One of the things I love the most about makeup is its ability to impart confidence. The other day I wasn’t feeling the greatest and rather than doing nothing I decided that nothing could make me feel better than turning myself into Wonder Woman!

I remember watching old reruns of the tv show with Lynda Carter as a child and thinking she was so strong and so beautiful…seeing the movie this year with Gal Gadot was so inspiring too! 

The latest version of Wonder Woman ditches the classic red lipstick for more of a fresh face. I used Dior Airflash for a flawless finish and NYX Precision Brow Pencil for a strong full Brow.

 

I also used my favorite metallic powder and mixing liquid by Mehron to paint on her signature headband! I had this amazing statement cuff already but you could easily use the same gold pigment to paint them on!  

 

Of course I had to try a comic book version too! I love all the pop art makeup looks floating around right now…simple black and white lines to accentuate facial structure, add red lipstick and there you go! 

 

I changed the headband to the more classic shape.

I can’t decide which is my fave! How amazing is it that makeup can show on the outside how we want to feel on the inside? I have to admit, it’s impossible to feel bad when your face is painted like Diana herself!

Beauty, Makeup, Tutorial

October 18, 2017

Wonder Woman Halloween Makeup

2017 was the year of the unicorn for sure…they’ve been everywhere from T-shirt’s, to coffee mugs, and even our Frappuccino’s! So it should come as no surprise that it also happens to be an excellent do it yourself costume idea!  

 

Chances are you have most of these things lying around your house or can snag the things you’re missing for a few bucks!  

 

 

Ok so first things first you need to make a horn! A piece of paper will do the trick…a glittery or metallic piece of scrapbooking paper is even better! Simply roll it into an ice cream cone shape and secure it with hot glue! 

 

 

Punch two holes through each side of the end of the cone and put ribbon through it so you u can tie it around your head like a headband! The best hairstyle for this look will be pigtails or better yet twist your pigtails into double buns! 

 

For makeup, the brighter the better! Use a bright pink blush and apply it everywhere you’d normally contour, bronze, or blush your face. This will add dimension and color in a fun way!

Added bonus points to use glitter or metallic eyeshadow on your eyes and down your hair part. I used my favorite metallic powder and mixing liquid from Mehron!  And for the paint flecks on the forehead, dilute your shadow with setting spray and flick it onto your forehead.  

 

Toss on your twirliest fluffiest dress or tulle skirt! And there you have it…your unicorn dreams have come true!  

Thank you to Indulge Beauty Studio for capturing these photos of the lovely Katelyn! 

Beauty, Costume, DIY, Hair, Makeup, Trend, Tutorial

October 17, 2017

Unicorn: Halloween DIY

Forget buying a costume! For me, the best part about dressing up for Halloween is making your costume yourself! Here’s a super easy DIY and chances are you have most or all of these things already! Here we go…

 

This look is selfie worthy for sure! 

This look is selfie worthy for sure! 

Ok so first things first, you’re going to have to make the wind-up key! It’s fairly simple. You’ll need: an empty paper towel roll, a piece of construction paper or cardboard, ribbon, aluminum foil, and some kind of glue {hot glue is best since it dries instantly!}. 

 

Here’s a little peek at the makeup and supplies you’ll need. 

 

1. Cut a figure 8 out of the paper. Then cut out smaller circles in each end, so it looks like a giant number 8!

2. Cover the 8 and the paper towel roll in foil.  

3. Hot glue them together to make the key shape. 

4. Punch a hole on each side of the base of the paper towel role and thread the ribbon through.  

5. Be sure to cut the ribbon long enough to wrap around your waist and tie a bow!  

6. Side note: depending on the materials you use, the key may be heavy and sag after a while. If it does, you can tie ribbon or fishing wire to the key and attach it to your straps or shoulders to distribute the weight. 

 

 

Here’s what the key should look like! Be sure to put on your favorite short length dress! Bonus points if you have knee highs! 

 

 

Cute hair is a must!  

Ok so now for the look…put your hair in pigtails!  

 

 

Now for the makeup…

Use black eyeliner and draw “marionette” lines around your mouth connecting the corner of your lips to your chin.  

