Makeup Mondays With Mario: Turn Back Time

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

Hello Mario,

I find as I get older, my skin needs a lot more coverage and does not have as much luster. Is there a specific product that could help because if I use too much concealer, I look too made up and if I use too much highlighter, it is not smooth looking - and too much glitter on older skin just doesn't look good. Can you recommend some products to use to cover and give the appearance of smooth maturing skin? I am going to turn 42 next month and I am a single mother of a 19-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son and I feel I have lost my shine....please help!

Regards,
Sue

Hi Sue,

I get asked this question a lot from women! As our skin changes with age naturally, the makeup you wear should change as well and same goes for your skin care regimen. Start with your skin products first because it can make a huge difference. Use anti-aging, lifting and collagen-boosting products and always use a rich eye cream like the Eye Balm Intense by La Mer.

For foundation, I recommend you go with a liquid like DiorSkin Sculpt Line-Smoothing Lifting Makeup SPF 20. It covers nicely, contains light-reflecting crystals and gives a glow to the skin. Just blend it well and make sure that the color is a perfect match. If your skin is dry, you can skip powder all together or apply a little loose powder to set the t-zone. For concealer, it's important again to use a liquid and one with anti-wrinkle or lifting properties. A great one is Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector by Maybelline.

To finish off your face, I think every woman should use a makeup setting spray or even Evian spray, especially if you use powder. There are so many out there that are amazing! One of my favorites is 10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray by Motives. Apply it right after you finish your makeup and throughout the day to refresh your makeup and keep you glowing.

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Philosophy Box of Miracles Anti-Aging Skin Care Trio Available at QVC

Be the first to try philosophy's new Box of Miracles Anti-Aging Skin Care Trio -  a "miraculous antiaging trio designed to give you intensely smooth, luminous, ageless skin" - that is exclusive to QVC until June 1, 2010.

Who is it for: Anyone concerned with multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, and rough texture.

Why is it different: philosophy's box of miracles includes a miraculous antiaging trio that provides renewed promise to a complexion with unwanted wrinkles, dehydration, and rough texture. The miracle worker collection addresses the visible signs of aging. Regular use of the concentrate and moisturizer will help improve skin's elasticity and firmness, increase skin's moisture, and support skin's vitality for a firm, radiant result. The set also includes purity made simple one-step facial cleanser.

How to use it: At the end of each day or at the beginning of each morning, take a small amount of purity made simple with a little water, and massage onto skin for 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse. Apply one to two pumps of miracle worker miraculous anti-aging concentrate to clean, dry skin prior to moisturizer. Apply miracle worker miraculous antiaging moisturizer after cleansing and treatment as a nighttime or daytime moisturizer.

The Box of Miracles Anti-Aging Skin Care Trio includes:
1-oz miracle worker antiaging concentrate - exclusive to QVC until 6/1/10!
2-oz miracle worker miraculous antiaging moisturizer
8-oz purity made simple cleanser

Retail Value: $137.00
QVC Special Price: $69.96

And tune in to QVC for philosophy - beauty:
Friday, April 9, 2010 from 11 p.m. – Midnight ET
Saturday, April 10, 2010 from Midnight – 1 a.m., 7 – 8 a.m., Noon – 2 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m. ET

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Okay, I'm about to get honest…real honest. As a beauty expert, it pains me to admit this, but I just started using eye cream. I know, I know…31 is a little late to the crows feet prevention partay. But I'm lazy, and I'm especially bad at regularly applying skin care products – particularly ones that are preventative and don't yield immediate results. Besides, my parents are pushing 60 and they don't have wrinkles, so I've been betting on good genes.

But I recently discovered an eye cream that has made me change my ways. Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is amazing. Chock full of avocado, beta carotene and shea buttery goodness, it moisturizes the delicate eye area without migrating into eyes or irritating; even those with sensitive skin will love this product. It has a creamy, concentrated texture that skin just drinks up – so you need not worry about it sitting on top of skin or interfering with makeup application. All of the above benefits are fine and good, but here's what I love about the eye cream: when you rub it in, it releases a cool burst of water. It's so cool…if Bill Nye The Science Guy did a beauty segment on his show, this would totally be one of the products he'd highlight.

Every time I apply Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, I look forward to that slight splash of water. It never gets old for me, and that's what keeps me applying every day. So despite my laziness, I'm using my love of gimmicks to help me beat crow's feet.

