These are the beauty products HG’s Associate Beauty Editor Cannot. Live. Without.

We’re starting a new series called The Beauty Files, where HelloGiggles editors and contributors share what exactly they put on their faces, and why. We want to take you on this voyeuristic journey because we believe makeup means something different for every single person — applying makeup is a conscious, intimate decision we make almost every single day, and there’s usually a method behind the madness. Join us every week as we spill the beans on beauty products, and feel free to submit your own Beauty File. E-mail us at pitches@hellogiggles.com!

I’ve loved all things beauty ever since I was old enough to speak. In fact, when I was about 5 years old, I woke up from a nap, screaming as if someone was about to murder me. My parents, grandparents, tias (aunts) and tios (uncles) frantically swung my bedroom door open. “What’s wrong, Alyssa?” It turned out I saw my reflection and couldn’t bear to see myself with messy, uncombed hair!

So it’s actually a #blessing that I’m an associate beauty editor, and that my job is all about testing makeup, skincare, and hair products. While I have gotten out of my comfort zone thanks to my job (and the makeup tutorials I do), my beauty routine hasn’t changed much since high school. I’m still trying to achieve that J.Lo glow, get that sexy, smoky eye like Audrina Patridge from The Hills, and I’m still stuck in the ’90s hoping that lip gloss will be a thing again.

This is how I normally do my makeup: smoky eyes and nude/pink lips

How do I achieve this look? Why, let me tell you!

Morning: 8:05 a.m.

I always set my alarm for 7:30 a.m., hoping that I’ll actually wake up with plenty of time to make coffee, do some stretches, and find stories. That’s never the case, and today, I don’t start doing my makeup till 8:05 a.m. However, I’m feeling pretty pumped to start my day because it’s Valentine’s, and I really want to look cute.

I start priming my face with Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer ($16.99). Today, I need a little extra help with my pores, so I use Benefit Cosmetics’ POREfessional Primer, ($31), and after, I apply PUR Cosmetics’ HydraGel Lift ($26) around my eyes.

It’s time to start applying my foundation, but before I do, I wet my Sigma Beauty 3DHD blender. While this item isn’t quite out yet (I got mine from their beauty event), I love that I’m able to blend my foundation perfectly around my nose and under my eyes. For foundation, I use Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Foundation ($40). After, I use Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer ($8.99) to hide the redness around my nose and chin. To set my makeup, I use Cover FX’s Perfect Setting Powder ($35), which has done wonders for my combination skin! It doesn’t leave my face feeling dry, but it also helps to control my oily skin. I seriously don’t know what kind of magic this is.

I like to do my foundation and setting powder first, then I like to move on to my eye makeup! For my eyes, I’ve been using Too Faced’s Sweet Peach eyeshadow palette ($49) a LOT! It has brown, neutral shades, just as much as it has colorful, pink tones. First, I use Peaches ‘n’ Cream and Georgia as my base shadows. Then, I apply Charmed, I’m Sure into my crease and start blending it out in windshield wiper motions. After, I add Cobbler on top of Charmed, I’m Sure because I want something a little more bronze with shimmer. Then, I add Luscious to my lids, where I put Peaches ‘n’ Cream and Georgia. For my brow bone, I add White Peach.

Once I’m done with my shadow, I like to put eyeliner on my lower lashline. I’m Latina, so I feel so naked when I don’t have eyeliner on the top and bottom. For this I use, NYC’s Waterproof Eyeliner in Dark Brown ($3.92). Then, I apply Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara ($24) for my bottom lashes. Afterward, I apply liner on my top lids with Wet ‘n’ Wild’s Color Icon Kohl Eyeliner in brown ($0.99). I normally use one eyeliner, but today I must’ve gone a little crazy. For my lashes, I love Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara ($23)! It gives me the drama, volume, and length that I desire. After, I use YBF’s Automatic Universal Taupe Eyebrow Pencil ($12) to fill in my brows.

Once I’m done with my eye makeup, it’s time to add life to my cheeks. I contour using Too Faced’s Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer ($30). (Side note: I’ve been using a sample from one of my Sephora purchases.) Because I’ve been working all my life to get that J.Lo glow, we’re still not done bronzing. I’m obsessed with the Alexis Ren x ColourPop Topaz Palette ($15), so I used the bronzer and highlighter for my cheeks and nose. Afterward, I apply another set of powder, just in case I’ve gone overboard with my bronzer. I use the Bare Minerals Powder Foundation ($30) and dust it all over. To add some brightness under my eyes and chin, I use Younique’s Moonstruck Mineral Concealer ($29). Then, I apply Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray ($31) to make sure this hard work stays in place.

Are you still with me? Seems like I’ve done a lot! Today I wanna add a little glam and charm to my look so I decide to do my hair.

I use my trusty CHI Hairstyling Iron ($99.95) to curl my hair. To keep my waves from falling, I use L’Oréal’s Boost It High Lift Creation Spray ($4.99). This gives my hair SO much volume, too! To add a little shine, I use OGX’s Argan Oil of Morocco ($7.99).

Finally, after I’m done with my hair and makeup, I apply my lipstick! For today’s look, I’m feeling my YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Shine in 47 ($37). I top it with Sigma Beauty’s Lip Vex Lipgloss in Dazzling ($10). Now I’m ready to start the day!

Afternoon 2:18 p.m.

It’s a little hot in the office, and the sun is blaring, so it’s time for a touch-up! I use Clinique’s Stay Matte Universal Blotting Powder ($26.50). After, I apply MAC’s Trace Gold Shimmer Blush ($23) and L’Oréal’s Voluminous Original Mascara ($7.99). We all know lip gloss comes off easily, so I add my YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Shine in 47 ($37) and Sigma Beauty Lip Vex Lipgloss in Dazzling ($10). I also apply lotion on my hands, and right now I’m obsessed with Bath and Body Works’ Tutti Dolci Golden Honey Praline ($6). Hey, I’m typing all day long, so girl’s gotta have well-moisturized hands!

Early evening 7:21 p.m.

It’s Valentine’s Day, after all so my fiancé and I head out to our fave café to grab some freshly baked dessert. Yes, we totally skipped dinner! I apply Clinique’s Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Color in Roomiest Rose ($17). I wanted something on my lips that said, “I’m excited for Valentine’s, but I’m not that excited.”

Evening 9:50 p.m.

It’s almost 10 p.m. and I’m SO ready for bed. Maybe it’s the carbs and sugar, but I’m tired. I hop in the shower, cleanse my face with Dove’s classic soap bar ($6.88) and to make sure my makeup is completely gone, I use EcoTool’s Facial Cleansing Brush ($5.99) to scrub it off. I have sensitive skin and have found that Dove’s soap bar works the best for me! Once I hop out of the shower, I apply Clinique’s Acne Solution Spot Healing Gel ($16.50) because pimples are stupid and I want mine to go away. Then, to keep my skin hydrated, I use Belif’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb ($38).

For my hair, I apply Orlando Pita Play’s Strong Bond Split End Sealant ($26). This little baby has never failed to tame my hair, especially on days when it’s raining! It really controls my frizz and makes my hair super soft.

I’m such a grandma. I’m already in bed watching my fave romantic movie, Dirty Dancing. It’s been a long day, but I can’t wait to wake up in the morning to do it all over again!

Read our past Beauty Files with HG Beauty Editor, Marie here!