How to Achieve Your Perfect Brow

Let’s face it, brows are the new everything. It’s the first thing we notice, and everyone is talking about them. It’s not a fad that is focusing on one type of brow, but a revolution that is celebrating every shape, color, and fullness. Choosing brow products that are best suited can be intimidating and challenging, so here are a few product options and explanations!

POWDERS

Brow powders typically have a softer effect and are the best option for a natural look. They can also be used to set your brow pencils for a longer lasting, fuller brow. Anyone can use a powder, but it typically looks best if there is plenty of hair to work with on the forefront. To apply a brow powder, use an angled brush and start at your arches, filling in the direction of growth toward the tail. Move to the front of the brows and lightly fill in from the bottom up, and over to meet the arch. Brush through.

Try the Jane Iredale GreatShape® Eyebrow Kit.

GreatShape® Eyebrow Kit

PENCILS

A brow pencil is best used if you have gaps, sparse hairs, or as symmetrical brows. Don’t make the mistake of going too heavy or too dark in your application. Instead start filling the brows in at the arch with feather like strokes in the direction of growth, and toward the tail. Return to the front of the brow and lightly fill in, and brush through the brow. We tend to be heavy handed with pencils, so starting at the arch will keep the front of your brows soft and pretty, yet defined.

Try Jane Iredale Brow Pencil

Retractable Brow Pencil

POMADE

If you love a bold, statement brow, Pomade is the product for you! This option is especially great for those with very sparse/non-existing brows. Those who already have naturally full brows can use a pomade to add definition and tame hair growth patterns. Dip an angled brush into product, and flatten the brush by pressing both sides of the brush to the back of your hand. This pushes the bristles together to ensure thin lines. Apply hairlike strokes in the direction of hair growth throughout the entire brow from front to tail. Another option is an ombré effect. Underline the brow starting with the bottom, from the front to the tail. Line the top of the brow from the arch to the tail. Lightly fill in the outlined area, leaving the front (anchor)of the brow without product. In the anchor of the brow, create hair like strokes, and brush through from the bottom in and upward and outward motion.

Try Cailyn Gelux Eyebrow

Cailyn Gelux Eyebrow

GEL

The quickest, easiest way to add color, fullness, and tame unruly hairs. A brow gel is similar to mascara. Perfect for all brow types with existing hair, especially those with coarse, bold brows. I suggest removing any excess product from the brush before you apply, then back comb the hair from tail to front. Comb hair into place in an up and outward motion, or in the direction of growth.

Try Revitalash Brow Gel

REVITABROW® ADVANCED

A few more things to know...

BROW COLOR SELECTION

I see a lot of brows that are applied too heavy, and too dark! This is a helpful guide when choosing your shade.

Dark Hair- 1 to 2 shades lighter
Light Hair- 1 to 2 shades darker

CLEAN UP TRICK

Don’t worry about getting outside of the shape, or not applying perfectly. Dip a clean angled brush in your concealer or foundation, and lightly carve out the brow shape. This will clean up any mistakes, then you can blend it out to highlight the brow!

BROW GROWTH SERUMS WORK!

If you have sparse brows due to over plucking, trauma, medical conditions, etc, don’t be discouraged. Growth serums work by waking up the follicles to be on the Anagen (growth) Phase at the same time, continuously. We recommend Revitabrow, which is the only growth serum backed by the American Cancer Association. 

SHORT ON TIME?

We get it! Try brow tint, a professional service that colors the brow hairs for up to 6 weeks. Multiple, custom shades are available to create your perfect brow, and it only takes 15 minutes or less. 

WANT YOUR BROWS TO LAST LONGER?

Semi-Permanent MakeUp is a great option with multiple ways to achieve a great brow. Microblading, Blade & Shade, Ombre, Powder Brow, and more ... Available to all skin and hair types! Make sure to have a consultation, and ask lots of questions so everyone is on the same page about what results you want to achieve.

Want some one on one advice? Schedule a consultation or just book a brow appointment and let’s get started off on the right foot to better brows. Click the button below to get started!

10 Makeup Tips You Must Know!

1. Use Waterproof Mascara Responsibly.
   We love matte lipsticks because of the long wear, but it can leave our lips feeling dehydrated and cracked. The same can be said about waterproof mascara! Improper wear and removal can cause our lashes to break, and even fall out. To protect your lashes, always remove waterproof mascara before bed with an oil to easily break down the product without the need to rub intensely. 

2. Know your tone.
   Makeup will always break down into color categories; warm, cool, or neutral. This is important when matching a proper foundation and concealer to ensure an even skin tone! An easy way to find your tone is to check your veins. If they appear purple or blue, you have a cool tone. If they appear green, you have a yellow tone. If you struggle to figure it out, you’re more likely neutral. 

