Makeup For Travel

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?

 

Mineral Makeup Gone Wild!

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.

 

 

How To Wear Mineral Makeup Like You Work At jane iredale

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!

 

Mineral Makeup For Dull Winter Skin

I may be nearly unique among all my friends and co-workers in that I LOVE winter. Here at the jane iredale home office, it is a winter wonderland. The frigid temperatures have us all outfitted in furry boots and furry hats, while snow-lined streets and snow-covered trees look absolutely beautiful.

What does not look beautiful is my winter skin. When temperatures plunge, the blood retreats to warm the core, leaving the face pallid. Dryness from indoor heat and outdoor winds adds to the dullness. I may feel invigorated, but I look like death!

Fortunately, where there's a beauty problem, there is usually a makeup solution. My answer to the winter doldrums? Blush and lots of it! My favorite for winter is In Touch Cream Blush because it is creamy and moist (and smells like chocolate). The shades look intense in the tube, but on the face they give such a fresh flush of color, it's like you've been sledding, throwing snowballs and sitting by the fire drinking cocoa.

Applying it is so easy: it can be swiped on straight from the tube and blended with the fingers. But  to make a single tube last absolutely ages (and to keep those fingers clean), use the Foundation Brush or the Blending Brush. Apply blush from the tube to the brush, and then sweep the brush over the roundest part of your cheeks. Keeping it to the outer half of the cheeks really opens up the face.

How To Use Liquid Eyeliner

 

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!

 

Makeup To Add Some Sparkle To Your Season

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!

The jane iredale Holiday Gift Guide

Because I work for the most fabulous makeup company ever, as the holidays approach the hints and outright requests for makeup start rolling in thick and fast from my friends and relations. I love to put together fun little "collections" for them, and I thought these might spark some fun gift ideas:

Best gift under $50: Chocoholicks, hands down. The adorable packaging, the yummy scent and taste: it's like giving chocolates and makeup at the same time!

Best gift around $10: Chocoholicks wins again: Buy the set and break them up into individuals. Stuff them in a stocking (or two); or pair them with a chocolate truffle for a great Secret Santa treat!

If that doesn't cover everyone, let's look at the lovelies in our lives that we want to delight:

Is she Dancing With the Stars? How about the Bling Eyeshadow Kit and the White/Pink Highlighter Pencil? Try placing them in an inexpensive but fancy clutch.

 

Is she a Twilight Temptress? Give her the look with Pinot Noir Liquid Eyeliner, 24-Karat Rose Gold and Rasberry PureGloss. Pair them with a little moonstone ring, and you've got her ticket!

 

What about the Princess who has everything? It's the Limited Edition Sweet 15 Kit for her! This hot commodity is sold out in many places and may be hard to find, so check a location near you.

 

Do you have a friend you're dying to make over? The one who is so caught up in more mindful pursuits, she pays no attention to her gorgeous appearance? She may be no fuss, but just a touch here and there.... A flick of Longest Lash Mascara, a whisper of In Touch Cream Blush and a kiss of PureGloss in Just Gloss or In The Pink, and she's done. Present them with a beautiful blank notebook, and she'll know you cherish her inner world too.

 

What to get the outdoorsy gal? She skis or snowboards, she hikes, she bikes, she plays in the garden. Help her protect her skin so she can focus on the activities she loves! Pair Powder-Me SPF, Dream Tint and Lip Drink together with a big, broad-brimmed hat (try a brimmed beanie if she's a snow bunny).

 

Is the sugarplum fairy in your life still playing dress-up? Give her the gift of shimmer with an assortment of Eye Glosses or the 24-Karat Gold Mine Kit. Put your baking skills to work and pair her pretty gift with this sweet treat.

 

We all know (and love) a drama queen! The Silver Lining PurePressed Eyeshadow Triple and Midnight Blue Pencil along with an elegant black cashmere scarf gives her all the glamour she needs.

 

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Is there someone on your list that has you stumped? Leave a comment below and we'll do our best to help!

Mineral Makeup for New Moon Madness

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!

 

Pure Ingredients and Makeup Safety

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.

Bright Eyes! Make up to make your eyes sparkle.

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.