“I’m from LA. I call myself an American fashion designer, but my collection and my whole world is very California and definitely inspired by California living. I think that’s reflected in the clothes that I design, but it’s also reflected in my life and philosophy. That translates into my beauty routine as well—I’ll never be the girl that spends an hour getting ready. But I’ve nailed down a quick 10- to 15-minute beauty routine that makes me feel good and works for me.
When I was pregnant with my son, I did a lot of research into what was in my products, and I made a conscious decision to try to use things that were natural and organic on my skin. However, I don’t think you can do everything perfectly. And I don’t think you need to. I believe that you intuitively know what’s right for your skin. Just because you have acne-prone skin or rosacea doesn’t mean you should just read the label—you can also pay attention to what feels right for you. So far, it’s working [for me]!
When I wake up, I wash my face with Evan Healy’s Tea Tree Gel Cleanser. I’m obsessed with her stuff. I also am super into washing my face with balms, so I just got really into de Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm, and I bought it from Cap Beauty in the West Village. Or I love Isun's Phyto Cleanse from Telluride, which is so well-crafted.
I always use a toner or spray afterwards, but Evan really inspired me to get into hydrosols. She told me about how effective they are and how they’re made, and her Douglas Fir Hydrosoul is my favorite, especially at this time of year. I’ll put on Marie Veronique Serum de Jour afterwards, when my skin is still wet, so it absorbs more and is more effective. Then I’ll put on an oil. I just feel like the minute I hit my thirties, my skin changed a little bit and needs extra nourishment. I have a few different oils that I use, but my go-to is the Earth Tu Face Nourish and Balance Oil. Instead of moisturizer, I like balms, I don’t know why! My tried and true is this Cosmedix Rescue Balm—it’s a balm and mask. I don’t think normal people would use this as a moisturizer, but I do.
Balmy eye creams work really well for me. I like Laurel Organics Eye Cream or Pratima’s Saffron Eye Ghee. Yes, it’s putting ghee on your face, but I really like it. I also love the Jade Roller for my under-eyes for puffiness in the morning and on my jaw. It helps with inflammation and it’s cooling. I think it’s an alternative for women who don’t want to do Botox or fillers because it stimulates collagen.
Sunscreen is really tricky… It’s hard to find a sunscreen that doesn’t break me out. For daytime I like EltaMD’s Sunscreen for acne-prone skin. For my body I also like Suntegrity. I try to just keep my face out of the sun, but I also take Heliocare, which is a natural SPF supplement.
For makeup, I start with my Beauty Counter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer, which makes me look like I’m not wearing any makeup. Clé de Peau is my under-eye concealer and if I have any blemishes it’s the best. Sometimes I use RMS Living Luminizer on my cheekbones or above my eyes. And I’ll usually wear a lipstick—I’m a Nars girl. Niagara is my favorite daytime color, and then I love Casablanca as a more orange-y [shade]. I like Honest Lip Pencils, too. Another thing I do is put on clear eyebrow gel. I go to Kristie Streicher and she turned me on to the Mary Kay Clear Brow Gel, which is so crazy, but it’s really good. This other makeup artist told me about Maybelline Brow Drama and I really like that too, because it’s only slightly colored. At night I’ll wear RMS Mascara.
Before I get into the shower every day I try to dry brush—it’s invigorating! It’s exfoliating and detoxifying and moves your lymphs and keeps you healthy. Then I use Santa Maria Novella Body Wash or Los Poblanos Soap, and I'll use the Earth Tu Face Rose and Geranium Body Lotion from our collaboration. I wash my hair with Sachajuan Shampoo and Conditioner. I mix it [with other conditioners] because I have thick, curly hair so I need a lot of product. I don’t do hair masks, but I’ll put a hair oil in instead. I like the Kiehl's Smoothing Restorative Hair Oil, and I’ll use it when my hair is wet. I think curly hair always leans frizzy, so I’m trying to keep it moisturized.”
—as told to ITG
Jenni Kayne photographed by Emily Knecht at her home in Los Angeles on Novemebr 19, 2015. Interview by Yasi Salek.
Domino Kirke makes a convincing case for body serums, Jodie Patterson styles her next-day hair before bed, and Tyler Haney puts on her fragrances before exercising for max effect in The Face.