3. Lighting is everything!
   Never apply your makeup in a badly lit room, you will end up applying too much makeup and appear caked. Natural light is always the best option but if you don’t have enough windows, look for LED bulbs with a 3000k color temperature. 

4. Tight-lining is a must.

   If you wear eyeliner, make sure to apply IN the lash line AND underneath the lash line. This will give the appearance of a fuller lash line and polished look. To apply, lift the center of the lid with one finger, look down, and coat the underneath of the top lash line. I recommend a gel, or waterproof liner for this look. Check out Kelly’s 7 Minute Makeup Tutorial for an even quicker method.

5. Subtle Blush Effect.

   For a natural looking blushed cheek, apply your blush before your foundation. It will gently peak through leaving a beautiful, natural glow. This works best with sheer to medium coverage foundations. 

6. Peach fuzz problems.

   We all have vellus hair on our face, aka peach fuzz. To avoid bringing attention to the hair, always apply your products in a downward motion to keep them from standing up. If your fuzz is out of control, book an epidermal leveling facial to temporarily remove the hair, and dead skin cells. Your skin will thank you! 

7. DIY BB Cream.

   Mix your favorite foundation with a little moisturizer and sunscreen to create a BB cream that leaves your skin looking natural, protected, and healthy! Start with a small amount and build until you find the perfect mixture. 

8. You don’t need a million brushes.

   But you do need a few that can be multi-purpose. A dense foundation brush, a fluffy powder brush, a blending eye shadow brush, and an angled liner brush are everyday staples. 

   Foundation Brush: Foundation, Concealer, Blush, Powder, Contour, Bronzer

   Blending Brush: Eye Primer, Eye Shadow, Concealer, Setting Powder for smaller areas, Highlighter

   Fluffy Powder Brush: Setting Powder for full face, Pressed and Loose Powder, Bronzer, Sheer Coverage Foundation, Highlighter 

   Angled Liner Brush: Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, Brow Gel/Powder, Highlight smaller areas. 

9. Curl those lashes!

   You can have the longest lashes, but if they are strait, no one will notice. Before applying your mascara, use your hair dryer to blast some hot air on your lash curler for no more than a few seconds. Check the temperature, then pump twice at the base, middle, and end of your lashes for a curl that will last all day. A longer lasting option is a Lash Lift, similar to a perm for your hair, this service will leave your lashes curlier for up to 8 weeks. 

10. Proceed with caution.

    It’s hard not to get caught up in the YouTube and IG world of makeup. Educating yourself is important, just remember when you’re watching that application is always based on skin type and face shape. What an influencer chooses to use, may not be what’s best for you! When shopping, bring a list of what you’re looking for so the professionals can recommend similar products for your skin.

Sometimes you just need your own personal professional to help. At Crown, we have two options for you to choose from. Have your own makeup you love? Tools you want to love but don’t quite know how to use? Our Bring Your Bag service allows you to spend an hour with one of our artists going through what you do and don’t need, selecting what’s right for you. We’ll show you how to use what you have and you’ll leave more confident in what you already own.

In addition, we also have Makeup Instruction services that offer you a one-on-one scheduled hour to learn about how Jane Iredale makeup and brushes work together to provide the best dermatology recommended makeup on the market! Get color matched, learn techniques and get some tips along the way.

Makeup should be fun and it should be a daily routine you look forward to! We’re here to shed some light on everything makeup!

Kelly shows you how she applies a full face of makeup in just 7 minutes!

Becoming Bridal: A Timeline of Recommendations to have You Ready for Your Wedding Day.

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding ceremony!  This is a special time of preparation full of joy, dreaming, decisions, and planning. You probably have a whole Pinterest board with ideas for your hair and makeup! We would like to help you with some of the details you may not be thinking of with this suggested timeline to help keep you on track. Tap on the blog title above to read on!

3-6+ MONTHS OUT:

ESTABLISH THE LOOK

• After you choose your dress and overall wedding theme, research styles of hair and makeup you would like for your wedding day.

• Start talking about your look with your stylist or researching to find a stylist if you don’t already have one.  Your stylist will be able to make recommendations about what you will need to be thinking about to achieve your desired look.

GET HEALTH CONSCIOUS

• Increase your daily water intake.

• Incorporating exercise will not only have you looking your best, but will also boost serotonin and help you cope with planning stressors.
• Do you take vitamins? If not, now is the time to start! We recommend taking a multivitamin, biotin, Skin Omegas and Skin Complete by Jane Iredale.

• Start teeth whitening now if needed.

