair skin tone can quickly look washed out if I’m low on sleep or vitamin D, so I’m always trying new bronzers and face tanners that give my complexion a little warmth. Drunk Elephant’s bronzing drops are a lifesaver when I need to get out of the door in the morning: Rather than taking time to buff and blend bronzer carefully, I just mix these bronzing drops into my moisturizer, and I’ve got a radiant complexion as soon as I’m done smoothing my face cream on. They don’t streak or turn you orange — the formula has the perfect neutral bronze to warm you up.” — Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan
What testers say: “The perfect bronzing drops! Ever since I bought this product, I can’t stop mixing it with moisturizer and sunscreen for the most radiant glow and shine!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “Whenever a friend texts asking for a concealer recommendation, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is my no-brainer response. This iconic formula is full-coverage, but it’s not like other cakey, full-coverage concealers — it’s a hydrating one. Its small doe-foot wand makes it easy to target the inner corners of your eyes and blend out to cover your under-eye area with your fingertips or a makeup sponge. I wore it on my wedding day, so I can attest that it photographs well, and it truly doesn’t budge.” — Sullivan
What testers say: “I have been using this concealer for four years on my combo skin and will never go without it. I wear moisturizer and sunscreen everyday, and this layers so perfectly! It can stick to dry patches, but just moisturize and you’ll be fine. It looks so natural and covers everything. Tip: take out the black stopped plug and you’ll have triple the product left in the bottle!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
Related: Best Concealers for Acne
Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hr Brow Setter Clear Eyebrow Gel with Lamination Effect
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “Benefit’s 24-Hr Brow Setter Clear Eyebrow Gel works magic on my thicker brows — the spoolie has two bristle lengths that allow me to easily coat each hair. Many clear brow gels that deliver such a strong hold can end up flaky or feeling sticky throughout the day, but this one sets my brows with a weightless feel.” — Director of Commerce Adam Mansuroglu
What testers say: “I wish i would’ve tried this product sooner! I’ve tried so many of brow gels from all the cheap affordable brands only to end up with flakes and zero hold. This stuff ACTUALLY holds my thick heavy brows up and lasts through an entire day, even when I sweat at the gym.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Alix Earle’s preferred shade: Hope
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “There’s a real learning curve when you first try Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, only because the formula is insanely pigmented — one dot is more than enough to define your cheeks, and if you overdo it, you’ll be buffing into the wee hours of the night. After much trial and error, I’ve discovered a winning technique for applying it: Dot the blush on the back of your hand, swirl a densely-bristled blush brush onto the pigment, then lightly buff the brush on your cheeks. With that approach, you’ll get a watercolor-like finish that requires minimal blending and lasts all day.” — Sullivan
What testers say: “This Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is a dream! It’s weightless and blends like a butter, giving me a natural flush that lasts all day. I love that it’s cruelty-free, paraben-free, and suitable for sensitive skin. Plus, it’s so easy to apply over my makeup without messing it up. Definitely my new go-to blush!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $23
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer
Earle’s preferred shade: Original
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “An oldie but a goodie, Benefit’s Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer has made appearances in my makeup bag for years. This top bronzer has a finely milled powder texture, which allows the pigments to lay down and blend naturally on my skin without any patchiness. The original shade (shown) works beautifully on my fair skin, but Benefit has four variations on Hoola for deeper skin tones, too.” — Sullivan
What testers say: “I needed a lighter shade of bronzer for the winter when I am paler. I tried the lightest color in the bronzer and it is absolutely perfect. I could probably use it in the summer as well because I don’t get that much darker.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $36
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “Better Than Sex is an iconic Too Faced mascara for good reason. It’s a top option for those who love to pump up the length and volume thanks to its intense thickening power and chunky hourglass wand. This waterproof iteration is my go-to in the summer months when I’m swimming or sweating, but also serves as a great long wear mascara for year-round use. It doesn’t flake, smudge, or budge, while still being fairly easy to remove at the end of the day with makeup remover. I can always rely on a dramatic lash effect and a locked-in curl with this product.” — Commerce Writer and Producer Olivia Cigliano
What testers say: “This has been my go-to mascara for years. If you want a lengthening, volumizing and DEFINITELY waterproof mascara, look no further! This mascara will not budge. I have very watery eyes and really struggle finding mascaras that don’t bleed or actually last on me — this has ended my search. Go lighter if you’re looking for a more natural look, go heavier if you’re looking for a falsies vibe. Either way, it is always a win!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $29
