Polished and Pretty...

Fall Bridal Makeup...more Updates Soon!

2011-11-08T17:40:00.000-06:00

Fall Bridal Makeup by Jessica Curtis @ www.PolishedandPretty.com and hair by Jocelyn Murray.

Well yes...I've totally been slacking on my blog posts the past few months! BUT I'm back! Catching my breath from the last few months and ready to get back at it with my BLOG! More to come soon...but for now I had to post this picture of one of my Fall 2011 Brides! This shot has a bit of a vintage feel, which of course I love!! Aimee looked soft and elegant!

More updates, pictures and news from Polished and Pretty to come very soon!! Stay tuned!

:) Jessica

Summer Trend - Yellow Nails - Chanel La Vernis Nail Colour in Mimosa

2011-05-02T17:15:00.001-05:00

My new obsession?? The color YELLOW! Yep. You've probably heard me whining already about the constant clouds and rain here lately...resulting in a lack of big bright YELLOW things in the sky!! :) Since about Easter weekend, my current color obsession has turned to yellow!! I pulled out a brightly colored yellow satin top for Easter celebrations and have been hooked ever since!!

Apparently I am not alone in this need for yellow in my life, as I see it popping up in beauty everywhere!! (I even bought a yellow eyeliner yesterday at ULTA!!) One of the first places I noticed it was at Chanel in nails! Now I don't mean gold...I mean YELLOW! Chanel is featuring a limited edition nail color in a bright pretty yellow as part of their Summer 2011 Collection

Chanel's La Vernis Nail Colour in Mimosa retails for $25 at Chanel.com or at retailers who carry Chanel like VonMaur! I am in love with this! BUT, because I KNOW I will get tired quickly of a trendy color like this - $25 is a lot to spend for me! GOOD NEWS! I found an almost PERFECT dupe - Check it out!!
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in #27 Mellow Yellow!

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in #27 Mellow Yellow
Retails at CVS and Walgreens for $2.99 reg. price

I purchased mine Sunday and here's a picture of the finished nails!!! I LOVE THEM! So fun and bright! The color is almost exact!

My fun bright MELLOW YELLOW nails

Hmmmm....what fun color to do next??? Suggestions?!?! :) Happy Monday all! xoxo, Jessica

Vintage Makeup Obsession Part 2

2011-04-28T17:40:00.000-05:00

Last week I blogged about one of the most fascinating videos I have seen recently in my piece called Vintage Makeup Obsession!! The YouTube video I spoke about from Lisa Eldridge was inspiring to me to say the least!! In it, she shares an interview with Madeleine Marsh, a historian and vintage fashion and beauty collector. The video interview and discussion between Ms. Eldridge and Ms. Marsh takes place as they walk through her amazing vintage makeup and beauty collection - starting in this video with the Victorian Era to the 1930's!! To read Part 1 of this blog, or to hear more about my own vintage makeup obsession and where my inspirations for learning about the history of women and makeup began, click here! But, for now I will post the second YouTube video from Lisa Eldridge where she picks up where she left off in the first video!! In this second video she shares vintage makeup from the 1940's to 1970's during more of her interview with Madeleine Marsh!! Amazing!

Please enjoy the second part of this Vintage Makeup series from Lisa Eldridge! This is one video I will watch over and over again!! Each time I spot something new and interesting about the evolution of makeup in the past 100 years...which speaks directly to the evolution of women and our culture in that time. WOW.

To see more from Lisa Eldridge, go to www.lisaeldridge.com or watch her on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/lisaeldridgedotcom

Thank you Lisa Eldridge and Madeleine Marsh!! I hope we get to see more!!
Jessica

New Video - Makeup Tutorial SPRING Eyeshadows

2011-04-26T13:14:00.002-05:00

As promised last week, I have added a new YouTube video today using some fun Spring eyeshadow colors - purples, aquas and PINKS!! :) I love LOVE love using these bright colors right now!!

Watch the video here and see the list below of the products I used for this one!!

