Today’s gift guide goes out to all of my fellow bag ladies. Which is every female reading this, right? We’re so easy to shop for. I’m bag lady central. Or, as I pronounce it, begs. The Wisconsin in me really comes out when I say the word. While this gift guide could have gone on for days, I edited myself and pulled together what I think is a supremely awesome set of bags that would make someone very happy this holiday.
Here’s what you need to know.
The holidays translate to amazing value sets in the beauty world. Take this Guy Bourdain x NARS Larger than Life eyeliner set. Or the MAC “Stroke of Midnight” gift sets which come with some of the best bags I’ve seen from the brand in years. Love the nylon black and white with gold piping. Bonus? The mineralize brushes that come with this setare stellar.
I can practically feel the butter soft suede and leather on this midnight blue and gold Baggu envelope clutch. I want to put my things in there, badly.
Just add red lipstick to this Jouer “It” bagand you have a truly chic gift.
Butter Londonhad me with the quilted patent bag but really lured me in with four of their best polishes (Yummy Mummy!) all for under $40. This is one of my top picks for the season!
Call it a makeup bag, a clutch, a purse companion or all of the above. No need to get technical since I’m certain you’ll want to use this for everything, always. Jouer’s new “it” bag in the brand’s signature pink shade is just so pretty. And the ‘ooh la la’ gold script? I can’t handle how adorable this bag is. If it had cheeks, I would squeeze them so hard and talk in the voice I use when I tell my dog she is beautiful. Moving beyond the adorbs, there’s also an inherent luxe quality about this “it” bag. The leather Jouer uses in its line of accessories is super soft and feels fancy to the touch. This pretty pick is on my shopping list in a big way!
Since it launched in 2008, Jouer has ascended in the beauty world from small presence in New York to major player in makeup bags everywhere. Cult following is an understatement. You can chalk this up to an ingenious concept: customized, portable palettes, and a founder who practically defines the word chic. Christina Zilber, the daughter of a fashion model, grew up learning that makeup should always be classic and effortless and never overpowering. This mantra led her to develop Jouer, a “no makeup artist” required line of makeup designed to complement individual fashion sense and lifestyle. Christina chatted with 312 Beauty, sharing her secrets to flawless skin, what’s in her perfect Jouer palette and a little tease at what she’s working on next! Take note of four key words: more Sparkle and Pop!
As far as aging in reverse goes, you’re writing the book. What are your skin care secrets? Well, thank you for THAT! I’m a believer in keeping skincare simple but effective. I wash my face every morning and night. I use a Vitamin C serum in the morning and an over the counter Retin A serum in the evening. That’s it! Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant which fights free radicals, evens skin tone and makes your skin bright and glowing. That’s one of the reasons Jouer’s Luminizing Moisture Tint gives that little glow – it’s the Vitamin C. Retin A is an exfoliant and, literally, one of the only products on the market proven to fight fine lines and aging. Every woman, no matter her age, should add these two ingredients to her skincare. Oh, and sunscreen….prevention is very important!
What is your everyday makeup look?
I love natural, pretty makeup. I don’t follow radical trends (Just because Neon is in, or Pantone chooses a color of the year, doesn’t mean you should wear it on your eyelids). I even my skin tone with Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint, dust a little bronzer on my forehead and across my cheeks and chin, I add a dab of cheek tint, curl my lashes, add mascara swipe on lip gloss and go. Quick, simple, pretty makeup is the philosophy of Jouer!
I love the “slide and snap” Jouer packaging. What does your custom Jouer palette look like?
My everyday, in my handbag, palette contains Jouer Perfect Tan Bronzer, Cameo Concealer, Bare Cheek Tint and Bare Rose Moisturizing Lip Gloss.
What Jouer innovation are you most proud of? (I realize it’s like asking to pick a favorite child!)
Haha, exactly! The overall concept of customizing your palette came from my desire to carry a concealer in my palette. You can not find a makeup palette with a concealer in a beautiful formula matching your skin. The idea of the slide and snap packaging was born! I want women to carry what they want in their palette, not what a product developer chooses! From there all my formulas hold a special spot, because I’ve painstakingly made sure they have great ingredients with skincare benefits. That said, I do not leave the house without wearing my Luminizing Moisture Tint! It’s truly a life-saver.
Five products you never leave home without? When I’m running around town, I like to have my Cameo Concealer, Bare Tint, Bare Rose Lip Gloss (or Peach Pearl Lip Enhancer), Miel Lip Definer and now Baroque Crème Eyeshadow Crayon. When I need to get a little more “dressy” I swipe it on and I look like I’ve spent tons of time on my makeup. Shhh….secret tip, it takes 30 seconds!
I can’t get enough of your “chic peeks” on Instagram. What can Jouer fans expect this year?
I have always found it IMPOSSIBLE to find the perfect red lipstick. I’m red-lip shy. I’ve created a range of reds so everyone can find their perfect red lip. Plus, I’ve created a really fun graphic to help women figure out their red, and, it doesn’t involve your skin tones or whether your veins are blue or green. I can never figure those out! Holiday 2013 is OFF THE CHARTS fun. We had so much success with our Sparkle & Pop Holiday Crackers last year, we’re taking them to a new level this year. Chic Peeks coming soon!
What’s inspiring you right now?
Valentino’s Leather and Lace, my upcoming trip to DC to see the Cherry Blossoms, British dramas (Downton Abbey, Upstairs Downstairs, Call the Midwife) Gyrotonics, thoughts of Summer, my new tableware (Haviland Syracuse Rose – see @czjouer on Instagram), red lipstick, chunky jewelry, beauty and lifestyle bloggers, Homemade art, entertaining, Pinterest, happiness and gratitude.
I have a special affection for Jouer. I first was introduced to the brand years ago at Bendel’s in New York. Back when LMT was still the best kept secret in the makeup world. I’m smitten with their customizable palettes and am never without a tube of the Essential Lip Enhancer. But it’s Jouer’s Spring 2013 collection that is completely blowing my mind. Especially the Crème Eyeshadow Crayons — a set of five flattering neutrals with a pearly finish.
It’s this look from Jouer using Rococo, a french vanilla hue, and Baroque, a soft chocolate gold, that I plan to recreate all season. Some creamy formulas can apply patchy and tug, but these are smooth, blendable and highly pigmented. Plus, they layer so well together. Rococo is that ideal base shade that makes everything else you layer over it pop a little more. Concentrating a deeper shade in the crease gives everything just a little more depth. After applying, you’ve got a little bit of blend time before it sets. I’m somewhat of a shadow in a stick connoisseur and these are top notch.
To shop Joeur Crème Eyeshadow Crayons, click on over here. And for the 312 crowd, there’s a Jouer counter at the Northbridge Nordstrom. If I lost you with the LMT earlier, it may be worth paying them a visit!
