Exclusive Interview with Petra Strand of ‘Pixi by Petra’
Your Name: Petra Strand

How many children do you have? 2 boys
Your Business Name: Pixi by Petra
Brief Description of Your Business: It is a makeup line that started 10 years ago; it is now available across the US in Target stores.
What was your inspiration to start your business? I am a make up artist with over 23 years of experience (EEK) and my personal make up style is to enhance and make women look like a gorgeous, super confident version of them selves! Most of the formulations back in the day were too thick, heavy and just really unflattering, so I started to dilute and mix up my own pigments adding rosewater and lavender water here, a little aloe there, etc. On shoots, my kitchen blends were a massive hit and people wanted to have them for themselves so it started out as “presents” for everyone and then when they wanted replenishment- it was my light bulb moment ha ha!
Please share with us the Pixi products that will help a mom get ready quickly in the morning.
Ok, I totally get the getting ready in zero time, I am exactly the same, so what you need is what I call the 6 A day- 6 Key Products that are all like friends with benefits:
- Flawless Beauty Primer- this stuff is amazing!!!!!!! Suits all skin tones, it evens out the skin, gives a beautiful glow and perfects the skin it is a primer but can be used on its own to just boost the skin
- Flawless Vitamin Concealer- the most sumptuous and velvety concealer that covers a multitude of skin sins from darkness to blemishes- fab- a handy stick that you blend with fingers.
- Fairy Light Solo- instant classic, single shadows in skin flattering colours that “just work”
- Lash Booster Mascara- lush lashes that stay the distance
- Energy Blush- the instant pick- me up and highlighter for a “fresh, face”
- Lip Blush- a stain that lasts a minimum of 8 hours on the lips
What is your favorite beauty tip? I know that it sounds such a cliché but be happy, don’t be too hard on yourself, look past what you see as “flaws” and see yourself as a stranger would see you. eg: Twinkly eyes, great smile and you know on down days, a great blusher is the instant pick me up!
What is your favorite beauty product to bring along when you travel?
Can I be cheeky and have 2 pretty please?
- Ok, here is a secret, for a beauty maven, I am pretty low maintenance and totally into quick fixes. My Ultimate travel buddies are: Pixi illuminate tint and conceal which is an oil-free moisturiser with added vitamins, minerals, your daily spf 20 and a skin tint that makes the complexion look airbrushed with ta-da a full coverage concealer in the lid- even if you feel grotty and lacklustre, this little beauty will have you looking radiant and shadow free!
- Also, the Pixi sheer cheek gel, this is an oil free gel with added aloe that you can use on the cheeks and lips as a long lasting fresh burst of colour.
Tell us about the outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
I live in Santa Barbara now, so I have adjusted to the warmer weather and it is so beautiful to wake up to blue skies.
When I am in colder climes, London, Sweden etc, I love a statement coat, you know a coat that keeps you warm but is ultra stylish. In Santa Barbara I do like a beautiful kaftan that you can throw on, dress up and dress down. I channel my inner Talitha Getty/ 70’s Ibiza vibe.
What’s your favorite online site to shop for fashion?
I love Anthropologie, it is a brand with so many gorgeous things, I sneak a peak to have a look at the clothes, and I adore a Danish brand, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen (available on Net-a-Porter.com). They just have the most timeless pieces, also got to be said- Target.com is fabulous too, like that illusive online department store- so easy!
What motivates you to look your best?
Me, I don’t want to be artificially “dolled” up all of the time, but my mantra is “Make up to wake up”, I love the idea of not trying too hard but looking healthy and “groomed” and I wear make up for me, it is a great way to express yourself too
Name one beauty product you can’t live without:
Sorry, I am being greedy again ( ha ha!). Weleda skin food, I love that, it gives my skin a much needed boost when seasons turn and Diptyque candles in the fragrance Baies (although not strictly a beauty product) it is a beautiful smell.
Heels or flats? Describe your favorite pair. Do you know, I would love to say a fabulous pair of skyscraper heels by Christian Laboutin but………..everyday I scoot around in lovely ballet slippers from French Sole and sneakers from Converse and occasionally I dust off my skyscrapers and enjoy!
Lip gloss or Lip Stick? Do you have a favorite brand/color?
Hmmmmmmmm I have loved gloss for years, I mean years, so handy and easy, but I am staring to love lipstick again and in fact it is part of Autumn/Winter collection, delicious shades. I like all lip products to really “treat” the lips, I love the Pixi Lip Booster which is like a balm with an amazing sexy sheen- Lipsticks, I like POPBeauty’s Lip Lusts in Naughty Red, that is 1 hot red and a lovely texture.
Are you on Twitter, Facebook or MySpace? If so, please include your links so we can follow you!
I am being brought kicking and screaming to the 21st century, so here are my links:
http://www.myspace.com/pixibeauty
http://www.facebook.com/PixiBeauty
Any additional comments on beauty and style you’d like to share:
Be realistic about beauty and your beauty goals; don’t be too hard on yourself, happy and healthy that’ll do it for me. With make up, I love that you can try new things and you know what, if it isn’t quite you- just wash it off!
I am inspired by so many people and things when I am working on new products and new shades and it is such a thrilling feeling knowing that with Target my products are out there across the US and I can bring a little bit of my Pixi magic to you!
Enjoy!
Editor’s Note: Thank you Petra for sharing so many great tips and products! I love the DAY line, I’d wear everything in the collection! Your 6 A Day, 6 Key Products is an excellent guide for all busy moms to learn what to use to get the most bang for her time! Thank you for sharing that! I have a new Christmas wish list!
Readers, wouldn’t you agree that Petra is a “Real Beauty” and does the whole high-low price point shopping well? You really can shop high end and budget-friendly fashion to create a spectacular closet full of clothes that fit your personality and lifestyle. Her beauty routine is quick, fresh looking and perfect for a busy mom’s needs!
Visit Pixi by Petra, Target.com, or your local Target store to shop Petra’s great line of makeup, Pixi by Petra!

Pixi by Petra WakeUp Kit

Pixi by Petra Lip Booster

Pixi by Petra Illuminating Tint & Conceal
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