Posted by Angelica Chayes on Tue, Oct 13, 2009 @ 10:10 AM

From time to time we get questions about ratings in the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, which rates the safety of cosmetics.
Although we support EWG which is responsible for the Skin Deep site, we also have serious issues with it. The methods it has for assessing products is done without any discussion with the manufacturer and, therefore, leads to inaccurate information. For example, it has assumed that we use nano technology in our sunscreens which is not true. We have tried to enter into a discussion with them about this but they are unresponsive and have not replied to phone calls or e-mails. They also pay no attention to quantities used in a product. For example, they rate everything the same whether it's 50% of the formula or .005%. This is hugely important since ingredients are toxic at different levels. Homeopathy, for example, says that there is no such thing as a toxic ingredient, just toxic amounts.
EWG gives us a toxic rating on our 24 karat food-grade gold because they rate it as colloidal gold which it isn't. They rate the lakes we use toxic because commonly lakes and FD&C dyes are made from petroleum - ours aren't. The lakes we use are natural dyes bonded to a calcium substrate. We do everything we can to make our products as clean as possible.
If you have an issue with a particular ingredient, please don't hesitate to ask us about it. We will explain why we use it and how it is derived. Contact us at info@janeiredale.com.
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Tue, Aug 11, 2009 @ 10:43 AM
There was this great article from Yahoo and Real Simple showing four clothing colors that are universally flattering.
These colors are gorgeous, and you can see from the pictures below that they flatter quite different skin tones. If they look good on your body, how much better will they look on your face? It was easy to find these shades throughout our line; here are some of my favorites, try them out and have some fun:
Eggplant - Mauve Silk Eye Gloss; Cloud Nine PurePressed EyeShadow Triple



True Red - Carrie PureMoist LipColour; Crimson Lip Definer.



Teal - Azure PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple; Aquamarine 24-Karat Gold Dust



Mellow Rose - Antique Rose PurePressed Eye Shadow; Soft Peach PureGloss



Posted by Angelica Chayes on Mon, Jul 27, 2009 @ 04:20 PM

I am always so proud of the amazing quality and versatility of our products, which makes them such a great value. This blog is dedicated to describing new and unusual ways our make-up can be used, but here are some strange-but-true alternative uses we gathered from blogs, Twitter, etc. Have some of your own? Don't be shy, post them here!
- Truly Pure, our makeup brush shampoo, makes an amazing sulphate free shampoo for your hair!
- Disappear takes the itch out of mosquito bites.
- The zap (clear) side of Zap&Hide smooths severely dry, flaky lips.
- Botanical Brush Cleaner makes a great DEET-free and pleasant smelling bug repellent (I personally can't stand the smell of Citronella).
- D20tames frizzies! I know we gals from the Northeast are suffering with bad hair this summer!
- Pommisstcan be used like Fabreeze, spray it on bedding and clothes for a sweet smell. D20 also keeps sweaters fresh when you pack them away for winter.
- Balancecan be used in a pinch as a substitute for deodorant; perhaps it is the Tea Tree Oil in it.
- One person wrote that when she had a skin rash, her doctor suggested she use something with Titanium Dioxide in it. She dusted herself with Powder-Me SPF and her skin felt better and it also helped camouflage the spots.
- One esthetician uses shades from our Super Shape Me Brow Kit to cover up her clients' roots between coloring
- Lip Drink conditions and tames unruly brows. This is great for busy-morning makeup!
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Tue, Jul 21, 2009 @ 12:50 PM

Lipstick junkies unite! Whether it's lipstick, lip gloss, or lip plumper, you know who you are, and if anyone looks into your purse, they will know too! To lighten your load and control the chaos, keep an attractive bowl or jar by the door. When you come home, toss your lip color du jour in the jar just like people do with keys or spare change. When you grab a new color in the morning, it will be the only one in your bag. Can't choose just one color? Try our MultiLip or MultiGloss Kits. Thanks to Connie, our Program Development Manager for this fabulous tip!
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Fri, Jul 10, 2009 @ 12:49 PM

During the summer, most of us experience increased shine on our faces, and for gals with oily skin it's a year-round battle. I checked in with Christine our Makeup Artistry specialist, to get some advice:
First, she has noted that since she began using Dream Tint, her skin has balanced out and is not as oily. Often, if there is not enough moisture in the skin, the sebaceous glands will become overactive. What a paradox!
If serious shine-control is still needed, a great first step is Absence Primer under your foundation. It controls oil without affecting the moisture, so it won't dry out the skin (starting the cycle over again). Apply it with the Foundation Brush and remember that a little goes a long way!
For the occasional (or persistent) oily moment, the Facial Blotting Papers are great in your purse or at your desk. We all love these because you are not just piling on more product, but actually removing the excess oil. I also put my business cards in the elegant case, so I have cards and blotting papers on hand and I am ready for business!
Finally, Christine recommends that we blot with the Facial Blotting Papers first, THEN apply PureMatte, Brush-Me Matte, etc.
This way, the excess oil is removed and then the rice starch in the Matte powders are there to absorb for the rest of the day or night.
I don't know about you, but I feel fresh and ready to face the day (and night)!
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Mon, Jun 15, 2009 @ 09:50 AM
One of the things I love about jane iredale mineral make-up is how versatile it is. So I really got excited about this tip from one of our sales consultants: Mix an Eye Gloss in with your lip color to make it more color-stay. Her own favorite combination is to mix the Peach Eye Gloss with Clarity In Touch Cream Blush then top with In the Pink PureGloss. She says "It is my FAVORITE pale pink and it stays all night!
The combinations are endless: Some suggestions for Eye Gloss shades include Peach, Champagne, Lilac, and Wine Silk (especially lovely on darker skin tones). I mixed Lilac Silk Eye Gloss with Erin LipColour to create the perfect shade of cool, shimmery pink that complimented this gorgeous eye shadow look using Cloud Nine. And it lasted for hours. A bit of gloss or Lip Drink on top helps keep it moist.

Posted by Angelica Chayes on Tue, Jun 09, 2009 @ 05:23 PM
Here is an example of how makeup brushes can make a huge difference in your makeup application:
Dream Tint is a beautiful, light-textured tinted moisturizer with SPF 15. It really is a dream come true! It can certainly be applied with your fingers, but to get the best results, use the Blending Brush to blend it in. It's definitley worth it!
Dot Dream Tint onto the face then really work it into the skin with the Blending Brush. You can't be too vigorous! It takes about 12 seconds from start to finish and is so goof-proof, I have even done it without a mirror! Results? Flawless, no-makeup look, perfect alone or for more coverage, under your regular foundation. Thanks to celebrity makeup artist Christian McNally for this how-to!