It’s fun to get dolled up, but let’s be honest: thats tiring and unrealistic on a daily basis! My reality is that I love to sleep, and often (always) chooze the snooze button and rarely have more than 30 minutes in the morning. And truthfully, even when I have more time, there are other things I’d rather do. Spending lots of time getting ready is so fun once in a while, but not everyday. Maybe that’s just me though? What about you?

 Well, either way…here is my typical morning routine! None of the pics are filtered…this is painful reality blogging here folks! Haha…enjoy!

 

Wow! Yikes, here I am in my jammies…I’m in LA right now for work and crashed at a friend’s house. First thing I do is put on my Clinique All About Eyes serum because I almost always am SUPER puffy! I brush my teeth while I wait for it to absorb. I hate artificial sweetener, in fact it’s even hard for me to chew gum (so I rarely do!) because I can taste it in everything…I can’t even use normal toothpaste anymore because of the aversion. Weird.

I comb my hair, add dry shampoo if needed. I just washed it last night so this is fresh hair. Part as desired, spray 12 Benefits on it…which I am obsessed with now (thanks Ash!)…makes my poor damaged hair look decent and smells amazing. Today I curled just the ends quickly and dragged my fingers through it for a soft subtle wave.

Today, I’m taking it easy and catching up on blogging and emails…so I am keeping my face super simple. On any other day I’d probably add a layer of foundation on top of the BB Cream and opt for a bright lipstick…I am obsessed with this concealer in the bottom left pic…it’s the Maybelline FitMe! So affordable and covers so well! I rarely put anything on my eyes…lashes yes, and I currently have lash extensions with a few individuals on top…I’ve found that when I focus on complexion, I can do far less on my eyes…when pressed for time, it’s always better to spend the time you do have on your complexion…

My new favorite bronzer: NYC SmoothSkin in Sunny…under the cheeks, jawline, neck, and forehead.

Blusher (I used a WetnWild one today and LOVE it)…but I did use Dior’s brush to apply it, they still make my favorite shape of cheek brush out there! Filled my brows. Quick tip for a natural brow: I sometimes use a fluffy angles shadow brush. The fluffier the brush, the less amount of product it picks up, so you get a lighter effect! One quick swipe and my brows are very lightly filled without looking sharp! Tinted lipbalm from Flower Cosmetics (Drew barrymore’s new line!), skipping the bold lipstick today since I’m not really headed out.

I absolutely adore this initial charm bracelet from Ashleigh! Wedding rings of course and orange studs! I have to have a couple of accessories even though I’m staying in!

Voila! Simple, fast, and easy! I snagged this sweater and top at the PacSun outlet in Pismo on the way down here! They were $6 each! I love the sequined mustache and it says J’adore on it too…how cute!

Ok, so I know I’m not reinventing the wheel here…but I hope this shows you that with a little time, focusing on a few key things can have a big payoff! What’s your everyday routine? how long does it take you? Making time for beauty is important, but there’s no need for us to pressure ourselves and schedules into thinking we need hours to look good.

 

Cheers to Makeup, Mustaches, and Making Time For Beauty,

 

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,

 

 

Meet my new friend Kali. Kali at the ripe old age of 21 is an accomplished makeup and hair artist. I met her last month at the Adesign Brush Party, she was demo’ing body art techniques using those awesome brushes. I was completely wowed by her abilities and asked her to share her story and some products she loves. Her strengths and interests (math, anyone?!) intrigue me…take notes people, this girl is going places…

“So lets see, where do I begin…Well for starters my name is Kali Lorenzo. Born and raised in San Jose, CA. I was always a creative kid and somehow I ended up putting it to use through makeup. I loved painting and math. So those 2 skills served me well when it came to hair and makeup. I’m a licensed cosmetologist. Believe it or not theres alot of math in hair! I’ve been professionally doing makeup for about 5 yrs, hair 2yrs.”

“As far as body painting goes, I’ve only been doing that for a year. My first time doing such thing was for a Hair show competition, which I won first place for ;). The theme was “time warp” doing anything from the b.c. to present involving hair/makeup. I did futuristic of course. I converted my model into a robot from head to toe. Never did I have previous training for this, but it was how my mind worked. I had this vision in my head so I would quickly draw it before it left my brain. Sketch it out & then bring it to life on a human body as my canvas. Sometimes I dont even know how my brain works…but it does…in a crazy way. I love doing what I do, and I feel more than blessed to be one of the few that gets to do what they love as a career.”

