Q&A with Leading Ladies of Jerseylicious

Early this spring, I heard about a soon-to-air show on the Style Network called Jerseylicious. After MTV’s Jersey Shore (I didn’t watch it, but Snooki and the gang were everywhere – right?), I was all Jersey’d out. But then I remembered how much fun the Real Housewives of New Jersey were with their cattiness and table-flipping shenanigans, so I decided to give this new show a chance. It had, after all, three big things working in its favor:

a) Jerseylicious is a reality show. I’m not going to argue with you about how real these reality shows actually are, but whatever the case, I happen to love reality programming. 75% of my TV lineup is reality...and I find it very entertaining.

b) Jerseylicious centers around the staff at Gatsby Salon in Green Brook, NJ. You obviously know how I feel about beauty, so tuning in was a no-brainer.

c) I like it when people add 'licious' to the end of words.

Since March, Jerseylicious has become must see TV for me on Sunday nights (along with Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane). I love the cast’s crazy antics and over-the-top, to the next level Garden State style. To celebrate the Jerseylicious season finale on May 9, Spoiled Pretty scored interviews with the leading ladies of Jerseylicious: Tracy DiMarco, Olivia Blois Sharpe and Alexa Prisco.

Tracy is an up-and-coming hairstylist who has achieved success after less than two years in the business. Not only is she Olivia's arch enemy, Tracy is also currently dating Olivia’s ex-boyfriend. Sparks usually fly whenever this "gangsta at heart" is around.

SP: When did your fascination with fashion and beauty begin?
TD: When I was really little I used to do hair on the playground at recess and at summer camp! I was a little hustler charging kids lunch money to braid their hair!

SP: What is your everyday beauty routine?
TD: Wake up, shower, blow out my hair, curl it, tease it, clip in extensions…GO!

SP: What techniques, products and tools do you use to style your hair? And how long does it take, from start to finish?
TD: TEASING COMB (very important!) and CHI Helmet Head Hairspray! Start to finish takes about an hour. =)

SP: If you could give Olivia a hair makeover, how would you style it?
TD: I would fuse extensions into her hair. She was very fine thin frizzy hair with POTENTIAL to be nice, but she needs work to add thickness, volume, and curls.

SP: I thought you looked gorgeous after your Warren Tricomi make-under. Why were you so quick to revert back to your signature look?
TD: Like I said, 3 things I’ll never give up: 1) teasing my hair, 2) having "cat eye" eyeliner and 3) boys. VERY IMPORTANT TO ME! And when they ripped the tease out, my heart skipped a few beats!!!! But thank you! You are very sweet!

SP: If you could style hair at New York Fashion Week for one designer, who would it be and why?
TD: It would have been Alexander McQueen, his style was unbelievable, he was such a risk taker and true to himself. I am very upset that I will never be able to work with him after all of our loss! It was very upsetting because he was so insanely talented and he thought outside the box and that’s what I like…being different. He was the definition of different…but now if I had to style hair for someone, it would be Betsey Johnson because she is such a free spirit and fun-loving designer. Her style is off the charts and I know I’d be able to go crazy and do the crazy over the top hairstyling I’ve always wanted to do!

SP: What was your most embarrassing fashion or beauty moment?
TD: When I said that I didn’t like black and blue and they showed my outfit on the first episode…I meant NAVYYYYYYYYYYYYYY BLUE and black! Ha ha…oh well - what am I gonna do about it now?!

SP: What’s the best beauty tip/secret you’ve ever heard?
TD: Deep conditioning treatments...those are HAIR LIFESAVERS. I can’t live without them with all the damage I do to my hair between teasing, curling, and hairspraying! Haha

SP: What is one Jersey stereotype you hate?
TD: That we are bimbos or slutty. We are not…we just have confidence and are risky enough to not wear what everyone think we should wear. We have minds of our own and were not afraid to use them!

SP: Define "Jersey style."
TD: Confident, sexy, unique, wild, classy & unique! We know what we like and we don’t make excuses for it!

Olivia is a young makeup artist who attracts drama wherever she goes - but now she's ready to prove she has what it takes to make a name for herself. Olivia's ultimate goal is to run her own fabulous salon, with zebra-stripe chairs, a runway down the middle and a full-service bar.

SP: When did your fascination with fashion and beauty begin?
OS: I've honestly been really into fashion and beauty since I was a little girl. I would use markers as makeup on my Barbies and I’ve always been very obsessive and excessive with clothes. Even when I went through a tomboy phase (yes, that’s right, I went through a tomboy phase) when I was in elementary school, I always needed to have whatever was in. I remember I would always beg my parents for the new 'IT' shoes, or jeans, or toys, whatever the case was, and they would always have to go on hunts to find it. I always wanted the hardest things to get. I think I’ve always loved being on my A-game when it came to style and glam.

SP: What is your everyday beauty routine and how long does it take?
OBS: I take a lot of time on my makeup. Especially my eyes. I’ve gotten a lot faster (thank god) but I just really love having a smokey eye...whether it’s a little smokey or full blown smoketabulous. And I always wing out my eyeliner. I use a cream pot eyeliner with a brush. It’s the best way to apply a perfect precise wing that lasts. My eye makeup does NOT move. I can wake up in the morning and go out with my eye makeup from the night before if I wanted because it still looks perfect.