Foundation - Estee Lauder Double Wear Light in Medium 03
Eyeshadow Primer - Nyx (nude color)
Eyeshadows -

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow in Aqua Pool (sorry...this is one that's discontinued)
NYX Every Color Imaginable Palette (for the 2 purple/lilac colors) - let me know if you want to see/ hear more about this palette!

Eyeliner - Smashbox Waterproof Eyeliner in Onyx
Mascara - Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme in Extreme Black
Cheeks - Tarte Cheek Stain in True Love, E.L. Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer
Lips - NYX Lipstick in Narcissus, e.l.f. Super Glossy Lipshine in Los Angeles
Lashes - e.l.f. Lashes (Natural) and DUO Lash Adhesive
Brushes - Tarte Eyeliner/Smudge brush, Estee Lauder Blending brush

This is a SUPER easy look to use whatever bright fun eyeshadow colors you already have!! So don't worry if you don't have exactly the same colors I used here! There are tons of fun aquas and purples out there!! Using an eyeshadow primer and the NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk as your base before the bright colors will make ALLLL the difference. A good base and the pure white will keep the bright pigments popping!!
Here are all the links to the products I used -
Estee Lauder http://www.esteelauder.com
NYX http://www.nyxcosmetics.com or http://www.ulta.com
Tarte Cosmetics http://tartecosmetics.com/ or http://www.ulta.com
Smashbox http://www.smashbox.com or http://www.ulta.com
e.l.f. http://www.eyeslipsface.com/
Duo Lash Adhesive Find it at Walgreens

GOOD Luck!!! Happy Spring everyone! :)
xoxo Jessica

Spring Makeup Look - Pinks, Lilacs and Aqua Eyeshadows

2011-04-20T23:15:00.002-05:00

Hi all!! So Spring is supposed to be SPRINGING...ugh. :) And all it has been doing here is RAINING! So...rather than belly-ache about the rain, I am working on a video for you using bright SPRINGY colors!! YAY!!
Here's a preview!!...

A video is coming soon...but here is a quick peek at what I did - focus on the eyes...:)

Eyes

Aqua on the lids
Aqua under the lower lashes
Lilac under the brow
A darker/medium purple/lilac in crease

YouTube video is coming soon!!! A complete list of the products and colors, etc. that I used will be here for you to see, but I wanted to get the BRIGHT fun SPRINGY colors out there now...:) I'm excited to do a few more of these Spring/warm weather inspired looks for you!!

Please go away rain...please...and thank you!
xoxo, Jessica

Vintage Makeup Obsession

2011-04-20T22:29:00.003-05:00

I had to share a link to a video that is for sure the epitome of all of my favorite things in one!!! THANK YOU Lisa Eldridge for posting these videos on YouTube! I LOVE watching other makeup artists and beauty gurus at work, but Ms. Lisa Eldridge takes it to a completely different level for me!!
Having "grown up" in the world of Estee Lauder, I have for many years been fascinated by the history of remarkable women in the beauty industry. Mrs. Estee Lauder (YES...there really was a woman named Estee Lauder) was a revolutionary woman who paved the way for so many beauty brands we are familiar with today!! As you know...vintage (a.k.a. "old" with a story) anything fascinates me!! Talk to me about vintage fashion...beauty...makeup.... well shut the front door! You have my attention!! This topic inspires me on more levels than is probably healthy, but I LOVE IT!

I hope someday to be able to have the same (okay, I'll be realistic- a tiny version of) this kind of vintage makeup collection!! Amazing!! This history of makeup speaks not only to the packaging, colors and trends that changed over the years, but more importantly it speaks to the changes in culture, world history, times of war, economic ups and downs and of course the lives of women in the past 100 + years. FASCINATING. Throw all that history of women in with some WAY awesome and innovative makeup ideas, and I'm finished. Check please. :)

PLEASE check out this video from Lisa Eldridge - "Beauty - Victorian Era to 1930's" This is the first of her series!! Click below to see the video or click here to watch on Ms. Lisa Eldridge's full website - www.lisaeldridge.com

Hope you love it as much as me!!! :)

xoxo, Jessica

New Favorite Beauty Must Have - Ardell Grooming Tools

2011-04-18T18:01:00.001-05:00

I had to share one of my new favorite beauty tools...the Ardell Grooming Tools!! These are AWESOME to have on hand in your cosmetics bag or your makeup kit (if you're a makeup artist)! I found mine next to the Ardell False Lashes at CVS Pharmacy, so they are SUPER easy to find AND very inexpensive! I paid $4.99 for mine...but I just checked out the CVS Pharmacy website and they're even on SALE now!!! WHAT??

