Anyone Can Wear Bright Eye Makeup! Here's How.

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Have you ever looked at bright and beautiful eye shadow colors and thought "I could never wear that?" Well you can! Your age and skin tone don't matter at all. It only matters how you apply it.

There are many levels of bright, from subtle to intense. The first trick is to experiment. Try new things and figure out what works for you. In fact, we want to hear about it, so please comment below or upload pictures to our Facebook page. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Bright Eyeliner: I love to use eye shadow as eyeliner, and this is a way to use that bright shade in the eye shadow triple you may have been avoiding. Wet your Detail Brush with Hydration Spray or water and dip it into a dark, bright shade like the teal in Azure. Or you could try a nice bright shade of 24-Karat Gold Dust, like Aquamarine. Line the lower lash line only, from inner to outer corner. Use a neutral liner on the upper lash line, such as grey, black or brown; and a neutral shadow on the lid. This really allows the one swipe of color to pop.
2. Bright crease and lid: Brighten your eyes in a whole new way by thinking color for the crease, not just depth. Eye Shadow Triples are so versatile! Use your Crease Brush to sweep on a medium shade such as the turquoise shade from Sea Foam, the orange shade from Pecan/Chocolate or the sage green shade in Azure. For more intensity, try the Eye Shader Brush. Another idea is to put one of those shades right in the center of the lid, above the iris. Then the color winks every time you blink your eyes.
3. Colored Mascara: Don't be shy, it doesn't have to be that electric blue from the eighties (unless you want it to). Try a flick of Navy PureLash or Ripe Plum Longest Lash  to add a hint of color when your lashes catch the light. You can apply from root to tip, or apply your usual black or brown first and then just paint the ends with the colored mascara. Feeling flashy? Try painting the tips of your lashes with Gold or Silver Liquid Eyeliner.
4. Smoky eyes: So you're ready to take the pure-drama plunge? Read our post about bright smoky eyes.

I hope this encourages you to experiment, so please comment and share what you've tried.

Fourth of July Makeup

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To celebrate the Fourth of July, here are some basic makeup tips featuring our favorite patriotic Pencils.

For a beautiful take on this summer's sheer red lip trend, start with a layer of Lip Drink, and line and fill your lips with Earth Red Lip Definer. Follow your natural lip shape, and don't worry about being too precise. Scribble the color in and press/blend into lips for easy-going glamour. I love to finish the look with Glimmer Gold PurePressed Eye Shadow and a little bit of Basic Black Pencil in the inner rim, and a flick of black mascara (Black Ice Longest Lash Mascara is my favorite).

Midnight Pencil is a wonderful eyeliner on it's own. It adds intrigue to the eye, because it is neutral yet subtly different. This particular shade of blue works well with any eye color, even green eyes.

To add a punch of color without going too crazy, try lining the lower lash line with Midnight, and then spritzing your Detail Brush with Hydration Spray and dipping it in a nice bright color like the teal from the Azure PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple, Blue Moon, Wine and Roses, or Emerald. The Midnight Pencil adds great depth and even a bit of opalescence to the colored eye shadow, while creating a nice base for the powder shadow to grab onto. Keep the lid shadow neutral, and don't line the top lash line. Of course, add plenty of Longest Lash Mascara.    

White Pencil has so many uses, I don't know how anyone does without it. Here are my top three:

1. Line the inner rim of the eyes to add sparkle and look awake and refreshed. If you have a lot of redness around the eyes, line the lower lash line as well, and blend gently.
2. Make tiny Xs or slashes in the darkest part of dark under-eye circles and blend concealer or foundation over.
3. Blend a bit of White Pencil into the Cupid's bow of the upper lip and into the center of lower lip before applying lip color or gloss. This will create a full, pillowy look.

Of course, you can just use the pencils to draw stars and stripes on your (or your children's) cheeks for the Fourth of July parade. At least you know since it is jane iredale, you won't break out! ;)

Do you have any pictures of your Fourth of July celebrations you'd like to share? Please post them on our page on Facebook!

How To Apply False Eyelashes - Even For the Faint of Heart

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I have always been brave and experimental about makeup, but false eyelashes were too much even for me. This truly seemed like something that only professional makeup artists could do.

Then jane iredale launched our own Professional Faux Lashes, and I was intrigued. First, they are individual lashes, so it is possible to get a natural, if dramatic, look. Second, it is jane iredale, so I trust them to be gentle on my eyes. I just had to try them.