SP: What are the five beauty products that you can't live without right now?
OBS: NARS Casino Bronzer, MAC Gaga or Snob lipstick, C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine, HIP black cream pot eyeliner, Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus, and MAC vanilla pigment. Wait was that more then 5? I still have more though! Oops.

SP: If you could only use one brand of makeup for life, which would it be?
OBS: MAC…duh! Zero hesitation.

SP: If you could give Tracy a makeover, how would you do her makeup?
OBS: Strip her of her spray tan and then give her a great smokey eye, and cut/contour her cheekbones and give her a great cheek highlight, and add some color to her lips because the color she wears is too pale.

SP: You were stunning after your Warren Tricomi make-under. Why were you so quick to revert back to your signature look?
OBS: Just like you said, because that is my signature look. I’m me, and no one is ever going to change me. I love the way I dress and I feel comfortable this way. I’m not an older woman, I’m not from California...I’m a young 22 year old girl from jersey, and my look is perfect for me.

SP: What’s the secret to your deep, dark tan?
OBS: I tan at least once a week. And as soon as summer rolls around I’m at the beach almost every day (where I overdose in oil). I also use NARS casino bronzer. I hate spray tans. It feels so gross to me.

SP: What’s up with your nails? Why are you so attached to the long, Acrylic manicure?
OBS: I’ve had my long nails since I was 16. They just kinda got longer and longer as time progressed. They have become a part of me and a part of my personality. I freaked out when they took them off on the show because I felt like I was being stripped of my physical personality that I love so much.

SP: What was your most embarrassing fashion or beauty moment?
OBS: I wear these jelly-like bra inserts, I call them chicken cutlets (because that’s what they look like). Anyways, I was dancing at a club when one of them flew out of my bra. I knew that I had lost one when I looked down at my chest and saw that I had one noticeably larger/perkier boob...just then the lights in the club went on and the DJ made an announcement how he had gotten hit in the head by a fake plastic boob. Then to make matters worse, my girl ran up to the DJ booth yelling, "Oh, that’s my friend's!" and then ran it back to me in front of everyone. I smiled at the crowed, shoved it back into my bra, and continued to dance.

SP: What’s the best beauty tip/secret you’ve ever heard?
OBS: To use rubbing alcohol to put your broken eye shadows back together!

SP: I live in Philadelphia – so if I came across the bridge to The Gatsby for a Jerseylicious makeover, how would you do my makeup?
OBS: Honey, you would leave that salon looking fabulously bronzed, glamorously smokey eyed, and feeling extremely confident!

SP: What is one Jersey stereotype you hate?
OBS: I hate when we're referred to as 'The Dirty Jerz'. We are so clean! New Jersey actually has really strict sanitation laws. Pedicurists aren't even allowed to use those razor file things on clients! It's against NJ laws! Haha! I learned that in cosmetology (beauty) school.

SP: Define “Jersey style.”
OBS: Loud, over the top, flashy, and most importantly...confident! Confidence is the key to a true Jersey look.

The Glam Fairy, Alexa, has a successful business doing makeup for Jersey brides on weekends. Alexa is not a fan of the stereotypically Jersey look; she feels bare midriffs, designer knockoffs and fake boobs give "real" Jersey girls like her a bad name.

SP: When did your fascination with beauty begin?
AP: My fascination with beauty began when I was very young. The answer "I was playing with my mom's lipstick" is almost a cliché answer when a makeup artist is asked... so to stray from the cliché I will say that that, ultimately, there is an insane source of gratification when you watch a woman look in the mirror after you transformer her. A sense of accomplishment - a sense of pride - and ultimately an understanding that you have the capacity - through your artistry to potentially change the way a person feels about themselves. Now my being cognitive of the ability at an older age and at a younger age simply being happy making someone else happy is basically all umbrella'ed so to speak under that philosophy.

SP: What is your everyday beauty routine?
AP: It’s hard to believe, but every day I am not a glamazon. I like to let my skin breathe. So, typically, I do about two coats of Crème de la Mer, throw on a baseball hat, and put together a cute outfit. When I really "unleash my inner glamazon - so to speak - I do it all out so, my skin definitely needs to breathe when it can. So every day, it’s just a bunch of hydration and rhinestones on my wrists to distract.

SP: When did you start doing wedding makeup?
AP: I started doing wedding makeup when I was about 20 so that was maybe eight years ago and I started my business six years ago. However I have been doing regular makeup as long as I have been able to hold a brush.

SP: What is your favorite thing about doing wedding makeup?
AP: Hahaha...aside from transforming the bride, I love feeling like Jambi from Pee Wee's Play House. I mean there is almost a skeleton that you can apply to nearly every bridal "morning" - the bagels, every door bell ring and the bring wondering who it is when of course it’s a sequence of the florist, the neighbor, the aunt, the photographer, and then the limo. Oh, and of course the infamous "gift" from the groom that always seems to come in before I seal in the makeup!

SP: What products are staples in your Glam Fairy makeup kit?
AP: Silicone base primer, sealer and Xanax – really. I like a great eye base like Urban Decay Primer Potion. Lots of various textures, finishes, and colors of eye shadows. MAC PowerPoint pencils because they are waterproof and fabulous for the bride. I could go on and on.

SP: What are your top three tips to brides doing their own makeup on their big day?
AP: 1) Ask yourself why your fiancé has probably 1-5 unnecessary toys that he didn’t ask you if it was okay to buy. 2) Understand that you are not a makeup artist. 3) Just like the groom will not review with you all the "purchases" he makes at the bachelor party, you too have the ability to treat yourself – it’s only your WEDDING DAY! And call the Glam Fairy! Sell his quad and PlayStation and book your makeup with moi!

