Just because you only have a few minutes to do your makeup doesn’t mean you have to look like you got ready on the run. With U.S. big-box retailer Target now starting to roll out their stores in Canada, one of the brands we’ll now have access to is Pixi Beauty, the cosmetics line from makeup artist Petra Strand. The California-based makeup pro has designed the line to be simple and multitasking. “We launched our store in London 12 years ago with the saying in the window, ‘I just want to look like I’ve had a good night’s sleep,’ and it still perfectly sums up Pixi Beauty’s philosophy,” says Strand.
We spent 10 minutes chatting with Strand about her expert tips and tricks on how to get ready quickly and her personal makeup musts.
How many products do you have in your handbag?
Only two! Illuminating Tint & Conceal for quick skin touchups of the tinted moisturizer around T-zone and concealer for the under-eye area and any redness. And I have Tinted Brilliance Balm (today in Pretty Pink—I change the colour often), which I use to touch up lips and apples of the cheeks during the day. I’m low maintenance!
What do you not leave the house without?
My wallet, car keys and lip balm (my fave is Succulent Lip Twin in Vanilla Light).
Your favourite ways to multitask products in your line?
Some of my favourite alternative uses: Tinted Brilliance Balm on apples of the cheeks, and Natural Cheek Gel is great for a hint of a tint on lips. Flawless & Poreless Primer is great as a "blotting paper" on top of makeup during the day, while Eye Bright Liner is great as a lip highlighter to outline your lip contour before applying lip product.
Also, Flawless Beauty Primer is a great highlighter for light skin and you can mix it with any foundation to make it sheerer and give it some lustre.
With very little time to get ready, what top three things do you recommend doing when it comes to makeup?
1. Curl your lashes and apply a primer that is tailored to your skin needs (whether your skin is dry or oily, if you need some glow or something longlasting, for example).
2. Use a tinted moisturizer that doubles as a concealer by layering it.
3. Lastly, some lip and cheek tint!
You’re a busy mom of two—how did your own makeup routine change when you became a mother?
I started to use more kits and multipurpose products; I always had but I really finetuned it, and I also travel now with a small makeup bag. Finding formulas that work for when you are really tired and your skin is acting up is also key—keeping it light and sheer is the trick. My Fake Awake Kit does the trick for most moms I know!
With your 20 years of experience as a makeup artist, any beauty words of wisdom to share?
Update your makeup seasonally—colours and formulas all change and improve. It’s key to update your look and not get stuck in the same makeup routine you had in high school. Plus, everything—from your skin to your colouring—changes, too.
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