Professional Faux Lashes give crazy length and volume, and are totally customizable. They come in two lengths. The outer circle contains 6mm lashes for a lush gorgeous look. These look most natural; but if you are applying dramatic lashes to the entire lash line, these might go in the inner corner and center. In the inner circle there are 9mm lashes. These are for big, bold lashes! Use them all the way across for the strip-lash look, just at the outer corners for that sexy tilt, or in the center for a doe-eyed Twiggy look.

I was not sure I would be able to do this, but with a little bit of practice, it was easy. Just don't wait till five minutes before a big night to apply them for the first time. Try it first on a lazy day off, and enjoy sitting around in your PJs with gorgeous, glam lashes! The best part is, the glue is included, it's latex-free and non-drying. All you need is a pair of clean, dry, flat-head tweezers, a hand mirror (for easiest application, not necessary once you are comfortable) and a lash curler (optional).

OK, ready? Let's go!

1. Lay everything out on a desk or table, with a mirror handy.
2. Pull back your hair, and if you have bangs, pin them aside.
3. Open the lashes, remove the disc from the compact, and take out the glue.
4. Spread out some paper towels
5. Curl your lashes if you have a lash curler.
6. Put on mascara (I recommend Longest Lash Mascara) and allow to dry. if you are going day to night and already have mascara on, skip this step.
7. Using your tweezers, pull several lashes from the disc and place them on the paper towel. Grasp the lashes close to the knot and gently wiggle them free. if you are too rough, the lashes may get damaged.
8. Open the glue. Squeeze a tiny dot out onto your paper towel. You can dab the lash directly onto the glue wand, but I prefer to squeeze some out and then close the glue tube. There are less moving parts this way ;)
9. Grasp a lash with the tweezers. Here is where experience comes in. You need to grasp them so that you can both easily dab the knot into the glue, and then without changing your grip, drop the faux lash onto your lashes. I have the best success with coming straight in from the front, grasping the lashes on the fringe.
10. Raise your eyebrows a bit and look down into the mirror. You can prop your elbows on the table if you need to steady your hands. All you should be holding is the mirror and the tweezers with the lash.
11. No here's the deceptively easy part: position the lash above where you want it, with the knot right next to the lash line, and just drop it on top of your lashes.
12. Repeat till you have applied all the lashes you want.
13. Wait thirty seconds after you apply the last lash, then gently apply mascara to blend.

A few tips: you can clean the tweezers with alcohol if they are getting glue-y. There is no three-second rule with lashes. If you drop one on the floor, throw it away.

Removing your lashes: just take your Magic Mitt or a wash cloth and wet it well with warm water. Press it to your lashes and gently wiggle a bit. If they have not come out yet, wiggle some more. GENTLY! False eyelashes are single use. Once you take them off, please throw them away.

How do they wear? I applied two lashes to the outer corner of my upper lash line when I started writing this blog at 1 pm, just to refresh myself on how to do it. It took me about eight seconds, and they went on perfectly. it is now 4:17 (I had some meetings). They are still in place, haven't budged, and I forgot I had them on because I can't feel them. I will comment here tomorrow to tell you how late they stayed on and how they looked when I took them off. They look so natural, but very flirty and dramatic. So now it's your turn, are you ready to try them?

How To Shape Your Eyebrows Like a Pro!

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Every makeup artist I have ever spoken to says eyebrows are the most important facial feature. All angles of the face are determined by the brows: they can lift the eyes; narrow or widen the face. While there is a lot of opportunity here, it is important to let your natural shape be your guide. It is probably close to optimal for your face and anything too drastic can look unnatural. Here are some techniques from our team of fabulous makeup artist educators.

Basic Shaping:

• The inner edge of the brow should line up with the outside of the corresponding nostril (A).
• The highest point of the arch should be just at the outer edge of the eyeball. (B)
• The outer brow should taper off to a point that intersects with an imaginary line drawn from the outer nostril past the outer edge of the eye (C), and you thought geometry wouldn't be useful later in life! It sounds complicated, but just follow the drawing.

Advanced techniques:

• You can lift an experienced eye with strategic eyebrow shaping! With an experienced eye, the lid has a tendency to be heavy. Extending the brow down to the "D" line can drag the lid down and make the eyes look tired. Instead, try feathering the brow upward and out from the arch to just above the outer corner of the eye (E). Please keep it natural, we don't want to create wings here!
• To minimize the curve of a round face, direct the outer third of the brow towards the top of the ear.
• If the face is square, direct it toward the middle of the ear. This helps balance the face.
• If the face is long, keep the brow more straight across, directing it above the ear.
• An oval face already looks balanced, but to enhance this harmony, you can direct the outer third towards the ear lobe.