HAIR

• Is your desired wedding day hair color lighter or darker than it is currently?  Now is the time to start working that direction!
• Are you wanting longer hair for engagement photos, bridal photos, showers and wedding day?  There are options for every budget:
  • Socap keratin bonded or Hot Heads tape-in extensions are our more permanent methods of all natural hair that will last you 4-6 months and cost anywhere from $300-$1500.
  • We also have more temporary options for daily wear with Socap clip-in extensions and Hot Heads The Band, both custom ordered to match your hair color and desired length.  These styles range from $350-$600, and include tips for how you can put them in.
  • Looking for a way to just boost your own hair growth? Davines Energizing and Regenesis products stimulate your scalp and aid in growth. Talk to your stylist about what is best for you!
• Need to get your hair in better condition?  Time to invest in conditioning treatments and salon quality products for optimum health and shine.  Davines NaturalTech products have a treatment line for every hair and scalp ailment.

SKIN & BODY CARE

• Start by getting a facial and talk to your esthetician about a home skin care regimen with professional facials every 4-6 weeks. Our brand, Comfort Zone, has a line for every skin type all with anti-aging results.

• Let’s talk eyelashes. Every woman wants longer, fuller eyelashes on her wedding day. Decide if you would like to have eyelash extensions, use a lash growth serum like RevitaLash, or just wear an eyelash strip during your engagement and wedding festivities.
  • RevitaLash Advanced Serum is $150 and lasts for approx 6 months!  You will start to see longer, fuller lashes within 6-8 weeks.
  • We recommend Xtreme Lash Extensions (available at Crown) if you are looking to wear individual extensions. A full set is $250 and you will need to get them filled ($1 per minute, usually $40-60) every 2-3 weeks.

• Never underestimate the power of properly shaped, full eyebrows. If your brows have been over tweezed or waxed, there is hope! RevitaBrow Advanced Serum ($150) will have new brow hairs growing back in within 8 weeks. We recommend putting your brows in rehab and not touching them at all during this time. No tweezing or waxing!  After 8 weeks, come in and see one of our brow artists so they can give you the perfect shape! Then maintain your look with a brow appointment every 4-6 weeks with no at-home tweezing!
• Body and bikini waxing. Now is the time to start a regular regimen of 4-6 weeks, if you do not regularly do them. Waxing those areas becomes less painful and irritating each time you do them, plus you need to know now if your skin will have adverse reactions. You would hate to get your first bikini wax the week of your wedding and be uncomfortable on your honeymoon!
  • Day of waxing tip: take some pain relievers about 30 minutes before your appointment.

4-6 WEEKS OUT:

HAIR & MAKEUP

• Schedule a trial run for your hair and makeup.  Trials are highly recommended to ensure the perfect interpretation of your desired wedding day look.
  • Do not flat iron your hair before a trial run, especially if your goal is loose, soft curls.
  • Let the stylist know about any hair accessories, veils, or considerations that you plan to have.
  • Take pictures you can save to look at on the wedding day.

• Finalize needed services for you and your wedding party so appropriate time and number of stylists can be scheduled on your wedding day.  Will you be doing services at the salon or on-location?  Keep in mind a stylist can always go onsite for a travel fee!

• Wearing hair extensions for the wedding day? We recommend wearing them for at least a month before so you have time to adjust to your new hair.  Our hair extensions last 4-5 months so you could also get them to wear throughout your entire engagement, and replace them with a new set 1 month before the wedding day.

SKIN AND BODY

• Do not make any changes to your birth control, skincare program, laundry detergent, etc. because you do not know how your skin will react!
• Keep maintaining your facial, brow, and lash regimen!

• Try out spray tanning now if you plan to get one before the wedding so you can make sure you like the color and see how long it lasts on your skin.  Our Norvell airbrush spray tan lasts 5-7 days depending on each person’s skin moisturization and the use of the recommended products.
  • Always come in with clean, exfoliated skin for your spray tan.  Avoid using lotion before your appointment, and shave your legs for better even application.
  • Be prepared to wait at least 8, but recommended 12 hours to shower. The tanning solution will darker over time so don’t be alarmed when you look in the mirror later!
  • Ensure your spray tan lasts as long as possible by keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized after your initial shower.

WEDDING WEEK

• Get your facial, massage, body waxing, lash fill, and brow shape early in the week to induce some relaxation before your guests start to get in town. This will allow time to remedy anything necessary and heal any minor irritation.
• Schedule your hair appointment 3-5 days before the wedding day.  It takes 72 hours for the cuticle to close after color and it looks best after day 3!  This will also allow time to adjust anything to your color or cut if needed.
• Plan ahead and talk with your bridal party to see if you are doing nails together or before the group is together for the wedding weekend.
• We recommend a spray tan 2 days before your big weekend.  Exfoliate and come in with clean skin free of all moisturizers and loose fitting clothing.  Allow the tan to develop for 7-24 hours and then shower with recommended pH balanced soap. Moisturize your skin regularly to maintain your tan and for even exfoliation to avoid patchy spots as it fades.
• Avoid high sodium foods and drinks!  Sodium holds 50 times its weight in water so you could shed an extra couple pounds of water weight.