I can't believe my eye cream. It's fantabulous...and you're gonna love it too!

Sponsored Post: Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer

philosophy miracle worker miraculous anti-aging moisturizer is a new skin care savior that boasts the highest level of antioxidants of any philosophy moisturizer. The satiny formula leaves skin feeling soft, while it helps strengthen skin’s natural rejuvenation potential to guard against signs of aging. All this while it helps protect against free radical attack.

Want to try it? philosophy is providing a free deluxe sample of the new eye hope advanced anti-aging eye cream (2 ml) with any purchase of the philosophy miracle worker miraculous anti-aging moisturizer. The offer will be valid through March 1. Use code ageless to take advantage.

Olay Total Effects Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash Reader Review

Hello, friends! Remember the fabulous giveaway I hosted a few weeks ago where one lucky reader got a chance to try Olay's new Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash (available in two formulas: Deep Penetrating Moisture and Exfoliate and Replenish)? Well, the winner wrote back about her prize, and I wanted to share her review with all of you. So without further ado...

Although initially unimpressed with the Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging bottles (which look like they were left in the sun too long and yellowed) and the scent (which is heavily floral), once I squeezed some of the Deep Penetrating Moisture body wash into my hand, I was enthused. The body wash is thick, reminding me of conditioner rather than liquid soap, and applied smoothly with very little lather, like a silky lotion. My skin immediately felt softer and more elastic, changes that lasted through toweling dry and were still noticeable 12 hours later. I convinced one of my family members to product test with me, and she agreed that the scent, though not offensive, was not particularly pleasant and thought that the body wash had a remarkably creamy texture and left her skin well hydrated.

The Exfoliate and Replenish body wash was less heavily scented, a definite improvement, but I was dissatisfied with the micro-derm beads, considering them to be too smooth for proper exfoliation. Since they are suspended in a cream similar to the Deep Penetrating Moisture, my skin still received a boost of hydration, though not as much. However, my fellow product tester was much more impressed. She found the smell pleasant, thought the body wash had just the right amount of beads that delivered gentle exfoliation and reported that her skin felt soft after use.

Of the two, the Deep Penetrating Moisture variety was definitely my preference, though I wish Olay would tone down the scent a bit. My skin was noticeably softer and smoother for almost 24 hours, which is a great victory over dry winter skin. -Erin

Thanks for your honest review, Erin! To read my review, click here.

Winner of the Olay Giveaway

Congrats to InABox, winner of the Olay giveaway! InABox will receive Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash (in both formulas: Deep Penetrating Moisture and Exfoliate and Replenish), so that she can report back in a review that will be included in an upcoming Spoiled Pretty post.

Thanks to everyone who entered. Check back tomorrow, when I'll announce another fabulous giveaway.

Giveaway: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash

Lemme ask you a question. How many anti-aging products are in your bathroom cabinet right now? Okay, humor me by answering another question. Of those anti-aging serums, creams and treatments – how many are for your body and how many are for your face?

A-ha! Exactly as I thought. When it comes to a woman's appearance, certain parts of the body (like the neck, décolletage, hands, arms and knees) are most prone to visible signs of aging. Yet most women spend a disproportionate amount of time and money caring for their facial skin. This isn't to say that you shouldn't take care of your face; it is the first thing that others see when they meet you. But a well-maintained face cannot disguise your age if your body is looking like straight-up Crypt Keeper.

Luckily for you, me and the millions of women who have been putting all of their proverbial eggs in one anti-aging basket, Olay is launching the new Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash. The body wash is an all-in-one product that provides seven age-fighting benefits for the body:

• Improves elasticity
• Relieves dryness
• Deeply moisturizes
• Brightens dull skin
• Evens skin tone
• Smoothes rough skin
• Minimizes appearance of dry lines

Olay recently conducted a study in which the impact of body skin’s appearance was explored in relations to perception of age. The study concluded that:

• Regardless of the appearance of facial skin, if body skin is maintained well a woman can look up to 10 years younger;
• Body skin is just as important as facial skin for positive age perception; and
• Skin care technology for anti-aging is proven to benefit body skin.

Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash (available in two formulas: Deep Penetrating Moisture and Exfoliate and Replenish) won't show up in stores until February 2010, but I got my hands on some advanced samples, and they’ve become staples in my shower. I particularly love how the Deep Penetrating Moisture quenches my winter-ravaged skin; the creamy formula and rich lather is a nice treat. The smell is also divine, subtly clinging to the skin post-shower.