SP: What is one Jersey stereotype you hate?
AP: Oh god...the fact that we are continuously stereotyped! I mean this is bordering discrimination. What the hell do I have in common with someone that has five W's in their name? Nothing. I run a business, I listen to Phil Collins. I don’t share living spaces with people EVER...especially not "down the shore" (it’s just idiotic...that is peak season for weddings). I mean I hate that we are stereotyped. Is it possible that a person can live in Jersey and be a successful business woman? I feel like a rare exhibit at the MOMA.

SP: Define "Jersey style."
AP: Jersey Style is just understanding who and what you are and realizing that no matter what you wear your personality, aura, and presence are the absolute key in making you sparkle in a room. And that very ability can happen in sweats or little black dress. It’s just about rockin' it!

Interview With François Nars

NARS is one of my all-time favorite brands – and if you’re a lover of makeup, it's probably high on your list too. Whenever I visit Sephora, I never do a lap before committing to a location. My first stop is always the NARS counter.

I'll never forget the time when my sister and I were shopping at the local mall and she started to get cranky; I'm a shopper of Olympic proportions, whereas she starts to tire after just a few hours. So when we stopped by Sephora, I bought her NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Rated R and it calmed her right down. That's the power of NARS, people.

Recently, my girl Amber scored an exclusive interview with the legendary François Nars. Did you know that his most-used makeup item is NARS Cosmetics Satin Lipstick in Honolulu Honey – which just so happens to be celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic's go-to nude lipstick?

For more dishy deets on François Nars, like how he creates a smoky eye and the inspiration behind the Schiap lipstick and nail polish shade, visit dailymakeover.com.

Related Articles:

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Top 7 Spring Beauty Trends

Get The Look: Fresh-Faced At The Oscars

Best Oscars 2010 Hairstyles and Beauty Trends

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Nearly There

New York Fashion Week: L.A.M.B., Fall 2010

My girl Megan McIntyre of Daily Makeover scored an exclusive interview with Gwen Stefani, backstage at the L.A.M.B. Fall 2010 Fashion Week show.

Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Week started today, and Daily Makeover kicked it off backstage at L.A.M.B. with designer Gwen Stefani. She gave us an exclusive look into what inspires her, how she creates that fab red lip (girlfriend does her own makeup!) and what beauty look her husband can’t get enough of.

What inspired the beauty look for the L.A.M.B. show?
The collection is based on a vintage, naughty, Hollywood starlet girl, a little bit of a modern, futuristic girl and a little bit of a soldier girl. I found these Ellen von Unwerth pictures with black makeup and the dark lips [that I loved] so we’re going to do the hair very set, vintage and glamorous with a lot of bangs.

The thing that I’ve learned is that you have an inspiration, you have a picture, an idea and it just evolves into what it’s going to be. You don’t consider when you come up with three ideas for a theme that you’re going to have a blizzard, a baby with an ear infection and the Chinese new year, but at the end of the day the creative process of having that pressure and that drama means you come up with things you normally wouldn’t. I can’t wait to see it all together. For me, it’s all about that part with the music and seeing the girls.

Red lips are a big beauty trend we’re seeing for Fall 2010. The red lipstick look is already one of your trademarks!
I just love when things that I love come back into style. I don’t have one specific red lipstick that I use. MAC’s sponsoring the show today, so [lead makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury] put a mixture of four different reds on me. I know she definitely used Russian Red. I tend to go more for the blue-reds than the orange-reds–I think they look better on me.

My husband [musician Gavin Rossdale] actually really likes [red lips] so whenever I don’t wear them he’s like “Wait, where are the lips?” So I like that Hollywood glamorous look and I always have and always will…I’m kind of stuck in my own ways.

Related Daily Makeover Links:

• Nailing The Nude Nail
• In The Navy
• Valentine's Day Makeup

Image: © Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Lilliana Vazquez Q&A: Looking Chic On The Cheap

I've often said that – even if I was a multi-millionaire – I'd still be clipping coupons, scouring the Internet for promo codes and making beelines for clearance racks. Deal-hunting gives me a sense of control in a world full of chaos - and one of the best recessionista resources is The Cheap Chica's Guide To Style, a website that shines a spotlight on high fashion at low prices.

For me, bargain shopping is more than just a hobby. It's a way of life. And as with any endeavor, practice makes perfect. So I was thrilled to chat up the blogger behind Cheap Chicas (and fellow Philadelphian), Lilliana Vazquez, and pick her brain about how to dress luxe for less.

Read on for Lilliana's tips on looking fabulous within the framework of your own figure, budget, and lifestyle.

SP: When did you first fall in love with fashion and beauty?
LV: My mom says out of the womb...even when I couldn't talk she says I had a say in what I wore!

SP: What was your first big break as a style expert?
LV: My first time on air at FOX4 in Dallas was my biggest break early on...since then I've turned it into a regular gig on NBC 10 in Philadelphia where I'm their fashion and style correspondent.

SP: What is your style philosophy?
LV: I'm all about mixing. High and low, plaids and prints, pearls and denim. I love using unexpected pairings to create a look that's unique and interesting and NOT predictable. Oh and style has nothing to do with money or labels...you can look just as good in head to toe thrift as you can in couture.

SP: What is the most treasured item in your closet?
LV: My Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap Bag...it's my most prized possession!

