What a trip! I’m back at home in the Bay now, back to bustling (not) Novato, California. I thought I might get a sneaky-peaky at the Too Faced offices on my overnight excursion down to Southern California last night, but the construction gods had other plans. The Too Faced offices are/were under construction, but that didn’t stop me from having a good time.
Instead of an office tour, the company hosted a tea party for bloggers at the lavish Queen’s Bakery in Costa Mesa to celebrate the new Too Faced Love Sweet Love holiday collection with cucumber sandwiches, cookies and cupcakes.
Before full-on food coma dulled my brain, I sat down with Too Faced Cosmetics Co-Founder and Creative Director Jerrod Blandino for a few minutes to talk about Jerrod’s creative process, the company’s upcoming plans and their delectable holiday release.
Jerrod’s a trip! He’s a BIG personality who talks fast, laughs often and waves his hands in the air when he speaks. While we talked, I couldn’t keep my eyes off the bling on his finger (a sparkly diamond ring) or the bright red loafers on his feet.
The following is an interview with Jerrod Blandino, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Too Faced Cosmetics.
I’ve heard you take a very hands-on approach to developing your seasonal collections. What’s your favorite part of the whole creative process?
I can’t even imagine living without being able to express my creativity. It’s such a part of who I am and what I do. Every moment, I’m always, always, always, feeling inspired, like, “How can I do that?” or “How can I translate this into a product?” or “How can I make a product better?” I’ve been doing it for almost 15 years now, and it’s just a part of who I am.
[He looks around the room and the coffee table in front of us] From drinking a cup of tea and seeing a reflection in the porcelain tea pot here and thinking, “That would make a beautiful compact,” or, “How clever that they hung that little thing there,” and “What could I do like that? — maybe hang something like that from a lipstick?”
I’m just always thinking things like that.
So I’m very in tune with the creative process. And even with formulations, you know, skin care or serums that I use and love and rely on, I’m like, “Why isn’t this in a foundation?” or, “Why isn’t this in a powder?” or, “Why isn’t this new sun block in a bronzer?”
I’m always trying to improve things and raise the bar every single season.
What inspired you to create the new Love Sweet Love holiday collection?
A trip to Paris. I was walking through the Champs-Elysees at Christmastime one year and Santa Claus, you know, on a wire, is like flying overhead with his mechanical reindeer, and these young couples were arm in arm, and these older couples were hand in hand, and I just looked around and there were hundreds of these different booths serving different things, like mulled wine and gingerbread, and it was this really neat holiday experience.
And I just thought, you know, life is never more delicious than when you’re in love.
Whether you’re 15 or 85 or anywhere in between, it’s so beautiful, and it’s such a lovely, romantic notion. Love is really it. It just makes everything look and feel more yummy and delicious and full.
That’s really where the idea came from — looking around and seeing so many cakes and macaroons and yum-yums, and goodies everywhere, but then feeling that sense of love and romance.
So if you look at Christmas and the holiday collection, there’s a nod to, of course, candy and pastries and French fun, but it also feels sweet and romantic. I love mixing those two ideas.
What was the most difficult part of producing the collection?
You know, the toughest part, always, and especially during holidays, is because we never change our formulas. A lot of companies will go to China or to different manufacturers to lower their costs to make bigger money. We don’t do that. Everything is authentic. It’s 100 percent the same formulas that we use every other day of the year.
The toughest part is just trying to make it work using the best, most amazing formulas, and putting as much as I can into it, like the beautiful tins, and surrounding them with our best formulas and eyeshadows…
I want you to feel proud when you give one of our items to somebody you love for Christmas, you know what I mean? I want you to feel proud and feel like you got a lot of bang for your buck. I want that person to have the best experience she can have with it all year long.
So I feel that sense of responsibility. If you’re gonna buy this and give it to somebody, it better be great. I feel that kind of pressure to make it work for every skin tone, every age, and still make it very cool and fashionable.
Would you characterize the colors in the holiday collection as universally flattering?
If you look at the entire collection, that’s what they are. We try them all on the palest to the darkest skin. We don’t want anything to go ashy; we don’t want something to make pale skin look ruddy.
There’s lots of warmth in everything, because everyone looks better with a little bit of warmth…
You naturally have that, that golden undertone that I wish I had [Me: Aww, shucks!].
We all want that, so you’ll see it a lot in these colors, that they have more warmth to them, because that’s universally a more flattering way to wear cosmetics.
Having done this for 15 years, how do you stay inspired? Do you ever feel like you’ve been to the rodeo, like you’ve seen it all?
You know, I’ve always been afraid of feeling that way, but I never have.
