Pro Picks: The Low-Maintenance Makeup Artist

Swedish-born, Southern California-based makeup artist, Petra Strand brings over 20 years of experience to her multi-purpose, fuss-free “Pixi” line of makeup (sold in her London boutique and at Target in the U.S.). And she is similarly discerning when it comes to her non-Pixi beauty booty. “When I love a beauty product, I LOVE it and use it forever. My criteria as a busy, working 'Mum' is that it does exactly what it is meant to do—and quickly,” she says. Here, a few of her favorite things:

Jennifer Laing

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Real Makeup for Real Life

When it comes to color cosmetics, Strand takes a typically-Scandinavian, straightforward approach: “Makeup should make you look like yourself—only more gorgeous,” she says.

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Photo courtesy of Petra Sand

Pixi Illuminating Tint & Conceal, $30

“This is Pixi in a tube: a fabulous oil-free moisturiser packed with botanicals and sunscreen [SPF 20]. It’s a skin-perfecting base that make you look airbrushed. And with a full-coverage concealer tucked inside the lid, it delivers flawless skin in literally seconds.”

Target.com

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Photo courtesy of Target

Aveda Shampure Shampoo and Conditioner, $10.50 each

“I love Aveda hair care. I love the textures and aromas, the way my hair feels soft and shiny and never overloaded with product, just healthy and natural.”

Aveda.com

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Photo courtesy of Aveda

Weleda Skin Food, $18

“I use this as a moisture boost for my skin. I apply it on flights, during the change of seasons—and whenever I feel that my skin needs extra TLC.”

Weleda.com

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Photo courtesy of Weleda

Pixi Correction Concentrate, $15

“Burning the midnight oil and balancing everything leaves me with dark smudges under the eyes. I developed this to erase dark circles. It is my 10 hours sleep in a jar: a peach neutralizer with rosehip extract and vitamin E, so it treats the skin too.”

Target.com

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Photo courtesy of Target

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers, $19

“They simply are the best! Excellent quality and they last. I always have two in my kit, just in case. They give a great curl and really open the eye up.”

Shuuemura.com

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Photo courtesy of Shu Uemura

Tweezerman Slant Tweezer, $20

“I love the tools in my kit and I am fastidious about clean lines when doing brows for a shoot. These are fantastic. They grip the hair easily and ensure a painless pluck.”

Tweezerman.com

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Photo courtesy of Tweezerman

Pixi Succulent Lip Twin, $18

“I love anything that multi-tasks, and this is an award-winning product for both cheeks and lips. The nub of pigment in the lid gives great colour for cheeks and lips and the balm in the tube is packed with literally edible ingredients to add colour and shine to even the driest lips.”

Target.com

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Photo courtesy of Target

Kai Body Glow, $34

“A little spritz of this gardenia-based body spray, and I am in heaven.”

B-glowing.com

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Photo courtesy of B-glowing.com

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen, $14

“This was a product I worked on for years: a waterproof pencil that glides on like a liquid, but is so easy to use. Once it dries, it does not budge. This is amazing for sultry, defined eyes in seconds. It's perfect for that date night."

Target.com