SP: If you could spend the day with one fashion icon (living or deceased), who would it be and what would you do?
LV: Coco Chanel and Christian Louboutin...they're both masters. I'd have Coco edit my closet and dress me to her liking and have Louboutin personally fit my foot for a custom pair of shoes!

SP: What makes a woman 'stylish?'
LV: Confidence. You can wear anything if you have the attitude to pull it off...whether it's pair of shoes from Payless or a Lanvin gown.

SP: Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
LV: Chanel, Balenciaga, Giambattista Valli, Lanvin.

SP: Which trends will be big this fall/winter?
LV: Over the knee boots, excessively chunky knits, and motorcycle jackets.

SP: Which trend(s) do you wish would die?
LV: I love to have fun with fashion and trends are a part of that so I'm willing to try anything once...but I won't spend money on super trendy items and I always advise my readers not to either.

SP: Current handbag obsessions?
LV: I rarely spend money on "it" handbags...I have two or three classic bags that are designer but the rest of my collection is comprised of bags that cost $50 or less! Trends I'm loving are cross body for day and evening, 80's inspired shapes like the drawstring and oversized clutches are my fave!!

SP: Which celebrities would you love to style and why?
LV: Cameron Diaz because she's fearless and has an amazing body to dress, Nicole Richie because I love her eclectic style and she's petite like me, and January Jones because she's so fresh and new on the fashion/celeb scene but has incredible potential!

SP: Where are your favorite places to shop?
LV: Zara, Forever 21 (it's my mecca and I visit at least 3x per week!), H&M, Cherry Hill Thrift Center, Barney's Shoe Floor, Madewell, Ebay, Lulus.com, Target.

SP: What tips do you have for women who want star style on a budget?
LV: Make a list of your celeb style icons and watch what they're wearing. If you keep a close eye on their fashion choices you'll start to see a few common threads (colors, textures, cuts, styles, etc) and those are the items you purchase at budget friendly stores like Forever 21 and H&M. These items are their "signatures" and by incorporating them into the clothes you already own, you won't have to buy a whole new wardrobe to get their star style! Oh and for the best in celeb looks for less, go to my blog!!

SP: What are three fashion accessories every woman should own?
LV: An amazing pair of nude pumps (4" at least and your legs will look a mile long), a big, chunky statement necklace and tons and tons bangles that can be layered together!

SP: Can you share some figure-slimming fashion tips?
LV: Use belts to accent your waist...especially in the Fall/Winter when you're layering! Understand proportions and how they relate to your body...shortening a skirt by one inch or sending your blazer to a tailor to be taken in can make you look 2 sizes smaller!

SP: What products are staples in your makeup bag?
LV: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Tarte Creme Blush, NARS Catfight Lipstick, CoverGirl LashBlast and I've never met a lipgloss I didn't like!

For more style tips and tweets, follow Lilliana on Better Philly and Twitter.

E! News-worthy Interview: Giuliana Rancic Q&A

As you probably know, I follow celebrities like it's my J-O-B. As such, E! News is must see TV in my house; Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I have an understanding that he is not allowed to touch the television remote between 7 and 7:30pm. So you can imagine how thrilled I when I recently got the chance to chat up Giuliana Rancic!

Giuliana has been anchor and managing editor of E! News since January 2005; and since that time, viewership has risen over 50 percent! In addition to her news anchoring duties, she often hosts red carpet events like the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. The award-winning journalist also stars in the Style Network's real-life romantic comedy Giuliana & Bill, which follows Giuliana and her husband Bill as they juggle high-profile careers and marriage while living apart on opposite coasts.

Giuliana, quite literally, lives in makeup and designer duds - which makes her the perfect candidate for a Spoiled Pretty profile. Read on for her favorite fashion finds and how she always manages to always look so cute and camera ready...

SP: When did your fascination with fashion and beauty begin?
GR: I have loved makeup since I was a little girl. I come from a stylish Italian family so we were allowed to wear makeup at a very young age. I would say I started wearing makeup in 7th grade and I have loved fashion since I was about 10 years old.

SP: What is your everyday beauty routine?
GR: I shoot every day, all year round, so I wear makeup from 8am to 10 pm at night. 14 hours straight!!! So my cleansing regimen is super important to me. In the morning, I wash my face with Patricia Wexler, MD Universal Cleansing Lotion. It is very mild and perfect for the morning. I use her moisturizer as well. It gives my skin a dewy and fresh look. At night I use DDF Blemish Cleansing Foam to wash off my makeup and keep my skin clear thanks to it's small dose of salicylic acid. I moisturize with Patricia Wexler's PM cream and use her eye cream as well. Then I put on ChapStick Fresh Effects before I go to bed to moisturize my lips. I am obsessed with Patricia Wexler's products and I do not endorse her in any way. In fact, I have never met or spoken to her in my life but I would love to so I can thank her for making my skin look so darn great!

As for makeup, I start with L'Oreal True Match Foundation. I use Lorac Blush/Bronzer in Hot & Spicy for a great glow. Then I line my lips with MAC liner and use ChapStick Fresh Effects Green Tea Mint before my lipgloss as the perfect base. It tingles while it moisturizes so I love using it.