“My interest in makeup began shortly after my 15th birthday, my friend had a photography project and asked me to be in it. I knew how to do makeup, but not like those girls at MAC. That day I did a look that changed my life forever, it was simple but gave me the idea that “Hey, maybe this can take me somewhere”. So I started reading books, watching youtube videos, and eventually having clients. I posted all my stuff on myspace (back then lol) then facebook, and then eventually started attending shows and networking…”

“May I add I was only about 18or 19? I was determined, and I still am.”

“I know what I want and I do not stop until I get it. I feel like I’m still at a young age where I have plenty of years to achieve my goals, but of course I give myself a deadline. I need to push myself harder every year to achieve that 25yr deadline. So I have 4 yrs to go :).”

3 must haves (or else I’d die!!):

1) Ben Nye Setting Spray, I dont care what anyone says best setting spray ever!
2) Urban Decay Supercurl Lash, I kid you not best curling mascara I’ve used by far.
3) MUFE’s Flash Palette, need I say more??! Everything in 1!

Wow! I don’t know about you, but Kali’s amazing talent and determination (at such a young age too!) is incredibly inspiring! Follow her work on Facebook…and find out there how to book her services!

 

Cheers to Math, Art, and Determination,

 

One of the highlights of my summer so far was attending the annual pro-roadshow by Makeup Forever (MUFE) in San Francisco! Last year was amazing and I knew that this year would be even better! I was not disappointed!

Maya came with me and even treated me to a hair cut! She also taught me how to do a proper “blowout.” Sure, I’ve read how to in magazines…but actually having someone show you in person is better! Always love me some how-to for hair! 

 

 

The education was amazing…everything from practical techniques (use tape to pick up stray glitter off of the face!) to business advice (what does my “brand” say to my clients?)! So thankful that MUFE and these educators care enough to invest in the artistry community!

I love the W Hotel and discovered while I was there that I like espresso. I’ve always been a tea drinker…Maya came with me and educated me on “real coffee, the way we have it in Europe!”

 

We made some new friends too! This is me and Vanessa of BeautyMarkInk. It was great being able to dish with our artists about product, business, and even what apps we love as makeup artists! By the way, if you ever find yourself at the W, order the yellow tail…it was the BEST sashimi I’ve ever had! Yum…getting hungry just thinking about it…

I think it’s important to always be sharpening your skills in whatever field it is that you work in! Increased knowledge equals increased confidence. And community and camaraderie is so important! Not to mention, shopping for makeup is always a good idea too right?

 

Cheers to Community, Camaraderie, and Confidence,

 

 

 

 

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,

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,

 

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,

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,

 

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,

Hair is so much fun and I love doing my hair in new ways…the same down with curls look gets old! And honestly I only wash my hair once or twice a week (that’s better for your hair!) so learning new ways to wear my hair up is necessary!

When I saw Nicole Richie on the red carpet at the Golden Globes with this amazing hairdo I felt super inspired!

Then, when I saw the character Rebekah on Vampire Diaries with a very similar do I knew I just had to create my own version of this look! Is it a ponytail? Is its faux-hawk? Who knows! I guess I’ll call it a punk ponytail…

So here’s what you’ll need:
A hair-tie, a comb or brush, a few bobby pins, and some hair spray

Comb out your hair and either straighten or curl it. Mine is left over wave and texture from the previous day. Create a deep, defined part on one side. Section the top portion of your hair to create your faux-hawk.

Tease the top portion of the hair that you sectioned off and smooth over the front of the hair. Take your comb and slick back both sides of your hair. Secure with bobby pins (like your doing some up/some down) and spray.

Your hair will now look something like the left picture below. The top teased hair is left out on top separate from the slicked back sides that you’ve secured. Gather all of the hair, except for the top section, into a ponytail and secure with a hair-tie.

Arrange the top section of hair so that it lays over the back ponytail and slightly swooped toward the side opposite of the deep part. Tease more if necessary. Spray the heck out of it!

And there you have it!

Side note: If your hair is all one length, then the top portion of hair that you teased will lay over your ponytail with that “cascade” effect that Nicole Richie’s hair had. In that case, be sure to hairspray the underside of the teased hair generously. My hair is layered and the top layer quite short, so it barely grazed the top of my ponytail.

So Cheers to Hairstyles that looks good on the Red Carpet, on Vampires, and on Regular People too!