 

 

Bold bright lips is key! Think pink! 

 

 

 

Circular bright blush finishes off the doll vibe! As far as the rest of your makeup goes, just do it the way you’re comfortable doing! Add lashes for extra flutter if you’re feeling bold! 

 

 

 Here’s the final look! So fun right?! Easy peasy DIY.  

Here’s the final look! So fun right?! Easy peasy DIY.  

Special thanks to the lovely Taylor and to Indulge Beauty Studio for the awesomely rad photos of this look!  

 

Try it out and tag us {@polishandpout} on IG so we can see your version of this fun look!  

 

 

Beauty, Costume, DIY, Hair, Makeup, Tutorial

October 12, 2017

Wind-up Doll: Halloween DIY

Chocolate is yummy…combine it with coconut and its phenomenal! Plus it has antioxidants in it right? So it’s good for you ya? Yes, this is true.  In fact, I am certain that chocolate makes you pretty. Ok so now that we’ve established that, it gives me the excuse to share this recipe with you…

My mother in law makes amazing chocolate dipped macaroons, which results in me gaining 5 lbs everytime I see her…umm, I mean makes me lose 5 lbs (because chocolate makes you pretty remember?). And without fail, everytime she serves these tasty little morsels people are bombarding her asking her for the recipe.  She always swears they are so easy anyone could make them. Is she right? Yes! They are my go-to when I’m entertaining and need a quick dessert– insert everyone asking for the recipe again–they taste super without chocolate too by the way.

 

 

 

lydiaphotography.com

 

See…aren’t they pretty? A treat for the eyes and the tastebuds!  Be warned, my mother in law is an intuitive cook so her recipes are always a bit vague!

 

You will need:

 

2 14oz cans of sweetened condensed milk

 

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

 

2 to 3 14oz bags of sweetened flaked coconut

 

Mix everything together in as bowl. I found that I used one full bag of coconut and almost all of the second bag. Use as much as you need until you get a nice thick, sticky “cookie dough” texture. Not too dry, you need the ingredients to stick together. Roll about a tablesoon of the mixture in the palm of your hands into a ball and place onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake at 325 until golden brown.

 

To dip in chocolate make a basic double boiler and melt 2 bags of semisweet chocolate chips with a tablespoon of oil. Dip half of the cooled macaroon into the mixture (from the side, not the top). If the macaroon developed a “ruffle” on the bottom while it cooked then trim it off after cooling before you dip them! Return them to the parchment paper and cool completely.

 

Easy as pie…I mean easy as macaroons! By far my favorite treat and always impresses! Perhaps something to try today for the Holidays? Enjoy!

 

Cheers to Makeup, Macaroons, and Making Holiday Treats,

Uncategorized

December 10, 2015

Holiday Treat: Chocolate Dipped Macaroons

The air is brisk, the leaves are changing, and there’s even been a bit of rain—It’s finally feeling like Fall here in NorCal! Fall means coats, scarves, boots, and {{my favorite}} deeper lipstick! Seriously how lovely is Aine McMullen from Cast Images?! P&P Stylist Ashley and I loved crafting this fall inspired look for a photoshoot with Nicole Cook! Aine is the epitome of fall beauty trend in this shot…

 

 

This fall, the 90’s throwback trend is still alive and well. We went for a more matte look with a deeper lip and tousled hair. Here is a breakdwon of the products used so you can recreate the look yourself!

 

 

 

For the skin, I reached for Face Atelier’s Ultra Foundation in shade No.2 Ivory. I love this foundation because it provides ample coverage without caking up, is buildable, looks like skin, feels so lightweight, and comes in every shade imagineable! The unique formula boasts a built in primer and works for all skin types.

 

 

 

For the eyes, I couldn’t resist reaching for my Mehron EYE Powder palette. This thing seriously comes with me to every job. So blendable and pigmented…and the shades are everything you’ll need to craft everything from a barely there natural to a super dramatic look. For Aine, I gave her a classically contoured eye with a little twist…Love the hint of mauve in Aine’s outer edge to tie in the lip shade!

 

 

Ahh this lip!!! When Maybelline launched their matte shades, this one quickly became my favorite: Touch of Spice. Long wearing, velvety finish, super affordable…and that perfect hint of grunge that’s so hot right now!

