I’m a self-taught photographer, YouTuber, artist, and creator. I was born in Rome in 1991, and have Cameroonian origins. Since childhood, I’ve been an art, fashion, history, book, and photography lover. An ever-evolving young woman and artist: this is Alexis Nelly. With the rise of Instagram and YouTube, I realized I could express my creativity not only on paper, canvas or clay, but also through a photograph and video. I’ve learned many things throughout the years, and the passions and creativity I carry inside of me are always evolving, growing, learning. I call myself “The Italian Minimalist” because of my origin, but also because of the simplicity of my work and lifestyle. My inspirations are Caravaggio and Frida Kahlo in particular. I’ve always taken lots of self-portraits rather than just portraits, and in this sense I feel a little bit like Frida, who was often the subject of her own paintings—the one she knew best.

I have collaborated with different fashion and jewelry brands like Na Nin Vintage, Young Frankk, Luiny, Peetdullaert, By Far shoes, JH.ZANE, Haati Chai, Cle Cosmetics, Somme Studio, Brie Leon, Style Mafia, Common Muse, Wolcott Takemoto, Vincetta, Thursday Sunday. I really love makeup, too. For me it’s a form of art, but lately I’ve been suffering from breakouts and oily skin. My skin is so sensitive, so I’ve started to use less makeup and introduce natural products to my skincare regimen—I’ve seen an amazing improvement!

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Corrective UV SPF 30

This retinol cream by La Roche-Posay is amazing. I’m always hesitant to try new products because of my sensitive skin, but this is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. I apply it before going to sleep with a bit of tea tree and rosehip oil. I feel the texture of my skin is smoother, small lines around my mouth and on my forehead have begun to diminish, and it helps even skin tone. Definitely a good investment!

J. Hannah Nail Polish

I love to wear natural colors on my nails, and I fell in love with this polish by J. Hannah—first of all because it’s highly pigmented, and secondly because there’s so much of it in the bottle that it can last forever. The shade is Himalayan Salt, which is an “ambient” pink color, perfect for every type of outfit.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is my holy grail product. It has powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties, and is also great for blemishes, pimples, and purifying skin. I use it every day (in the morning and before going to sleep), and because it’s pure, I mix it with rosehip and jojoba oil, or with my green clay mask. A must-have!

Cle Cosmetics Essence Moonlighter Cushion

I used to not highlight because of my oily skin, but this highlighter has definitely changed my opinion. I love the finish, and it’s so easy to blend. I apply it on my cheekbones and on the tip of my nose and chin using my fingertips, and it gives me a glowing and luminous finish. I use the shade Copper Rose, which is perfect for my skin tone.

Witch Hazel

I think witch hazel is one of the best natural and cheap products that I’ve ever tried. I use it as a toner on my washed face with a cotton ball, and it works so well! It reduced my oiliness, and my skin is more clear, clean, and fresh.

Cle Cosmetics Melting Lip Powder

I was curious to try a lip powder. This lip color from Cle Cosmetics is so cool, because it can be used not only on lips, but also on cheeks and eyelids! It’s easy to blend with a matte finish and is highly pigmented. One of my favourite shades is Plum.

Words and photography, Alexis Nelly.