Skin. Our largest organ, and if studies are to be believed, it’s also one of the first things we notice about each other. According to research, when we were still living in caves, we needed signs to choose healthy mates so that we could bring healthy children into the world. Good skin was an important sign. Nothing much has changed!
So what does healthy skin look like? Clear and liquid with a matte sheen would be my description. I asked my husband to find his and all he could say was “wet”. (I’m glad she didn’t say anything about wrinkles!) Luckily for us, unlike our prehistoric ancestors, we don’t have to be born with clear, moist skin with a matte glow, we can create it using makeup with nourishing benefits. And so it was Jane Iredale The Skincare Makeup System was born.
What is the Skincare Makeup System? The Origins of the Perfect Trio
PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation
It didn’t happen at the same time. The first product I put on women’s faces at clinics, spas, trade shows, and everything in between was PurePressed Base, our now-iconic mineral powder — a foundation, powder, concealer, and sunscreen all in one. I used to advise women to put on a moisturizer first so that the minerals adhere better to the skin and provide more even coverage. I was often asked if we had moisturizer. More on that later.
I was still learning about the capabilities and benefits of the PurePressed foundation formulated without fillers and synthetics, so I paid close attention to how the skin felt at all stages of use. Because the minerals were concentrated pigment, it didn’t take much to get clear skin. Brush them and the skin was flawless. It still felt like leather no matter how much was applied. Also, due to the shape and overlapping nature of the mineral particles, they transferred much less than normal makeup and stayed on the skin longer. I had a dramatic example of this when I visited a Soap Opera set that used our makeup for the actors. The makeup artists sat with their feet up in the control room, happily relaxed because they weren’t darting to the set to do makeup every few minutes. They literally applauded when I walked in.
Pommisst moisturizing spray
What I also noticed about the minerals was that after a while they will congeal on their own. What I mean is that as they mixed with the skin’s natural moisture, they looked better and better. No sign of powdery look and more like flawless skin. While doing my applications, I wanted to show women that they show without having to wait for it to happen naturally. Then the moisturizing sprays were born. A quick spritz over the minerals sets them off perfectly and gives the leather that coveted ‘wet’ look. I noticed that the spray also brought a smile to the woman’s face. A nice scent will do this, like pomegranate. Since our first bottle of Pommisst Hydration Spray was released, it has never stopped being one of our best sellers.
Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer
So now we have PurePressed Base and Pommisst, what about the moisturizer? Moisturizers are a bit like mascaras. Every woman has different needs and a different point of view. This is definitely not a one-size-fits-all product. So maybe it was best to develop a product that was a primer. A bit like our Lash Conditioner which primes lashes before applying your mascara of choice. A primer that could be worn with or without a moisturizer underneath.
Of course, it had to be beneficial for the skin and allow it to breathe and function normally. It also had to feel light, non-sticky, prevent moisture loss and provide a smooth surface to which the minerals could adhere. This was a formulation challenge, but we solved it with the Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer. I love this product. I love the way it feels, the way it smells, and the fact that I can wear it on its own and do so often. It has a calming effect on the skin that never fails to work for me.
Well, now we have our Skin Care Makeup System and what a powerful trio it was. They have introduced millions of women around the world to the joys of clear, hydrated skin with this youthful matte glow. Our ancestors would be proud.