So Cheers to Mauves, Mattes, and Maybelline,

Beauty, Makeup, Trend, Tutorial

December 10, 2015

Fall Makeup Look Breakdown: Mattes and Mauves

Allow me to introduce you to my friend Selena Navarrete. Words like “art” and “artist” get tossed around often but Selena and her work magnificently embodies these words. Seriously people, she makes me want to remove the word “artist” from my title because she brings an entirely different level of meaning to the term.

 

I was super fortunate to enjoy a long conversation with her about her life and her craft–which are one and the same–and was left marveling at how a single person can possess such ability and imagination! Selena creates Mexican folk art and also happens to be an amazing makeup artist (she even does permanent makeup!)…Did I mention she is entirely self taught?

 

 

 

 

“As far back as I can remember I’ve always thought of myself as an artist. We were pretty broke growing up, but my mom would always think of fun projects like going to the beach to collect things to glue to paper. Instead of spending money we made art, would paint, would draw.”

 

 

 

“I started out in fine arts…I loved photography and even had my own dark room. I also painted with oils and acrylics. I started working on gourds after becoming a mother. Once my daughter and son were born we went to Apple Hill every year. One year we went and there were Apple gourds . I thought they looked like a box of skulls…so I got a box and started painting!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I learned there was a local gourd farm in Folsom. So I went out there and realized there were so many different shapes of gourds. So I started sculpting with them. Blue (her son) suggested cutting them in half for two masks.”

 

 

 

“My father is Puerto Rican, mom is Mexican and creole. The Day of the Dead connection in my work…comes from dealing with death, not from necessarily the cultural root of the traditions. I wasn’t born in a small Mexican town. I grew up in south central LA.”

 

 

 

“It’s not that I have a fascination of death, but more how society deals with death. In western culture, people die and you put it away quickly and move on. People are practically like, ‘Aren’t you over it yet?’ I love Mexican culture because death is just an extension of life. You bring the mementos out, you remember those who pass on a regular basis and it makes things not seem so final like it is in western culture.”

 

 

 

“Apparently in Puerto Rico, mask making is foundational in their arts. I thought that was so interesting. I look back and wonder that some things are innately inside of you…part of the connection you feel to things that weren’t necessarily part of the culture you were raised in.”

 

 

“I feel like my love of makeup came from my grandmother. My grandmother was gorgeous. She was a diva. Purse, shoes, outfit…all put together all the time. Never left the house undone. She let me play with her makeup and wear her jewelry. It just was a part of my art.”

 

The first day of 7th grade was the best day of my life. It was the first day I could wear makeup. My mom bought me a little palette and I wore every color in it! Lash line to brow stripes of the shadow colors. I thought I was the sh*t and I looked crazy! Since that day, makeup was a part of my life. I’m currently taking on permanent makeup (at Sidney Le Beauty)…taking my makeup skills and understanding of color and art so I’m able to impact someone on a permanent basis.

“I don’t know how not to make art. I cannot live without it. There are always things I’m thinking of. I can see things in my minds eye, completed. Whether it’s a makeup or a sculpture. I see it before I finish it. Because of that, I have to do it. I see it already completed, so I’m compelled to do it.  It’s not what I want tomake, it becomes what I need to make. Pain, grief, and sorrow are universal themes. Not everyone understands my art but when I see the people who are impacted by it, it makes me happy.”

 

“As I get older and I sculpt more faces…I think of all of the faces that I’ve touched. People share their vulnerabilities with you when you’re doing their makeup, they tell you sad things. That has helped me become a better artist. And those skills are incorporated. Like my sculptures even get lashes and I paint on their makeup. It gives it a special aesthetic because of my makeup background.”

 

 

 

“Doing someone’s makeup is important. It changes them and they can feel good about themselves. You have the chance to negate what they think. Everyone sits down and has something bad to say about themselves. I get to say, ‘What are you talking about? I don’t see that, I see this…’ That keeps me doing what I’m doing.” 

