When did you start your beauty blog, Pucker and Pout, and what inspired you to do it?
It was started a little over a year ago. Since we film [“Vanderpump Rules”] for 4 months straight, and then do post production and promotion, I really needed something creative to do while on hiatus. I wanted to create a beauty, fashion, lifestyle diary of things that I love. I’ve always been the friend that everyone came to and asked “can you do my hair?”, so it made sense for me to capitalize on my social media following, and utilize an online space to share my tips, tricks, and tutorials. I wanted the blog to be a place for women and men of any age range to come and be able to learn something about beauty and wellness.
How long have you been interested in beauty?
My whole life! I was that little girl that would save up her allowance and have my mom take me with her when she went to Walmart; I’d hang out in the beauty isle. I would find nail polishes, eye shadow, and whatever I was capable of using on my own and blow all my money on products. I still do that to this day, I get lost in Target and Sephora checking out what’s new. Yeah, I’ve always been a total product whore [laughs].
When do you feel most beautiful?
Honestly, when I get complimented, especially when it catches me off guard a little bit. Whether it’s your boyfriend or a stranger on the street, a compliment is always a nice stroke to the ego and feels really good. There’s nothing that makes you feel more beautiful than when someone else tells you that you’re beautiful.
What are some of your favorite hair and makeup trends right now?
I love the effortless approach that we’re seeing to makeup and hair now. Undone hair is great, maybe a beach wave [created] with a flat iron, or really loose waves [finished] with a little texture spray. I also have to admit that I love a top knot! With makeup, especially with spring approaching, tinted moisturizer is a great alternative to a face full of foundation. I’m a big fan of lip stain, although I love lipstick, it’s a pain in the ass when you have to deal with constantly reapplying it. Another great thing about a stain is that you can also use it on your cheeks for a fresh pop of color.
Do you have any trends that would you like to see go away?
I’m sick of the overuse and abuse of fasle eyelash strips, it needs to end! False eyelashes are great for photoshoots and red carpets, but I hate seeing girls walk around with fans on their eyes. You might wear them because you don’t have eyelashes, but if you wear them all the time you will never have lashes because of the glue.
Who is your beauty hero?
Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn come to mind as timeless beauties but I’m a really big fan of Gwen Stefani. When it comes to beauty and fashion Gwen has mastered her look, and never looks overdone. I love her signature red lip and her platinum hair – I wish I could wear platinum hair like that.
What does your skin care routine consist of?
I’m a firm believer of taking your makeup off before bed, I even keep makeup remover wipes by my bed so that I won’t forget. I exfoliate by washing my face with a cleansing brush, and tone my skin with witch hazel. Moisturizing is so important – I’ve been moisturizing since I was literally 12 years old, my grandma told me “if you moisturize you’ll never have a wrinkle” so I’ve made it a habit.
What are some of your favorite beauty products.
For hair I really like the Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser Invisible Oil, I use it right after I wash my hair and let it air dry – it’s awesome. As far as makeup goes there are so many, I adore Benefit They’re Real! mascara but sometimes I switch it up and use L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes. The Urban Decay lip stains are great because they have a sponge applicator that allows you more control, and I just got the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Palette, I’m obsessed with it.
Can you share your biggest beauty secret?
Benefit has an eye cream called, It’s Potent!, and it really works with wrinkles and dark circles, but I use it at night around my mouth to prevent laugh lines and even put a little on my lip. In the morning my lips look smooth and plump.
What are some of the most common beauty mistakes that you see women make?
Everything from wearing the wrong color foundation, to wearing eye makeup incorrectly, you really have to practice doing your makeup. What I really hate to see is when [women] wear a strong smoky eye and a bold lip; you have to choose one or the other. Makeup is supposed to enhance you, not turn you into a monster [laughs].
What is your can’t live without item?
It would either be my mascara or my moisturizer, it’s hard to choose between the two, it’s a tie. I can deal with having nothing else [on my face] but moisturizer and mascara.
So many busy women say that they don’t have time for beauty. Do you have any tips that you could give them to look pull a look together in minimal time?
A lot of it can be done at night before bed. If you prep your skin at night with toner, moisturizer, and eye cream, you’ll have less to do in the morning – it’s really easy. This way all you’ll need to get ready will be a little concealer, tinted moisturizer (for light coverage), curl your lashes and pop on some mascara, and then finish with a tinted balm or colored lip gloss – you’ll look great!
What’s next for you?
I want to include more mind, body, and soul content such as yoga, meditation, and healthy recipes. I want to get more stuff up [on the blog] for men, they tend to shy away from beauty, but everyone needs to learn how to take care of themselves. I’m going to do more video tutorials, possibly a YouTube channel; our posts are very informative but sometimes it’s easier to show someone than to explain it. Another interest of mine would be developing a line or hair and/or makeup products, I’m definitely qualified since I have a lot of experience with every product in the world [laughs].
Check out Katie’s blog at www.puckerandpout.com