Ardell Brow Trim & Shape
On Sale today at CVS for $3.74 (reg. $4.99)

Ardell Brow Precision Shaper
On Sale today at CVS for $3.74 (reg. $4.99)

These are like super mini disposable razors for wherever you might need a little facial hair maintenance...heehee! I like to use mine for the little fuzzies that grow above (and between) my brows that are hard to see and tweeze. I don't like to have my brows waxed and usually maintain my brows with just tweezers, so these tools help get those little fuzzy guys that drive me nuts!! It is just what I needed to get that perfectly defined brow!

Now...this tool is VERY safe - it's not as sharp as a typical razor would be. That's a good thing! But, that means that it's not going to take the place of your tweezers. This tool will not remove the thicker more coarse brows (like the one's under my arch that I tweeze allllll the time).
So don't throw out your tweezers!!! BUT...I love this tool for quick little fuzzy touch ups around the brow (and even lip) area as needed!! Makeup artists...keep these in your kit for quick fixes on the job!! Happy Brow Shaping all!!

xoxo,
Jessica

FREE SHIPPING on Beauty Buys!! Here's Where...

2011-04-18T00:03:00.004-05:00

Did you know that you can find FREE Shipping for your makeup, skincare, and all your other beauty must-haves?!?! Thought it would be fun to see where and when the FREE SHIPPING on all your cosmetics goodies kicks in!! So....I've compiled a list!! My plan will be to update this for you on a regular basis as it changes, etc... Here's what I've got to get you started!! Hope it's helpful! And as always - if you have a beauty bargain secret I don't know about - PLEASE pass along here!! :)

Smashbox - FREE Shipping on any US order!!! "Free Shipping on every order every time!" Whoa...
Von Maur - FREE SHIPPING ALWAYS! "Von Maur offers FREE FedEx Home Delivery shipping anywhere in the United States. No matter how much you spend or where you send it, shipping is on us" WOW!!
e.l.f. (Eyes Lips Face) - FREE Shipping with any $25 order + Choose 10 FREE products of choice. HURRY this one ends 4/18/11
Tarte Cosmetics - FREE SHIPPING on orders of $40 & up!

A $50 Purchase seems to be the magical cut-off for FREE Shipping. The list below is of those places where you can find FREE Shipping with your $50 cosmetics or beauty purchase...and a convenient link to get to them!

Ulta - + 3 FREE samples
Sephora
Macy's - FREE Shipping on any $50 Beauty Purchase
Origins - + FREE Origins sample
Laura Mercier
Estee Lauder + Free Estee Lauder sample of choice
Stila
Urban Decay
Lancome
Aveda + FREE Aveda SAMPLES
Bare Escentuals

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics - FREE Shipping with any $65 order + 2 FREE SAMPLES!

I know there are SOOOO many more, but tonight we're going to start here! There are a few favorite beauty brands that are not listed at all because they are either not currently running any kind of FREE shipping special, it was difficult to find, or I didn't feel like it was enough of a value to list it for you! :)

I'm excited to see what other BEAUTY DEALS pop up this week!!

GOOD LUCK!!
xoxo, Jessica

MORE PICS...this time of me! :)

2011-04-12T17:09:00.004-05:00

YAY for new pictures of me the makeup artist! Heehee..:) They turned out great! Lots of fun!! See below for more info on where to find Ann or me if you're in search of a great photographer or makeup artist!

