Jane Iredale for the win
These high-performance, skin-friendly formulas are just what your makeup bag needs.
I was first introduced to Jane Iredale makeup when I was working at NewBeauty magazine in my mid-20s, which makes perfect sense since the brand’s main vibe is that the products are formulated to be safe for post-procedure use. Of course I played with them way back when, but I didn’t necessarily need them because I hadn’t yet dipped my toes into the office-based treatment waters.
TL;DR takeaway: I’ve been using Jane Iredale makeup on my perfectly healthy, non-compromised skin and I’m kind of obsessed.
To give you a little background, Jane Iredale offers a full makeup range that’s totally OK to use right after chemical peels, injectables and other light professional treatments. To this end, the brand provides “After Glow” mini-makeovers that allow patients to leave the office looking great, feeling fab and ready to get right back to work or pick up the kiddos from school. This is why you’ll find Jane Iredale in the offices of dermatologists, plastic surgeons and aesthetic specialists as opposed to Sephora or a department store.
I feel it’s my duty to say that this does not apply to immediately after deeper skin resurfacing or plastic surgery (as if you’d really want to put on makeup for the ride home after a facelift).
All of the high-performance products feature clean ingredients and mineral-based pigments that are both safe for compromised skin, and very effective for covering any redness, bruising or discoloration while your skin recovers from a peel, injections or light laser treatments. (With that said, just make sure to follow your provider’s instructions after any professional treatment, and this includes when it’s OK to start wearing makeup.)
Everything is free of fragrance and fillers that can potentially cause irritation, sensitivity-tested, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free and non-comedogenic. Basically, Jane Iredale is everything those with sensitive or acne-prone skin—or any type of skin—want from their makeup.
I was recently reintroduced to Jane Iredale for a story I wrote for Cosmetic Executive Women, (a professional organization I’ve been a proud member of for more than 20 years)—and the brand’s PR was lovely enough to send me a package of goodies to try out. Although I wish I had been recovering from some sort of laser resurfacing, I absolutely fell head over heels for the products I received. (Click here to read my CEW story.)
I’m a sucker for any “routine” that involves several products, so Jane Iredale totally got me with the Skincare Makeup System. I have repeatedly said I am not a foundation person, much less a powder foundation person, but I’m all in. This kit includes the Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer, PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation (plus the amazing Handi Brush) and Pommist Hydration Spray.
I was a little intimidated at first, but the little bit of extra effort of adding this primer and setting spray to my usual makeup routine is unbelievable. My skin looks fresh, even, poreless and healthy for the entire day—in a totally natural, not over-done way. For the record, I wasn’t digging the powder finish at first—but the Pommist spray sealed the deal and took my skin to the dewy place I love.
As a side note, I was never a finishing spray person either. A few months ago I tried a new offering from a wildly popular brand that will remain unnamed, and it left my hair feeling like I had used hairspray on it after misting my face. (Obviously I wasn’t going to use that ever again.) After trying Jane Iredale’s incredibly skin-friendly version, it turns out I can be a finishing spray person after all.
While these three products can be considered the foundation (no pun intended) of the Jane Iredale approach, OMG there’s so much more to love.
OK, the foundation system is amazing, but I honestly don’t leave the house most days other than dropping off and picking up at school or tending to some personal maintenance. When makeup isn’t on the agenda, the HydroPure Tinted Serum with HA & CoQ10 has become my ride-or-die. It provides a bit of coverage and tone-evening along with hyaluronic acid for instant hydration, plumping and smoothing. I’ve done Zooms with long-standing clients (who don’t care if I’m in workout gear) wearing only this alone, and it is officially a staple in my routine.
I also use bronzer on the daily, and I was lucky enough to receive the PureBronze Matte Bronzer and multi-shade PureBronze Shimmer Bronzer. Both are sublime for safely creating the appearance of sun-kissed skin—without looking orange or streaky or “dirty.” (I really like using the matte bronzer as eyeshadow, too.)
I meant it when I said that Jane Iredale offers a full line of cosmetics, including eyeshadow. The PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in “Cognac” is perfection for my neutral-leaning look, and the shades can easily be mixed and matched for a light day look or more intense drama come nightfall. The quality is super-apparent here, as the ultra-fine powders glide on and blend beautifully.
I received a few additional Jane Iredale makeup add-ons that have been fully integrated into my regular routine. The Glow Time Blush Stick in “Fervor” is a beautiful, creamy, blendable, bubble-gum pink that is worthy of space in any makeup bag. I’m also loving the HydroPure Hyaluronic Acid Lip Glosses in “Sangria” and “Summer Peach.”
If you like a lip/cheek product that adjusts to your skin’s natural pH, you won’t want to miss the Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain. It offers the hydration and light touch of shine that you expect from a balm but it also enhances your lips’ natural color. When used on the cheeks, it leaves the skin with a glowy, healthy-looking flush that kind of works double-duty as a highlighter (but Jane Iredale has that, too). This is a true multitasker that is a must for anyone who likes a natural makeup look.
If you're curious, here’s the final result after using just about every Jane Iredale product I received. (Please disregard the roots.)
Long story short, I wasn’t looking for a major makeup upgrade but I totally got one. Jane Iredale manages to fit my makeup aesthetic and I know I’m covered after my next TCA peel, or the Halo treatment that is definitely coming sooner rather than later.