Eyebrow makeup

No matter how full and perhaps even unruly your eyebrows are (hello!), a little eyebrow makeup works wonders for your look.

• At the very least groom them. Every morning when you do your makeup, run a Deluxe Spoolie Brush through them (it works much better than an old toothbrush, believe me I have tried them both).
• A bit of eyebrow wax will hold them in place beautifully.
• Most brows have some thin places that need to be filled in. Try the brow powders in our new Bitty Brow Kit, any appropriate shade of PurePressed Eye Shadow or a soft shade of Pencil (Taupe is a favorite). Comb the brows down and apply the color directly to the sparse patches on the skin. If the brow needs lengthening, apply the color with light feathery strokes.
• Brows can be colored and held in place in one step with PureBrow Gels. Lightly stroke the wand into the hairs, using a little at a time. Smooth with your Deluxe Spoolie Brush.

Tips:

• If you want to preview a new brow look before you commit to plucking, use White or Taupe Pencil (depending on your skin tone) to color over the places you intend to pluck out.
• Beware of over plucking, as too-thin brows can actually age you (gasp)!
• Nobody's eyebrows are totally symmetrical. Be careful of using stencils, as they can make your brows look unnatural.
• The hair and brow color should match pretty closely. PureBrow Gels can change the color of your brows, if you want. When my blonde sister goes very strawberry, she reaches for Auburn; or try the Bitty Brow Kit in Blonde.
• For silver-haired lovelies, try Longest Lash Mascara in Slate Grey on your brows. Or if you prefer powder, try Slate Brown PurePressed Eye Shadow.

So tell me, please! How important is brow maintenance to you? Do you DIY or do you have them shaped professionally? Do you wear eyebrow makeup? Pencil or powder?

Smoky Eyes For Spring

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The smoky eye trend is still going strong, but now it's fresh and bright for spring.

Here in the office we are in love with this look! One day four of us all came to work rocking it. You can refer to the Quick Smoky Eye Technique for a basic how-to (we all used some variation of this). We have included pictures and listed the products we used below. Have fun, we did!

Lovely Lilac:

• Cover entire lid with Canvas Lid Primer.
• Blend Lilac Eye Gloss from lid up to the brow bone.
• Line lower lash line and a bit below with Lilac Eye Gloss.
• Using the Eye Shader Brush, color wash with 24K Gold Dust in Lilac, apply on lid and up into crease.
• Wet the Angle Brush and lightly line the lower lash line with 24K Gold Dust in Lilac.
• Apply Opal Crush PurePressed Single Eyeshadow with the Crease Brush on the brow bone, and inner corners of the eye - BLEND WELL!
• Top with Black Ice Longest Lash Mascara.

Gorgeous Green:

• Apply three coats of PureLash Extender & Conditioner to lashes.
• Apply three coats of Black Ice Longest Lash Mascara to lashes.
• Apply a tiny bit of Petal Lid Primer over the whole lid.
• Apply Black/Brown Pencil in a thick line across the upper lash line and under the lower lashes.
• Apply Green Silk Eye Gloss to the outer two-thirds of the upper lid with the Crease Brush.
• Apply Cut Grass from Artists' Eyes II to the inner third of the upper lid with the Crease Brush.
• Using the Crease brush again, blend the two shades together well.
• Highlight the inner corner of the eye and the brow bone with Oyster PurePressed Eye Shadow with the Crease Brush.
• Using the Mini Dome Brush, apply Cut Grass from Artists' Eyes II to highlight everywhere you placed the eye Pencil.    
• Apply one last coat of Black Ice Longest Lash Mascara.

Bold Blue:

• Use the white end of the White/Pink Highlighter Pencil as a base on the whole eye lid and under the lower lash line, including the inner and outer corners.
• Thickly line the upper lash line with Black/Grey Pencil. Blend well. Also line the inner rim (water line).
• Using the Deluxe Shader Brush, press the teal shade from Azure PurePressed Triple Eyeshadow on the outer two-thirds of the lid.
• Use the pale blue from the Bling Eye Shadow Kit on the inner third of the lid, around the inner corner of the eye, and under the inner third of the lower lashes.
• Use the Detail Brush to line the outer two-thirds of the upper and lower lash lines with the blue shade from Jewel Box Cream To Powder Eyeliner.
• Finish with several coats of PureLash Extender & Conditioner and Longest Lash Mascara in Black Ice.

