Stories of Success…With Jane Iredale

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Jane Iredale got her start in skin care 22 years ago, thanks to the entertainment industry. Many actresses depend upon a healthy complexion to boost their confidence; however, the makeup they wore on camera ravaged their skin.

“After dressing and having your hair done, makeup was pretty much an afterthought when getting ready for a scene,” said Iredale, who was actively involved in the entertainment industry. “And what they used was so bad that the actresses scrubbed it off immediately after the scene was done.”

This inspired Iredale to develop makeup that was good for the skin, and her company was born.

Skin Inc. magazine sat down with Jane Iredale, president and founder of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, for an exclusive interview about her expertise and insights into the spa industry.

Skin Inc. (SI): How has the industry changed since you started?

Jane Iredale (JI): The nurturing atmosphere and the openness to innovation are still the same. What has changed is how quickly clients are more aware of brands and new products, thanks to social media.

SI: What’s the biggest mistake women make with their makeup?

JI: The biggest mistake is not going to a professional to get properly color matched for their skin tone. An esthetician has the correct lighting, and she can help clients better match their necks and faces with their bodies.

SI: How can a spa integrate makeup into their services?

JI: Don’t wait. It needs to be part of the spa’s core services. Back in the “old days,” you wouldn’t think to put makeup on after a facial. Today, after a peel, it can be the skin’s first defense. Plus, it only takes a minute to add a base concealer.

At the end of the facial say, “Now I’m going to finish you off with a bit of concealer to help protect your skin and minimize the redness.”

When women look good, their self-esteem improves. By adding makeup after a treatment, they can go back to work or finish their day without feeling self-conscious.

SI: How can the esthetician recommend makeup products?

JI: Never minimize the power of home care for clients. You really owe it to them. Clients come to us for a solution. When you recommend products that they can use to maintain or improve their skin, your clients will be much happier. So, why risk it and have them get a concealer at a drugstore?

SI: If you could do it all over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?

JI: Have a clearer packaging design from the beginning. I was very much wrapped up in efficacy of the product, although important, but I should have also been focused on clearer packaging for consumers. We had a lot of catching up to do afterward.

SI: When you’re not working, what hobbies do you enjoy?

JI: I like gardening, golfing and walking my dog, Cookie.

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