Posted by Angelica Chayes on Thu, Jul 08, 2010 @ 04:09 PM
This week I am so happy to introduce a guest blogger, our own Creative Brand Designer (and trend spotter extraordinaire) Courtney Maum. Here is her wonderful and timely advice about how to avoid bronzer baddies and look like a golden goddess all summer (and all year) long.
Bronzer Blunders: 4 tips to get your glow on (correctly) this summer
If ever there was a dividing line between girls-in-the-know and girls-in-the-no-no, it would be drawn with bronzer. When it’s used correctly, bronzer gives us ladies an immediate allure of sun-kissed sensuality. When it’s used incorrectly, well…the word oompa-loompa comes to mind.
Here’s how to turn bronzer blunders into bronzer wonders in no time flat.
Follow the sun: Make sure to apply sun-kissed color where the sun would kiss you. Stick to the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, and avoid the jawline. Better still, follow the sun outside and bring a mirror with you. If you look “dirty” or “orange”, go back inside and tone things down.
Remember you have a neck: And you have a nice one! Your face should never be a different color than the rest of you. Don’t trust a compact mirror to tell you whether or not you’re ready to step out into the wide, wide world. Trust a full size mirror, or an honest friend.
Know when to shine: I love me some shimmer. Who doesn’t? But I recently saw a picture of myself rocking a golden goddess look during the après-midi, and you know what? Instead of shimmer, I saw shine. So unless you’re so fabulous you spend your days flitting from one red carpet to the next, stick to a matte look for the daytime, and shimmer for playtime.
Hot tips:
- Pressed powders are ideal for a matte, daytime-appropriate look. (Try So-Bronze 1 for classic terra-cotta color with gold mica flecks so teeny tiny, they add glow, rather than sparkle).
- When the magic hour hits, reach for 24-Karat Gold Dust to give a delicately gilded look to cheeks, eyes and lips. But don't stop there – mix it with a moisturizer for the décolleté or into styling product for your hair!
Do the Duo: A bronzer and blush combo is the easiest way to get a natural looking flush with just the right amount of shimmer. A large brush, like the Kabuki, will pick up the perfect dose of color to give your face a warm, multidimensional look.
Hot tips:
- So-Bronze 1 and So-Bronze 2 offer a blush and a bronzer in one pretty package, while Moonglow and Sunbeam feature four different shades so you can blend your way to beautiful.
Glow on, girls!
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Tue, May 18, 2010 @ 10:13 AM
A question came in on our Facebook page asking whether our Liquid Minerals could be used in an airbrush system. Well the answer to that question is no, but in the process of getting the answer, I got a fantastic insider secret that is going around jane iredale. This comes from our National Makeup Artist Educator, Cheryl Shorter.
To get an airbrushed look in no time flat, squirt one to two pumps of your Liquid Minerals onto a Flocked Sponge. Spritz right on top of that with 3-5 sprays of your Hydration Spray. Work it right into the skin, really well until it looks dry.
That's it! No mess, no fuss, and super-quick. Just remember, there is no SPF in Liquid Minerals, so please apply your PurePressed Base or Amazing Base on top.
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Fri, Apr 30, 2010 @ 07:41 AM
When I was little, I used to do my mother's makeup before she had a dinner party or an evening out. My mom is that woman who looks effortlessly gorgeous with just a swipe of lipstick, but she loved a little glamour and I have always loved to do makeup. I would sit her on the edge of the tub and carefully apply eyeliner, mascara, shadow and a hint of blush. These were beautiful moments of hushed togetherness in which I could give something back to my mom.
Maybe your mom is the one who taught you how to use makeup, but could use an update. Or perhaps she doesn't wear much makeup at all. In any case if you are reading this blog, you must love makeup. What better way to give your mother a little time and attention, not to mention a beautiful boost to her self-esteem, than to give her a makeover?
