Malena Higuera by Dermablend is proof that you don't have to compromise - in your career or in your skincare.

It is difficult to describe in a few words the work that Malena Higuera does. It may seem simple on paper—her official title is CEO of Dermablend—but the reality is much more complex. Not only does she lead one of the leading beauty brands, but she also makes people feel seen and heard. For Higera, the goal is to make sure everyone feels good in their own skin while respecting the path she has traveled to feel good in hers. In her case, that means a careful balance of skincare and science, and finding products that make her feel confident without irritating her sensitive skin.

We recently caught up with L'Oréal Executive to talk about everything from how she gets her skin in such good shape to the leaps she's made in her career that have gotten her closer to reaching her goal.

About what's in her makeup bag for work

Firstly, I like what is written on my cosmetic bag. It says "Content...Powerful makeup" and a mission statement that says "Beautiful with, beautiful without." I really like to send a message that yes, I'm going to put on this makeup, but it's a choice. Makeup is a choice and an understanding that you are as beautiful with it as you are without it.

I have two different Dermablend brushes in my makeup bag because I'm obsessed with a high coverage foundation brush and a powder brush. I also have Dermablend Banana Setting Powder and Dermablend Glow Creator in peach. I use them under make-up, over make-up, in make-up and sometimes in skincare if I want a little glow. I also have Dermablend Flawless Creator in 25N and Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara. I like that I can do a quick kick on the go. I also have a Kajal liner that I'm obsessed with and Maybelline SuperStay Matte Mascara.

One of the days of her life

I feel extremely lucky because I have a home and a job that allows me to live in harmony with my body. I will never miss what my sons will remember what I missed and will not remember why I missed it. My children wake me up - they are like my alarm clock - and I cook breakfast for them. They are part of my personal care routine. I like to put on makeup so I put on makeup in the morning and we do it together. We get dressed, we go out the door and I can leave both my kids and still be at work at about 9 o'clock. I don't go a day without realizing how important this is to me. While I'm at work, I can't predict a single working day. I am here at the service of my team. I am here to promote their growth and purpose. I also have a mentoring session once a week, it's almost like the gospel on my calendar. When you reach a certain point, you must make sure you serve the community you are here for, and not just within four walls.

The biggest pinch me moment of her career

WWD has listed me as one of the 50 most influential people in the multicultural marketplace. It's not just to pinch me because I'm on this incredibly stellar list, it's because it's actually possible to make a difference if you stay on your mission, stay as passionate and committed to what you believe in. big proponent of inclusion. It's not just about diversity, it's about true inclusion. I will not stop working until I am sure that everyone is comfortable in the skin they are in.

When getting a job at Dermablend

Don't let anyone fool you, we're traveling through a career - it's not always carefully planned. My first long-term job was in raw materials at Lipo Chemicals. It was the first tech boom, I was finishing college, I needed a job, and I wanted to do beauty. It gave me a clear idea of ​​the power of the ingredients we work with every day. I have worked with labs on how best to develop formulas to hold these powerful ingredients. From there I moved to Avon and worked there for several years in all categories. I left the Global Lip and Nail department. Then I came to L'Oréal - almost 13 years ago - not knowing what kind of job I was getting. I took it to the jump. It was a secret project at the time, but I was so impressed with the people that I decided to do it. I think it's very symbolic of the way I look at my career and the choices I make because a few years later I was able to develop skincare for Maybelline in Asia and from there I was called to manage Maybelline for Asia. -Pacific region. who taught me invaluable lessons about what it means to look at the world in the culture you live in and influence from within. I then returned to become Head of Marketing at L'Oréal Paris. It was on my second maternity leave when I got a call from Dermablend. I wanted to be part of a breakthrough and brands with a real origin story - brands that offer a service beyond the product, are truly utilitarian and help change lives. I wanted to be part of a brand that is truly cross-cultural. In fact, I got much more. Dermblend taught me that I would never live beyond my purpose, ever.

On how working on Dermablend makes her feel powerful

When I saw that there was a true “clear skin” bias around us, and I felt the weight of that bias from within the industry, I knew I had to change the course of the conversation. I decided that I would no longer use the words "before" and "after" in my brand and constantly send messages about how beautiful you are with or without makeup.

Working on something that really connects you to your goal not only changes the way you think about your job, it also gives you superpowers. By working with purpose, I feel like I have the superpower to change lives every day. I never could have expected this to happen. Often you don't know you're into something amazing until you try it.

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A post published by Dermablend Professional (@dermablendpro) on April 6, 2019 at 3:40pm PDT

How to succeed in the beauty industry

You must be very passionate. The beauty industry is defined by the latest trends and products. It takes a lot of curiosity, passion and a ton of fortitude. I believe in courage, perseverance, creativity and never forget why you are in this industry. If you stay true to this, you can really rise up and make a big impact.

About the beauty trend of 2019, which is worth following

I am passionate about the skin care industry. The makeup is much deeper than the latest unicorn trend. It's about taking care of yourself and getting back to your authentic self-expression.

—

MALENA IGUERA BEAUTY ROUTINE

Skin care: I refuse to sacrifice my skin care or makeup just because I have cystic acne and rosacea. Thanks to dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, who saved my skin, I'm finally on a great routine. I take three different topical antibiotics and as a result of that and retinols I am very sensitive. My skin care routine is focused on simplicity because all the hard work is done from my dermatologist's prescriptions. I consider recipes to be "ruthless remedies" and look at skin care as support for the basic things I need for really healthy skin. I use Cerave Moisturizing Cleanser и Skinceuticals CE Ferulic in the morning and my moisturizer Dermablend InstaGrip Jelly Primer. It's a make-up and 24-hour moisturizer. I wear retinols almost every day and it allows me to get such intense hydration without all the crazy stuff that drives me crazy.

Makeup: The only basis of choice is my child, Dermablend Flawless Creator. I developed Flawless Creator as the basis for all. I need full coverage, but I don't want weight. It is zero weight, full coverage, and contains ten ingredients. These are five pigments in an oil- and water-free gel suspension. It works with my skincare, not against it. i installed it with Dermablend Illuminating Banana Powderwhich is always flattering and not so yellow as to affect the color of your foundation. i use a little Glow Maker Dermablend like a highlight and Mascara L'Oréal Lash Paradise to finish my makeup routine. I like eyebrows, mascara and sometimes red lipstick.

Hair: Hair is one of the most important parts of self-expression. My hair changes a lot, so I'm very careful with shampoos and conditioners. I prefer to wash my hair weekly and love Shampoos because I have different hair colors. I also use a hair mask instead of a conditioner and my rose gold hair has held up.

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