Tarte Fake Awake Vegan Waterline Highlight Eyeliner
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “While I don’t love the look of a waterline eyeliner, Tarte’s Fake Awake Vegan Waterline Eyeliner is one of few I’ve tried that doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. The peachy nude tone glides on super smoothly with just one coat, so you don’t have to worry about it snagging on your delicate eye area. If you’re like me and don’t love a waterline look, this still has great value in your makeup bag as an inner corner brightener.” — Sullivan
What testers say: “This is the best natural waterline pencil I’ve used. It stays in place and doesn’t run. I was surprised at how creamy it was, not so much so that it smears as soon as its on. I will definitely be purchasing another when I’m out.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $22
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “Bronzers are one of the beauty products that require careful attention when you’re applying the product — too much, and you risk looking orange. Warm Wishes Bronzer Stick, on the other hand, comes in natural sun-kissed shades, and is so pleasantly sheer that you can dot it onto your skin and blend it in without looking in a mirror. The only critique I have has to do with packaging; the cap is prone to slipping off if it’s rustling around in a makeup bag.” — Sullivan
What testers say: “I’ve looked for years to find a color that looks good on me and this is finally it. Perfect color match, the formula is so good it blends beautifully. Lasts all day.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
Opi Nail Laquer in “Suzi Talks with Her Hands”
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Walmart Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “I love how long-lasting and shiny Opi nail polishes wear, so when Alix Earle announced on TikTok that she entered her gray nails era, I had to try this color. It’s the perfect chic, neutral shade for every day and any season. I always keep an eye for it when I’m at the salon.” — Cigliano
What testers say: “I love the coverage this polish has — it looked like shellac! This is a gorgeous shade of gray that goes with just about anything. Love it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $9.99
Tarte Shape Tape Radiant Medium Coverage Concealer
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve been using the OG Tarte Shape Tape Concealer for years, so I was hesitant to stray from a tried a true. But I’m so glad I did. I have combination skin, which gets especially dry in the winter months, and this concealer not only infuses healthy hydration upon application, but goes on to brighten and smooth my overall complexion. I grab for this concealer when I can’t be bothered for a full-face of foundation, and apply it from my under eyes to discoloration in my T-zone and on any sporadic blemishes that catch me by surprise. I love that it allows my natural freckles to shine through, and find that it locks in place for a full day of wear — even when I shed a tear or break a sweat. It blends like a dream, doesn’t look cakey, and is the backbone to the range of glowy or glam makeup looks I want to create.” — Cigliano
What testers say: “I absolutely love this product. It leaves your skin looking and feeling amazing!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush
Alix Earle’s preferred shade: Orgasm
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush is so fun to play with — the fluid’s sheer payoff makes it impossible to mess up. I’ll dab two dots per cheek on bare skin for a just-left-the-gym flush, or pack it on over tinted moisturizer for a little more drama. Its subtle luminosity makes highlighter purely optional.” — Sullivan
What testers say: “I rarely get excited about new makeup products, but this Afterglow Liquid Blush is my absolute favorite. It goes on easily and blends beautifully. The colors are gorgeous and are very natural but also easy to build for more intensity.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lipliner
Earle’s preferred shade: Pillow Talk
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “If you’re looking for a your-lips-but-better lipliner, Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk lipliner is a well-worthy cult-favorite. It’s the perfect nude pink — and comes in three shades to match your skin tone — and makes for a natural color if you’re into over lining your lips. I love how it works as a chameleon shade, because I can pair it with brown lipsticks, pink lip glosses, or a nude lipstick, depending on my mood.” — Cigliano
What testers say: “Love! This is the longest wear liner that I have come across. And when it starts fading, hours later, it turns into a gorgeous lip contour. 10/10!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $25
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “I have combination skin that’s prone to oiliness in my T-zone, and Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Setting Powder is a favorite for its prowess in smoothing away shine. On top of delivering a filter-like effect on my skin, the Cherry Blossom shade — a pretty light pink — sets my concealer while doing double duty to brighten and disguise dark circles. The powder is very finely milled, melting into makeup without separating or creasing during hours of wear.” — Sullivan
What testers say: “I held out for so long because of how expensive this was but I’m truly a believer now! It hasn’t caused any breakouts — I have very sensitive acne prone skin. Worth every penny!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
Benefit Cosmetics Tickle Golden Pink Powder Highlighter