Sunbeam (or Moonglow) is a perfect place to start because it does so much with so little effort. Use it to add a hint of light and warmth to the face of even the most no-fuss mom. Just swirl the White Fan Brush around in all four colors, and sweep over cheekbones, eyelids, hairline and temples. Or go for the glam and create an entire look with it:
For eyes:
- Use the Large Shader Brush to apply the lightest shade on the entire lid, from lashes to brow. This adds light and lift to the eye area.
- Choose one of the darker shades to add a little color just above the crease. Use a light hand with any contouring: we don't want to accentuate any hollows in the eye area.
- The darkest brown shade adds just a touch of definition to the outer corner. Use the Eye Shader Brush to press a tiny bit of the darker brown shade to the outer third of they eye.
- This shade can also be applied with a moist Detail Brush as a soft eyeliner around the outer third of the upper and lower lashes.
- Finish the eyes with Longest Lash Mascara. My mother, who hasn't used mascara in years, fell in love with this when I gave it to her. Lashes look naturally long, full and feathery, no spider lashes here; but most importantly it conditions the lashes to keep them strong and healthy. Try a softer shade such as Slate Grey or Espresso if black mascara looks too harsh.
For Cheeks
- Use the White Fan Brush for a softer look or the Dome Brush for more color. Choose just the pink shade or swirl it in all four shades for a multi-dimensional glow. Get your mom to smile (that should be easy) and dust it over the apples of her cheeks.
- Highlight the tops of cheekbones, the temples and the hairline with the lightest shade, or again, swirl in some of the other lighter shades.
For Lips
Here is a video that shows how to get an entire look using these products. The lucky girl having her makeup done is a busy single mother of two ;)
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 Tue, Feb 16, 2010 @ 04:11 PM
We love our mineral makeup because of its healthy benefits to our skin, but let's talk COLOR because it's so much fun!
In my office, we love to play with makeup. We get inspired by hairstyles, clothing, a new makeup collection, or maybe something going on in the world (like Carleen's New Moon look last fall). We have fun with it and want to share! So here is the first in a series of photos (and how-to tips) of some of the looks we have been playing with.
Cate has the most amazing hair I have ever seen, it is like a cloud of curls around her head. She is so adept at styling it, it's different every day. We all have hair envy! Here she is with it loose and wild complimented by soft makeup:
Below you can see a close-up of the makeup she used, primarily from the Silver Lining collection.
She swept the lightest shade from the Silver Lining PurePressed Triple Eye Shadow over the lids from lashes to brow. Oyster Pure Pressed Eye Shadow went in the inner corners of the eyes. She used Midnight Blue Pencil to line the upper and lower lashes. Cate loves PureLash Extender & Conditioner under Longest Lash Mascara in Black Ice.
To get that gorgeous flush, Cate used Cotton Candy PurePressed Blush on her cheeks. Her lips are soft and romantic with Pink Candy PureGloss.
Stay tuned, we'll have more from Cate and the rest of us!
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Mon, Jan 11, 2010 @ 10:15 AM
Liquid Eyeliner is fun, versatile eye makeup that most people are afraid to use. Messy? Harsh? Not at all. Whether your look is soft and natural, retro-glam, polished professional or anything in between, this is a must-have for your eye makeup arsenal. With a little practice, you will wonder how you ever lived without it!
Believe it or not, liquid liner is easiest to apply to an open eye. Let the brush do the work by laying along the lash line. Use short strokes to draw lines at the inside, middle, and outer corner of the upper lash line, then connect the dots.
- Shake gently before using for best results.
- Once you've opened the top, put down the bottle and use your free hand to lift the brow, creating a smoother canvas on which to draw.
- If you feel a little shaky, try lining the eye with a matching shade of Pencil or Cream To Powder Eye Liner first. This provides a template for your Liquid Eye Liner.
- If your eyes droop down a bit, try winging the liner up ever so slightly, just before the outer corner of the eye. This gives your eyes a wide-open, lifted look.
- If you want a softer line, but with the staying power of Liquid Eye Liner, use the Detail Brush to gently soften and smudge the line while your liner is still wet.