Makeup by Jessica Curtis, Photography by Ann Steward Photography

For more info on Ann...visit http://www.annstewardphotography.com or
FACEBOOK her at http://facebook.com/AnnStewardStudios :) I wish they had a LOVE button on FB for Ann!
Look for me on Facebook toooooo if you haven't yet!! :) http://Facebook.com/PolishedandPretty

Spring is HERE...all kinds of creative shoots brewing!!! :) Can't wait to share more...lots of color coming sooon!
xoxo - Jessica

New Pics of my Work - Brittany

2011-04-12T14:53:00.006-05:00

I'm excited to share some new pictures of my work from Brittany's Fashion Shoot!! YAY! Thanks to Ann at Ann Steward Photography for some amazing shots!! :) I LOVE HER!!! Brilliant photographer and just plain fun to be around!!! WIN WIN!! More coming soooooon!! :)

In these shots, I used a combination of loose eyeshadow pigments from NYX and favorite Estee Lauder eyeshadows! Normally...the last color for eyes that I go for is GREEN! But as soon as I took another look at Brittany's eyes, I knew we had to go green with her eye makeup!! I think it turned out great!! :)
We started the shoot with a softer nude lip and finished with a little (only a little) extra something on the lips...hot pink gloss over the nude lip we started with!! Brittany and Ann were so fun to work with!!

Beautiful Brittany...look at those eyes! Makeup by Jessica Curtis Photography by Ann Steward Photography

Makeup by Jessica Curtis Photography by Ann Steward Photography

RED LIPS - a Trendy Red Lip Tutorial (video attached)

2011-04-06T00:09:00.000-05:00

Hi all!!

I've uploaded my newest YouTube video tutorial tonight! This one is super fun with a couple of REALLY handy and necessary tricks to applying a Red LIP flawlessly! :) Red lips and FUN BOLD LIPS are trendy TRENDY right now, but be sure to use these tips so that your lips look as polished as possible!

Products used in this video:

Lip Conditioner or Lip Balm
Double Wear Concealer in Medium
Estee Lauder Apple Cordial Lip Liner,
Estee Lauder Double Wear Lipstick in Stay Raspberry
Lip Brush
Flat angle Brush

Let me know what other trends or makeup looks you'd like to see me do or talk about!!!

How to do a Smokey Eye...SUPER easy (video attached)

2011-04-03T22:07:00.002-05:00

Hi all!! Sooooo sorry this took so long to get up on the blog! :) Back now from a girl's weekend out of town!! :) Yay for girl's weekend, but now it's time to catch up!

By far, the MOST requested look I get asked for is a smoky eye! The attached video is a tutorial for my favorite quick smoky eye! This palette is perfect if for doing this look with matte finishes and colors that look good on nearly everyone!! If you're new to doing a smoky eye...look for colors that are somewhere between browns and greys/blacks. Using colors that are in between like that (between a warm an a cool tone) will make them more versatile and make it easier for you to achieve the smoky look without it appearing harsh or severe!!

I'll put swatches of the colors in this palette up soon...I know it's still available to purchase in stores and online.

NYX One Night in Morocco Matte Smoky Look (I talked about this palette in my February Favorites video...:))

Click here to find this palette...

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=nyx+matte+smokey+look&cid=15393199251975889114&os=contents

(BUT...I found mine on EBAY!! Woot woot!)

Other products used in this tutorial -

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara in Extreme Black
Estee Lauder Softsmudge Black Eyeliner
Elf Liquid Liner in black

Enjoy!! Let me know what other looks you'd like to see!

What inspires me...PART 1

2011-03-28T22:52:00.000-05:00

Here's a question that pops up often for me..."What inspires you?" I realize as I begin to talk about my inspirations that I am inspired by so much that I should probably break this down into segments!! Haha! :) The short story?...What inspires me TODAY?? Here's where I'll begin...

Marilyn Monroe applying her own makeup

Today I am inspired by...stories, music with good lyrics, photography, cool old things...and I do mean just about all cool old things - old jewelry, old fashions (not "old-fashioned! heehee...that's different!!), cool old pictures, cool old people, cool old music, cool old furniture, cool old buildings...WHOA...yep. Strong women, my mom, my daughter, my boyfriend, flowers, color, black and white prints...

