Top Shelfie: Ryan Alexandra, Vintage Reseller
On Corsican olive oil, using blush as coverup, and the importance of staying curious.
Welcome back to Health Gossip Top Shelfies, a series exploring the medicine cabinets, vitamin shelves, and wellness secrets of our dear readers…
Today, we’re hearing from Ryan Alexandra, a Los Angeles-based vintage reseller and daughter of a longtime Estée Lauder product developer.
🫧 Want to be featured? Submit your Shelfie for consideration here.
Top Shelfie: Ryan Alexandra
Who are you?
My name is Ryan Alexandra (@ryan_alexandra), I’m based in Los Angeles currently. I’m a Taurus Sun. I sell vintage and other found items via Alexandra Mimi.
I’m usually spending time with my cat at home or exploring Los Angeles by way of estate sales.
Describe your approach to beauty.
My routine is centered around seeking a sense of seamlessness and balance in my life. My approach is rooted in self-awareness. I regularly check in with myself, stay curious, and explore habits that can help me achieve and maintain my harmony.
I lean towards a blend of minimalism and maximalism when it comes to products. My mom, who worked in cosmetics in product development at Estée Lauder throughout my life, has greatly influenced how I care for myself. She instilled a love for trying new products, as well as an appreciation for clean beauty and holistic care, always emphasizing the importance of checking ingredient lists! I tend to mix some luxury brands with health food store products (Lazy Acres is the best). Turning 30 this year, I’ve shifted my routine to focus more on hydration and sun protection...
What are some of your must-haves?
I’d say my Shelfie is looking very girly at the moment. I just got back from France so I picked up some new products from Caudalie, Embryolisse and Biologique Recherche. Can’t wait to start using Lotion P50 again, I missed it. I’m excited to try the Embryolisse Concentrated Milk-Cream Retinol-Like, I have heard great things.
I love using the Colorescience Face Shield Tinted SPF in the morning, it’s so hydrating.
I love oils. I got this new oil from Oliambru, it’s their Beauty Balm made from Corsican olive oil. It smells so amazing. I was told it’s the oldest beauty balm oil in Corsica and to put it on the ends of my hair for hydration.
I also love this oil I got from Pure Heart Sessions, it’s their Goddess of the Hunt Oil, handmade with frankincense and myrrh. I like to put it on my wrists in the morning when I wake up.
Sea buckthorn oil on the skin at night or morning is my favorite. It’s rich in omega-3, omega-7, my skin feels so hydrated plus it adds almost a bronzing glow...
My arm pits are so sensitive so this deodorant is the only one that doesn’t irritate me, it’s from Island Deodorant, its scentless, organic and baking soda-free.
But my non-negotiables are always: Weleda Skin Food, BR Vivant mask for breakouts, Heritage Store Rose & Glycerin Water Spray (3x/day), Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain, Santa Maria Novella Muschio, and my deadstock hair combs I sourced in France :)
Any health or beauty secrets you swear by?
I stopped wearing mascara everyday; it’s been so nice, my lashes feel a lot healthier. Not washing my skin in the morning is kind of a hack for me as of recent… I noticed my skin really prefers to not be over-washed. I always use a rose water spray to wake up my face in the morning, then I apply my skin care. I was told applying cream to wet skin allows ingredients to penetrate more deeply.
For hair, I sleep in a silk bonnet and always use a spray bottle with water in the morning to redo my bangs and curls then I apply a hair oil/cream. At night, hot baths...magnesium glycinate, fresh chamomile tea, and face oils. Also! I love putting blush on a pimple or breakout instead of coverup.
