Who says that the only daytime drama can be the soaps you watch on tv? A smokey eye doesn’t have to be reserved for the evening! The trick to pulling it off during the day and not looking like you’re headed to the club is to be strategic about the placement and using soft neutral shades! Here’s how…

1. Apply your normal primer, and then start by lining your eyes. It doesn’t need to be perfect. I’m using the Rimmel Scandaleyes pencil in black.

2. Use a smudger brush and smudge the liner back and forth to create our smoke.

3. Using the same brush begin to work the smudged liner upwards. Keep it away from the crease…we are smoking out the lid.

4. Pat a shimmery taupe all over your lid. I’m using Homecoming by Makeup Geek.

5. Using a windshield wiper motion, blend a soft brown into the crease. I’m using Creme Brulee by Makeup Geek.

6. Sweep a matte vanilla shade under the brow bone, I’m using Foxy from the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette.

7. Place a pop of shimmery vanilla in your inner socket to give the look a little light. I am using Venus from Naked Basics.

8. Using the same smudge brush as before, dip it into the taupe you used on your lid and blend a thin line under your lashes.

9. Apply your black liner from step one to the inner rim of your lower lashline (waterline).

10. Use your smudger to smear the liner into the outer third of your lower lashline.

11. Line the top of your eyes again to bring the look together.

12. Smudge the liner up slightly on the outer third of your top lashline.

Mascara (and lashes if desired) and there you go!

A touch of intensity that appropriate for just about anywhere!

And a full shot of my lovely model to show you that overall, the shadow really does translate soft and is definately not too harsh for daytime! Plus, I have to show off my gorgeous sister (who is having a baby next month! Woohoo!).

 

Cheers to Smoke, Shadow, and Daytime Drama,

Beauty, DIY, Makeup, Trend, Tutorial

January 13, 2014

Daytime Smokey Eye

Life can be tough. Circumstances can be shaky. Here is what we are certain of though…

1. Lipstick can cure just about anything.

2. But how we look on the outside does not define us.

3. Everyday is a fresh chance to be a new you. Is the day half gone and its been terrible so far? You can start your day over anytime you choose! I had a teacher in junior high say that all the time and it stuck with me…I use this pearl of wisdom regularly!

4. Knowing how to do something properly is very powerful! And while an expertly executed smoky eye may or may not land you Ryan Gosling, it will boost your confidence and make the day seem brighter!

5. Everyone deserves to have their moment to shine. You may not be a celebrity, but you can feel like one once in a while! (That’s where we step in!)

6. Others actions can affect us, but ultimately your personal choices will be the rudder that steers the ship of your life!

7. You can always count on being able to tag along with us! Beauty Adventures are best shared with a friend…and sometimes a little pretty is the perfect escape!

Cheers to Circumstance, Certainty, and New Chances,

 

Beauty, Bridal, Celebrity, DIY, Fashion, Health, industry professional, Makeup, Musings, Personal, Photoshoot, Product review, Shopping, Trend, Tutorial

September 9, 2013

7 Things We Are Certain Of

I’ve been feeling inspired when it comes to nail art lately, as evidenced by my recent posts…So here’s another mani to try! It ends up looking like brush strokes on a canvas or a little tie-dyed!

I love this style because you can be messy and not super calculated…so it takes no precision! Its like a messy manicure…but on purpose! A nail novice or nail expert will have fun with this one.

I recommend doing this one hand at a time, as the clear coat is what smoothes out the brush strokes. Too much dry time will change the outcome and may result in a little texture. Try it out and let me know how yours turns out! And no need to use all shades in the same family…mix it up!

Cheers to Tie-Dye, Brush Strokes, and Messy Manicures,

 

Beauty, DIY, Makeup, Nails, Product review, Products, Trend, Tutorial

August 30, 2013

The Messy Manicure: Brush Stroke Mani How-To

Ombré everything has been a big trend for a few years now and I am loving the look as nail art too! Here’s an easy way to get an ombré mani…it’s very simple, the bulk of the work really is in the clean up.

 

A couple of tips:
– Don’t rub the sponge on the nail, that will remove the polish. Just press in an up and down motion.
– When you load the sponge, if you apply it a similar width as your nail bed, the clean up will be minimal.
– Reapply polish to the sponge as necessary
– Repeat application until you reach the desired opacity. But wait a minute in between coats so you don’t remove the previous layer with your sponge.
– Your clear coat will smooth out any texture, so don’t wait for your ombré to dry before applying the clear coat.

Give this a shot and let me know how it turns out! The color possibilities are endless!

