BEAUTY HEROES: CARISA JANES
The queen of clean shows us how effective her skincare solutions are
Innovation can be hard to gauge when it comes to make-up, but Hourglass has earned a reputation as a make-up brand that works hard to create formulas that are truly next level — say, a lip oil with 28 ingredients that all work together to make your pout perfect, or a pressed powder that looks like you’ve applied an Instagram filter to your face in real life.
The brains behind this operation is Carisa Janes, whose commitment lies not only in creating high-performance products, but in making them without any animal products, and without animal cruelty. In fact, the only time the brand uses animals is to star alongside models in its Eye to Eye campaign — and if you take a photo eye to eye with your favourite animal and tag it #hg_eyetoeye, the company makes a donation to the Nonhuman Rights Project. Here, Janes shares with us her unique approach to making make-up.
What sets Hourglass apart from other brands?
We’re driven by innovation and performance, we’ve always been cruelty-free, and we’ll soon be 100 per cent vegan. We’re taking a modern approach to beauty that’s really about looking to the future.
Why was it important to be cruelty-free and vegan?
We have an opportunity to make a positive impact, and that’s not something we take lightly. Being cruelty-free is part of our DNA. When major fashion players go fur-free, it has a ripple effect, inspiring other brands to do the same. It’s exciting to see the progress being made, and it’s important to us that we contribute to it.
What are your own favorite Hourglass products?
It’s so hard to choose, but Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick is a long-standing favourite. It looks and feels so natural, and you have refined, retouched skin in less than a minute. Even when I’m in a rush, it looks like a professional applied it — it’s that seamless.
Right now, Equilibrium Day Fluid is also at the top of my list. It makes me look bright and well-rested, and it makes my skin feel incredibly smooth. The formula is so silky it feels like an indulgence every time I use it. Of course, Ambient Lighting Palette is also a favourite. It’s like bringing my best light with me wherever I go.
What’s one cool make-up trick you've learned?
Take the Ambient Powder Brush and sweep it across the entire Ambient Lighting Palette. Make sure you pick up all three shades in one motion. Then dust the brush over your entire face. The effect is stunning.
And one make-up pet peeve?
I’m not a fan of make-up that’s meant to be invisible but isn’t. Detectable contour and unblended highlighter come to mind.