The #ITGTopShelfie series puts the focus on the lives and beauty routines of Into The Gloss's lovely, accomplished, and loyal community of readers. Show us your own Top Shelfie on Instagram—tag us @intothegloss, and include the hashtag #ITGTopShelfie.

'I’m Anna Gurowsky [@annagurowsky]. I live in San Francisco, which has its perks—mostly produce and good weather. The beauty in San Francisco is everywhere, from the hills and the ocean to the cosmetics counter at Barneys in Union Square, where I work in addition to doing freelance illustrating. As an illustrator, I’m interested in the ways people differ and overlap and what makes them beautiful. I’ve always loved to draw, but finding my style was something that evolved over time...as has my beauty routine.

Most of what I do comes out of trial and error—a few bad hair days and finding what works. I read reviews of products before I buy them and only use the ones I actually end up loving. In my bag there are always a few things to pick from in case of emergency, like Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara and Nars Orgasm Multiple for a face pick-me-up. I also don’t leave the house without under-eye concealer, and Clé De Peau Concealer in Beige is like my warpaint—it'll cover any long night.

I’m definitely of the belief that a little color goes a long way and looking natural is actually strategic. I use Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer before applying anything to my face. It has a shimmer without adding unnecessary sheen and sets a palette for my coverage. On my under-eyes, I use Bobbi Brown Corrector in Bisque before applying my concealer. I'm convinced Nars Bronzer in Laguna looks good on everyone, as does Kevyn Aucoin Pure Powder Glow Blush in Shadore. Once my face has set, I put Nars Multiple Stick in Copacabana on the lift of my cheekbones to brighten. The contouring look isn’t really my thing, but everyone needs to brighten, especially in the dead of winter.

I’ve used so many different eyeliners and right now I’m sold on Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Blacquer. I learned the wonders of lining your bottom eyelid from a friend, and I haven’t looked back. I rarely line my top lid unless I’m trying to master a cat eye, which usually ends in a Robert Smith goth catastrophe. Once I curl my eyelashes, I use two of Kevyn Aucoin mascaras, first the The Curling and then The Volume to add length. I’m a lipstick equal opportunist, but after discovering Chanel Rouge Coco it might be time to commit. It stays on for hours without losing moisture, and the Jean shade looks great with a tan. In terms of fragrance, I absolutely love rose scents...my favorites are 'Stella' Stella McCartney and Lancôme Mille & Une Roses for summer. I tend to mix oils with my fragrances to bring out the notes I love, like amber.

Much like red lipsticks, all skincare products are not created equal and I have to use a combination of products to best suit my skin. My routine starts with Shu Uemura Balancing Cleansing Oil to wash the day off my face. I exfoliate two to three times a week with Dr Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel Pads to keep my skin smooth. I love everything Natura Bissé touches, especially their Glyco Extreme Peel and C+C Vitamin Scrub. My skin can be sensitive and prone to redness so I like using toners with rose to soothe—my sister recently sent me Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, which is light and smells incredible. Truth be told, I’ve yet to find a moisturizer that I love, so I rotate between Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and Chanel La Solution 10.

For a long time, I didn’t know what to do with my naturally wavy hair. I tried to go against the wave and straighten it, and I used a lot of conditioners that were too heavy and hairsprays that were too sticky. Now I wash my hair with a few rotating shampoos and let my hair dry a little before applying Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse—I just use a little bit and evenly distribute it by scrunching my hair. Then I let it dry a little longer and then spray Bumble and bumble Surf Spray throughout for texture. I've been using Surf Spray for years and I can’t speak highly enough of it. For early mornings or late nights, I use Klorane Dry Shampoo. I’ve tried almost all of them and Klorane is my favorite for volume. Sometimes I think men are lucky, just showering and going out the door, but isn't this more fun?”

—as told to ITG

Back to the drawing board: Read about Jaqueline Diedam's red lipstick advice and Chiara Mottironi's “Beyoncé of eyelash curlers' in the #ITGTopShelfie.