The My Makeup Life series asks beauty biz insiders, bloggers, makeup mavens and artists to share their holy grail products, tricks, tips and favorite beauty tools. Is there anyone you would like to see featured in My Makeup Life or questions you think I should ask? Let me know here.
Name: Rae
Location: Orange County, California, in the U.S.
Hangouts online: The RAEviewer, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram
Current favorite product: It’s a tossup between Giorgio Armani’s new Flash Lacquer lip gloss and Lancome Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara!
Beauty inspirations: Rose gardens, San Diego sunsets, Impressionist art
One word that best describes your outlook on beauty: Traditional
What makeup/beauty products can’t you live without?
I cannot live without my Le Metier de Beaute ‘Peau Vierge concealer for my blemishes, Bobbi Brown’s Retouching Powder in Peach to brighten my complexion, Cle de Peau’s Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Black 204 to define my brows, Lancome’s Hypnose Drama Waterproof Mascara and Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, Giorgio Armani’s Silk Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, Tom Ford brushes and lipsticks, Chanel lip glosses and nail polishes as well as Tom Ford and Giorgio Armani eyeshadows (all varieties).
When did you start getting into makeup?
I was 16 or 17 when I started wearing makeup regularly (mostly Lancome and Bobbi Brown), but I didn’t start collecting designer makeup until I was 19. It all began with Dior.
What’s your best beauty time-saving trick?
A bright lip! A deep pink or red lipstick will perk up the complexion and add instant ‘wow’ factor. Skip eyeshadow and pair with defined brows, eyeliner, and mascara for a sophisticated look that takes mere minutes to achieve.
What’s your favorite beauty tool (brush/tweezers/curling iron/cleanser)?
My Sedu blow dryer is my favorite tool. I rarely curl or flat iron my hair these days, so I love to dry it upside down for volume. My Tweezerman’s are a close second, though, since I shape and tweeze my own eyebrows.
What’s the best beauty advice you ever received?
Stop obsessing over perfection. And always wear sunscreen!
What’s your skincare routine?
My skincare is pretty elaborate and always has been. I currently use Kenzo Ki products in the mornings and cycle through all different ranges at night depending on what I feel suits my skin’s condition best. My mainstays, however, are by Kiehl’s and Lancome. My favorite cleansers at the moment are Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Cleansing Gel and Peter Thomas Roth’s Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel. The best treatments for my skin are the Fresh Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar, Juice Beauty Full Strength Apple Peel, and Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Mask.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve tried in the name of beauty?
I’m constantly trying new makeup, but nothing will dethrone OCC’s green Lip Tar called Power Plant. It is intriguing in the tube, but it is just too weird a lipstick color on my complexion.
Do you have a trademark look (hair/styling/makeup)?
Yes, long dark hair with a short manicure, winged eyeliner and glossy lips!
Are there any beauty decisions you’ve made that you look back on and ask yourself, “why?!”
I probably should say skinny eyebrows, but I think circle/colored contact lenses take the cake. They might still be popular and really add variety to makeup looks, but I look back at photos and wonder why I wore them for so long!
Where are your favorite places to shop?
Nordstrom, Sephora, lululemon athletica, Nordstrom Rack, and Neiman Marcus. I’m a beauty girl and still enjoy shopping for cosmetics the most.
Anything else you want to share?
I’m an old soul. I love to eat and lift weights. My life is simple, despite all the makeup, and I am a proud Aunt to my best friend’s cats Turkey and Crissie!
I’m so glad someone wishes they hadn’t worn circle lenses. I just can not get used to seeing them! Love the video…I have stubborn lashes too!
Glad you enjoyed the video! 🙂
Woo, another beauty blogger that lifts weights. I hope that means heavy deadlifts and squats…? 😀
I back squat (free) up to 165 pounds and deadlift up to 135 pounds 😉
I’ve been following Rae for quite awhile now and am continually impressed by the level of sophistication and elegance that she has achieved at such a young age. Not only is she physically beautiful, but the grace, charm, and wit that comes out in her videos and reviews is particularly endearing. I highly recommend The RaeViewer to everyone who is interested in tutorials by a pro who really does know what she’s doing.
Wow, Eileen! Thank you so much for the kind, encouraging words. Readers like you continue to fuel my drive and inspire me to bring you the best. Have a great week <3
OK, loved this interview. Love this whole series! Keep them coming please!
Beautiful! Instead of just being a kitty aunt, you should become a kitty mother! You will love it! Then you can become a CCL like Karen and many of her followers (including me!)
One day! I want dogs first, but a kitty is definitely in the future!
The wings are a go-to for me too! Yours are absolutely lovely. Your skin is beautiful.
Nothing beats a perfectly sculpted wing 😉
Always loved Rae, and loved this interview!
Love your signature look Rae!
Have been following Rae for quite some time. I just listening to her talk and I don’t see reviews like hers much which makes love her even more. Would have loved to see you with the green lip tar :p
I might post a picture just for fun someday! It’s hilarious 😛
You look very pretty ray and loved your signature look!
Thanks very much!
Your lashes look great! I don’t like waterproof mascara I find it harsh on my lashes and hard to get off.Love the name Turkey for a Kitty!
Thank you! That’s why I use cleansing oils, since they help the mascaras slide off easily 🙂 Give it a try sometime!
Karen, thanx so much for doing a feature on Rae!!!! She’s BADDDDDDDDD just like you and i get to enjoy some of the BEST info on makeup DELICIOUSNESS!!! Luv ya and God Bless!
Thanks so much for reading! I wish I was as ‘BADDDDDDD’ as Karen 😉