Cheers to Mani’s, Ombré, and Trendy Tips,

                                             

Beauty, DIY, Makeup, Nails, Products, Trend, Tutorial

August 26, 2013

Ombré Manicure: Mint and Teal

If you follow me on Instagram(@polishandpout) you know that my 3 great loves are lashes, lipstick, and nail polish. As I was painting my nails last night I marveled at the fact that for about 7 years straight I painted my nails the same color! I also recalled that 3 years ago I decided to change that because of something that happened to me at work (when I worked at a makeup counter). I posted the story on Facebook (I wasn’t blogging at the time). So I thought I’d share it with you along with P&P’s favorite nail looks lately…perhaps it will inspire you to branch out from your usual mani too!

Glitter, glitter, and more glitter. All over, as an accent, tips, fade, outline…you name it!

Neon and colors so bright you can practically see your nails in the dark!

The accent nail is still alive and well…if you’re like me and the big bulky nail gems and plastic flowers et cetera seem cumbersome then opt for decal or paint accents!

Bold colors and bold lengths! Sporty and square nails are WAY OUT and have been for a LONG TIME. As in, do not touch square with a ten foot pole. Almond, rounded, and stiletto nails are dominating trend and will continue to do so for a long time I’d wager! Don’t let the length scare you, you can rock the current shape short too!

If almond nails are still uncomfortable for you, start with a rounded edge. Think natural in shape. Baby steps. And do yourself a favor and watch a Marilyn Monroe movie or something from that era, pay attention to all of the lovely starlets nails…you’ll be on board with rounded nails after I guarantee it!

I’ve been crushing hard on pastels and lavender especially…light purples too!

Maybe you’re stuck in a beauty rut like I was: “The other day I complimented a coworkers nail polish…it was a gorgeous shade of teal. She responded by offering to loan it to me so I could paint my nails the same color. “Oh no thank you, I usually paint my nails black,” I said. She asked how long I’ve kept my nails black for, so I told her about 6 years or so. She looked at me like I was nuts and said, “You HAVE to get out of that rut!” I brushed off her comment at first, but then later that day I had an epiphany. I saw someone who had apparently stepped out of a time machine. You know the type: mullet-like hair with big bangs, hot pink lipstick, blue eye shadow, a skirt that is older than her children and shorter than it should be. She looked like she was an extra in an 80’s teen flick, but worse because while she had continued to age, her appearance screamed “It’s still 1984, right?!” Was this to be my fate? I looked down at my nails and suddenly they were mocking me. I do need to get out of my rut! So the next chance I had I picked up a bottle of white nail polish. It seemed the natural choice since it’s the exact opposite of what I normally wear. I must admit, it looks pretty chic. I highly recommend white polish for spring and summer. And while I most likely will return to my black polish in the nearby future, this week I changed my beauty destiny and proved to myself that I will not be stuck in the past! Now I just need to figure out what to do with my mullet…”–April 22, 2010

Cheers to Mullets, Manicures, and Changing your Beauty Destiny,

Beauty, DIY, Makeup, Musings, Nails, Personal, Product review, Products, Trend, Tutorial

August 13, 2013

Nail Trend and Your Beauty Destiny

Happy Makeup Monday everyone! I thought today would be the perfect day to blog a quick trick of mine that I use all the time! It’s fast and easy and can be done a few different ways…it’s the easiest way to exfoliate: sugar! So if you’re not sure which exfoliating products to buy, stuck away from home without your face and body scrubs, or like the more natural approach, then this is for you!

All you need is…sugar! Well, and a little water too. Mix a few pinches of sugar with a small splash of water and create a paste…then scrub onto your face, body, or lips for silky smooth perfection! Sugar is great for exfoliating. Not only is it obviously granular and works fantastic as a manual scrub, but it’s natural properties give you some added benefits! Naturally occurring glycol help with cell turn over…and sugar is also balancing to the skin! Hooray! So easy right?

A few variations:

–add a pinch to a pump of your cleanser for a gentle scrub while you clean your face!

–scrape a little lip balm and mix with sugar for a creamy lip scrub!

–brew some green tea and mix with sugar for even more amazing skin benefits while you scrub!

The video below is an oldie but a goodie! Watch it for more info on the benefits for your skin and a bonus easy step for a DIY face toner!


Cheers to Mondays, Makeup, and Skincare!

 

Body, DIY, Health, Makeup, Product review, Products, Skincare, Tutorial

March 11, 2013

DIY Sugar Scrub: One ingredient 4 different ways!

It’s all about nail art right now and the caviar mani is top of the trend list! You can find “caviar” at the craft store (I’ve even seen it at the dollar store too). It looks so fancy but is super easy!

 

I think this is a perfect holiday mani don’t you?