SP: What are the five beauty products that you can't live without right now?
GR: I always have my Lorac bronzing blush for a nice glow and my ChapStick Fresh Effects. I love the tingle it gives me while it moisturizes my lips. I can't have chapped lips on the red carpet when I'm standing 6 inches from a celebs face so I love this product because it gives me an instant beauty boost and is an amazing base for lip gloss and lipstick. I love my Patricia Wexler, MD Universal Cleansing Lotion and Moisturizer to give me great skin. I am also loving fake lashes right now. I use Andrea or Ardell from the drugstore. I have learned how to put them on perfectly so now it only takes me a few minutes and gives me amazing eyes. Fake lashes are the secret to a gorgeous eye!

SP: What is your signature fragrance?
GR: My signature scent is Quelques Fleur. I've worn it since I was in high school. It's a classic scent that I have never gotten tired of. My fragrance philosophy is to look for scents that are clean. Guys don't like anything too floral or bold. They love a girl to smell like she just walked out of the shower- clean and fresh. I spray it all over as well as my hair to make it smell great when Bill comes in for a hug.

SP: What was your most embarrassing fashion or beauty moment?
GR: The zipper on my dress broke minutes before I was to walk out to the Oscar red carpet two years ago! Thankfully, my backup dress was in my stylist's car on the way back to the designer, so he grabbed it and I did a quick swap.

SP: How has your look evolved over the years?
GR: I constantly change my hair color...platinum blonde, dark brown, warm brown, honey blond...I love changing my hair color every year. It keeps things interesting.

SP: What fashion trends are you loving and embracing right now?
GR: I just bought a few men's blazers in black and navy blue. They are by MM Couture. Very affordable and super stylish. I've been wearing them with a simple neon or bright t-shirt over super tight LNA stretch pants and my new above the knee Balenciaga black leather boots. They are equestrian style with a four inch heel and are very fitted to the leg and tall. So hot!!! I just got two tight leather motorcycle jackets, one in black and one in turquoise from the clothing company Secret Circus out of London. Love!

SP: What tips do you have for women who want star style on a budget?
GR: Shop at H&M, Forever 21 and Express. There is no reason to spend a lot of money on trendy items.

SP: What are three fashion accessories every woman should own?
GR: Tall leather black boots, a great trench coat, and a big, long scarf.

SP: Current handbag obsession?
GR: I love my new gray woven leather Cole Haan bag. It just came out and it's the perfect size.

SP: If you could only use one brand of makeup for life, which would it be?
GR: MAC. Most of my makeup is from MAC. I wear makeup for up to 14 hours a day and MAC stays on my skin the longest.

SP: What’s the best beauty tip/secret you’ve ever heard?
GR: Moisturize! My mother is in her late 60s and looks 50! She has moisturized her entire body, especially her face, every day of her life and it shows!

Watch Giuliana Rancic on E! News, weeknights at 7 and 11:30pm. She's also very active on Twitter...follow her tweets at twitter.com/GiulianaRancic.

Thanks for such a fun and informative interview, Giuliana. See you at 7!

Spoiled Pretty Exclusive: Kim Kardashian Emmy Beauty Breakdown!!!

By now, you know that I love me some Kim Kardashian makeup. So when celebrity makeup artist (and the biggest sweetheart who ever LIVED) Mario Dedivanovic offered me an exclusive beauty breakdown of her Emmys look, I pinched myself so hard, I swear it left a mark.

So without further ado, Mario shares the products and tips to steal Kim Kardashian's 2009 Emmy Awards makeup...

Kim was wearing a gorgeous white gown and I wanted the focus to be on her eyes. I had custom blended this pretty shade of blue shadow at GIELLA custom blend cosmetics in NYC and was waiting for the perfect occasion to dip into it. With her hair slicked back and a white off the shoulder gown, I was certain that it would work with the rest of the face done clean and dewy, with a nude matte lip.

I prepped Kim’s skin with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer first, followed by Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup all over. To set skin, I applied a bit of Laura Mercier's Loose Setting Powder in Beige. Her brows are filled in with Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil, concentrating on the outer corners.

For her eyes, I sprayed a bit of water on an eyeshadow brush (this picks up and holds loose eyeshadow better) and dipped it into Aquagirl eyeshadow by GIELLA - custom blended by yours truly ;-). I applied Aquagirl all over the eyelids up to the crease, blending well so there are no lines.

On the inner corners of the eyes, apply GIELLA's b-dazzle eyeshadow. Use the leftovers on the brush to lightly sweep onto the brow bone. You dont want the brow bone to appear very shiny or light as it will look dated. Smoke Aquagirl shadow along the lower lash line as well. For more drama, you can take it all the way into the inner corners. Use Fascinating Eye Kohl by MAC on the inner rims of the eyes. Curl lashes a couple of times and apply two coats of Lancome Hypnose Mascara on top and bottom lashes. If you want super long lashes like Kim, apply a few individual long lashes to each eye.

Kim's skin is bronzed with Casino by NARS. Use a bit on a brush and apply it along the hairline. With a smaller brush, apply more onto the hollows of the cheeks. Use Orgasm by NARS on the apples of the cheeks. To highlight the cheekbones and bridge of nose, I swept a tiny bit of b-dazzle shadow by GIELLA and blended with a clean brush.

I lined Kim's lips with Subculture by MAC, then blended a dab of the Dior foundation to her lips. Blot that with a tissue and use Honeylove Lipstick, also by MAC.

Giella, of GIELLA custom blend cosmetics has decided to make and sell Aquagirl eyeshadow and is offering a 15% discount!!! Click here and enter makeupbymario for the discount. b-dazzle eyeshadow, one of Mario’s all-time favorites, can also be purchased on the site with the same discount code!