There’s always something else around the corner, some other amazing ingredient coming down the pipeline, a new way of pressing a shadow, a new way to package. There’s never a lack of innovation or technology.
That’s always my biggest fear, but it’s never happened. I’m always inspired.
The world around us is so inspiring, and it’s just kind of living and opening your eyes and your ears and just going through life and trying to have as much fun as you can. Just soak it up.
And you can’t give in to the fear because if you do, you kind of close up. Just live and have fun, and let it all rush in.
One last question — your skin looks kind of amazing. It’s really beautiful. What do you use?
I love skin care, but I’ll tell you, the only thing I actually have on right now is a new product that hasn’t launched yet.
It has these illuminating heart beads that have skin care in them that gives a beautiful inner glow.
[Me: Okay, I’m trying to picture it…]
They look like little puffy hearts in different colors and come in a little container, and they’re loaded and packed with skin care ingredients.
It’s like you swallowed a light bulb! It’s anti-dullness. It’s radiance, inner light and glow, and it comes out next summer.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Thanks for the tea and cupcakes, Jerrod! I’m looking forward to seeing those illuminating heart beads next summer. I can always use a little (okay, a lot of) help with that whole lit-from-within thing. 🙂
Girl, you made me HUNGRY! Where’s my cupcake??
Your top matched the couch you were both seating on so perfectly, I can’t believe it’s just a coincidence… is it?
Jerrod sounds very sweet! I like when there’s a person behind a brand, I feel like the range of products really reflects their personnality.
The illuminating beads sound a lot like Guerlain Météorites to me, I can’t wait to see Too Faced heart shaped version!
Hi Lulle,
I want cupcakes now too, LOL! Next time I will save you a red velvet with cream cheese frosting. 🙂
You’re killing me…. I haven’t even had dinner yet! Me wants food 😡
Who says you have to wait to have dessert? I’m a HUGE fan of eating it before the main meal. 😀
Great interview, Karen! And as always, your photos are killer 🙂
It was so nice to meet you, Amber! I hope we get to see each other again soon.
This was such a pleasant interview to read! So full of personality, I can practically feel the passion and love and inspiration oozing from the words! Love this, and can’t wait to see all the products in store for this collection 🙂 Paris, and yum-yums, and love, oh my! 🙂
Hi Jessica,
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed reading it. Which of the products from the holiday collection are you most excited about?
I read your blog all the time but never comment. 😛 (I feel like a spy all of a sudden) I have really enjoyed this post! I love learning more about the creative direction of cosmetics companies, and Jerrod seems like such a lovely person. It definitely warmed me up for the holiday collection.
Thanks for sharing and the great photos!
Hi Dee,
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. 🙂 It’s nice to hear from you!
I like that he puts so much thought and passion into his products. This interview makes me want to go out and explore some of the products from this brand.
Hi Kim,
Yay! Are you a lipstick girl? Because if you are, their La Creme lipsticks are amazing.
I loved every bit of this interview. I don’t own any Too Faced product yet and you just convinced me to check them out. I think these holiday collection kits would make a wonderful introduction to the brand. 😉
Hi Vanessa,
Definitely check out their La Creme lipsticks! They’re wonderful. I’ve also heard good things about their BB cream, although I haven’t tried it yet.
Love the interview, Karen. I need to get my hands on some Too Faced very soon. I’m especially intrigued by their eyeshadow primer, I’ve heard lots of great things about it.
Hi Karen,
You also have to try their La Creme lipsticks. They are GREAT! 🙂 If you want any color suggestions let me know…
He seems really lively and energetic and wonderful–sounds like you had a lot of fun! 😀 I am TOTALLY picturing those illuminating heart beads right now, too! Like those pump bottles with the multi-colored balls in it that get sucked up in the pump and mixed together…right? Hearts are a totally cute idea though!
Something like that! I am really looking forward to them, because Jerrod’s skin was glowing. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Thanks for sharing Karen. I love Two Faced and the artistic and founder of the brand is just great !
You’re welcome, Dominique! What products are your must-haves from the line?
I really love the shadows bon bons kit ! I don’t know if we’re going to have the entire collection in France ? It’s cute and very pretty. The brand is not so popular as Urban Decay here, a pity because it’s a good brand with beautiful palettes and shades.
I’m not sure…let me ask. I hope you guys will be able to get it! I think you’d really, really love the Bon Bons collection, btw. 🙂
I didn’t read the interview yet but I love your dress!
Thanks, Ineke! Here’s a pic of it:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/just-for-fun/outfit-of-the-day-vol-12-ankle-boots-and-a-bcbg-dress/
I loveeeeeee too faced! I actually worked for them wayyyy back in the beginning
Oh really? How cool! What are your Too Faced brand faves?
