Kendra Scott Secrets

Texas jewelry maven Kendra Scott discloses secrets to flawless beauty

In today's world, women research fashion magazines and beauty blogs to learn about the best lipsticks, lengthening mascaras, miracle-working face creams, and trusted brands. And who could blame them? In a competitive market saturated by too many products and too many promises, it helps to know what's actually worth applying to our faces.

If you're looking to revamp and refresh your overstuffed makeup bag, you're in the right place. In our next installment of What's in My Beauty Bag, we spoke with iconic Austin jewelry designer Kendra Scott to find out her tried-and-true beauty tricks, favorite brands, skincare routine, and more. Here's a peek inside her beauty bag.

CultureMap: What is your beauty mantra and how do you embrace it?

Kendra Scott: No outfit is complete without a pop of color. I love to play up my beauty looks with a fun shade of lipstick.

CM: Let's say I'm looking through your makeup bag. What would I find?

KS: I have a few makeup essentials with me at all times. The new blotterazzi by beautyblender is my latest must-have. It's great for touch-ups when I'm on the go, which I usually am. I adore my Nars blush, Armani bronzer, and I always have a small army of MAC lipsticks and glosses on hand.

CM: Any brands or products you swear by?

KS: YSL Touche Eclat works like magic for brightening up under the eyes, and I use the MAC prep + prime fix+ to refresh my look throughout the day. Once a week I apply the HydroPeptide Purifying Mask in the evening. It leaves my skin with a beautiful, healthy glow.

CM: What are you top five makeup goods?

KS: Nars blush in orgasm; Laura Mercier's bronze primer, which is perfect for a quick sun-kissed glow; Lancome Definicils mascara; Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow; and the Anastasia brow powder duo to finish off my favorite classic beauty look.

CM: Describe your morning beauty routine.

KS: I like to decide on my outfit beforehand, then I let my clothes and jewelry give the inspiration for my makeup and hair. I follow the six essential beauty steps: cleanse, tone, moisturize, sunscreen, primer, and makeup application.

CM: How has your beauty regimen changed over the years?

KS: Over the years, bold brows and contouring have become big trends in the beauty industry. I love how a strong eyebrow frames the face and how a bit of contouring can add just enough definition to take your look to the next level.

CM: Who are your beauty icons?

KS: My mom has been my lifelong beauty icon. From a young age I can remember her teaching me her favorite beauty tips and tricks. She worked in the beauty industry and had a lot of wisdom to share, but nothing makes me admire my mother more than her inner beauty.

CM: What beauty era is inspiring you at the moment?

KS: I have always had an affinity for the old Hollywood glamour look of the '50s. While I love to be adventurous with trends in my clothes and accessories, I love to stick with the classic and timeless nature of the beauty in that era.

CM: Okay, you're in a rush and only have five minutes to throw on a face. What is your go-to look?

KS: Colorescience is a must. It's a three-in-one product that brightens, corrects, and protects with SPF 50. Plus, it has a subtle touch of coverage and color to give my skin a natural glow. Then with a bit of eye brightener, bronzer, mascara, and a pop of lipstick, I'm out the door.

Kendra Scott shares what's in her beauty bag.

Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott shares what's in her beauty bag.

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VAULT VIBES

Houston fashion star Chloe Dao marks 25 years with epic clean-out sale

Photo courtesy of Chloe Dao

From January 24- 31 Chloe Dao will open her personal design archives to mark 25 years with a rare boutique vault sale.

For Houston fashion devotees, this is the kind of news that prompts a calendar alert and a group chat with the besties. Chloe Dao is celebrating 25 years in fashion by doing something she has never done before: opening the vault.

From January 24 through January 31, the Chloe Dao boutique will host a 25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Vault Event, releasing pieces from Dao’s personal design archives alongside curated boutique items that have been held back for years. Once they are gone, they are gone for good.

“This is not a typical sale; this is an anniversary moment,” Dao says. “It’s an intentional release, a moment of reflection and gratitude, and a way to make space for what’s next. Once these pieces are gone, they’re truly gone."

For the first time ever, shoppers will be able to snag select designs from past collections and limited production runs, and Dao has confirmed she will be parting with some of her couture designs. Shoppers can expect more than 300 items, with more than half of the boutique included in the sale event.

Chloe Dao design Select runway couture and past collection pieces headline Chloe Dao’s 25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Event.Photo courtesy of Chloe Dao

Everything in the anniversary sale will be discounted 65 percent or more. Fan favorites, including the Houston T-shirt and Aya scarf, will be priced at $15 to $20, down from $42 to $68. None of the released pieces will be reproduced or restocked.

There is also a very personal moment behind this big event. Dao shared that she is planning for the future, including her eventual retirement in about 5 years, making this the right time for a shift.

“It is bittersweet, and I’m still torn about letting go of some of my archive pieces. But a close friend stopped by the boutique this past Saturday and reminded me that I can always create more. That really stayed with me. I’ve missed designing for my store, and this sale feels like a reset — a chance to return to what I love most: designing eveningwear," Dao tells CultureMap. "The past six years, especially post-COVID, were very much about survival mode. Now, if I’m going to truly survive and thrive in today’s retail landscape, my focus is shifting back to my own line and less on curation.”

Following her Project Runway Season Two win and decades of success, Dao says the milestone is also about gratitude for the city that supported her from the start.

“Think of it as an archive release and a chance to own a piece of my history as I celebrate 25 years in fashion. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I’m so excited to share this moment, and this milestone, with you."

25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Vault Event, January 24 - January 31, Chloe Dao Boutique, 600 N Shepherd Dr #115, in M-K-T Heights.

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