WEDDING DAY

• Avoid wearing clothing or bras with tight straps to prevent red lines on your back and shoulders

• Get plenty of sleep the night before and drink lots of water!
• Don’t forget to eat something with protein that won’t cause bloating.

• Don’t be afraid to speak up if there is anything you want to adjust with your hair and makeup. It can always be taken down or wiped off and this is YOUR special day!!!

And lastly, HAVE FUN! Enjoy this day and the people you share it with.

How To Apply Mineral Makeup

post written by Jane Iredale Cosmetics

We get very few complaints about our mineral powders which are a foundation, concealer, sunscreen and powder all in one. But below are some challenges we sometimes hear and what we suggest to solve them. Usually, it requires just a simple adjustment. Switching to a powder that’s applied in small amounts and gives instant coverage may take some suspension of disbelief as well as some practice.

We always recommend that the brushes that were designed for these powders be used. This isn’t just to sell product – the results are visibly better. Although we made our name with our mineral powders, we have since introduced a tinted moisturizer, Dream Tint, an anti-aging liquid foundation, Liquid Minerals, and a Full-Coverage BB Cream, Glow Time. Whatever you choose -- enjoy!

"Too Much Shine"

Use a primer! We have two – Smooth Affair and Smooth Affair for Oily Skin. They will help to control shine and give more even coverage without a lot of work. Choose PurePressed which is more matte than Amazing Base. Remember that working the minerals too much tends to separate the individual minerals and pull the one that creates the glow to the surface. It’s easy to avoid this by applying the minerals in thin layers in downward strokes with the brush. Keep adding layers until you get the coverage you want. Then spritz with one of our facial sprays and blot. To eliminate any shine in the middle of the day, apply PureMatte or Amazing Matte. They don’t build product and will keep things looking matte and natural.

“My Pores and Fine Lines Look Worse”

Use our primer Smooth Affair or Smooth Affair for Oily Skins before applying the mineral powders to even out pores and fine lines. Apply PurePressed Base or Amazing Base with a brush. Spritz with one of our facial sprays and blot, or mix the loose powders into a moisturizer and make a cream foundation. Apply it with fingers or a sponge. If the powders appear to accentuate lines under the eyes, dampen a cotton pad with one of our facial sprays and gently press it on the problem area, or gently dab on a small amount of moisturizer. It’s OK to add moisturizer after the minerals have been applied.

“Uneven and Blotchy”

This is usually because the minerals have been applied before the moisturizer has been absorbed or because the moisturizer being used only lays on the surface of the skin. The simple solution is to wait a minute for the moisturizer to disappear or to blot any excess. Our BeautyPrep Moisturizer was designed to be the ideal base for our foundations. Or try one of our facial sprays as a substitute moisturizer for oily skin. Also, some unevenness can be attributed to sponge applicators that do not “move” on the skin. This is why, if a sponge is used, we recommend our Flocked Sponge. It’s the only sponge we've found that blends the powders and does not drag. The sponge in the pressed compacts is only meant for touch-ups.

“Wrong Color”

This was probably chosen in poor lighting. The best way to test for the right color is to do it on the jaw line in daylight. The color should disappear if it blends perfectly with the skin. An easy way to begin is to test Natural and Amber. They both have the same value, but Natural has a pink undertone and Amber a yellow. You will be able to see quickly whether to try a lighter or darker base and which undertone best complements the skin. Find your perfect foundation and shade with our Foundation Finder Quiz.

For a complete listing of Jane Iredale's face makeup, click here.
To schedule a makeup consultation at Crown Beauty Bar, click here.

Jane Iredale Sunscreen Makeup Tutorial!

Well it's officially summer and with it comes the Sun and it's harmful rays. Do you sacrifice your look for healthy skin? Or are you the type to keep your look and take the skin risk? With Jane Iredale makeup, you can have both!  Hannah Simpson takes us through a short tutorial on how you can use Jane Iredale products and get full coverage this summer!

Hannah Simpson takes us through a short tutorial on Jane Iredale products can give you that full coverage protection AND a gorgeous look this summer!

Spring Makeup Tutorial: Bold Night Out by Jane Iredale

Having a night out with the girls or your beau? Try this bold makeup look using Jane Iredale spring makeup collection, which includes mauve eye makeup and a berry lip.