This week, one lucky Spoiled Pretty reader will get the chance to shower their way to younger, more radiant skin. Olay will provide the winner with two bottles of the Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash (one of each formula). The winner will write a review of the product, which will be included in an upcoming Spoiled Pretty post.

To enter the contest, leave a message in the comments section. Contest open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. Good luck!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Launches Skin Care Line

Anastasia Soare, the Definitive Brow and Eye Expert, introduces two new skin care products to the popular Anastasia Beverly Hills line. Following the success of her cosmetics line, Anastasia debuted the Line Erasing Serum in August. This lightweight serum is designed for all skin types and promises to soothe, soften, hydrate and lift your eyes without fillers or invasive surgery.

In January 2010, the second skin care product – Sheer Moisture Crème SPF 30 – will launch exclusively at Nordstrom.

Line Erasing Serum ($45) is now available at Sephora and anastasia.net.

ANSR Too Cool For School Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Giselle Espinosa, winner of the ANSR Giveaway!!!

Giselle will soon receive the ANSR: Acne Care Kit ($185). Along with the BEAM (a handheld and portable photo light therapy device), the kit includes PREP, an exfoliating cleanser, DAY, a protective moisturizer that helps prevent blemish outbreaks, and NIGHT, a concentrated gel that treats blemishes overnight.

Many thanks to ANSR: for sponsoring this contest, and to all of you who entered. Stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway!

ANSR Too Cool For School Giveaway

This school year, head back to the hallways with the best-looking skin in the building. Whether you’re a freshman in high school or a college professor, a law school student or a nursery school teacher, ANSR: has the solution with its two amazing skincare kits, which target the biggest skin woes, no matter what age.

ANSR:’s development team has harnessed the effectiveness of photo light therapy into the BEAM, a handheld, portable device that uses both red and blue photo light therapy to treat your skin – doing more than any other device out on the market and for a fraction of the cost of similar spa treatments. The blue light helps destroy impurities beneath the skin, and the red light penetrates deeply to rejuvenate the skin and stimulates collagen growth to improve skin tone and texture and reduce redness.

ANSR: also developed accompanying topical solutions to create two separate kits targeting different focuses – anti-aging or acne treatment:

If you are troubled by acneic skin, your ANSR: is the Acne Care Kit ($185). Along with the BEAM, the kit includes PREP, an exfoliating cleanser, DAY, a protective moisturizer that helps prevent blemish outbreaks, and NIGHT, a concentrated gel that treats blemishes overnight. Together, the BEAM and the topicals create an easy-to-follow skin regimen that will have your skin looking better in no time. $185

If you’re concerned about fighting the signs of aging, your ANSR: is the Skin Rejuvenation Kit ($195). In addition to the BEAM, this kit includes SERUM, an advanced formula that combines powerful antioxidants, botanicals and vitamins to rejuvenate skin texture and tone. You’ll be mistaken for a student in less than a semester.

This week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with ANSR and one lucky winner will receive the kit of his/her choice!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name, mailing address, and which kit you would like (Acne Care or Skin Rejuvenation). The subject line should read "ANSR Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Wednesday, September 16th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Thursday, September 17th, I'll announce the winner's name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. residents.

Good luck!

Shu Uemura Red:Juvenus

Using the power and energy of red, shu uemura introduces a breakthrough technology in red:juvenus, a skin beauty program that that goes beyond prevention to visibly correct signs of aging.

Believing the flow of essential elements such as energy, water and nutrients at the cellular level is vital to maintaining and creating flawless skin, shu uemura empowered each of the line’s
five products with its proprietary Phyto-Red Energy Complex. Comprised of three key red and powerful ingredients, Amalaki, Pomegranate and Lycopene Capsule 2X, this high performance
innovation fights fine lines, wrinkles and large pores while improving skin’s elasticity, texture, clarity and radiance.

The red: juvenus line includes:

Vitalizing Refining Lotion ($40) – A light feeling textured lotion that contains Hibiscus Flower extract helps to renew and refine the look of skin’s surface. Spreads quickly for deep penetration into skin layers, to retain moisture content. Skin feels moisturized, looks energized, smooth, refined and radiant. Use after cleansing.

