Jess Alizzi’s favourite beauty products for first dates, breakouts and bedtime

What I reach for.

At the risk of sounding like a creep, a woman’s bathroom cabinet will forever be a source of fascination for me. I’ve always been nosy when it comes to beauty products. I want to know whether you double cleanse at night, how often you wash your hair and exactly what you’re using. I want to know if there’s a facial tool or brow gel that has (hyperbole warranted) changed your life.

Because in an industry that’s constantly telling us what to buy next, I’m far more interested in what people actually come back to. Not just their holy grails but the products they rely on in specific moments: before a date, mid-breakout, or when they need to feel transformed.

For more haircare reviews, check out our Beauty section.

This is the thinking behind What I Reach For, our new series which asks different women about the beauty products they instinctively go to – the ones tied to moods, rituals and minor crises alike.

To start us off, we’re speaking to Melbourne-based digital creator, Jess Alizzi. A self-professed devotee of the clean girl aesthetic, Jess’ approach to beauty is minimal but considered.

“My all-time beauty inspiration is my mum,” Jess tells me. “She keeps her routine so simple but has beautiful, flawless skin even in her mid-60s.” That said, there’s not much Jess wouldn’t try in the name of beauty, from dunking her face in ice water (“always works a treat”) to sleeping in mouth tape. If it works, she’s committed.

All of which is to say: when a product recommendation comes from Jess, it’s worth paying attention. Below, she shares what she reaches for when it comes to haircare, self-tanning, breakouts and more.

What I reach for when…

I want to feel like myself

Nothing makes me feel more like myself than a fresh blowout but before I do that, I’ll do a leave-in hair mask while I clean the apartment or go for a walk. The Olaplex No 3. Hair Perfector is my current favourite. I usually leave it in for minimum two to three hours, and find that my hair is so much smoother and shinier when it comes time to blowing it out.

I want to smell sexy

Flora Gorgeous Gardenia by Gucci is so luxurious and fresh, a definite must try if you haven’t already had the pleasure.

I’m breaking out

I’ve had days during my hormonal acne flare-ups where I’ve practically covered my entire face in pimple patches, but I’ve found that these La Roche Posay ones make a genuine difference.

I’m walking through Duty Free

I’m stocking up on mascara because I go through these way too quickly. The Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash gives mega cat eye, we love.

I’m going on a date

MAC’s Fix+ setting spray is key! I want my makeup looking fresh for the whole night and this one is my fave.

I’m going to bed

Me in bed is honestly quite the sight: silk bonnet, silk pillowcase, this silk eye mask and mouth tape. All in the name of beauty though, right?

I’m going to be on camera

I always touch up my lips and give them an extra little plump up. This Dior Addict gloss is a best seller for good reason.

I want to feel transformed

The way that I feel so much more confident with a tan needs to be studied. This Loving Tan one is my absolute favourite.

Keep up with Jess here.