Pink Smoke:

• Cover entire lid from lash line to brow with Peach Silk Eye Gloss using the Sculpting Brush.
• Once the Eye Gloss dries, cover the same area with the lightest shade in Think Pink Triple Eye Shadow using the Deluxe Shader Brush.
• Using the Eyeliner/Brow Brush misted with D20 and dipped in Rose Gold 24-Karat Gold Dust, line from middle to beyond the outside of upper and lower lash lines in a rocking motion, creating a wing.Blend upward while damp.
• Using the Deluxe Shader Brush, lightly dust entire lid with Rose Gold.
• Dot the inner corner of the eye lid with the white end of the White/Pink Highlighter Pencil.
• Finish with Longest Lash Mascara in Ripe Plum.

Mineral Makeup Gone Wild!

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One of my favorite makeup "rules" here at jane iredale is that there are no rules. While fresh and pretty is always in season, we do love to play with our makeup!

Saturday night was the annual costume ball fund raiser at IS183, the Art School of the Berkshires. This year, the theme was "Radioactive Bodega" and the costumes were wild! Our own Brand Creative Designer, Courtney has been swooning over spring's tribal trend and this event was the perfect venue to experiment with it.

The centerpiece of Courtney's radioactive look was her "yellow raccoon eyes." She started with the gold end of Double Dazzle on the inner half of the lid including a large dot at the inner corner of the eye. Then she used the copper end on the outer half of the lid, extending well beyond the outer corner of the eye, ending with a large dot out there. She sketched it on straight from the pencil and barely blended, as the line was meant to be quite defined. Next, she applied the Yellow shade from Artists Eyes with the Eye Shader Brush from the inner corner of the eye to the brow, extending out to the temple and sweeping it under the outer third of her eye. She used quite a lot of shadow and tapped it on carefully to create intensity. Then with the same brush (wipe it clean first!) she pressed 24-Karat Gold Dust in Aquamarine onto the upper lids. She wet the Detail Brush and applied Aquamarine as eye liner all around the eyes. Midnight Blue Pencil went in the waterline (inner rims). She finished the eyes with Longest Lash Mascara in Black Ice. Her secret to setting the look and keeping it bright all night? "Lots and lots of D20!"

To finish the look, Courtney used plenty of In Touch Cream Blush in Clarity on the cheeks, and Lip Fixation (we're all obsessed) in Desire on the lips. Although you can't see it in the picture, she also has Grey Silk Eye Gloss on her ears for added intrigue.

While this look isn't exactly office-appropriate, even for us, it's so much fun to take a walk on the wild side.

Sophisticated Makeup for the Holidays

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When we think of holiday makeup, it is usually shimmery, sexy, smoky, glossy (woo hoo!). But what about more sedate holiday gatherings, like Thanksgiving, the office holiday party or a demure gathering of family and friends? There are occasions when we may want to look dressed up, but also grown up.

For a look that is sophisticated, classic and timeless, try Triple Cognac PurePressed Triple Eyeshadow on the eyes, with Black Plus Cream To Powder Eyeliner and Longest Lash Mascara in Dark Auburn.

To finish the look, there is nothing more elegant and refined than red lips. For real staying power, remember to start with Lip Definer. Try Crimson and then top with Nicole PureMoist LipColour, or experiment to find the perfect shade of red for you.

Mineral Makeup for New Moon Madness

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Got New Moon madness? Even if you don't, everyone else seems to, so why not get in on the fun? Here's a way to capture all the drama and excitement of the second installment of the Twilight series in a look that's PG by day, and red-hot by night.

Our own Internet Marketing Assistant, Carleen, came in this morning rocking this amazing vampire eye look, inspired by the Twilight series and the sensational Prada's fall '09 runway look. We all loved this look on the runway, but none of us were quite so sure how to translate it into a wearable version. Our heartfelt thanks to Carleen for figuring it out!

This is how she did it:

- First, line eyes with copper end of Double Dazzle.
- Apply 24 Karat Rose Gold to entire lid by patting it on with the Deluxe Shader Brush.
- Use Oyster PurePressed Eyeshadow to highlight the brow bone.
- Finish with Black Ice Longest Lash Mascara.

One thing to keep in mind: I'm a beauty fanatic, but I'm not a photographer, so my apologies for the sub-par quality of the photos. Also, these pictures were taken at 5pm. It's the end of the day and with no touch ups (we wouldn't let her), Carleen is still looking way, way Bella.

Coming soon: An evening version of this seductive look for a special occasion look that will "Eclipse" everyone else's!

Bright Eyes! Make up to make your eyes sparkle.