Intense Revitalizing Concentrate ($85) – A vitalizing, translucent gel concentrate that contains the highest concentration of the Phyto-Red Energy complex within the range. Skin looks energized and with the help of Dipeptide, elastin fibers are protected and the loss of skin
elasticity is limited. Use after the lotion.

Vitalizing Retexturizing Emulsion ($75) – A retexturizing emulsion that enwraps skin with long-lasting moisture. Skin surface becomes refined and smooth. Enriched with Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid, the emulsion softens and plumps the skin with moisture. Use after
essence.

Vitalizing Retexturizing Cream ($65) – A retexturizing gel-cream that nourishes and hydrates the skin with selected lipophilic agents such as lecithin and cholesterol. With Meadowfoam
Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid, the cream comfortably spreads on the skin and envelopes it to keep it soft and moisturized.

Vitalizing Line-Reducing Eye Essence ($65) – A gentle eye essence to reduce the appearance of fine lines, first wrinkles and dark circles. Enhanced with caffeine, the eye essence helps promote a healthy looking glow. Its fresh, light texture leaves the delicate eye area moist and smoothes
without a filmy residue.

Hissyfit Giveaway

Not much makes me happier than giving away my favorite beauty products. So without further ado, I present another Spoiled Pretty giveaway!

This week, I'm partnering with Hissyfit, an Australian line that straddles makeup and skincare. The products deliver 3-in-1 treatment benefits in the form of powerful anti-aging, advanced sun protection and luxurious formulations that wear comfortably and smell divine!

Two lucky readers will win:

Lip Service Anti-Aging Lip Balm: This feather-light lip balm with SPF 50+ broad spectrum protection is the perfect skincare and cosmetic product in one. Wear it alone for gorgeous, glossy, natural lips. Or layer over your favorite lipstick for a soft, supple kissable finish.

Body Double Anti-Aging Body Moisturizer: This advanced natural body lotion provides intense hydration, beautiful fragrance (think a delicate blend of vanilla, almond, orange and grapefruit) and SPF 30+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Hissyfit Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Tuesday, August 11th. Two winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Wednesday, August 12th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. residents.

Good luck!

Bloggers Take Manhattan

Please forgive me, peeps, for I have no time to do what I do.

I'm in NYC for the annual Daily Makeover Beauty Bloggerati conference - and it's been makeup, skincare and hair 24-7. So please forgive the lack of posts lately. But while I'm on here apologizing, I might as well tell you what I've been up to. I'm so tired, I'm about to pass out. But here are some quick highlights...

If you haven't tasted the crispy fried chicken, basilicious mozzarella sticks or fruit embellished fro-yo dessert at Mad For Chicken (formerly BonChon), you have not lived. Thanks for the tip, Erika.

Daily Makeover's site is about to get a makeover. Can't be too specific, but their new content and tools are going to blow your beauty-loving mind.

Had delish lunch at the Estee Lauder offices and finally met all of the PR girls I talk to ten times a day. All of the brands (which include an impressive lineup: MAC, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Tommy Hilfiger, Jo Malone, and more) are very interested in learning more about the Beauty Bloggerati and how they can better work with us.

Our Columbus Circle beauty crawl went a little like this:

*Fell a little more in luvre with Kiehl's. Told everyone within earshot about my obsession with their Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion; I think I converted many of my fellow bloggers into fans. Then we were all introduced to Kiehl's new Sunflower Oil hair products; the shampoo smells yummy fantastic - like fresh apricot. We also got the skinny on the new Rare Earth line, created for acne-prone and greasy gals like yours truly. They sent me home with samples, so look for reviews soon.

*Lancome is the freaking bomb. We were greeted with champagne, heavenly cupcakes and veritable wonderland of makeup. I had an opportunity to play around with their fall 2009 collection and chat up celebrity makeup artist, Andrew Sotomayor...who has the BEST SKIN EVER. No joke. You could inspect his face with a high powered microscope and not find one pore. And the kind folks at Lancome sent us all home with a bag of goodies, including the Oscillation Powerbooster mascara primer and new Hypnose Drama mascara - which, together, are TO DIE!

*L'Occitane has this amazing anti-aging skincare product, called Divine Cream, that will hit shelves September 16th. I smoothed some on my hand and the texture was truly divine. L'Occitane don't lie.