Love Mario as much as I do? Be sure to visit his blog regularly...and follow him on Twitter!

Mwah, Mario!

Q&A With Lana Horochowski, Mad Men's Makeup Department Head

Q: You’re the new department head at Mad Men for Season 3, will you be making any changes to any characters makeup?

A: Since we are moving a little forward into the future, we have changed up the color palette for each character to go along with the time period.

Q: When you were preparing for this season, did you do any research for inspiration? If so, what most inspired you?

A: Weeks and weeks of meetings and research. I love looking through the old magazines. They are a great reference and a huge source of inspiration; however, we do try to keep the characters looking like real people that do their own makeup and not like movie stars with a makeup artist standing by. Magazines and old movies are a great guideline for a basic look and color selection.

Q: How would you describe the looks of each one of the characters? How do they differ?

A: Joan Holloway- always put together, very sassy and sexy

Betty Draper- although she is a housewife she is an ex model, so her makeup is clean but very current for the period

Peggy Olson- Peggy is a young and fresh faced business woman of that period, she is a very clean natural makeup

Q: What are your key products for creating the makeup looks for the main female characters?

A: Joan Holloway- We do a heavier eye on Christina, so the key products would be eyeliner and strip lashes.

Betty Draper- Betty has 2 distinct looks, her at home look and her going out/evening look. For home she is very natural, basically a sheer foundation, think black eyeliner and mascara. Evening Betty goes a little thicker on the liner and a brighter lipstick, but aalways coordinated with her clothing.

Peggy Olson- Since the key to Peggy’s look is to appear as though she is wearing no makeup, a great foundation is super important. Also, a natural cheek and lip stain is applied to give her a little color.

Q: What are your favorite MAC products for each character?

A: Joan Holloway- Cream Colour Base in Virgin Isle, Fluidline in Blacktrack and Rich Ground, brown and black, and Eye Shadow in Soft Brown.

Betty Draper- Cream Colour Base in Virgin Isle, Blushcreme in Posey, and Lipstick in Vegas Volt, Lip Pencils in Redd and Cherry.

Peggy Olson- Eye Shadow in Orb, Vanilla, and Soft Brown and Blot Powder.

Q: Everyone always notices the lips on the show, but brows seem to play a very important part to the look. Can you talk about the brows on the show?

A: Women of the 60's had a stricter code of style and etiquette, so people tended to follow the trends closer to the book. Nowadays, women have a variety of different brow styles so we are constantly tweezing, shaping, and filling the brows to recreate the look of the period.

Q: Each character has the most perfect lashes framing her eyes. What are your favorite lashes to use to get that perfectly plump line of lashes?

A: We love the MAC individual lashes as well as the traditional strip lashes.

Q: Do you collaborate with the hair and costume departments when coming up with a look.

A: Absolutely! We have at least 3 meetings per episode to create the look as a unit. I could not do this show without Lucia Mace (hair), Janie Bryant (costumes), and my fabulous key Ron Pipes!

Q: There seems to be a lot of making out on the show, how many times do you have to redo those red lips? Does it get messy?

A: We do what we can to seal the lip color, but we still have to go in every take to perform a minor clean up.

Q: What can real women take away from the show’s look and incorporate into their everyday look?

A: Well, a great start would be lining the top lash line only with a gel liner like MAC Fluidline. We love this product for recreating the perfect 60's eye. Also, replacing gloss and sheer or shimmer lipsticks with matte reds, bright pinks, and corals help create a more retro look. Lastly, instead of a powder blush try using creme in pinks and corals to create a flushed looking cheek. For evening, strip lashes are always a bonus.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Khloe Kardashian

Have you seen my beauty Q&A with Khloe Kardashian? It’s must-see TV, though my opinion might be a bit biased. The exclusive interview with Khloe Kardashian and her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, features their must-have products, makeup techniques and beauty secrets!

If you’ve already seen the interview and are fiending for more Dash dish, consider this a companion piece…

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Khloe Kardashian

1) She believes that being a prankster helps her hone her acting skills.

2) The Keeping Up With The Kardashians episode that makes her cringe is when she participated in an acting class.

3) Khloe’s fashion icons are Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, Victoria Bekham and Rihanna. “I love that one day she’s a schoolgirl and the next day she’s a dominatrix,” Khloe says of Rihanna. “I can appreciate that because I have multiple personalities
too.”

4) If she could only wear one designer for the rest of her life, it would be Alexander Wang.

5) “When it comes to my nails, I just always do crazy. I recently went to Africa and all of the kids were totally fascinated by my nails, which were really long with silver glitter tips and rhinestones on my ring fingers in the shape of a K.”

6) Khloe hardly ever wears false lashes because her natural lashes are forever long. “She just doesn’t need them,” Mario told me. I was up close and personal, and I can attest to the fact that Khloe won the genetic lottery when it comes to her lashes. They are ridiculously lush.

7) After seeing Khloe in certain photographs, people swear that Khloe has had her lips done – which isn’t true. It’s just that her natural lip color is the same as her skin…so when her lips are all done up, it makes them really pop.

8) Khloe is contemplating having the inside of her wrist inked with the word "Bunny," written in her mother’s handwriting. Since she was little, Bunny has been her mom’s pet name for her – and the new tattoo would be a compliment to this one she got last year.

9) Khloe says she would never get a name tattooed on her body, with the exception of her family. “Honey, even husbands come and go,” she joked.