 

 

Cheers to Masks, Makeup, and the Abilty to help someone see their true self,

 

 

 

Uncategorized

December 10, 2015

Selena Navarrete: Painter, Sculptor, Makeup Artist

Helping people tell their stories is what we are all about. Melissa said “I Do” to the love of her life this summer and we were so honored to be there to help her prepare for that walk down the aisle! Follow along as P&P Artists Gina and Ashley work their bridal beauty magic…Amazing photos by Mapurunga Photography.    

        

   

 

Finishing touches…

 

 

 

 

And that final detail to complete the look…

 

 

 

Cheers to True Love, Telling Your Story, and The Best Day Ever,

 

Beauty, Bridal, Hair, Makeup, Photoshoot, Products, weddings

August 11, 2015

A Beauty Story: Melissa

 

What do you do when you find yourself going through a major life change? Why, start a makeup line of course! Meet Debbie Bondar, the genius behind Canadian brand FACE Atelier. I was lucky enough to have a conversation with her recently and I’m so excited to share about this line with you all!

She embodies the kind of woman we love here at P&P: educated, intelligent, tenacious, business savvy, and able to rock lipstick while doing it all!

 

 

Debbie describes starting FACE Atelier as her post divorce reinvention. With her life shifting gears, she found herself evaluating her beauty routine and realized that despite being in her forties, she had yet to find her perfect foundation match, “I have a basic olive complexion. If I can’t find a good shade then who can?”

So she took her experience and education (did I mention her background is in journalism and law?!) and launched a brand full of not-so-secret weapons that you’ll find in the kits of many celebrity makeup artists.

 

 

FACE Atelier prides themselves on their universal appeal and was designed for consumers while still meeting the needs of professional makeup artists. Debbie shared a simple but very real truth, “Artists and consumers want the same thing: High performing easy to use products that help them look their best.”

 

 

The brand has a less is more vibe, with no-nonsense packaging and multitasking products rather than having a multitude of products for singular needs. Products that are developed by listening to the feedback and needs of the artists and people who use them? You bet…function and performance are in mind when items are launched, not trend.

 

 

Debbie shared the impact she feels cosmetics can have, “Healthy self esteem is exceptionally important…I’m a mother of daughters. So much illness starts from within! Makeup can be an important tool in a woman’s toolbox to help her feel better if she so chooses.”

 

 

As far as those specific “tools” goes, stay tuned in the coming weeks on Instagram and here on the blog for some product breakdowns and favorites from FACE Atelier! Oh, did i mention the line is Peta and Leaping Bunny approved?!

“I always believed there was magic in the bottle,” we do too, Debbie!

Cheers to Makeup, Multitasking, and Magic in the bottle,

 

Beauty, Beauty Spotlight, Celebrity, industry professional, Makeup, Product review, Products, Shopping

June 17, 2015

FACE Atelier: The brain behind the brand

Last week I had the immense pleasure of attending a class with celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes hosted by The Working Artist Company!

 

 

 

Scott is known for his expertise in complexion and the famous faces he works on…in fact he created that infamous glow that Jennifer Lopez is known for!

 

 

 

 

A lot of people call themselves makeup “artists” but Scott embodies the true essence of the word. His background in fine arts painting shows from the way he handles his tools to the way he sweeps and blends the product… It is mesmerizing to watch his human canvas transform.

 

 

 

 

His approach with makeup is much like how he painted. His attention to light and shadow resulted in the monochromatic look he’s famous for.

 

 

 

 

The glow…the contour…this approach essentially birthed a movement within makeup.

 

 

One thing that Scott said that really resonated with me was, “A good artist knows when to stop.” He demonstrated this by his minimal use of product and impeccable blending. Something we all should take a cue from with the recent contour craze that has swept beauty trend!

 

 

Reading something in a book, seeing pictures online, or even a quick video is helpful but nothing compares to being able to see things in person…and having the ability to ask questions!

 

 

 

 

Along with all of the amazing tips and techniques he demonstrated came a huge dose of inspiration!

 

 

 

 

Attending this class reminded me yet again of a very important truth: Education is not a destination, it is an ongoing journey. And a true professional never stays still.

 

 

 

 

So the question is, makeup artist or not, how are you moving forward in your education?