No kidding, I could go on and on with this sometimes! I do have days like everyone, where I just feel less than inspired. BUT more often than not it's the other way around. My mind has like a domino affect when it comes to the things that inspire me. I love the days when my eyes are so wide open to the inspirations around me, that I have to make a list of the thoughts, ideas and "to-do's" so I don't lose them!! Open your eyes up to those things around you and be inspired...everyday.

Bridal Beauty DO's and DON'Ts for the Week leading up to the WEDDING

2011-03-25T09:35:00.001-05:00

Here we go! One week until the big day!! How should I make sure that my face is in it's best possible condition for my Wedding Day makeup!?!?!

Here are my top Bridal Beauty DO's and DON'Ts for face... the week leading up to your wedding:

DO's-

DO take your makeup off and cleanse your face every night before bed! Sleeping with your makeup on will only encourage that last-minute dreaded blemish to pop up!! Follow with your nightly skincare routine!
DO get as much rest as possible...HAHAHAH! I know. But I have to say it! Showing up on your wedding day COMPLETELY sleep deprived is the easiest way to make your skin appear stressed. EEK!
DO stay hydrated!! Drink your 8 glasses of water a day! Dehydration can cause your skin to react in an unpleasant way AND can cause puffiness under the eyes!
DO have your brows shaped...**BUT**...USE caution! see my DON'Ts on this below. This is touchy touchy. Be sure to do this at the beginning of the week prior to the wedding. You can always tweeze any last minute strays, but waxing or major shaping is BAD idea the day before or the day of the wedding!!
DO exfoliate your skin...but not more than twice!! Again...make sure to use one you've used before!! This is not the week for experimenting.
DO use a lip conditioner daily or even TWICE daily!
DO arrive at your makeup appointment with a clean face! :)

DON'Ts-

DON'T try new skincare the week of your wedding!! AHHH! Even if you've never been sensitive, this is not the week to try something new! Want to treat yourself to some new fabulous skincare in preparation for your wedding???...AWESOME! Just make sure to start it at LEAST a month prior to the big day! :)
DON'T GO TO SOMEONE NEW FOR BROW SHAPING the week of the wedding!!! I can't stress this enough. Look into this early if possible. When all else fails and you realize you have an emergency facial hair situation...at least get a recommendation from someone you trust! Too many things can go wrong!
DON'T do any facial waxing or major facial hair removal within 36-48 hours before the wedding! Even from someone you trust. Anything can happen...it's just a bad idea. :)

In general, when we are stressed out, extra emotional or lacking sleep...our skin reacts. So do NOT assume your skin will behave as usual during the final wedding countdown. :) Try to have all your major beauty decisions tried, tested and finalized prior to the week before the wedding. Then...treat your skin with care as you plug your way through the final stretch leading up to your big day!!!
Wondering about Bridal Beauty DO's and DON'Ts for hair, nails and body?? Look for those soon!!

A Bridal Beauty Emergency Kit! (What to take in your handbag!)

2011-03-24T10:09:00.005-05:00

Brides OFTEN ask me..."What should I bring with me on my wedding day for touch ups??" Whether you've hired a makeup artist or are doing your own makeup, you'll want to have a couple of things in your clutch or handbag that you carry with you for the rest of the day. Not carrying a handbag? Have a super duper "EMERGENCY KIT" for the whole wedding party! Put one of your girls in charge of keeping it handy throughout the day! :)

No matter the quality of the long-wearing products either you or your makeup artist is using, there will be moments after tears or stress or eating and dancing when you want to take a minute or two to freshen up your beautiful face!! Remember...even though you've gotten through your most formal and "important" pictures of the day, cameras will be flashing throughout the night! You'll want to look and feel your best right up until the moment when you and your groom make your exit!!