 

Cheers to Nails, Christmas, and Caviar,

 

Beauty, DIY, Nails, Products, Trend, Tutorial

December 3, 2012

Caviar Manicure

Sockbuns have been everywhere this year…from bridal to the redcarpet. And while some of the top-knot trends can be achieved many different ways, there is no substitute for the good ol’ sock bun! It’s called that because you actually use a sock! True story. Here’s how… 

 

Grab some scissors and pick your sock. Any will do, however a few things to note: the thicker and/or longer the sock, the bulkier it’ll be, thus the bigger or more voluminous your bin will be! Want mega volume huge hair, then opt for a thick long sock! Average is always a good place to start if you’re not sure. Also, while the hair will cover the sock, it’s always a good idea to choose a sock closer to your hair color just in case something shifts during the day people won’t see your purple striped sock! Haha!

Cut the tip off. Doesn’t matter if it’s half an inch or several. What matters is that the closed “toe” is no longer there.

Now you have essentially a leg warmer!

Begin to roll the sock into a doughnut like shape. 

           Keep rolling until you reach the other end and…Voilá! Sock bun ready for action!

 

To put your hair up in one literally takes a minute or two! Fastest hairdo ever! Below is the video demo on how to put one in your hair!

Cheers to Socks, Buns, and Fast Hairstyles,

 

 

Beauty, DIY, Hair, Trend, Tutorial

October 5, 2012

How to: Sockbun Tutorial and DIY

So between my frequent thrifting and the fact that I have a hard time getting rid of anything…my pile of makeup bags, clutches (or anything for that matter!) that need a little face lift are in abundance! If you have an old clutch or makeup bag that needs an update, a few cheap items…some things you probably already have at home…should do the trick! Here’s how I did it!

    

  

Here’s what you need:

1. Your bag to recover…I find that something with sharp anges (like square or rectangle) work best, anything with a rounded edge will be a bit more difficult

2. Printed duct tape…you can find this at any craft store! Pick a print or colour you like. I snagged mine at the dollar tree!

3. Hot glue gun, needle nose pliers, scissors

4. Any old earrings, brooches, or headbands to add pizazz!

 

Align the tape on the top outer edge and wrap around the entire bag until you end up back where you started. Then cut with scissors. I like to do the top and bottom first, so I can see how many pieces of tape will be needed for the middle. That way I don’t end up having to trim at the bottom, I just layer them. Start with each new piece of tape on the same side each time so that bag has a seam down only one side.  

  

My makeup bag had an ugly heart shaped plastic thing that I wanted to remove and replace. If yours doesn’t, no big deal…you can also use the pliers to add a charm or ring et cetera.

I used an old earring to replace the charm. An old earring or necklace piece would work amazingly!

 

Glue anything you’d like to your bag! I had a studded headband and some bows that I used. This neon green tape really looks like duct tape…so the clutch has an urban vibe that I loved! I noticed that the other prints had a smoother texture and looked a little more refined. So pay attention to your tapes when you pick one out. I honestly like both textures and finishes!

 

Here’s how mine turned out! I did two small makeup bags and one clutch…I then remembered that my friend Malisa gifted me some super cute craft tape with a floral print so I did another makeup bag and added the bow headband to it! I love how they turned out!

Give this a shot and let me know how it turns out!

Cheers to DIY, the Dollar Tree, and Duct Tape,

 

 

Acessories, Beauty, DIY, Fashion, Trend, Tutorial

August 29, 2012

DIY: Makeup Bag & Clutch Makeover!

I’ve been mixing polishes as long as I’ve been painting my nails…and no I don’t mean that I make polish from scratch, but that I actually mix them together. And I make a mean nail polish cocktail if I do say so myself!

Colors are in one minute and out the next! Or a slightly different version of a shade comes out that I must have…so concocting my own new shades keeps me from wasting my entire paycheck on polish!

A while back friend and fellow blogger Malisa Price came over and we whipped up a batch of Tiffany Blue for her trip to NYC! You can see her lovely digits, what we mixed, as well as a peek at my hubby playing mario kart on her blog here.

 I recently saw an amazing pic on pinterest of a neon peach that sent me running for my polishes to see if I could replicate it. I think it turned out great! Here’s how I achieved it: 

Orange, yellow (for added brightness) and white will give you peach. Since this is neon peach though, I opted for neon yellow and neon orange!

Approximate ratio: 50% white 30% orange 20% yellow

Mix a little inside a cap or on a plate if you’re just painting your own right then, or take a half used bottle of white and mix directly inside if you think you’ll want the color again!

I find that owning a couple bottles of white is the key to being a successful polish mixologist! White makes any color seem bright or turns a regular shade into a softer or more pastel color.

So Cheers to White, Neon, and Nailpolish Cocktails,

Beauty, DIY, Makeup, Nails, Products, Trend, Tutorial

July 30, 2012

Nail Polish Cocktails