*I wish Philadelphia had a Space NK store. Really, every city should have at least one. It smelled so damn good inside and they had some mellow Marvin Gaye on the stereo...I just didn't want to leave. What I love about Space NK is the diverse range of brand offerings. I consider myself a beauty savant, and there were products and lines that I've never heard of. Can you even?

*If there's a store where I want one of everything, it's Fresh. I seriously don't think you can go wrong with anything they sell. My new fave Fresh products are the Brown Sugar Body Scrub and Body Cream. It's like a 1-2 punch to your flaky epidermis. Exfoliate with the scrub and then moisturize with the cream and you'll swear that you got bumped to the top of the skin transplant list. The transformation is unbelievable!

Attended the What Not To Wear premiere party at the Ted Gibson Salon, to celebrate Ted's new gig as the show's resident hair guru. Briefly chatted up Jason Backe and congratulated him on the oodles of magazines he's been quoted in these last few months. I love me some Ted and Jason...dolls, the both of them. They deserve all of the success coming their way.

Me, Amber and Marta at Revlon dinner

Dinner with Revlon at Almond was ab fab. The steak frites I ordered was un(freaking)real. Plus, we got up close and personal with some of their newest products. In the middle of my meal, I applied their Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick...and it still looked perfect when I returned to my room at the ACE Hotel 2 hours later.

Okay, losing consciousness now. I'll check in again as soon as I can. You might have to wait a lil longer than a New York minute...but it will be worth it.

BeingTRUE Giveaway

Originating from the spa industry in 2004, BeingTRUE pioneered the vision of offering performance products and spa services that deliver both wellness experience and dermatological results – coexisting in color cosmetics, skin and body care.

This week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with BeingTRUE for an extra special giveaway. What makes it ab fab is that everyone is a winner!

One lucky lass will win:

* Pure Lip Color (3 shades - total retail value: $66): Get the perfect pout with creamy, full-coverage pure lip color. With hints of peppermint oil and caffeine, our lip colors accentuate the natural fullness of lips while helping to decrease fine lines. Exotic orchid extract, vitamin E and green tea add antioxidant protection while Shea butter and lotus flower extract, hydrate and soothe.

* Cream Blush (3 shades - total retail value: $66): Experience an all-natural radiant glow and a soft dewy finish with skin conditioning cream blush. Featuring castor oil and vitamin E to moisturize and protect, wear our cream blush alone for sheer color or use as a base for powder blush.

* Satin Lip Shine (3 shades - total retail value: $60): Luxe color meets sophisticated shine with satin lip shine. Created to coat with a glistening satin finish for color and depth, these lip shines contain an infusion of peppermint oil, caffeine and exotic antioxidants to accentuate the natural fullness of lips and hydrate while helping to decrease fine lines.

* Eye Shadow (3 shades - total retail value: $48): Get flirty with triple-milled eye shadow cache. Designed to enhance eyes with color and dimension, the shades are available in a range of modern colors and desirable textures – matte, natural and shimmer created with oil-free binders that inhibit shadow creasing.

* Energy Work Active Body Peel ($42): This multi-active resurfacer hits tired, dull or discolored skin below the neck to leave you feeling newborn—never scrubbed or scoured. Silken in form, it releases Salicylic Microcapsules upon massage that act quickly to reveal a smoother, younger, far fresher touch and appearance. Skin looks as alive as you feel, now energized by therapeutic essential oils that recharge.

* Moisture + Repair Anti-Aging Body Cream ($38): Formulated to dramatically boost and bind skin’s moisture to plump, smooth and soften. Rose Hip Seed Oil aids in the production of collagen while Green Tea, White Tea and Vitamin E provide antioxidant protection for a total makeover.

* Anti-Aging Youth Revealing Complex ($110): Return skin to its smoother, more youthful-looking self in a matter of weeks with the anti-aging youth revealing complex. Powered by Idebenone, a cosmeceutical and multifunctional antioxidant clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, this revolutionary product is packed with ceramides and essential skin lipids to act as a powerful skin revitalizer. Decrease the appearance of aging- clinical studies prove visible results of 27% in just 6 weeks - without the irritation found in most active de-agers.

This BeingTrue prize package is worth a whopping $430!

If you can't wait until next week for the winner to be announced, you're in luck. Shop 'til you drop at beingtrue.com, and take 25% off your purchase! Simply enter SPOILEDPRETTY at checkout.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "BeingTRUE Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Wednesday, June 24th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Thursday, June 25th, I'll announce the winner's name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.

Good luck!