- For extra long wear, apply a bit of Lid Primer first.
- Black and Black/Brown are classic, but here are some tips on using the other colors:
- Pinot Noir is beautiful with so many looks. Use it as a fresh accent to a neutral eye. It definitely makes green eyes pop, but looks lovely on all eye colors.
- Gold Liquid Liner is great for global skin tones. Use it alone on the outer two-thirds of the upper lashes as a subtle way to draw attention to the eye. For a more dramatic look, line the eye with Black Pencil or Black Plus Cream to Powder Eye Liner, and then draw a fine line with the Gold just along the lashes. For even more drama, place the Gold liner just above the Black. Instant party look!
- Copper works wonderfully alone for red heads, especially those with fair skin and green or blue eyes. It's a gorgeous alternative to brown, and a lot more exciting. For the rest of us, use it to punch up the usual browns by first lining with Black/Brown Pencil or Black/Brown Plus Cream to Powder Eye Liner, then applying Copper at the lash line for a more current look.
- Silver along the upper lash line is romantic and enchanting. It creates a subtle flash of light with each blink of the eye. Apply a thin line over your usual makeup.
Makeup should be fun, not intimidating. Sometimes all it takes is a little know-how and a little practice. Enjoy!
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Fri, Oct 23, 2009 @ 12:32 PM
One of my favorite makeup looks this fall is the balanced face. Equal definition on lips and eyes looks sophisticated, sexy and polished.
Trend #2: Balanced Definition
Goes well with: Elegant day wear (think Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss); or skinny jeans tucked into knee length boots.
Our take:
Here are some shade combinations to try:
- Silver Lining PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple with Black/Grey Pencil; In Touch Cream Blush in Connection; Terra Cotta Lip Definer with Iced Mocha PureGloss.
- Khaki KrazePurePressed Eye Shadow Triple with Black/Brown Pencil; In Touch Cream Blush in Chemistry; Sienna Lip Definer and Hazelnut PureGloss.
- Cloud Nine PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple with Black/Grey Pencil; In Touch Cream Blush in Charisma; Rose Lip Definer and Rasberry PureGloss.
Posted by Angelica Chayes on Wed, Oct 07, 2009 @ 08:26 AM
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Is it just me or are the fall trends amazing this year? Here is the first post in a series on having fun with them.
Trend #1: Hot Pink Lips!
Goes well with: Neon accents on clothing or accessories.
Our take: Use warm golden/copper shades on the eyes. Try the gold end of Double Dazzle on the lid, and a bit of the copper end in the crease. Simply draw it on and blend with your finger. Keep it simple and soft: skip eye liner, and add just a bit of mascara. I am obsessed with Longest Lash Mascara in Black Ice. it is the perfect inky black, makes full feathery lashes, and I've really noticed that my lashes are longer since I starterd using it.
Add a sheer pop of color to the cheeks with In Touch Cream Blush in Clarity. Just stroke it onto the apples of your cheeks (smile) and blend gently with your fingers.
For really bright lips, start with Renee PureMoist LipColour and top with Pink Candy PureGloss. Or for a more sheer look, just use Pink Candy.
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 Fri, Aug 07, 2009 @ 12:45 PM
Here's a great tip that comes to us from one of our sales consultants, just in time for Friday night ;-)
She says, "mix Eye Gloss with Cream to Powder Eyeliner to create a hot iced look. You can just mix them with your Camouflage Brush on the back of your hand. Just a little of this and a little of that."
Here's how: squeeze a little dab of your favorite shade of Eye Gloss onto the back of your hand; then scrape up a small amount of a coordinating color of Cream To Powder Eye Liner. For example, you could use Grey Silk Eye Gloss with the light or medium shade of Black Plus Cream To Powder Eye Liner. Blend them together on the back of your hand, and then apply using the Camouflage Brush for the eyelid, or the Eye Liner/Brow Brush to use as an eyeliner. It looks amazing, and the color will last all night!