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I have been totally inspired by playing with items in the new Silver Lining collection, and have recently discovered a few great tips that really add sparkle to the eyes.

Trick #1 Metallic Liquid Eye Liner: This is my absolute favorite,  and it can be used with even the softest daytime makeup. I picked this up during a video shoot with two of our beloved National Makeup Artists/Educators. Add a thin line of metallic Liquid Eye Liner close to the upper lash line once regular eye makeup is done (Shawn). Let the brush do the job: just lay it along the lash line (Kevin). It really works, even in the passenger seat of a moving car! You don't have to have such a steady hand because the shimmery, metallic quality of the liner is so forgiving. Silver looks lovely with cool eye shadow colors like grey and purple; while Gold is gorgeous with warm, rich shades such as brown, bronze and taupe. It adds this incredible, subtle flash of light, and the eyes magically twinkle with each blink or turn of the head.

Trick #2 Midnight Blue and White Pencil: Here at jane iredale, we have been waiting not-so-patiently for the Midnight Blue Pencil (thank you Jane!). Lining the water line/inner rim is an old trick that really makes the eyes look awake and adds beautiful intensity. But for a soft, subtle look, try lining just under the lower lash line with the White Pencil, blending well so it is unnoticeable. It simply makes the eyes bright.

Trick #3 Shadow Placement: Traditionally we are taught to put the medium shade of eye shadow on the lid, the dark shade in the crease and the lightest shade on the brow bone. This looks great, but here's another technique that really makes the eyes shine. Use the Deluxe Shader Brush to press the lightest shade, preferably with a bit of shimmer, onto the eye lid. Use the Crease Brush to apply the medium shade in the crease. Finally, accent just the outer corner of the lid with the darkest shade. Try applying it with the Eye Shader Brush in a small circular motion for control and nice blending in this tiny area. Blend everything with a clean Crease Brush. As a final touch, swipe the edge of the Flocked Sponge from the outer corner of the eye to the outer corner of the brow to be sure everything is neat and lifted. 

Try any one of these techniques or all three at once. They are beautiful, delicate and subtle; or dramatic, vampy and intense, depending on how you apply.

Fall Eye Shadow: Quick Smoky Eyes!

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Smoky eyes are everywhere for fall, and the look has never been fresher because they are being done in every shade from classic charcoal to soft browns, and even vibrant shades like plum or teal. Smoky eyes is not a color, it is a technique; or rather many techniques. Here is one of my favorites from makeup artist Christian McNally. It looks fierce and only takes about five minutes. Have faith. it may look like a hot mess when you are halfway through, but it comes together magically in the end. Blending is the key!

• Start by smoothing a tiny bit of Lemon Lid Primer over the whole lid, lash line to brow. Blend well with your finger tips or the Camouflage Brush.
• Next, apply coordinating eye Pencil: For example, Black/Brown works well with brown or plum smoky eyes; Black or Black/Grey works with charcoal or teal. Draw a thick line across the upper lash line, going about half way up the lid towards the crease. Draw another line under the lower lashes, from inner to outer corner. Connect the two lines at the outer corner, and don't worry about being neat.
• Blend the Pencil well with the Small Fluff Brush to a soft, edgeless finish. One thing I have learned is to blend with a very light touch. It may take longer, but otherwise I end up blending off the makeup I just applied!
• Take your desired shade of PurePressed Eyeshadow Triple. Apply the medium shade to the outer two-thirds of the upper lid with the Crease Brush. The crease can stay clean for this look; concentrate the color on the lid and lash line.
• Apply the lightest shade on the inner third on the upper lid with the same brush and blend the two together with your clean Crease Brush (simply wipe it off on a tissue).
• With the Mini Dome Brush, use the darkest shade in the trio to intensify everywhere you placed the eye Pencil. Blend well.
• Again with the Crease Brush, highlight with a little bit of Oyster (shimmery) or Bone (matte) PurePressed Eye Shadow in the inner corner of the eye at the sides of the nose, and on the brow bone. Blend well.
• Line the inner rim (waterline) of the upper and lower lash line with Liner. Use the same liner or try Black for fierce drama, or Midnight Blue to really whiten the whites of your eyes.
• Apply PureLash Extender & Conditioner to upper and lower lashes to condition lashes and add volume and length. While it is still damp, follow with several coats of Longest Lash Mascara in Black Ice.  

Now with eyes this intense, please keep the cheeks and lips soft and neutral. The one exception for this fall might be a subtle pop of hot pink. Use a light hand and try Clarity In Touch Cream Blush on the cheeks and Sugar Plum PureGloss on the lips