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “Most highlighters are shades of champagne, gold, or pearl. Benefit’s Tickle Powder Highlighter, on the other hand, is a gorgeous rose. The pink tone is amazing for brightening your skin while illuminating it — I sweep this on the high planes of my cheeks to perk up my complexion. It’s also stunning for an inner-corner highlight on your eyes.” — Sullivan
What testers say: “I bought this to add a little shimmer over my blush, but this is a two-in-one blush and shimmer. It is very pink and has a nice glowy finish.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $35
Too Faced Born This Way Concealer
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “The Too Faced Born This Way Concealer has become my absolute favorite over the last year. And I’m super picky with concealer — I need hefty coverage for my dark under eye circles, but I’m also very prone to creasing. Considering the dozens of concealers I’ve tried from drugstore to prestige, this one checks all my boxes. Not only does it last all day and provide reliable coverage for any spot on my face, it also has a unique blurring effect I haven’t found from any other brand. I love that I can skip foundation and cakey complexion products with this concealer, too.” — Cigliano
What testers say: “I’ve been using this concealer for almost a year. I usually don’t write reviews unless it’s something I constantly use and this is one of them! This is my third bottle. It offers amazing coverage on my dark circles or any acne I might have. I can build it up if I’m doing a heavy makeup look.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $36
Saie The Base Foundation Brush
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “This brush does it all — it blends foundation, concealer, and cream cheek products like a dream. It’s one of the best brushes I’ve ever used and I love it as an on-the-go multitasking tool because it truly can address my whole face. It blends foundation faster than I’ve ever seen, it’s very soft while still firm, and is a convenient compact size. The handle is also flat, so you can stand it up on your vanity.” — Cigliano
What testers say: “This brush is fantastic, and has made me switch permanently from using a sponge. It’s amazing how much less product I need to use for application! The bristles are dense yet soft with great coverage.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve tried dozens of mascaras on the market, but ever since I got a hold of Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara three years ago, it’s become the only mascara I re-order as soon as I’m running low. This product does everything I need — add volume, separate my lashes, and enhance the curl — thanks to the tiny little hooks that grab the individual lashes. Aside from that, I love that the lid is made of a textured rubbery material, which makes it easy to grip and helps with the application process. Plus, it’s super easy to remove with a cleansing balm or makeup remover and doesn’t leave residue on my eyes the next day.” — Nikki Chwatt
What testers say: “I’ve been using this for over five years and I won’t use anything else. I put all my girls on to this mascara and they all love it too. This is the best mascara — it doesn’t smudge easy, holds a curl, and I hear all the time my lashes are gorgeous!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $29
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “I’m a maximalist in my skin care routine — on any given day, I’m layering on face serums, dry skin moisturizer, foundation, and face sunscreen. Yes, sometimes my skin needs a breather. Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint combines each of my usual steps in one bottle, as the liquid provides medium coverage, SPF 40, hydration, and skin care ingredients like niacinamide and squalane. Every time I use it, my skin looks brighter and way more moisturized.” — Sullivan
What testers say: “My favorite foundation! I’ve purchased others since I first tried this and always end up coming back. It makes my skin glow and you can use more or less depending on how much coverage you need. I’m pale and I go for the shade ‘0.5 Skye,’ which mildly oxidizes into a perfect match for me.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $48
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “I couldn’t resist snagging this duo during a Sephora sale after I saw it all over my FYP, and it’s just as beautiful in person. Patrick Ta’s renowned blush process requires a lot of trust — I’m always wary of cake face with it comes to adding wet products over powder, but I quickly learned to never question his genius. The powder applied incredibly pigmented and was super easy to diffuse with a fluffy brush, and a gentle dab of the cream on top gave my cheeks a lit-from-within glow. Plus, the mirrored rose gold packaging looks stunning on my vanity. For $36, you technically get two blushes in one.” — Cigliano
What testers say: “I was never a fan of cream blushes before this one!! i love this color ‘She’s That Girl,’ as it’s a perfect mix between a peachy and pink blush!! It adds such a beautiful glow and the powder is amazing as well! I will repurchase every time.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Editor testing and review notes: “This is one of those products that hasn’t left my makeup bag over the years. The creamy ‘Milk’ shade is a cult-favorite (cult member here!) for its super potent, blendable pigment that can be used on the waterline or as a base to allow vivid powder eyeshadows to pop. It’s a do-it-all basic for any kit, and so affordable. The whole range of colors is worth trying too, if you’re looking for a shimmery base or a matte black for smudging smokey eyes.” — Cigliano
What testers say: “This is one of my favorite eye pencils. If you’re looking for white under eye eyeliner that goes on smooth and stays all day, this is the product. It also doubles as a highlighter.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $5.49
<