10) Since watching the video, my inbox has been inundated with emails asking what lipstick/gloss Khloe was wearing in the video. Here’s the recipe: First, Mario lined her lips with MAC Lip Pencil in Spice. Then he mixed Josie Maran Finger Paints and MAC Lipstick in Myth, and filled in her lips. Finally, he topped it all off with NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight.

Want more Kardashians deets? Be sure to check out my interviews with Kim Kardashian and Mario Dedivanovic!

Keeping Up With Khloe Kardashian: Exclusive Beauty Q&A

It's not easy keeping up with Khloe Kardashian. She films Keeping Up With The Kardashians in Los Angeles. She and her sister, Kourtney, filmed their upcoming reality show in Miami. Khloe recently traveled to Africa with other sister, Kim. And just this past weekend, she appeared with her family at an event in Atlantic City.

On Sunday, the fates smiled on me when our paths crossed in New York City. And thanks to her magician of a makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, I scored an interview with this dashing diva. I hope you enjoy this exclusive Q&A with Khloe as much as we enjoyed filming it.




Products featured in these videos include:

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup
Lancome Hypnose Mascara
MAC Lip Pencil in Spice
La Mer Moisturizing Lotion
Child Fragrance by Apothia Beauty
The Celestial Powder in Candlelight by Kevyn Aucoin

Click here for 10 things you don't know about Khloe Kardashian.

Many thanks to Khloe Kardashian and Mario Dedivanovic for generously sharing their time and tips. Mwah!

If you loved this Q&A, my interviews with Kim Kardashian and Mario Dedivanovic are must reads!

Ten Questions with Tory Burch

It’s hard to believe that Tory Burch launched her eponymous label only five years ago.

In 2004, she opened a flagship store in the NoLIta neighborhood of New York City; the boutique, filled with ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and jewelry, sold out on the first day. In 2005, she was endorsed by Oprah; the following day, toryburch.com received 8 million hits and Oprah’s prediction became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Since then, Tory Burch has become the unofficial outfitter of celebrities and soccer moms alike. With its zesty color palette, striking prints and forgiving cuts, the brand furnishes fashionistas with stylish yet wearable clothing and accessories, sans sticker shock. And her much-imitated Reva ballet slipper are on many a girl’s wardrobe wish-list (including my own).

Recently, I had the much envied opportunity to chat up fashion phenom and fellow Philadelphian, Tory Burch. So if you want to know more about the brainy beauty behind this chic lifestyle brand, try this interview on for size.

SP: When did your fascination with fashion begin?
TB: It would have been impossible not to have developed a passion for fashion and style growing up with my mother and father. They have both always had an amazing and innate sense of style. I did not always dream of being a designer, but I think the fashion industry was a natural fit for me. After over 15 years working in marketing and public relations for great designers like Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and Narciso Rodriguez, it became clear that my passion was in the design process and I knew it was something I wanted to do.

SP: What was your first big break in the fashion industry?
TB: Eight months after our launch I got a call from a producer at Oprah saying that they were doing a show dedicated to the "next big things" and Oprah wanted to feature the line. I was sure it was some friend of mine making a prank call, but it wasn’t. After going on Oprah’s show everything changed. The day the episode aired we got eight million hits on our website and suddenly women in America seemed to know who we were. It was amazing. I can definitely say we owe a huge part of our success to Oprah’s support.

SP: How would you describe your design aesthetic?
TB: We design timeless yet modern American sportswear with a bohemian sensibility. I design clothes that I want to wear myself and being a working mom I need easy pieces that work well with my busy lifestyle. I think most women can identify with that and they want to look chic and fashionable without having to spend a lot of time putting an outfit together.

SP: In your opinion, what makes a woman stylish?
TB: I think everyone probably has their own idea of what is stylish, but the best guide to looking chic is to focus on what looks well on you. I like to mix unusual colors and prints and have learned what silhouettes suit me the best. I love fashion and pay attention to trends but don’t necessarily always follow them too literally, again I think it’s best to know what works on you. I like when women show their individuality and put a bit of their own personality into their style.

SP: Favorite color combination?
TB: The combination of pink and orange is classic yet unexpected. Our signature 3T print is done in pink and orange on everything from our shopping bags and shoe boxes to flip flops and cosmetic bags. The chairs in our showroom are orange with pink velvet cushions and I love the way they brighten up the space. They are both uplifting and vibrant colors that go well together on everything from accessories to clothing to furniture.

SP: I absolutely adore your double T logo. It’s genius! How did it come about?
TB: We worked with a branding company called MODCO who showed me about 200 different logo designs. I was drawn to the one we chose because it didn’t look like a traditional logo. I see it as more of a design element that we incorporate into our prints and our signature hardware.

SP: Favorite places to shop in Philadelphia?
TB: Anthropologie is one of my favorite places to shop for unique gifts and I love their home section. Blue Mercury has the best selection of candles, lotions and beauty products. They have a mix of both well-known and up and coming brands so I always find something new to try. My step-daughters love to shop at Boyd’s and Skirt. They have great denim brands and a terrific mix of designers at all price points. Neiman Marcus in King of Prussia has everything. Definitely one stop shopping.

SP: If I were to search your handbag, what beauty products would I find? And what is your signature fragrance?
TB: NARS Lipstick in Mitzi. Signature fragrance - Vetiver by Guerlain.