Here are my suggestions for must-haves in your handbag or emergency kit for easy touch-ups and makeup emergencies...after your makeup artist has left the building...:)

1. Concealer - one that matches your skin tone - use this to touch up under your eyes when they begin to look tired as the day goes on...:) Have it there to cover up any UN-invited guests on your skin like blemishes or redness that might pop up out of nowhere or fix your eyes if you get emotional!!! If you have only ONE MAKEUP ITEM in your bag, this should be it!

2. LIP COLOR - Whether it's the same lip product your makeup artist used at the beginning of the day or just your favorite lip gloss, have something to pop on quickly when you you run to the ladies room!! Even a gloss will help keep you looking fresh ALL night!

3. Powder - especially if you're really oily or it's summer!!! *Important*- make sure it's photo-friendly!! Not all powders are created equally!!

4. Blotting Sheets - For those with extra oily skin or for summer months! Your face can only take so many layers of powder! :)

5. Mascara - just in case you think you'll shed a lot of tears! Good to have a little one on hand just in case! :) Use a sample mascara or one that isn't super clumpy in case you have to use it more than once!

6. For your hair...bobby pins, travel sized hairspray, a comb or pick

7. Other "stuff" - safety pins, tissues, Q-tips
I could go on and on with suggestions for your all day/night emergency kit, but these are the must-haves for everyone!! The ingredients for your "emergency kit" will depend on the hairstyle and makeup look you have!! If you have a super dramatic eye or bold lip, you may need other products in your handbag...but this list should get you started! :) Talk with your makeup artist or hairstylist about what products you'll need on hand in case of a makeup or hair emergency late in the day!!
:) Happy planning and no matter what - ENJOY YOUR DAY!

Wow...Elizabeth Taylor Passes

2011-03-23T10:01:00.005-05:00

So sad to hear of Elizabeth Taylor's passing today. What an iconic figure in many ways. Writers will be racing today to talk about the life of Dame Elizabeth. Instead of another article about her life, I wanted only to share a few of my favorite pictures of Liz in her younger days. What a beauty.

Strangely, before today I had already begun a blog about inspirations..."What inspires you?" One of my inspirations - Vintage, retro or classic anything. Elizabeth Taylor's passing has catapulted my creative juices into finishing this piece about what inspires me!!! Until then, I wanted to share a few of my favorite images of such an iconic beauty. Notice a recurring them...strong brow, bold lip. Beautiful.

Enjoy the pictures. Rest in peace Dame Elizabeth.

Which one is your favorite? I'd love to hear!! 

Crazy week ahead!

2011-03-20T15:22:00.001-05:00

Wow! What a crazy couple of weeks it has been! I have 3 unfinished blogs waiting for me to finish as we speak. I need to find a way to blog on the road a little more affectively! :) I've been traveling more than normal recently...and I LOVE it, but I'm BEHIND!! AHHHH!!! I've met some really wonderful people and worked with some awesome new makeup artists who are eager to learn learn learn!!!

Ahead for this week - here's the must do list

2 trips out of town (Mon/Wed)
Move my kit (makeup supplies) to new portable organizer!
Blog and VLOG my behind off - (coming soon...Bridal Beauty Trends, What Inspires you??, What is your cleansing routine?...)
3 new clients at the end of the week - YAY!
New pictures of work coming in on Tuesday from Ann Steward Photography!! YAY! (http://annstewardphotography.com/)

Have a great Sunday all!! :)

Prom Fashion Trends!!!

2011-03-06T12:51:00.005-06:00

The snow is almost gone and Spring is coming FAST! Thank GOODNESS! I am just DYING to hear those birdies every morning and see the beautiful colorful grass start to grow!! YAY!

It may seem early, but the buzz about Prom Fashion has already begun!! Prom fashions are not how I remember them, that's for sure! (and that's probably a good thing...haha) Gone are the days of a single-color ball gown and princess up-do! What will be the big trends this year? Long dress? Short dress? Patterns and textures? Hair up or hair down? Shew! I'm exhausted!! Haha! Hmmmm... I have a feeling there will be a mixture!!
So now I wonder...which of my young clients will go classic with their Prom makeup? And which ones will be trend-setters at their prom by spicing up their simple dress with a leopard-print eye (yep!)...or a trendy hot-pink or bright coral lip and simple eye makeup!!

