Blog

Our Friend Maya

2012-05-29T18:50:33Z

Say bienvenue to our friend Maya! She's a double threat: a professionally trained and accomplished makeup artist AND a licensed cosmetologist who is amazing at styling hair!

I'm not sure if it's the Mona Lisa smirk she always has on her face, or her sultry French accent...but we just love her!!

She's lived in places like France and India and traveled the world sharpening her art and skill, studied under renown artists, and worked for lines such as Dior and Laura Mercier...here's a peek at what products are her fav's right now!

photo credits: top Paul Ferradas, bottom Jeremy Montemayor

Should you ever book P&P for your wedding or special event you'll most likely meet her in person, as she often joins our beauty adventures! From Suburban Mothers to International Models, Maya has done it all! We are so excited whenever she joins us!

Chin Chin (Cheers!) to Mothers, Models, and Maya,

Get the Look: 60's Love

2012-05-22T16:00:00Z

I absolutely loved this look from our recent photoshoot with Paul Beattie...friend and fellow Glamonomics blogger, Maggie was our lovely model! Want to get the look? Here's how...

For Maggie's eyes I did a classic dramatic brown eye...very similar to a classic bridal look! Chocolate on the lid, a clearly defined crease, and champagne in the inner socket. Then I added a cat eye with my favorite ELF cream liner in black!

Big lashes and a custom blend lip color added that 60's retro vibe we were going for. I can't get enough of Makeup Forever's Flash Color Palette! Endless lip possibilities! I utilized the white and pink colors for this blend. NYX matte bronzer in Dark Tan gave her an extreme contour.

For the hair, Ashley curled it, then teased the crown and pulled it into some up and some down. When she pinned the hair back she pushed the hair up even more to get that ultra volume...lots of teasing and Bed Head Hard Head hairspray gave Maggie that amazing bouffant!

Check out more pictures from the shoot and a summer clothing favorite of mine on Glamonomics today!

Cheers to Pale Lipstick, Bouffants, and Retro Glam,

BB Cream: Your Friend With Benefits

2012-05-18T15:01:04Z

BB Cream...I'm sure by now you've all heard of this innovative product...and if you're like me, you've had some questions! (Umm like, what does BB stand for?) Today I have the pleasure of being on Smitten With Pretty where I will be giving you the whole BB Cream Breakdown: what is it, what makes it special, and who should buy it! So make sure to stop by Smitten With Pretty so you can get the 411!

I have definitely been on the BB cream bandwagon for some time now...testing and trying and comparing. I wanted to know what all the fuss was about! So here are the ones I've tried so far (in the order I tried them) and what I think about them...

1. Smashbox $39: I liked it. "Hmm...so this is BB Cream, huh!" Felt nice, covered well for something that doesn't call itself a foundation, and it's oil absorbing properties were a pleasant surprise! Didn't feel slick or overly shiny like I do with tinted moisturizers. Great to know that despite the SPF it is camera friendly. I was intrigued to try other brands to compare...

2. Estée Lauder DayWear $38: A little sticky, didn't spread as nicely as the one by Smashbox. "Perhaps I bought too dark of a shade?? I think I'll go back to using the Smashbox one."

3. Clinique $37: "Hellooooo BB cream I officially love you!" Covers amazingly, anti aging benefits too? Yes please! I didn't feel the need to wear foundation and loved that it was actually bettering my skin. Stays put all day. Instant love!

--insert me trying the Lauder one again, "I'm a little more tan now, maybe I'll like it? Nope." Even more dissatisfied after trying the Clinique.

4. Diorsnow $60: "Dior you never let me down!" Texture was great, I love that it's in the Diorsnow line (corrects tone) and the SPF 55 packs a wallop! Only currently available in one tinted shade tho. So if you have deeper skin it'll look ashy. And if you're tan, your face will look lighter than your body. So for most this will not be a stand alone product, you'll want to use it under foundation. But if your fair complected, it's perf! Consider this your sporty BB, your go to the gym or hiking or beach makeup option! I'm curious to try their Hydralife BB now...

--insert me trying Lauder again, " I will like this, I will like this! Ugh, no I feel splotchy and like it just doesn't settle right!" Boo! I really wanted to like you! BUT what I will say is that I think a dryer or more mature skin may really like it. Just not right for me I guess.
--Continued to alternate between the Clinique and Dior. Oh ya what about Smash? Used it again for a couple days...nice! I still think Clinique is better tho.

