Saving money, time + space on makeup without compromising on quality feels like you’re playing those games of choice where you can only choose one.
As someone who loves a reason to glam but also likes to keep her day-to-day makeup routine super minimal BUT ALSO values good quality products, I struggle to find brands that can fit in all 3 categories. So I usually end up buying for all three, which obviously ends up not helping on saving space or money.
On one extreme, there are those high quality products that are stunning but come in large containers + only cover one specific makeup need; and on the other extreme there are those products where you get a travel size 3-in-1 that is efficient for on-the-go but isn’t something that you’d necessarily gravitate towards when you have access to all your glam products.
I cannot begin to list out the amount of travel makeup combos I’ve tried over the years - not just for my travels but also in looking for something I could pop into my purse for touchups during photoshoots or those spontaneous outings when you decide to meet up with a friend to grab a cocktail after work.
You have high hopes for them, but a couple of uses later and they end up in a random toiletry bag under the bathroom sink.
Dedicated to finding “the one” for my travels and on-the-go lifestyle, I came across Alleyoop.
So if you were to ask me the top 5 reasons for why you should give it a shot, this would be why:
QUALITY + FORMULA IS WOW
I wanted to mention this first because it’s one of the most consistent reasons I don’t stick with compact makeup brands long term.
Specifically the “Stack The Odds” which is their blush, bronzer and highlighter stackable compact and the “11th Hour” eyeshadow sticks really wow’d me! I love a dewy, natural look for my day-to-day + travel makeup routine + these products NAIL it. Alleyoop’s CREAMY formula is SO easy to blend + a little goes a long way - which is super important for me so I don’t need to worry when traveling that it may run out.
Because of it’s creaminess, it really looks like a second skin - I have been using it over my tinted sunscreen + a lot of the times just on it’s own because it just blends into my skin so naturally!
I also find myself gravitating towards the 11th Hour eyeshadow stick since there is zero mess + I don’t need any tools other than the stick + my fingers to apply it. No shadow dust on anything, I can quickly touch up anywhere, there is a built in sharpener, and again, a little goes a long way. It’s super easy to build up, so later in the night I usually reapply for a darker look and keep my day time makeup light.
And lastly, I LOVE the shadow shades! Their current selection of shades made me a bit unsure when placing the order, but I ended up LOVING {actually all} the shades in every product I got! Like what the heck - that doesn’t happen often!
CLEAN BEAUTY
Sort of ties into the point above, but I wanted to have this point have it’s own moment. I know there are many people who shop specifically with clean beauty in mind. This was not something I really considered until super recently when I read an article about how many toxins women put into their bodies day-to-day, which can lead to many different health problems long term + it really got me thinking to be more aware of what I’m putting on my body day-to-day.
All Alleyoop products are cruelty-free, paraben-free, latex-free, aluminum-free, and phthalate-free.
I only ordered from their makeup line, but now I’m curious to give their skincare + body care line a try!
PURPOSEFUL PACKAGING DESIGN / SAVES SPACE
Beauty products are known for their glamorous presentation + packaging, which on the upside gives a fantastic + luxurious unboxing experience, but quickly becomes overrated in day-to-day use. You realize you’re storing a huge bottle with very little actual product inside.
With Alleyoop makeup products, what you see is what you get, which just makes sense.
PERFECT FOR ON-THE-GO + TRAVEL
Piggybacking on the point above, the minimal + light packaging makes it a no-brainer for on-the-go.
You don’t need to think twice about making room in your purse or taking up extra weight in your luggage! Just about every one of their makeup products + tools have several functionalities, so less really is more!
Another example of this is their “multi-tasker” makeup brush! This is a 4-in-1 makeup brush that combines the four most essential makeup applicators in one tool: concealer sponge, blush, brow, and eyeshadow brush.
Makeup brushes for me were something that I particularly got annoyed at packing because they really did take up so much space, but I loved the application techniques I could do with them, so I never wanted to leave them behind.
This, tied in with the first point about quality, is what excites me about this brand. It’s really something you’d enjoy day-to-day as part of your normal makeup routine + also a minimal routine you can bring traveling WITHOUT feeling like your sacrificing anything!
GLOWY LOOK FOR A FRACTION OF THE TIME
I mentioned how creamy + dewy these products are but I didn’t mention how quick it was to get this basic, natural look!
I did a quick 3 minute makeup routine with these products right before I went to the movies the other day and I got SO many compliments on how glowy and healthy my skin loooked. I was shocked + may never spend 30+ minutes glamming again (lol just kidding, your girl loves a good therapeutic glam session, so we’ll keep those for special occasions) but the confidence that 3 minute routine gave me, we love to see it.
I know spending money on new makeup products, especially ones that are sold online only, can feel a bit risky! But I hope this review can help you decide if these clean beauty products are up your Alley (pun intended hehe).
