Auto-Refill: Our favorite beauty pros share the products they love — the ones so good they’ll make you hit that little “auto-refill” box at checkout.
Makeup artist Mali Thomas, a.k.a. Mali Magic, is known for achieving the sharpest cat-eye you’ve ever seen. She’s done it on clients like Marsai Martin and Kelly Rowland. Thanks to her affinity for glossy lips and dewy skin, it also makes sense that she’s earned herself a spot as Bobbi Brown’s global artist in residence.
Additionally, in an age where makeup artists unfortunately don’t always know how to work with melanin-rich skin, the Los Angeles–based pro makes it a point to create videos to help others shade-match properly. Thomas, whose foray into makeup began with her passion for painting after graduating from the Art Institute of Chicago, says, “I’ve created a body of work that is respected, and with that, I’ve used my voice to open doors for so many incredible muses and artists.”
And when she’s not busy trailblazing in the industry and pouring into others, she’s making time to refill her cup. “Self-care is everything to me because it’s a way to connect with myself and reset. It centers and grounds me,” she says. “It reminds me to slow down and thank myself for pushing forward.” In that spirit, below Thomas shares her go-to skin-care routine, how daily walks keep her grounded, and more.
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A.M. Routine
My morning starts with meditation from the Insight timer app, and my husband reads the daily word, which is the motivation for my day. My journey to confidence has been through my faith in God. I do not take anything for granted.
My morning beauty routine consists of cold plunges for the face to de-buff and the Rose Ingleton MD Superfruit Exfoliating Tonic. It is so incredibly gentle and truly works. For moisture and sun protection, I use the Rose Ingleton Signature Moisturizer and Black Girl Sunscreen. Also, I try to wait a bit before checking emails and social media. It’s nice to breathe and slowly enter the day when possible.
Depending on my schedule, my makeup routine varies, but I’ve found some incredible products for brown skin that have become staples for me. Feeling confident in your makeup starts with finding the right complexion and skin-care items. To prep my skin, I swear by Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, followed by its Skin Corrector Stick — both absolute game changers. Achieving a radiant, healthy skin finish became effortless for me with Very Valentino’s 24HR Liquid Foundation in shade DA5. The foundation matches my olive-brown complexion perfectly. For brows, it’s always Anastasia Beverly Hills because, let’s face it, it set the standard. I rotate through an extensive collection of bronzers to adapt to seasonal changes, but I’m loving the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer and Victoria Beckham Beauty. When it comes to eyes, blush, and lips, Makeup by Mario’s Master Mattes eye-shadow palette is my go-to. It really makes my brown eyes pop. Danessa Myricks’s Yummy Skin Blurring Balm flushed blush is unparallel — it instantly revitalizes the face with just a small application. And let’s not forget Haus Labs Lip Oil, a daily essential for its plush, conditioning magic!
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P.M. Routine
I love using LED light therapy at night, and although it’s pricey, the lights are magic. I have severe hyperpigmentation, and the Current Body Dermalux Flex MD and the Dermalux Flex MD LED light have saved my uneven skin. As for skin care, I double cleanse at night because I can’t go to bed with the slightest bit of makeup on. I use Dermalogica Precleanse Oil and IS Clinical Cleansing Complex. This combination is fantastic and it doesn’t dry out my skin. I use Dr. Diamond’s Metacine’s Plasma Serum and Growth Factor Night Cream. Additionally, I use the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum and May Lindstrom’s The Blue Cocoon.
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On rest:
To get a good night’s rest, I have to get off my phone at 9 p.m. or I will be staring at puppies and sloths all night on Instagram. I love Essentia Alkaline water paired with magnesium and collagen vitamins. Specifically, I love Moon Juice’s Magnesi-Om and Vital Proteins’ Collagen Peptides. This concoction helps me sleep beautifully. I also wake up with gorgeous, glowing skin! Remember: Removing negativity from your life is the best beauty secret and it’s free.
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On the beauty items she’s actually noticed a difference from:
LED lights and a good aesthetician! Invest in your skin, and your makeup will look even better.
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On movement:
I recently changed to a plant-based diet; it has been four months, but this is the best lifestyle change I’ve ever made. I feel fantastic. Also, I have never liked exercising but decided to find what works for me, and it is daily walks. I listen to the This Morning Walk podcast and hit the trails in Los Angeles. Walking helps me process anything I may be feeling, and if I am not having the best day, I have let that energy go by the end of the walk.
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