5. Garnier $12: "Ok my drugstore dare, what do ya got? Hmm..." Not bad, definitely a good budget friendly option. But not as good as the others I tried. More sticky, not as great of coverage. Reminiscent of tinted moisturizer--insert Lauder flashbacks--So comparable to Lauder's I suppose.

Well, there is my honest detailed journey with BB cream...which took well over 2 months by the way! I definitely liked Clinique the best, and loved the Dior for those extra sun-filled days. When it's all said and done, I'd say BB is a must for everyone! Make it your Summer best friend (It'll probably end up being your favorite for every season! It will be for me!). You just can't beat the benefits!

Cheers to BB Cream, Best Friends, and Benefits,

Summer Beauty Update: $35

2012-05-15T19:12:08Z

Still needing more pick me ups for your summer look? Here's what's on my list for the warmer weather...

1. Kate Moss for Rimmel London: these lippys feel amazing, wear like a dream, and are under $5. My favorite is shade 12

2. Maybelline FitMe foundation: a long time favorite of mine. With a lightweight, luminous finish, you can consider this tinted moisturizer's big sister. Perfect for those days when you don't want to feel too "made up." Around $6

3. Kiss Nail Decals: lasts up to ten days, tons of fun patterns and less than $6 a box! Good for nails and toes...or be daring and do the "accent nail" trend. I love this floral pattern!

4. Jergens Natural Glow: Skip the damaging sun and use this daily for a believable tan! LOVE this stuff! Definitely in my top 5 self tanning products! Under $8

5. ELF cream liner: $3 and lasts ALL day! Summer-proof liner to be sure.

6. Forever21 Hair Clips: Aren't these yellow roses cute? $2.50

7. Clean and Clear Antibacterial Face Wash: one of my favorite face washes, this $4 miracle will take care of any extra yuck (ie: sweat & bacteria) that comes along with the heat.

8. Color Club in Jackie Oh!: less than $3, and free from all of the poisons in typical polishes! Love this electric shade!

So many beauty treats, so little time! Pretty nice though for only $35 right?!

Cheers to Sunshine, Summer-Proof Makeup, and Beauty Pick-me-Ups,

Summer Beauty Update: a new look for $15

2012-05-11T23:44:06Z

The warmer weather proves that summer is almost here. And while it is exciting to bust out the sandals and summer dresses that were ignored during the winter...it's fun to add something new to the routine! Here are the things that were in Ashley's (Polish and Pout's Lead Stylist) shopping cart this week!

1. Easyshine Glossy Lip Color by Jordana: creamy sheer color and only $1...need I say more?

2. ELF Bronzer: skip the sun damage and bronze it up baby!

3. Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish in Twisted Pink: its all about bright colors right now! That neon tank top too much? A bright polish is a great way to ease into the trend!

4. ELF Eye Liner in Black: rock the graphic (aka bold) eyeliner trend for only $1

5. Sally Hansen Insta-Dry polish in Snappy Sorbet: the perfect summery coral!

6. Remington Hair Clips: these bobbys come in a variety of fun colors and are only $2.50 a pack! Use as a cute way to pin back those bangs or be daring and follow the new trend of showing your bobby pins when you put your hair up!!

Love Ashley's picks!! I'm thinking that I definitely will go buy those colorful bobby pins ASAP!! Do you think you might give your summer look a boost with these items? It won't do too much damage to your wallet...Plus, if you're like me and not feeling "ready" yet for bikini season, I'll let you in on a secret: beauty products always fit ;)

Cheers to Warmer Weather, Bright Colors, and Things that Fit,

An Unlikely Story of Beauty: Pain

2012-05-06T00:28:32Z

Before I share this story I have to say thank you so much to the photog Kolby Schnelli, the model Amanda (who somehow manages to show hard emotions while still looking gorgeous), and Ashley of course for doing hair. These pictures tell a story, a story that's been in my head for a long time. It's so amazing to see it come to life finally.

My life has a lot of "pretty" in it. But I would be lying if I said it was all lipstick, nail polish and fashionable clothing...and there is a difference between "pretty" and "beauty."

So I'd like to use these pictures to tell a story. It is a story of pain. Not all times in life are pretty or easy to stomach. And I think it's healthy to acknowledge those times too...

