Alix Earle Makeup Routine - Top Products, Tested & Reviewed

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Updated January 3rd, 2024: This article on the best products from Alix Earle’s makeup routine was updated with new product picks from Earle and editor testing, as of winter 2024.

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 6.3 million TikTok followers — take note. We tested the essentials Earle uses in her everyday beauty looks, selecting the top 15 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.

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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. Three editors put Alix Earle’s makeup routine to the test — yes, we’re glowing! — these are the items that we can’t put down.

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Related:
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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

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

$32

$32

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

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

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

$23

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

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

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

$29

$29

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

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

$22

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $22

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

$32

$32

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $32

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lipliner

Earle’s preferred shade: Pillow Talk
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$25

$25

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

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

$38

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

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

$35

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 gold. 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

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

$36

$36

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 provides 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

Price upon publish date of this article: $36

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

$29

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

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

$48

$48

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $48

YSL Beauty Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick

Earle’s preferred shade: Sweet Pink
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars 
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$39

$39

Editor testing and review notes: “A nearly $40 lip balm is a definite splurge, but when the formula is as multitasking as YSL Beauty’s Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick, it’s worth every cent. During my month-long testing window with the product, my main conclusion is that this little tube is a textural anomaly. The Showcasing Nude shade I tried has the color payoff of a lipstick, the feel of a lip balm, and the sheen of a high-shine lip gloss. You can layer the light pink shade over lip liner à la Alix, or wear a tinted shade on its own.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $39

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars 
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$47

Editor testing and review notes: “If you love foundation but don’t like to look like you’re wearing it, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is your ticket. The sheer formula offers light- to full-coverage, as the liquid is highly buildable (I didn’t experience any streaks or splotchiness even with multiple coats, by the way). My dry skin needs a radiant finish to look healthy, and this one delivers big on dewiness. Give it 30 seconds to set after you apply it, then you can blend bronzer, blush, and highlighter right on top.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $47

Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer

Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$26

Editor testing and review notes: “Chubby brow pencils are great for quickly defining my dirty blonde arches, but when I need to fib individual hairs, there’s no better option than Benefit’s Precisely, My Brow Pencil. The pencil features an ultra-fine tip that doesn’t require sharpening, and the waterproof pigments don’t smudge after I apply them, even if I get a little sweaty or go for a swim.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $26

Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator

Earle’s preferred shade: Sunglow
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

$28

$28

Editor testing and review notes: “This super smooth, luminizing gel is my makeup bag secret weapon. While other liquid highlighters can appear patchy or glittery on my skin, the Saie Glowy Super Gel in Sunglow seamlessly melts into my complexion. Like Earle, I like to apply this directly on to my skin before I go in with face products, or it works great mixed with foundation for a lit-from-within bronze glow.” —Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

Rhode Peptide Lip Tint

Rhode Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

$16

“On days I want the girly sparkle of a gloss but in actuality need a heavy dose of lip balm, Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment is the first thing I reach for. Apart from my trusty lip masks, this is one of the most hydrating lip products I’ve cycled in during the past few months. It has a serum-like feel on the lips that sinks right in after application — even the tinted options don’t transfer after I smack my lips together a few times.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $16

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation

Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$45

$45

Editor testing and review notes: “Haus Lab’s foundation has quickly become a favorite. It’s lightweight, extremely spreadable, easy to blend, and melts like butter. It delivers a radiant, luminous, hydrating, healthy-looking complexion — what’s better than that? It also claims to be long-lasting, and I can attest that it truly is. The foundation is suitable for all skin types, but I would recommend those with oily skin make sure they set their face. Overall, this product makes my skin look filtered — I’m obsessed. Pro tip: a little goes a long way.“ — Chwatt

Price upon publish date of this article: $45

Related: Best Foundations

Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour Stick

Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$35

Editor testing and review notes: “Contouring feels so 2010 to me, but not with Tarte’s Sculpt Tape Contour Stick. The built-in applicator tip on this contour stick deposits creamy pigments that are surprisingly sheer — stamp a few dots on your cheeks and on the perimeter of your complexion, and you can easily blend it out into a finish that looks natural, not painted on.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $35

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

Earle’s preferred shade: Berry
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$40

