When it comes to beauty, some ladies just seem to always know exactly what products to use. Ryan Norville, is one such lady. From her impressive skin care collection (yes, her beautiful perfumes and serums look more like art than something you’d put on your face), to her Insta-#grwm videos we’re obsessed with her.
Not only does the beauty aficionado work for one of the most luxurious skin care brands, La Mer, but she’s also a rep for Glossier. While it’s easy to be intimated by Ryan’s 10-step skin care routine, she has some super practical advice for approaching beauty. Keep reading to see why she’d love to steal beauty tips from Michelle Obama and the hair products she can’t live without.
We know you’re as obsessed with beauty products and gadgets as we are, so how would you describe your approach to beauty?
“I do a lot and I work really hard, so I don’t cut corners when it comes to beauty. Both my makeup and skincare routines are like therapy so I don’t skimp on products or time — I indulge in those things.
It’s not about luxury product, as much as is it is about doing what makes you feel cared for. Whatever that means to you.”
So you get to try and test a lot of products. What are a few of your favorites? Hair
“I almost exclusively use As I Am hair products. Their Coconut Cowash, Leave-In Conditioner,DoubleButter Cream, and Curling Jelly are products I use daily. I found them through a natural hair Instagrammer and have been hooked ever since!”
Skin Care
“It can be pretty extensive, but it can be up to 10 or so steps. I probably don’t need all of it since I am still pretty young and not many skincare issues run in my family, but it’s really fun to me.
I use an oil cleanser if I have makeup on to remove and cleanse. Then I use micellar water to get any extra dirt off. I will use an essence to prep for any serums I’m using and then I’ll use Glossier’s Super Pure serum for occasional hormonal breakouts, and La Mer’s Genaissance serum because it makes my face feel extremely silky and smooth. After, an eye cream and finally moisturizer!”
Makeup
“That’s really hard because I am a bit of a product junkie. I’d say eyeshadow palettes with a lot of warm and metallic options. I use Morphe’s 350 palette and Pat McGrath’s Mothership II palette constantly.
A great liquid eyeliner, and a good red lipstick. If I need to quickly look excited to be somewhere I put on red lipstick. Right now, I am using Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Liquid Lipstick in Serafine.”
If you could only wear one lipstick for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Dragon girl by Nars. Dries your lips out like crazy, but when I put that on your whole posture just shifts. You’re a different person.”
Would you say, you have a signature beauty look?
“Yes, a metallic eye with a red lip with a subtle contour. To keep it simple I use Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix Trio in deep for contour and highlight. I use the highlighter also as a eyeshadow and Hourglass’ Voyeur Waterproof Liquid Linereyeliner and Sephora’s Outrageous Curl Mascara. And then you can use Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint to bring it all together.
This takes me a little over 5 minutes and it brightens your eyes so you look really awake and energized.”
What are your beauty secrets for surviving harsh New York winters?
“Even though I have oily skin I pack on moisture and oils. For body I use Tatcha’s Silk Body Butter. It sinks into your skin and the fragrance is very light but pleasant. I hate body products with a distinct smell.
Then I switch over to using an oil cleanser for my face and instead of using a cream moisturizer, I like to pair my cleanser with a night oil. So I pair Dior’s Instant Gentle Cleansing Oil with Aesop Fabulous Face Oil. When I wake up my face is clearly different. I look like I am glowing, not at all sweaty even though the heat is blasting in the house.”
If you could ask anyone their beauty secrets, who would you ask?
“Angelina Jolie, Zoe Kravits and Lisa Bonet, and Michelle Obama. The first three because they are always so effortlessly beautiful to me and in their style as well.
Michelle radiates grace and an energy that just can’t be duplicated with product. I feel like her beauty comes from her heart and it always makes me feel like I want to be like her. It’s hard to explain.”
What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever been given?
“Wear sunscreen! You just think ‘black don’t crack’ but your skin will be effected by hyperpigmentation if you don’t protect it. My life was changed.”
If you could give your 13 year-old self a piece of beauty advice, what would you say?
“Don’t let people around you define what it means to be beautiful. And how you look should never even determine your worth. One day your looks will fade and if all your security lies in that you will feel very empty one day.
Love who you are for yourself and your own peace. This is hard advice to understand when you’re younger but a lesson I wish I learned sooner.”
Self-care, how do you practice it?
“Saying no when I need to, educating myself on health and nutrition so I can take care of myself and my family, and remembering that being vulnerable doesn’t make me weak, but allows me a chance to constantly reach new levels of healing.”