We all experience pain. Whether it's loss, physical ailment, or emotional hurt...

And no one's pain diminishes someone else's just because it may differ in intensity or situation...

It is ok to feel pain, to acknowledge our situation for what it is, and to live through the pain...

We cannot always control our circumstances. But what we do with our pain is the true test...

I had the privilege recently of doing prom makeup for a couple of young girls. It was different from my usual prom gigs though, in that these girls were victims of sex trafficking. They are currently at an undisclosed safe house where they are "able to heal" as one girl put it.

As one of them was admiring her reflection in the mirror when we finished makeup she said, "I'm so excited for tonight!! I'm going to wear high-heels! I haven't worn heels in a long time. I mean, I wore them before, when I was on the streets. But this time it's different, this time...it's like...redemption."

If that isn't beauty I don't know what is.

Cheers to Feeling Pain, Time to Heal, and most of all to Redemption,

Summer Trend How-To: Mermaid Hair

2012-05-03T00:11:20Z

This summer, hair trend is moving past the beachy look and diving right into what we call "mermaid hair"...it still has that effortless look that we all love about beachy hair, but with a bit more polish!

Remember Jess (not me! The model from photog JennaRae's shoot!) from yesterday's post? We've been getting lots of questions about how Ashley accomplished this mermaid hair look...so here's a tutorial how! You have to admit, the fact that it's called "mermaid hair" does add to the appeal of the look, doesn't it?!

Enjoy this video tutorial! And Good luck!

Cheers to the Beach, Summer, and Mermaids,

The Edge

2012-05-01T01:27:19Z

I don't know what it is about the change in seasons that makes me get all introspective but, I once again find myself bursting with ideas and anticipation now that Spring has fully arrived and Summer is practically here! I feel like this...

You know when you are right on the edge of change? Or a big decision? Edges can be scary and edges can be exciting...right now I'm experiencing the exciting aspect of the edge. New season, new opportunities, new chances to be different, to be better. I will not be afraid, I will simply toss my perfectly curled hair and jump right in!

I'm eager for more sunshine, wedding season filled with makeup and hair on lovely brides, vacation, changes in my own life, and exciting growth for Polish and Pout...

Isn't this model lovely? Her name is Jess (too!)...You will definitely be seeing more of this amazing shoot I did with JennaRae and Ashley over the next month...and later this week more tips on how to get this look and a peek into Jess' life as a personal trainer.

So Cheers to Sunshine, Anticipation, and The Edge,

Introducing...Lead Hairstylist for Polish and Pout...

2012-04-17T03:36:40Z

Ashley Bryditzki! A long time friend and person I collaborate with...please give her a warm welcome as she officially joins the Polish and Pout family!

Ash is a master stylist! Always in the know for what the latest and greatest is for hair products, trends, and styles...Hair question? Ask away...New cut or color? Ash is your girl!...Need us for your wedding or next special event? We got you covered!

Here are some of her beauty favorites...

SO ecstatic to have Ash as Polish and Pout's Lead Hairstylist! Exciting things ahead to be sure...

Cheers to Bobby-pins, Biosilk, and Bedhead,

Try this style: Faux-hawk Ponytail

2012-04-11T16:39:51Z

This is what happens when a photog and a makeup artist are friends and hangout...Spontaneous nighttime photoshoots! Time on our hands and no place to be gave us an opportunity to just be creative...JennaRae captured some great shots, I always love her night shoots! The model's hair is so fun isn't it? This look is in my regular rotation of work hair and it literally takes 4 minutes so I thought I'd tell you how!

Start by sectioning off the crown (top portion of your hair). Using a comb and some hairspray, comb back and slick the sides so they are flat to your head. Pull hair up into ponytail leaving out the sectioned hair up top. Tighten ponytail as tight as you can handle.

Back-comb the sectioned off hair and slightly and gently comb over to one side so create a mohawk effect. Tease and "mess up" the hair hanging down from the ponytail too so it has texture and looks imperfect. Set with tons of hairspray!

And there you have it! Easy quick faux-hawk-punk-ponytail look! And yes I realize that most of you cannot put this into your regular hair rotation for work but you can wear this when you're off the clock! I dare you to, watch your confidence soar when you do...I always feel like I could fight crime or save someone from a burning building when I wear my hair like this, ha!

Cheers to Faux-hawks, Spontaneity, and Fighting Crime,