The #ITGTopShelfie interview series focuses on the beauty routines of Into The Gloss' lovely, accomplished, and loyal community of readers. Submit your own on Instagram—post your Top Shelfie (tag us @intothegloss!) and include the hashtag #ITGTopShelfie for a chance to be featured on ITG.
"I'm Lizzey Johnson (@lizzeyjohnson)—I currently live in Chicago, but I'm originally from San Francisco. I'm a student at Northwestern University, where I’m double majoring in Journalism and French—currently I'm writing my thesis on 20th-century Parisian women in Impressionist art. I'm also the co-editor of Stitch, Northwestern's fashion magazine, and I'm in the VP of PR for Delta Delta Delta at Northwestern. Greek life has made me acutely aware of how often we, as young women, discuss and critique our bodies. I’m proud to be in a sorority that recognizes this, and has responded with efforts to improve body confidence and conversations amongst our chapter. We implemented both a Body Image and a Diversity Chair, who plan events that promote healthy body image, diversity and inclusion amongst our chapter. But don’t get me wrong—there’s still so much work to be done.
I think that confidence is such a powerful part of beauty, and I’m particularly inspired by young women who are using their self-confidence to disrupt their industries. I'm the first to admit that I struggle to put myself out there, but I really admire women who have allowed themselves to be vulnerable in order to create something great. That’s what I consider beautiful. As far as my routines, though, being a college student has made me realize that the best things in life are cheap, quick and packed with essential oils.
It also differs dramatically from weekday to weekend—I don’t really wear makeup from Monday to Thursday, but then I layer my skin with foundation and other evils come Friday. When I’m going out, I prime my face with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer and follow it with the cult-favorite Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 4.5. It gives you a second skin. I love the Hourglass Ambient Light Blush, Bronzer, and Strobe Powder Palette. Finally, I highlight with Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed. On my eyes, I use a Zoeva Nude Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette—it’s like the Naked Palette’s more affordable Australian sister—and Le Volume de Chanel Mascara. My roommate Ali recently introduced me to Dior Addict Lip Glow, which is going to be my next splurge. On a regular day, though, I just wear Glossier Stretch Concealer in Light and comb my brows with Wunderbrow, followed by Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Berry on my lips. Then I spritz Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent and run out the door.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become a big supporter of the sustainable beauty movement. There’s an assumption that natural products are more expensive, but I think they’re just harder to find. Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, local pharmacies and even Amazon are like candy shops for clean beauty—you just need to dig around. My skin is sensitive and acne-prone—come at me, suitors—so in general I try to find simple products and I stick to them. DHC Deep Oil Cleanser has been in my skincare regimen since high school. My mom is such a believer that she bulk-orders it. I use it nightly with a warm wash cloth, and follow with Aurelia's Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleaner if I’ve been wearing makeup.
Cultivar’s Organic Anti-Acne Treatment is the single thing that keeps me pimple-free. Its mix of essential oils is hydrating enough to be used as a nightly face oil in warmer climates, or as a base for a moisturizer in the winter. At night, I put it on a bare face for about 15 minutes and then follow with Darphin Rose Care. My friend Hannah introduced me to Clarins Self Tanning Milky-Lotion, which is the only thing that will distinguish me from the snow in the winter. It gives you a super natural-looking tan, but the real kicker is that it keeps your skin smooth for a full 24 hours. And when times are especially desperate, Caudalie’s Glycolic Peel Mask will give you eight hours of sleep in 10 minutes. Every Sunday night, I put on a detoxifying mask—Caudalie and African Botanics both make great ones—and follow with Glossier’s Moisturizing Moon Mask. One of my most noteworthy beauty fails was actually mask related... One time last winter, I put on a clay mask and sat in a sauna for an hour. I’ll leave the results of that experiment to your imagination."
—as told to ITG
