@monetmcmichael [1]

get ready with me for some wine and dineeee🍷 didn’t plan on this being 2 parts but i talk too much 😌 I missed u!!!

♬ original sound - monet mcmichael 🤍 [2]

As a minimalist, my makeup routine consists of three things: tinted moisturizer [3], lipstick, and mascara. I sometimes even forego two steps, and opt for a bold lip instead, depending on my mood. I credit this no-makeup, makeup [4] ethos to my upbringing where my sisters and I weren't allowed to wear makeup, and my obsession with a natural look and dewy glow from my favorite skin-care products [5].

Because I don't really wear makeup, I'm not very good at putting it on. That's why I was intrigued when I came across TikTok influencer Monet McMichael [6]'s easy-to-digest tutorials where creates looks that are much more accessible for newbies like me. (For the record, she also has incredible fashion, hair, and fitness tips.) Now, I don't get influenced easily, but one of her GRWM (aka get ready with me) videos [7] seemed to encompass pops of color and lots of mascara, while still leaning on the natural side. I decided to try it out for myself.

With hopes of recreating her makeup magic, I got my hands on her favorite products and cult-favorite brushes [8] and started testing the look – you know, for research.

McMichaels began her look with Glamnetics Everyday Kit [9] ($64) to make her lashes really pop, so I did the same. I love mascara and typically only wear false lashes for weddings, so this was a fun way to start the routine.

Next, she soaped up her eyebrows to give them a laminated look. For this I used Ami Cole Ultra-Flex Brow Shaping Gel [10] ($20). I chuckled as I looked at my never-been-laminated-before brows, wondering if it was too much gel and was quickly reassured by McMichael's candid "Got to be super glue" approach. I decided to trust the process.

Next, she grabs Sigma Spectrum Color-Correcting Duo [11] ($30) – a staple product in majority of her routines – to spot correct troublesome blemishes, or as she calls them, "homies in town." As I stared at the zit and hyperpigmentation surrounding it, adjacent to my right ear, I followed suit.

From there, it was time for the heavy-hitting foundation. I mixed shades 24N and 30P of Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Full Coverage Multi-Use Concealer [12] ($20) and applied it all over my face paying special attention to the T-zone and under eye area, just like McMichael. I'm always looking for ways to treat my undereye bags [13] so this step was particularly exciting. I took my Beauty Blender Makeup Sponge [14] ($20) and worked it in.

Then, it was time to contour [15], a step I've never done, but again, seemed easy under McMichael's direction and fun tunes in the background. I worked in Ami Cole Dessert Date Cream Multistick [16] ($22 ) in 'dune,' then blended it out with Refy Duo Face Brush [17] ($24), another hero product in McMichaels' makeup routine. As for blush, I grabbed Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick [18] ($30) in 'pale petal' and dabbed a couple dots on my cheekbones and blended in with the beauty blender makeup sponge.

To set all the colorful goodness, the TikTok star uses Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder [19] ($43) and blends out with the user-friendly beauty blender. I swipe the powder under my eyes and forehead, making sure nothing is shiny or moving. Then, McMichael takes eyeliner – I used Covergirl Ink It Eyeliner [20] ($7) – to create a super soft cat eye and swiped Thrive Cosmetics Focus Eyeshadow Palette [21] ($36) across my lids and in the corner of my eyes to make them pop.

Lastly, a step I'm very familiar with: lips. McMichael opts for a chocolate brown theme so I grabbed Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner [22] ($15) (pro tip: this is a hot commodity in the beauty space and often out of stock so make sure to snag a couple shades when you can) in 'gifted' as a base, gliding over Ami Cole Lip Treatment Oil [23] ($20 ) in 'excellence' on top for a glossy look. And boom — glam city.

While McMichael's makeup routine was loads more product than I'm used to, I still found the look to be natural with a bit of sass. I won't be using it everyday, but now that I've successfully applied it, I'll definitely incorporate the glam on nights that I paint the town.