Ok, confession time: during those two lock-down quarantine years, I basically gave up having a makeup routine. Why bother when just a bold lipstick is enough to fake it on Zoom? Well, this year has been a much more social time for me. Literally, I have whiplash from the weddings, concerts, and other brunchy fun things this year has brought. And WOW, I never realized how much time I spent just getting my everyday look together. I used to spend about 20 minutes and now, I don't have that kind of time or the attention span.
Enter: Alleyoop.
Everything is multipurpose, beautifully formulated, and super cute! And while their total product line doesn't feel overwhelming, Alleyoop has made it even simpler with a short beauty quiz to match you with the products you need to streamline your beauty routine. Answer a few questions about your skin, your normal daily routine, and product preferences, and a list of vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free products magically appear.
Alleyoop's quiz will help you find the products you need in the perfect shades for your skin tone and help to cut your makeup routine in half. In fact, Alleyoop has made it 3-4 times faster for me to get ready. Before Alleyoop, my bag contained 9 products and my routine took 15-20 minutes; after Alleyoop, I only need 4 products and I'm out the door in 5.
My Alleyoop Products:
1. 11th Hour Cream Eyeshadow & Liner Stick in 'Bronze Medal' and 'Coffee Break' - now $19.20 (normal price: $24.00)
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Eyeshadow isn't usually the fastest part of my makeup routine, but these creamy products make it effortless. These two shades, 'Bronze Medal', a copper bronze, with gold shimmer, and 'Coffee Break', a gorgeous nude terracotta color with loads of blendable pigment can be used as either a soft eyeshadow or an eyeliner (using the built-in sharpener on the other end). These were so insanely fast and easy to apply. Swipe along your lash line and blend with a brush or fingers, and you have the perfect natural smokey eye.
Application time from start to finish: 1 minute.
2. Multi-Tasker 4-in-1 Makeup Brush - now $22.40 (normal price: $28.00)
This multi-brush is a minimalist's dream. It contains a powder/contour brush, blending sponge, eyeshadow brush, and an angled liner or brow brush. The design takes up very little space in your makeup bag or on your vanity. I love how clever this is. You can even purchase replacement sponges when you need 'em. The sponge was especially fantastic when paired with the cream highlighter. And the eyeshadow brush was perfect for blending out the eyeshadow sticks.
3. Stack the Odds: Blush, Bronzer, Highlighter in 'Sassy Pants'- now $30.40 (normal price: $38.00)
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This is the easiest way to achieve a natural glow in under 2 minutes. This stackable compact includes a cream blush, bronzer, and highlighter. All three formulas blend smoothly with just the right amount of pigment that is dreamy for layering. All are boosted with skin-loving Jojoba and Sunflower Seed Oil so your skin is as soft and happy as can be. These trios come in three different color collections to complement a range of skin tones. The stackable compact design saves space and includes a mirror so that you can apply it anytime, anywhere.
Application time from start to finish: 2 minutes.
4. Double Team Tinted Lip Lotion in 'Fresh Squeeze' and 'Hot Take' - now $11.20 (normal price: $14.00)
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Give me a lip product that has a bold, yet sheer color, that makes my lips look fuller and feel smoother and I am totally IN. Alleyoop knocked it out of the park with the bold red and sunset coral shades. It has Jojoba & Shea Butter to provide long-lasting and deep moisture to lips, plus a sweet peppermint scent that naturally plumps, leaving your lips feeling extra fresh. The sheer color is buildable, so you can go bold or low-key depending on the amount of product you use. These are accurately named: My lips felt so soft and moisturized lip lotion indeed!
Application time from start to finish: 10 seconds.
Here are the finished looks:
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I am happy to report that I can now look this put together in under 5 minutes. I love that all of these products can be as sheer or as bold as you want and you can even take them with you in your purse without taking up much space. If you are looking for the new big thing in minimal yet high-performance and versatile beauty, check out Alleyoop and take their quiz. You are going to fall in love.