Editor testing and review notes: “The viral Dior Lip Glow Oil may be pricey, but it’s worth its viral hype. For starters, I’ve had my tube for over a year as a main-stay from my work bag to my going-out purse, and I’ve only gotten half way through. It deposits just the right amount of color for a subtle tint, while looking super shiny like your favorite lip gloss. Plus, it actually works to hydrate the lips, unlike other lip oils on the market, and effectively rejuvenates my chapped lips during the dry winter months.” — Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $40

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm

Earle’s preferred shade: Rose
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
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: “Tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm feels more like a plumping lip oil than a traditional balm — that’s likely courtesy of the formula’s trio of plant-based oils. Beyond its cushiony texture, what I love most about this balm is its even color payoff. One swipe gives you an even touch of color, but two swipes provides the look of a stain with a rich gloss layered on top. I needed to reapply every hour or so, but it feels so good on my lips, I’m always happy to do it.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

Who Is Alix Earle?

Alix Earle is a TikTok creator who took off in fall 2022 for her approachable, unfiltered Get Ready With Me-style videos. The University of Miami graduate and New Jersey-native is primarily known for her beauty-centric TikTok videos, most of which showcase her makeup techniques and struggles with acne, however social media-scrollers also tune in for fashion inspiration. Earle has partnered with her favorite beauty brands, like Tarte and Benefit Cosmetics, and is also a podcast host.

Alix Earle’s Amazon Storefront

Searching for more Alix-approved items? One of the simplest ways to shop Earle’s favorites is taking a quick trip to her Amazon storefront. Amazon Storefronts allow creators to share their favorite Amazon beauty products, duvet covers, and so much more. Earle’s edit includes categories like beachwear finds, Amazon makeup brushes, handbags and purses, women’s perfume, and Amazon gift ideas galore.

Looking for an Amazon deal? Alix has you covered! When Amazon Prime Day comes around annually in July and October, she always flags and updates her favorite Prime Day beauty, fashion, and home deals to keep her followers in-the-know. Plus, you can always browse her Amazon favorites to snag exclusive flash-deals year-round — on top of super speedy and free shipping.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Products in Alix Earle’s Makeup Routine

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

In order to select the best makeup products in Alix Earle’s routine, three WWD Shop editors watched dozens of Earle’s most popular GRWM TikTok videos, taking note of the products she reaches for the most. We cross-checked customer reviews, researched the items, and narrowed down a list of 20 makeup products to test. Over the course of two months, our editors assessed the products through first-hand testing, narrowing down our selections to include the 15 best makeup products. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Testers

Adam Mansuroglu is the Director of Commerce for Footwear News and WWD, overseeing strategy for shopping content on both brands, along with writing and editing shopping guides, product reviews, and shopping trend stories across fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle product categories for men and women. Prior to his current role, Mansuroglu was an editor and writer at Cosmopolitan Magazine, BestProducts.com, and Men’s Health Magazine. Mansuroglu has been tapped as a shopping expert for editorial websites such as Wirecutter, and his writing has also appeared in Out Magazine, Esquire and other publications. Mansuroglu uses Benefit Cosmetics brow gel daily, which is a top item in Alix Earle’s makeup routine.

Nikki Chwatt is a New York City-based writer and the former Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she wrote shopping stories on celebrity style, the latest fashion trends, and new shoe releases. Before joining WWD and Footwear News, Chwatt wrote for publications, including the Editorialist. As a New York City resident, she’s garnered a love for beauty and skincare products, and has tested many beauty products to see which ones agree for her beauty goals, and which may work better for others with different needs.

Meet the Authors

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. Sullivan has tested and reviewed a number of Alix Earle’s favorite products in her makeup routine, including these Benefit Cosmetics products. Learn more about us here.

Olivia Cigliano is the Commerce Writer and Producer at WWD and Footwear News. She is a New York City-based fashion and lifestyle writer, riding the pulse of trends and digital culture. Her previous bylines can be found on CR Fashion Book and Elite Daily. When she’s not writing shopping content at WWD and FN, she can be found scrolling TikTok “Get Ready with Me” videos to discover trending beauty products to add to her beauty bag. She updated this article in January, 2024 with up-to-date product picks from Earle’s most recent TikTok videos and additional editor testimonies.