Meet ‘n Greet: Expert Advice from Portland, Oregon

They’re literally surrounded by makeup. They’re trained by the experts. And, they have the latest products from the hottest brands at (an on) their fingertips. Sephora's biggest beauty authorities work in our stores, and we'll be sharing their expertise here with regular dispatches from Sephora stores across the country.
For our first meet n’greet, we head to the Pacific Northwest!

Meet
Jared
Cast Member since
2003
at
Sephora in Portland, OR

What's your favorite beauty product?
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes. There are so many colors, and however dramatic you do it up, the color lasts forever.

Although, can I pick skincare too? Definitely MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peels. I use these every day to keep my skin smooth, bright, and breakout-free. Trust me, when I run out of these, it shows.

What's the best beauty tip you've learned so far?
Fiber technology is big right now for lashes, but you definitely want to use a primer when you're using a mascara with fiber. The primer helps the fibers hold onto lashes, which really maximizes the look.

I recommend Imju Fiberwig Mascara to clients, along with Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers Primer. MUFE's primer has fiber in it, too, and the double dose gives you an unbelievably long lash.

What products are popular in Portland?
You wouldn't think so, but people here are good about sunscreen – and they’re using good quality ones, too. Even though the weather's gloomy, Portland people know how to protect their skin.

Mascaras are big, too. That said, Portlanders are completely open to experimentation. Even when they come in looking for something specific, if I suggest something I think would look even better, clients are always open to trying something new out.

What's a hot look in Portland right now?
There actually isn't one key look here. I can see a classic soccer mom and a punk rocker walk in here within minutes of each other, and that's Portland.

It's also what I love best about working at Sephora: I can give both of these clients the same eyeliner and mascara, but it's how they apply it that makes all the difference. I love that makeup can be for everyone, but making a look yours is all about application.

What other fabulous beauty tip can leave us with?
At the request of a client, I developed a five minute smoky eye - no kidding! The secret is Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Skinny Jeans; use that as your base. Smudge that to the crease of your eye, line your eyes with black liner, mascara, and done!