By: Ashley Arevalo Photos by: Lillian Reitz
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I work in digital marketing by day, and in my free time, I’m fighting to end period poverty with my non-profit chapter Period Corpus Christi and showcasing my outfits on mybrInstagram (@ashleyalyssa). When it comes to taking care of my skin, listening to my mom’sbrconstant advice helped ingrain the importance of taking care of my skin. Never go to bedbrwith makeup on, always wear sunscreen, and to always let my natural beauty shine through,brmoms always know best!br
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As an activist, I think it’s so important to be conscious of what type of products I choose tobrbuy. I’m a huge animal lover, and several years ago, I became aware of cosmetic testing onbranimals – and it truly shocked me. Rabbits, mice, and guinea pigs, as well as other animals,brare subject to horrific testing. Which is why I buy only cruelty-free cosmetics. I’d say 98brpercent of everything I put on my face is cruelty-free. Beauty doesn’t come from wearingbrcosmetics that have been tested on animals.br
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NYX Away We Glow Illuminating Powderbr
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This blush is so beautiful and radiant. I tend tobrhave oily skin, so I usually try to stay away frombrglowy products that aren’t highlighters. But thisbrblush is perfect. It really does give you that summer glow, and it’s the prettiest peach color. On sale on Amazon, $3.73
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Luminance Skincare Setbr
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This skincare brand is amazing. They are cruelty-free and vegan, and everything is made out of all-natural ingredients. You can pronouncebreverything on the back of the bottles! You owe itbrto yourself to know exactly what you put on yourbrface. I’ve always had pretty clear skin, but I definitely have noticed a difference in my complexion after using their skincare for several months.brI have the skincare trio with the rosewater toner,brdeep hydration moisturizer, and delicate facebrcleanser. luminanceskincare.com $70
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Lip Butter from Archer Soapworksbr
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I got this lip butter from Archer Soapworks in a blissbox a couple of months ago, and it’s mybrfavorite lip moisturizer. It always leaves my lipsbrfeeling hydrated. I love putting this on before Ibrput on any lipstick because it acts as a base, and Ibrfeel like my lipstick wears better throughout thebrday. Plus, it’s local – win, win! Archer Soapworks $4
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Jaclyn Hill Palettebr
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This eyeshadow palette is definitely my favoritebrout of all the ones I have. I can create so manybrdifferent looks with just this palette. From abrnatural smoky eye to a bright and colorful look,brthis palette has it all. Ulta $38
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Burt’s Bees Eye Cream with Royal Jellybr
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I’ll admit, I’m on a budget and I would love tobrsplurge on a really amazing luxury eye cream,brbut this Burt’s Bees one does the trick. CVS $18
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Chaos Makeup Champagne Highlightbr
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I love supporting local, and Chaos Makeup is anbramazing cruelty-free makeup brand owned bybrMegan Martinez. This highlight is so beautifulbrand you can really build it up to a blinding highlight. It’s my go-to highlight for every day. WhenbrI’m feeling extra, I love wearing it with a colorbrfrom the Kat Von D alchemy palette on top. ChaosMakeup.com $18
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touchbr
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Sunscreen is an absolute must for everyone,brat any age. I wear this sunscreen every. single. day. This might be my most importantbrskincare item. Protecting the skin on yourbrface, neck, and hands is key. CVS $8
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Milk Makeup Star Stampbr
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I LOVE this star stamp from Milk Makeup.brIt’s cruelty-free and vegan, and it’s just so fun to pop on for that little dose of extra. It’sbrsuper black and long-lasting, but washes off after. I’ve worn it out in public and peoplebrthink that it’s actually a tattoo. I love wearingbrit for concerts, special events, with boldbroutfits, or just because. Sephora $12
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Don’t Touch Your Face!br
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Back when I was a teenager, I’d get a bunchbrof little breakouts on my face because I’d constantly touch my nose, chin, andbrforehead randomly throughout the day. Itbrwas only when my mom noticed I wouldbrtouch my face a lot that she scolded me. Shebrsaid to never touch my face no matter what,brbecause our hands are basically cesspools ofbrbacteria (she’s a nurse). So ever since then, I don’t touch my face, and I noticed I don’tbrget as many random breakouts as I used to…except during my period. You know howbrthat goes, ladies.
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