Having acne in a society where flawless skin is the beauty standard can knock confidence and self-esteem.

Fortunately, TikTok and other social media platforms have brought forth a wave of influencers who candidly reveal their bare skin, open up about their struggles with imperfections and share makeup techniques for all skin types.

One of them is Alix Earle, a social media personality who skyrocketed to TikTok stardom by openly discussing her battle with acne. As of writing, she has 6.1 million followers on the platform. 

(Photo : Getty Images/Craig Barritt)
Alix Earle attends Tory Burch Spring/Summer 2024 New York Fashion Week - Front Row on September 11, 2023 in New York City.

In a video for Allure posted Thursday, Earle shared her 10-minute makeup routine perfect for acne-prone skin.

The content creator started with a primer, the MAC Strobe Cream, and then applied Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops. 

"I think it is super important to make sure your face is like really hydrated before going in with your makeup," Earle explained, before mixing the two products on her face for a "nice illumination and a little bronze."

After this, the influencer used her favorite concealer, the NARS Creamy Concealer in the shade Custard, Medium 1, noting its effectiveness in covering acne.

"I also struggle with acne," Earle shared. "So this is like really good for covering acne and this makeup routine."

As she blended her concealer with a Beauty Blender makeup sponge, she delved into her TikTok journey, recounting her struggles with acne before finally being open about it on the platform.

Earle revealed that initially, she relied on multiple filters and heavy makeup to conceal blemishes. However, as her skin worsened, neither filters nor makeup could hide the severity of her acne.

"I just couldn't hide it, and I like wanted to stop posting because of it," the TikToker admitted. "And then I realized that I needed to keep posting 'cause I loved it. So I was like, you know what? I'm just gonna like try and share a little bit about my acne journey."

Next, she reached for her Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick in the shade Cool Beige 4.7, highlighting that this product has been the essential "key" in effectively concealing her acne as of late.

Earle shared a helpful tip: using a flat brush and applying a small amount of the product directly onto areas with redness. She mentioned that this technique effectively covers it up.

"I've been using this on my TikToks and people are like, 'What did you just do?'" the social media star said. "'Cause it looks like you just like, froop, got it all away,"

While doing this, Earle continued to open up about her initial apprehension of posting on TikTok while dealing with acne. She admitted she expected negative comments but was pleasantly surprised to find a supportive community online.

It was this positive response that encouraged her to begin sharing makeup tips specifically tailored for individuals with acne.

In the following clip, Earle had already applied dots of her Tarte Sculpt Tape in Cool Bronze on her forehead, cheekbones, nose, and chin. She then reached for her REFY Duo Brush, using the smaller end to blend the contour.

"After that, I'll just like take a Beauty Blender and go back over just 'cause it can sometimes look a little splotchy if you don't do this," she said.

To make the nose look extra snatched, she suggested revisiting the concealer and applying it along the sides of the nose.

Afterward, she applied her "favorite powder in the entire world": the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in the shade 1, Fair Pale, on her face.

"I will bring this in my purse with me every time I go out with a little powder puff because it just mattifies everything, helps your makeup stay on and look good," the influencer said.

For her last trick on the nose, she used the Benefit Highlight in the shade Tickle. Although her own highlighter was quite old and showed signs of wear, she praised its longevity and effectiveness. Using a finger, she gently dabbed it onto the tip and bridge of her nose.

For her brows, she used the Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil in shade 2.5. Describing it as a small, precise pen, she noted its ability to mimic hair strokes.

She then shared her admiration for makeup artist Patrick Ta, expressing how she consistently seeks to learn from his techniques. Earle praised Ta's talent, kindness, and the wonderful experience of collaborating with him.

For her blush, she used the NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush in the shade Orgasm, describing it as a very light, nude pink. She applied it by tapping it onto her cheeks, noting its liquid texture adds a subtle glow to the skin.

For bronzer, she favored the Benefit Hoola Bronzer, a longtime go-to product. She emphasized the importance of not applying excessive bronzer on the face but mentioned blending it down onto the neck to avoid a mismatched tone between the face and neck.

When it comes to eyelashes, the content creator admitted it's both her favorite and least favorite part of the makeup routine.

Referencing a viral incident with her eyelash curling technique, Earle emphasized the importance of getting a good curl. Despite getting mascara on the eyelid, she focused on getting the lashes right before addressing any mess afterward. 

Before moving on to the lips, she applied a setting spray followed by powder to ensure makeup longevity. Earle sprayed a generous amount of the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, allowing it to set briefly.

Then, she reapplied the Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder, emphasizing that this combination secures the makeup in place effectively.

Next, for the lips, Earle said she swears by the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner in Love Trap, a longtime favorite for its perfect color match. She revealed that she loves overlining her lips with it, mentioning that she didn't start using lip liner until college but now can't imagine going out without it.

For daytime outings, she adores the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, a hydrating lip mask. She praised its lasting power, hydration, subtle tint, and glossy finish, noting its resilience even through talking and eating, unlike many other glosses.

For the finishing touch, Earle used the Freck XL freckle pen to create faux freckles on top of her makeup. According to her, applying freckles makes her feel naturally fresh and adds a cute and fun touch to her look.

She create fake freckles under her eyes, blending with her finger to create a scattered freckled effect.

Lastly, Earle added more freckles around the tip of her nose, saying it enhanced contouring for a more defined nose.