DALLAS SHAW on Her Career, Beauty, and Style
Not only is she a fashion illustrator, she’s also a beauty expert, a style maven, a content creator, and, as of March 28, an author. After collaborating with Dallas Shaw for months, beginning with a trip to the Anthony Cristiano Salon followed by NYFW, we sat down with Dallas to learn a little more about her.
ON HER CAREER
PHYTO PARIS: How did you begin your career as an illustrator?
DS: I interned with Disney through college and then moved to Orlando after graduation to work in the animation building. You can see a little bit of my love for the company and my training in the lines of every fashion illustration to date. It was when the company transitioned to digital that I began my transition into fashion and lifestyle.
PHYTO PARIS: What is your advice to young and aspiring content creators and illustrators?
DS: Practice daily, don't let the no's sway your drive, and remain authentic and genuine throughout. Within that advice, only take on projects you feel are authentic to you and your goals, otherwise you’re likely to go down a path that isn't true to your own style.
ON BEAUTY
PHYTO PARIS: What was your first impression of PHYTO Paris?
DS: I thought ‘cool industrial packaging, but does it work?’ At the time I had heard of the brand and knew they were a staple but I had only tried a few of their products, mainly the masks. I didn't realize how life-changing hair treatments could be until I worked with PHYTO Paris on this project and now I'm a lifer. Now that I care for my hair the same way I treat my skin, my hair has gotten stronger, shinier, and overall easier to manage. I've actually started using the correct products - not just using products for the sake of it.
PHYTO PARIS: Tell us about your morning skincare and haircare routines.
DS: I use Joanna Vargas’ cleanser, followed by Fresh’s black tea moisturizer and eye cream as well as Sunday Riley’s face oils throughout the day as a refresher on my skin. As far as my haircare routine goes, the PHYTO Paris team were kind enough to teach me what works best for my hair. To begin with, I use Phytopolléine Scalp Treatment, Phytokératine Extrême Shampoo and Mask, Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray, which I absolutely LOVE, and then Phytokératine Extrême Cream.
I style my hair all the time for photoshoots and interviews, which is why I prefer to air-dry my hair when I’m not working just to let it rest whenever possible. After my photoshoots, I love to detox my hair with Phytoneutre Clarifying Detox Shampoo to remove product build-up and I like to use the Phytokératine Extrême Mask often to repair any damage caused by the heat styling.
PHYTO PARIS: Can you talk about one PHYTO Paris product that you can't live without?
DS: Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray. Life-changing. Trust me.
ON STYLE
PHYTO PARIS: In your book, The Way She Wears It, you talk about personal style and embracing your uniqueness. What is your signature style and hair look?
DS: My hair is naturally wavy so I like to wear my hair down with a loose, but messy wave. I feel the most comfortable when I allow my hair to be in its natural state!
PHYTO PARIS: Give us your best advice on how to find your own style.
DS: Don’t let the trends make you, trends should be used more like guidelines. Always remember to put your own body first, look at other people with a similar body type as yours and go from there. Also, take a look at what’s already in your closet, you might find renewed value in something old. Your style defines who you are but it shouldn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. To quote myself: good design is good design no matter what the price tag.
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