Christina Zilber, Founder & Creative Director of JOUER Cosmetics
/“I find when someone is generous with a smile, they are beautiful,” says Christina Zilber, founder and creative director of Jouer Cosmetics. This beauty-from-within perspective is exactly the concept on which Zilber has built her brand, and it’s reflective of her other life passions, too. She not only plays the role of an active mother of two, but also as an ambassador at UNICEF. This position has taken her all over the world, constantly reminding her of the many definitions of beauty that exist. It’s no surprise that the former model’s cult beauty brand, adored by the likes of Amy Adams, Allison Williams, and Lauren Conrad to name a few, offers something for everyone. The foolproof line of easy, fun and portable colors offers customizable pallets, so that a woman can choose exactly what she wants. Here, Zilber talks make-up, philanthropy, Audrey Hepburn’s influence, and her top beauty picks for this holiday season and beyond.
We see you as a strong businesswoman in the beauty industry—someone who not only has a unique brand, but who is also involved in important volunteer efforts, like UNICEF. How do the two roles—entrepreneur and philanthropist—merge?
Thank you. I believe doing what you love only inspires your work, and that is the case with both my business and philanthropic efforts. Both of these aspects of my life feed my soul for different reasons. While they may battle for my time, I’ve learned that each contributes to the other in a beautiful way.
Why did UNICEF grab your attention?
I remember Audrey Hepburn as a UNICEF ambassador and I’ve always looked up to her as the epitome of beauty and grace. UNICEF came back to my attention after the Tsunami in Southeast Asia when I was listening to a field worker on NPR describe how UNICEF was helping the orphaned children. Tears were streaming down my face and I knew I had to get involved.
You've traveled all over the world. Do those experiences ever change your perspective on beauty?
Absolutely! My travels have proven that while the aesthetic of “beauty” can be subjective, true beauty is universal and comes from within. I’ve spent time in Africa and South America with UNICEF and I am a passionate believer in girls’ education in developing countries. The young women I have met have inspired me tremendously with their strength, optimism, and beautiful smiles, despite the obstacles put before them.
Take us through your average day. What products do you carry with you?
No day is ever the same. I typically have less than five minutes to get ready in the morning before dropping my kids at school and going to the office. But even with limited time, I still want to look natural and pretty. I always throw on my Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint, dot some concealer under my eyes, dab on some blush, curl my lashes, add mascara and Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer, and get out the door. Simple, yet polished!
I imagine you get stressed sometimes—juggling a busy career, volunteering, traveling, parenting, etc! How do you keep your skin from showing it?
No matter how tired I am at the end of the night, I always wash my face. I’m committed to Vitamin C serum in the morning, and a retinol cream at night. Exfoliation and nourishment are crucial to great skin. Also, sleep! What a difference it makes when I have a good night’s rest (a too infrequent occurrence).
Is there a beauty product you can't live without?
Any look starts with even, glowing, hydrated skin, so Jouer’s Luminizing Moisture Tint (would be my ultimate must have. You can wear it alone or under other products and it contains SPF, which makes it ideal for everyday.
Is there a product you were particularly excited about this year?
We recently introduced a collection of red lipsticks, proving that every woman CAN wear red—it’s all about finding your right shade. I love being able to remove the “intimidation” factor of makeup for women.
Can you talk about the new product launches for Holiday and Spring 2014?
Holiday is one of my favorite seasons to plan. This year, we’re offering a new and improved version of our bestselling holiday cracker (a must-have for holiday parties) (http://www.jouercosmetics.com/product-2764/category-155/default.aspx), and some uber-chic make-up bags. I’m currently coveting our Leopard “IT” Bag which doubles as a clutch!
Spring is all about beautiful skin. I believe in creating multi-tasking products that offer skincare benefits. Our new primers and concealers are all designed to “treat” specific skin concerns. We’ll also be debuting gorgeous liquid highlighters.
How do you discern trends while maintaining your brand vision?
Classic, beautiful, natural makeup is the essence of Jouer and is always on trend. Jouer translates trends to incorporate them in a timeless, yet modern way. For example, you’ll never see Jouer come out with a wild, neon orange lip, but we’ll offer a bold coral-red lipstick bridging the gap between trendy and wearable.
How would you describe your beauty style? Does your fashion style match?
My beauty style is natural and simplistic. My fashion style is feminine, sophisticated, and comfortable. Both embody timeless, effortless, classic looks.
Any words to live by?
Borrowed form Audrey Hepburn: “The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”