Happy Saturday!
LOVE the bright loafers!!!
Yeah, I need those in my life, LOL!
A great interview Karen and I love all the pictures.
Thank you, Agata! It was fun to learn more about the philosophy behind the line. Glad you enjoyed this read!
Awww! You and Jerrod look fab!
As someone mentioned, it’s so nice to see someone so involved with the beauty community (such as bloggers) that has their own brand.
It feels like Jerrod really wants all people of all ages and skin tones to just come together and appreciate makeup and beauty!
What a sweet interview! 😀
Hi Nikki,
Glad that you enjoyed reading this. Have you tried Too Faced before? What are your faves from the line?
I can’t wait to try the heart beads, I wonder if they are similar to Guerlains meteorite beads? I love that bakery I’ll have to make a trip there soon. It might be a cute place to have a mommy daughter date with my 7 year old daughter.
Hi Kelly,
It would definitely be a fun place for a mom/daughter date. I wish I could take my mom there, LOL. 🙂
Great interview and fabulous pictures! It’s great to see someone with so much passion for what they do–definitely inspiring!
Hi Cindy,
I agree. It makes me feel that much more excited about makeup when I learn more about the people behind the brand.
Happy Saturday! 🙂
Karen, this was awesome!! You are so blessed to do what u do AND luv it!!! When I’m in Sephora, I see Jerrods products and keep moving. Won’t do that anymore. I luv his Christmas Collection….and he comes across as such a genuine person!! I’m DEFINITELY buying these wonderful products for……me!!! Great interview!
Hi Lydia,
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this! I feel very lucky to be able to share these adventures with you. 🙂 Oh — and if you need any Too Faced recs, a good place to start are their La Creme lipsticks. I’ve heard their BB cream is fab, too.
Hope you’re having a lovely weekend so far. What are you up to?
Great column, loved hearing about the new products coming out and the creater behind them. Jerrod’s philosophy to produce quality cosmetics is quite appreciated. I use the Beauty Balm (vanilla glow) and love it. I tried it when it first came out and was immediately hooked. I had been using a mineral/powder foundation but it was too drying on my 55+ skin. I also have the Matte shadow book/collection – wonderful! I am so looking forward to the holiday line, I like it all! I am going to check out the La Creme lipsticks too, after hearing about them.
Hi Mary,
I really do hope you check out La Creme; it’s a great lipstick for the price. What lip colors do you usually wear? If you need any suggestions, I’d be happy to offer some ideas. 🙂
Great interview! I really love Too Faced and I’m excited about all the new palettes. I’m having a hard time deciding which one to get. 🙂
What a cool interview 🙂 Those glowy heart thingies sound awesome, excited for them to release!
http://abundanceoferica.blogspot.ca
I just love him! I love the collections he comes up with and he seems like just a generally wonderful person 🙂
This interview makes me love the brand even more!
Great interview Karen! I love when you do these, your questions are spot on! THANKS 🙂
look at those marshmallows! just as good to nom with the eyes as with the mouth probably!
Oh my gosh, how fun! He definitely seems like a great person to have tea and cupcakes with. And how stinkin’ cute are all of the displays (food and makeup both)?! I’m definitely intrigued by this illuminating stuff that comes out next summer. Can’t wait to see it!
Great interview! I love their commitment to quality products!
Looks like you’ve had a fantastic time and Jerrod sounds like such a nice and sweet person (thanks for this post). I love Too Faced bronzers and eye shadow palettes a lot!
This was a great interview. Thanks for sharing, Karen! Those cupcakes look too good to eat!
Soo awesome, Karen! He is fab, and you are too! <3
I think just fell in love with this guy. He has such a great outlook on creativity and life as a whole. Dying for those treats. Dying for cucumber sammies (I love those). I want that product! Puffy hearts? Puffy hearts full of skincare?!!!!!!!!!!! omg.
I recently picked up their holiday sweet indulgence set because i thought it was the best deal, this was my first too faced purchase and I am in love with their eyeshadows. I’ve seen your other post on the rest of the sets I want to get my hands on another one because they look like pretty good deals, which on do you recommend?
Truly one of the most interesting interviews I have read in a long time! I love Too Faced and this post is full of yumminess, all that food and gorgeous cosmetics, love it :).
Such an awesome interview with one of my favorite makeup companies!! The pictures are just great! And I guess I’ve been out of your blog loop lately – but much to my eye surprise, I am obsessed with your new blog look – AMAZING!!! Can’t wait to come back to look around some more!
Thanks, JennySue. I changed it about a month ago. Glad you like the new look!