Easy Brush Basics
Brushes actually do make all the difference in makeup application. If you've never used brushes or want to purchase only the key pieces, start with these absolute must haves: Blush, eye shadow, eyeliner and eyebrow.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BRUSH:
A good brush is soft against your skin, shedless, comfortable in your hand and easy to maneuver.
Natural Bristle Brushes: Natural bristle brushes, like squirrel and sable, are very soft and offer a more blended, natural application. Use natural bristle for powder-based products - blush, eye shadow, powder. bronzer. There are many cruelty free brushes on the market. We carry a large selection of cruelty free brushes at J'adore.
Synthetic Bristles: These are the best choice for applying creamy products like concealer, foundation, cream liner and shadow. Synthetics are stiffer than natural brushes and offer more control and precision.
2-15-10
Quality brushes will last several years if they are well cared for. Properly cleaning your brushes is one of the key elements of brush care.
IN BETWEEN WASHINGS: Use a spray cleaner for quick cleanup.
Spritz the cleaner onto a tissue (or onto the bristles) and gently sweep the brush back and forth until all makeup residue is removed. In a pinch, use gentle, fragrance-free baby wipes instead of brush spray. This trick is perfect for traveling. And for those who have a child in diapers, this offers the ultimate 2 for 1 use of a baby product!!
BRUSH BATHS: Once or twice a month give your brushes a much needed bath! Follow the instructions on the bottle, as some brands' instructions are slightly different than others. We're crazy about Paula Dorf's Brush Bath. Its simple to use, smells nice and is made with gentle, quality ingredients.
At J'adore we offer brush cleaners, brush baths, quality, cruelty-free brushes and plenty of helpful advice on how to use, store and care for your brushes!
Simply Radiant
Glowing, healthy skin is not the impossible dream. Actually, you can transform your dull, winter complexion to dewy gorgeousness in 1 or 2 simple steps.
Try this:
Spritz on Rose Water for an initial dose of moisture (try: Julie Hewett's Pure Persian Rose Water, $24.00 at J'adore).
Then smooth cream all over your face and neck. The result: toned luminous skin.
Or: Add a dab of Paula Dorf's Just Glo or Jet Set Glo ($40.00 at J'adore) to your foundation to even out skintone and give your complexion a healthy radiance.
2-5-10
Bling in the New Year
New Year's Eve makeup is all about sexy, shimmer, glitz and glam. This year try Jewel Dust from Becca ($24.00). Ethereal and sexy, it's the perfect accessory to any party dress. Available in silvery pewters, shimmering champagnes and heavenly golds.
Apply with a brush onto bare eyelids for a sheer sparkling wash of translucent colour.
Layer over matte eye colours to create interesting metallic and glittering shades.
Apply over creme colours to set the cremes and to create intense, opaque colour with a jewel-like finish.
Apply a fine line of shimmer to the lower or top lash line to create a flash of colour and sparkling eyes.
Apply to the inner corners of the eyes for a fresh, bright-eyes look.
Dust onto your decolletage and legs for a sexy, soft shimmer.
12-27-09
Makeup in a Rush
Running late? No time for makeup? Don't sacrifice your beauty just because you think you have to put on a full face of makeup. Being a mother of a very busy toddler has helped me to create this simple routine that will have you out the door in no time and with very little effort!
Step 1: Foundation. Apply a light sweep of foundation with a brush or sponge to even out skin tone. You should already have a foundation based on your skin type. If not, come in for a free consult - we have powders, liquids, sticks and creams!
Step 2: Concealer. Apply to the under eye area and inner corners of your eyes to lighten and brighten. Becca's foundation stick can double as a concealer and foundation and super easy to use - just dab onto face directly from the stick and then rub with fingers or a sponge.
Step 3: Define your Eyes. Using an eyeliner and mascara makes such a difference - so don't skip this step! Apply eyeliner to the upper lashline and mascara to the upper lashes. We carry a full selection of colors so you don't always have to use black!
Step 4: Add cheek color. Apply a cream blush or cheek tint with your fingers to save time. Becca makes incredible cheek tints that give you the "I just ran a mile" glow.
Step 5: Lips. Try Smith's Rosebud Salve ($6.00). It moisturizes and leaves a nice pinkish tint on your lips. Great for cuticles too!
If you have time, add some highlights. This is my most FAVORITE of all steps. I love using it under my eyes for that refreshed "I slept 8 hours" look! It's hard to pick a favorite but lately I've been using Paula Dorf's Eye Brite.
Easy peasy, instant beauty!
11-20-09
Wearable Red Lips
If you thought you could never wear red lipstick but always wanted to, then Julie Hewett's Noir Collection is for you.
While working on the set of Pearl Harbor, Julie created her Noir Collection.
These film noir colors, inspired by 1940's black and white movies, offer a timeless, classic look.
We have proudly carried her entire Noir Collection as well as the matching lip liners, for years. Whether femme noir, sin noir or any other red in her collection, you can be sure there is a hue that is perfect for you.
Stop by anytime to find your "noir"!
11-05-09
Fake Great Skin
Great skin of course, starts from within and with a successful skincare regime. And when you can't get that daily glow from the natural sunlight or suffer from uneven or dull skin, it's time to pull out a little trick from your beauty bag.
Shimmering skin products are the perfect way to fake healthy, naturally beautiful, glowing skin. They make my skin look so positively radiant that I insist on using them everyday!
Mix it with a foundation or apply it by itself. You will absolutely fall in love with this trick!!
In stock now: Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector in 3 shades as well as Paula Dorf's Jet Set Glo and Just Glo.
Discover your new glow and get ready for compliments!
10-24-09
Choosing a Cleanser
Puzzled by which cleanser is right for your complexion? "Go by your skin type," says Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad Inc., whose products count stars like Thandie Newton as fans. "Wash, then wait 20 minutes and see how skin looks and feels. If it's shiny, you have oily or combination skin and need a gel. If it feels taut, you have dry skin and need a cream. If it feels fine, you're normal and a lotion should work well."
Come by and ask us about Murad. We offer many types of samples for you to take home and try.
10-17-09
Updated Eyeliner
Yes we're still raving about all things purple! An alternative to black eyeliner(which can sometimes be too dramatic for daytime), purple eyeliner can be used to flatter any skin tone and make your look fresh and vibrant.
Try Rosie Jane's Grapevine for a luxe lilac or Paula Dorf's Spellbound for a rich eggplant hue.
10-07-09
From Day to Night
From work to dinner and cocktails, everyone needs a basic day to night look. Here's one super simple way to get it.
1. Apply black liquid liner(even over your already lined eye)for that ultra-shiek look. Try KissMe's black liquid liner for a smudge free, stay put look.
2. Dust soft shimmer to browbone, cheekbone, neck and shoulders. Becca's Jewel Dust comes in ethereal shades like silver, gold and maroon.
3. Dab on berry or red gloss over your lipstick. Becca's marachino is perfect - and moisturizing for those cool autumn nights.
Voila! Now head out and have some fun!
10-01-09