Jenna Lyons is a force in the fashion world. The designer and creative dynamo, famous for making J.Crew one of the most coveted brands in the country, is also hailed for her own style. Classic with a twist, offset by a bold red lip. Now single, Lyons has infiltrated the beauty world with the launch of her own lash brand, LoveSeen, and stepped in front of the camera to let us in on her style secrets on her new HBO show, “Stylish with Jenna Lyons.”
CNN Underscored sat down with Lyons to get the inside scoop on her fashion and beauty essentials.
A red lipstick
“A red lip is something I’ve embraced because I’ve always thought I looked better with a bit of color pop. I love old classics like NARS Heat Wave; an orange-red is my undertone, and I like reds and pinks with a yellow undertone.
• The best lipsticks we’ve tested
Classic shirt
“The thing I buy on a loop that I’m a bit obsessed with is button-up shirts. I have a really weird waistline, my arms are really long, I’m kind of like a monkey and I’m a little cramped so once a year I go to Ascot Chang and have my shirts made – it’s the best thing ever They ask you to make four shirts at a time so I always make two white, one blue and one striped.I do a blue butt, a wide cross band and the white 300 singles, which is very fancy, but I love it.
phone wallet case
“It’s funny, but I don’t carry a bag anymore. My favorite is my Amazon wallet. He has my credit cards and my keys, and it changed my life, honestly. Do you know how many times I’ve been locked out? I had keys all over town with all my friends because I was constantly locking myself away. Then I got a Chaos Club strap [similar to this one on Amazon]so this is my new bag.
vintage jeans
“I’m also a very obsessive vintage jeans shopper. Vintage Levi’s are all I own; I do not participate in stretching. I only buy older men’s clothes in any color because I’m tall so they fit better.
Fake eyelashes
“I don’t have natural lashes, which is what inspired me to start my own lash brand, LoveSeen, because there was nothing I could really wear. I love wearing them; it’s is one of those things where I’ve started doing it more and more My favorites are definitely Noor, Iris and Cate Ironically mascara is the #1 purchased product in the US in all beauty but as I don’t have eyelashes, it’s not even on the table for me.
Signature fragrance
“I never leave the house without perfume. My perfume is Creed Silver Mountain Water; I’ve always worn it. I tried to change, but my son wouldn’t let me. I think it was the first perfume I ever wore and every time I hugged someone they were like, “Ooh, you smell so good”, and somehow, it has become a thing. My son sprayed it on his blanket when he was little.
• Our Editors’ Favorite Perfumes and Scents
A face scrub
“My skincare essential is Beauty Pie Wonderscrub. I’m an avid exfoliator. I’m getting older, so if I don’t exfoliate my skin looks dull. So I do it all the time – face and my whole body. It makes an immediate difference.
• The Best Face Washes, According to Experts
Aviator sunglasses
“My glasses are DITA. I did a collab with them because I’ve been wearing their glasses for a while and they’re great. I have the aviator style of flight 009.
• CNN Underscored’s favorite sunglasses for men and women
Shoes, glorious shoes
“I’m not the most loyal of shoemakers. Love, love, love the Nike x Sacai collab. I have almost all sneakers in all colors. If you look in my closet, you’ll see a lot of old Celine and Birkenstocks. They’re shearling, they’re leather, they’re suede, they’re plastic. They’re in my car, under the bed, at the beach, they’re everywhere.
• 18 of the most comfortable sneakers for walking
cute swimsuits
“I have a house in Amagansett and I love to garden. I’m a California girl, so I usually do this while wearing my bathing suit – I can’t help it. I love Left on Friday, I I have a bikini and they’re so cute. And Dos Gardenias, they make the hottest one-pieces, they’re double-layered so they hold everything.
• The Best Women’s Swimwear That’s Perfect for Any Body Type