Cheers to Education, Art, and Always Moving Forward,

 

Beauty, Bridal, Celebrity, industry professional, Makeup

May 7, 2015

Celebrity Makeup Artist Scott Barnes

Note: the pictures of these lovely ladies below are NOT examples of looking old or doing things wrong…in fact they are evidence of the opposite! Plus, let’s be honest, the pictures break up my long winded soap box! Thank you Lydia Photographyfor the amazing shots from our previous photoshoots!

 

Dear Friend,

You asked for my honest opinion, “Am I looking old? Honestly Jess, tell me. I can take it. I know you’ll tell me the truth!,” you said. So here it is. And listen, regardless of my answer, you should ultimately do what you love…how you feel is what is most important, so if you do something in this list and you love it then be my guest! It’s your right to look haggard err umm I mean everyone is entitled to their wrong opinion—uh What I mean is, more power to ya! And yes friend I know you think I’m a little snarky, but it’s only to emphasis my point and because I would NEVER be this unfiltered with a client…but since we are friends, I know you can handle the truth.

1. Your brows are way too thin. Maybe it’s over plucking, maybe you’re just not particularly hairy, or maybe they’ve thinned with age but they are too thin. It seems counterintuitive but fuller brows actually make your eyes look more lifted! Thin brows overexpose the orbital bone and makes your eyes appear droopy. A fuller brow is an instant face lift, so grab some filler and make them fuller! Or head to an Anastasia counter for some brow rehab–Don’t worry, we can tell the press it was just for “exhaustion.”

2. Your lipstick is too brown or too dark…Honestly women are pretty religious about their lipstick. I get it. That shade is perfect right? You’ve been wearing it for years ya? Well that’s just it, you’ve been wearing it so long you don’t know any other way to view your lips. That doesn’t make it the best shade for you. Dark lips age, period. Sometimes that’s ok if we are going for a vampy look. But for everyday, you should go with something a little more rosy with more life in it! It will brighten your complexion and your smile.

3. You’re still wearing the same mattifying or oily skin formula foundation from years ago. You’d be surprised at how many women when discussing their skin type claim to be oily when what they really mean is, I was labeled as oily in my teens and I never reevaluated that as I got older. Oily skin formulas tend to combat shine, sucking out radiance…which when we were much more oily was great, we had radiance coming out the wazoo! But now, you aren’t anymore. I mean ya, you may still get shiny or even the occasional zit, but you are not the oil slick gal you used to be (thank God right?!). So using those formulas is essentially making your skin look dull and tired. And you don’t need that mega coverage anymore! Something lighter and more radiant is going to make your skin look fabulous! I know I know, it’s a total paradigm shift. It’s the right thing to do though, I promise.

4. You’re not concealing under your eyes. “But I feel like it makes me look wrinkly, or I feel like it settles in my lines.” First, let’s do some hunting to find a good formula that works best for you! Not all concealers are created equally. Second, darkness under your eyes will make you look more old and run down than a few lines ever will. The lines are there whether you care to acknowledge them or not, the darkness doesn’t have to be.

 

5. You’re not using good skincare. Whether it’s because you think it’s too late, or you’re in denial of it being necessary…you need to pay attention to your skin. If you’re thinking to yourself: should I start using an eye cream? The answer always is: yes you should of started years ago, regardless of how young you are. It’s never too late to give your skin what’s best for it. That’s like not watering a wilting plant…it’s not dead yet, so give it what it needs! And if you’re old enough to question if you should be using reparative creams or nutrient packed serums, then your answer is yes.

So there you have it friend, I’m only telling you this because I love you…and because you asked my advice. I mean, I think you’re fantastic and have great taste (after all, we are friends!). But you know I will always tell you truth when you ask for it, that’s why we are such good friends.

PS- if we really do know each other personally and you saw something on this list and wondered, “Is Jess talking about me??” Yes, yes I am talking about you. Coffee next week?

Cheers to Honesty, Friendship, and Aging Gracefully,

 

 

Beauty, Health, Makeup, Musings, Personal, Photoshoot, Product review, Products, Skincare, Trend, Tutorial

February 19, 2014

5 Things That Women Do That Make Them Look Older