Posted by Angelica Chayes on Mon, Aug 23, 2010 @ 10:21 AM
I'm sorry for the delay in postings, but I have just been on vacation (YAY!). I thought it would be fun to see what we bring with us in our makeup bags when we travel.
I love traveling light. I'd rather go without than be weighed down. The few things I pack are soft knitted separates that can be mixed and matched endlessly, and don't need ironing: a jersey dress, a cardigan, leggings, skirt, tanks. This can last me two weeks! My makeup kit is similar:
- Powder-Me SPF.
- PurePressed Base (used as foundation, sun block, and concealer. Really, it is my new favorite concealer, applied with the Sculpting Brush to my under eye circles and the redness around the corners of my nose).
- Pommisst Hydration Spray - brilliant for dry planes, in a travel-friendly 2 oz. bottle.
- Double Dazzle for a touch of shimmer on the lids or full cocktail party eyes; as well as lip color when needed.
- Black Pencil for the water line and lash lines.
- Lip Drink.
While this may sound like vacation packing (and it is) I use this formula for business travel as well. I might add my favorite Uniqlo blazer and one eye shadow triple instead of the Glimmer Gold.
My dear friend and colleague Laura is always prepared for everything, and her travel makeup kit proves it. When travelling, she will be equally confident on a hike in the woods or at a red carpet event, because in her Quilted Makeup Bag she packs:
- Deluxe Travel Size Dream Tint
- Active Light
- PurePressed Base
- Moonglow
- So-Bronze 3
- 2 Hydration Sprays- Pommisst and D20 (WHY? Because she likes to have options)
- Lid Primer
- 2 Longest Lash Mascaras – Black Ice and Espresso
- PureLash Extender & Conditioner
- 2 Cream to Powder Eyeliners- Black Plus and Black/Brown
- Champagne Eye Gloss
- PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple – Brown Sugar (this is the one I would bring too. it is so versatile!)
- Perfectly Nude Eye Shadow Kit
- Double Dazzle
- Powder-Me SPF
- 4 PureGloss (depending on the season…) Apricot Fizz, Cotton Candy, Soft Peach, Pink Candy
- 2 Lip Definers- Nude and Spice
- Lip Drink
- Pencil Sharpener
- 10 Brushes: Blending, Camouflage, Handi, White Fan, Detail, Deluxe Shader, Crease, Smudge, Deluxe Spoolie, Eye Brush/Comb
I wrote to Jane while she was on vacation to see what she had packed. She wrote back:
- PurePressed Base
- D20
- brown XXX but you can't say that yet (sorry friends, this is a soon-to-be released product. I will fill this in later, after we release it!)
- Powder-Me, too, of course.
- Lash Conditioner and Lengthening Mascara,
- oh and Whisper Blush which I can also use on my eyes.
Now it's your turn. Please share your travel tips! What do you bring in your makeup kit when you travel?
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Wed, Jul 28, 2010 @ 01:57 PM
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Thu, Apr 22, 2010 @ 09:02 AM
Spring is beautiful, but the watery eyes, runny noses and sore throats that often come with spring colds and allergies are not. With these few simple makeup tips, we can look fabulous even if we don't feel it. Believe me (I have been perfecting these techniques for the last ten days), when you look better, you feel better.
- Balance your complexion with Dream Tint. Recently I have tried squeezing out a bit on the back of my hand and then brushing it onto the Blending Brush and using that to apply it to my face. I like this. Try it and see what you think!
- Address any redness, dark circles and puffiness around the eyes with Active Light. Use a tiny amount under eyes and on lids and and in the inner corner of the eye. Blend well with the Camouflage Brush in a criss-cross motion.
- To achieve a healthy glow, apply In Touch Cream Blush to the apples of the cheeks with the Foundation Brush.
- Next, a normal application of PurePressed Base or Amazing Basewill cover any blotchiness.
- With a Camouflage Brush, pat a little extra mineral foundation around your nose. This conceals redness and stays put through many tissues!
- Hydration Spray will soothe and plump tired skin. Use it often throughout this application and the rest of your day.
- I have a lot of redness around the eyes so I actually line the lower lash line with White Pencil then blend it; then line the lower waterline (inner rim) as well.
- The eyes often look dark and sunken when we're battling colds and allergies. Use light eyeshadow and a light hand to counter this.
- Begin with a thin layer of Eye Gloss. It really helps eye shadow stay put when your eyes are watery. Use Grey Silkif you are using cool toned eye shadows or Champagne Silk if you are using warmer tones. Squeeze a tiny amount onto the back of your hand, pick it up with the Sculpting Brush and blend it into the lids and crease. Try using the Eye Gloss to line the inner third of the lash line with the Detail Brush to add more brightness to the eyes.
- Before eye shadow, apply eyeliner. By applying the liner first, the eye shadow on top will soften the line and increase its staying power. Swipe the Detail Brush or Smudge Brush back and forth across the Pencil tip then apply to your upper lash line only. Tilt your head back and look down into the mirror. This really helps to get a tight line. You will know you are right in the lash line if your eyelashes are wiggling.
- Next apply eye shadow. I like Silver Lining PurePressed Eyeshadow Triple, but work with whatever makes you comfortable. Press the lightest shade onto the whole lid blending into the crease and inner corner of the eye. Avoid dark shadow in the crease. Press the Eye Shader Brush into the medium shade. Then holding the handle of the brush parallel to your eye (across your face) lightly touch the color to the outer corner of your lid. You will barely need to blend (but make sure you do)!
- Finally, use the Detail or Smudge Brush to apply the darkest shade of powder over the eyeliner. This really sets it.
- Finish the look with Lip Fixation. That way, you will not wipe off your lip color each time you wipe your nose.
Feel better?
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Thu, Mar 25, 2010 @ 01:01 PM
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:
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.
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Fri, Dec 04, 2009 @ 11:38 AM
Shimmery makeup is an absolute go-to for holiday parties. Don't be shy! Unless you frequent the red carpet, this may be your one chance to create over the top, all out glamour with your makeup.
24-Karat Gold Dust in any shade is your best friend for fabulous:
- To create a soft halo of light, use the Fan Brush to dust it on the tops of cheeks, over finished eye makeup, to the collarbones or in your hair.
- For serious shimmer on your eyes, color wash them by tapping some Gold Dust into the lid of the jar and spritzing it with Hydration Spray. Use your Deluxe Shader Brush to mix and then pat onto the eyelids. You will get an incredibly long lasting, gilded look.
- To put the focus on luscious lips, use your finger to dot 24-Karat Gold Dust in the center of your bottom lip after applying Lipstick or Lip Gloss. Press lips together to blend.
- Now here's one you've probably never tried, which we tested in the office this morning (yes, we always try it on ourselves first): Use the Contour Brush to apply 24-Karatto the entire ear, avoiding the canal. It sounds a little avant gard, but it looks absolutely enchanting, especially if you are wearing your hair up. Add sparkly earrings and you will light up the night!
One final caveat: don't try all of these at once! Choose one (or two) at a time and have a sparkling holiday season!
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 @ 08:52 AM
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.
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @ 05:44 AM
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!
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Tue, Sep 15, 2009 @ 01:04 PM
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.
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Mon, Aug 24, 2009 @ 12:13 PM
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
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
