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.
"Hi! I'm Alexa Sokol (@alexa.eden) and I live in New York. I'm a Membership Advisor at Equinox in Soho—my job is basically to welcome prospective members to Equinox, and help encourage their fitness routines. Almost everyone I meet is coming from somewhere different, with their goals and their lifestyle, but they'e all wanting to step up their game and challenge themselves, so that's a pretty inspiring environment to work in. It's funny that the fitness industry in general is very exterior beauty-focused—to me, beauty is really about how you feel, how you function, and how you interact with the world around you. If you can take time for yourself, you'll ultimately be happier and kinder to those around you.
I actually think that beauty is a tool for confidence. Confidence comes from within, and when you take the time to discover what helps you feel beautiful, think beautiful, and be beautiful, then you’re winning. I try to invest in staples that are low-maintenance and potentially could be dual purposed. That way, you can lighten your load, but also be able to have the best of what you need throughout the day/night. Like, Covergirl's Exact Eyelights is one of my favorite things. I’ve used this mascara for as long as I can remember. They have four shades... I'm using the blue right now. They’re a little gun-metal-y but they’re supposed to enhance certain pigments in your eyes. Whenever I want something new, I just change it up.
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation is something else I always have in my makeup bag. It was literally handed down from my mom, and I just kept rebuying it. I don't know if it's 'good,' but it works, and it reminds me of my mama. And MAC Lipstick in Persistence—I told a MAC salesperson that I was willing to go bolder and here I am. It's neutral, but not nude. Absolutely recommend it.
Moroccanoil is my savior!! The scent is absolutely incredible, and it makes my hair smell and look super healthy, hydrated and smooth. My friend insisted I try it and I’m so glad I listened. I feel similarly about Oribe Texturizing Spray. It just gives your roots a little oomph. I worked with a beauty consultant to help me pick products to take care of my hair before, after, and during workouts—it's been really helpful. I try not to wash my hair so much and I rely on those two products.
My skincare routine is consistent and reliable. I use Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, and I love that I can use it on dry or damp skin. It rocks because it takes off eye makeup, which means now, I actually take off my eye makeup. Or I use Lather Sweet Almond Exfoliating Cream, which I love love love, only every once in awhile so I don't get spoiled. The way I really pamper myself, though, is with Lather's Pink Grapefruit and Ginger Illuminating Cream. The aromatherapy is my favorite part. Seriously. No matter the time of day, it helps me relax and feel like I've taken the time to pamper myself. EOS Shave Cream is also really hydrating and smells yum, and I love the package. Sonia Kashuk's Pink Innocencia Body Lotion is something I've bought for years, and it comes in little travel sizes. I keep one in each purse and it doubles as a hand cream and perfume. Perfect for when you want to freshen up and pretend it's not winter."
—as told to ITG