So exciting to plan!!! I want to hear from my younger clients!! What kinds of fashions are you and your friends looking at?? Prom Makeup??? Talk to me! :)

Jessica

February Favorites! Nyx, Estee Lauder, Tarte, Urban Decay

2011-03-06T09:25:00.001-06:00

Fun products I got to try in February!! See the attached video where I talk about my favorites! :)

Included in the video are NYX Cosmetics, Estee Lauder, Tarte and Urban Decay...some makeup brushes...lips...eyes!!

Take a look! Let me know what you'd like to hear about next!! Thanks for watching...and SUBSCRIBE to support!

How To Take your Makeup From Day To NIGHT

2011-02-25T10:13:00.003-06:00

Hi guys!! So...today I'm attaching my newest "How-to" video! This one is a tutorial on how to take your makeup from day to night!! There are so many ways to do this - so this is probably the first of many versions.

This SUPER easyDay to Night look is using a minimal number of products and tools!! Yay for that! The look is for someone that needs to look polished with a well defined eye for daytime and then has evening plans...a date...a social event - whatever!! Something where you need a QUICK smoky eye!

Watch the attached video for my tutorial on an easy way to take your look from day to SEXY night!! :) Then...see below for a list of key products I used!!

Look #1 - Daytime (After skincare and foundation and brows!)
Concealer - Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Concealer in Medium
Shadows - Estee Lauder Ivory Slipper Satin, Mink (dark brown)
Eye Liner - Estee Lauder Softsmudge Black
Mascara - Tarte Cosmetics Lights, Camera, Lashes! in black
Bronzer - Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess
Lips - Essence Gloss in Pure Beauty
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Blending Brush (along lash line)

Look #2 - Night (additional products to those above)
Shadows - Estee Lauder Pure Color in Sand Matte
Cheeks - Tarte Cosmetics Natural Cheek Stain in True Love
Lips - Double Wear Stay in Place Lip - in Stay Blush (Estee Lauder :))

Nude LIPS...How to do a flawless Nude Lip and other tricks for applying ...

2011-02-25T10:08:00.001-06:00

There are soooooo many versions of a NUDE LIP look that I could share! Here's the first for you - a Nude Pink, using very inexpensive products!! YAY!

A nude lip is maybe not for everyone, but if you love a strong eye or are looking for a more polished natural look, this might be just the look you're after! Nudes can be considered everything from beige tones to pale pinks to gold tones. There's not really a right or wrong way to wear them, because every skin tone is different and not every "nude" works with every makeup routine or use of color!! Shew!!!!

Watch my video below to see a couple of my favorite tricks for accomplishing a nude lip look and a couple of other favorite tricks for creating a polished lip look of ANY kind!! :)

Enjoy!!

Brittany's Photo Shoot!!! Updates soon!!!

2011-02-22T23:42:00.002-06:00

Brittany's Photo Shoot!

Makeup Geek Challenge! Tarte Cosmetics - A review of my first Tarte purc...

2011-02-19T09:19:00.001-06:00

Review of Tarte Cosmetics
"Ultimate Must-Haves Exclusive Value Set" ...including -

Lights, Camera, Lashes! (mascara)
Bronze emphasEYES (clay liner)
Natural Cheek Stain in the color True Love
double-sided eyeliner/smudge brush
Pink vitamin-infused lipgloss
Smooth Operator (not reviewed in this video...will review soon!)

January Makeup Pictures...

2011-02-17T09:19:00.001-06:00

My first YouTube Video...collage of some January work! Fun to play with editing!

Valentine's Day Makeup...with SPARKLE!

2011-02-08T14:53:00.004-06:00

I'm learning to do video BLOGS so that I can show you how to do these looks. It's so much easier to SEE! In the meantime, here is a picture of a fun Valentine's Day look that is sexy and romantic! :)
Click on the attachment for the full list of steps! http://www.polishedandpretty.com/blog/2011/02/08/Valentines-Day-Makeup-.aspx?trackback=1