SP: What is your everyday beauty routine?
TB: My beauty regime is very easy. I don’t wear a lot of makeup and often leave the house with wet hair. My style is very natural and easy and my beauty regime is similar. Not too much effort goes into it.

SP: What’s the best beauty tip/secret you’ve ever heard?
TB: Protect your skin from the sun.

Tory Burch is available at 16 free-standing Tory Burch boutiques across the US, toryburch.com and over 400 select department and specialty stores worldwide. Follow Tory on Twitter at twitter.com/toryburch.

Interview With Mario Dedivanovic, Kim Kardashian's Makeup Artist!

Happy Monday, my pretties. It’s a very happy day, indeed…because I've got a treat for you.

Remember how awesome it was when Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, answered some of my beauty questions on Kim’s blog? Well, brace yourselves…because I’m taking awesomeness to a whole nuther level.

I scored an interview…the interview…with makeup master Mario. Read on to learn more about the man behind his muse’s beauty-licious look...

Mario Dedivanovic began his beauty career at a young age as a makeup artist behind New York City retail counters. Now- after almost a decade of working with models, actresses and entertainers - Mario’s renown has skyrocketed, securing him a place among the world’s best fashion and celebrity makeup professionals. He has created countless editorial and red carpet looks for celebrities, all of whom showcase the skill, talent, personality and attention to detail that is brought to every transformation he creates.

In addition to Kim Kardashian, Mario Dedivanovic’s amazing celebrity clientele has included Natasha Bedingfield, Adrienne Bailon, Lil’ Kim, Gisele and many others. His work has graced the pages of dozens of magazines, including Glamour, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire and People. When he’s not traveling to sets, runway shows and events, Mario lives in his hometown of New York City.

SP: When did your fascination with makeup begin?
MD: It began when I was 17 years old and working at Sephora. I was surrounded by makeup and women would ask me for my opinion and help with their makeup. I jumped right in to help and fell in love. When I saw the way a woman looked and felt after applying a little bit of makeup, I was fascinated. I wanted to do it more and more!

SP: What was your first big break in the beauty industry?
MD: Hmmm, I'm honestly not really sure if there was a first "big break." When I signed with my first agency, I felt official. Also, when I got my first ad campaign for Head and Shoulders some years ago.

SP: Describe your makeup style.
MD: Polished and classic. I'm obsessed with making a face look very polished and pretty. Kim K says my signature style is timeless and flawless makeup that looks airbrushed. What do you think? LOL.

SP: Which makeup artists do you most admire?
MD: Max Factor, Kevyn Aucoin, Francois Nars, Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury - the list goes on and on. These are makeup artists whose work really made and makes an impact in the industry and inspires so many people around the world.

SP: How did you become Kim Kardashian's makeup artist?
MD: I met Kim Kardashian a couple of years ago when I was booked to do her makeup for a cover shoot for Social Life magazine. She loved the makeup and we totally worked really well together. She is definitely my muse.

SP: What do you like most about working with Kim?
MD: Besides her gorgeous face, the fact that she just loves makeup and loves getting it done. She has trust in me and lets me do my thing.

SP: What other celebrities are you dying to work with?
MD: Meryl Streep, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michelle Obama, Linda Evangelista...amongst others. To me these women are beautiful, inspiring and so good at what they do.

SP: What would be your dream makeup assignment?
MD: To create my own line of amazing and affordable makeup that would be available to women worldwide. That is my ultimate goal. When I do that, I will feel like I can really 'touch' people around the world and make them feel more beautiful.

SP: For a Kim Kardashian wannabe, what are the top five products she needs in her makeup bag (and why)?
MD:
1) Concealer that's lighter then the skin color to brighten the under eye area. Kim loves to be lighter under the eye, and so do I!
2) Powder - Kim is definitely a matte makeup girl. She likes to be glowy, but in the right areas. Powder always on the t-zone.
3) Black eyeliner - need I say more?
4) Mascara - She loves big lashes.
5) A nude lip gloss - just because ;)

SP: What products and techniques do you use to create Kim's gorgeous golden tan glow?
MD: Most of the time, I use powder products to create the 'golden glow.' I find that powders look better for longer periods of time. I frame her face (forehead, hollows of the cheeks and jawline) with a matte bronzer. Right now, I'm using the Smashbox bronzers in both colors as well as the Dior matte bronzer. After, I apply a golden, shimmery products to the cheekbones and bridge of nose. Trace Gold by MAC is a great color/shade. The trick is to blend everything very well so there are no lines or blotches.

SP: What tips do you have for choosing a nude lip color to flatter your complexion?
MD: Choosing a nude lip color can sometimes be tricky and look almost "chalky." I like to make the center of the lips the most nude and blend it out to the rest of lip. If you have darker/tanner skin, go for nude shades that are not too pinky or white and instead more yellow/golden. If you have light/pale skin, do the opposite.

SP: Any nude lipstick/lip gloss recommendations for, say, a brown-skinned beauty blogger with Halle Berry's complexion?
MD: LOL! There's a really inexpensive color I like to use sometimes...called your foundation! Try putting a bit of your foundation on the lips with a clear gloss on top. It looks oh so good.

SP: What products are must-haves for summer (and why)?
MD: Primer. Right now I'm using Smashbox's primer and MAC's primer. It helps the makeup to stay put and spread well. Oil blotting tissues - instead of re-applying powder all day, blot your face to absorb the oil. B-dazzle by Giella custom blend cosmetics - it's an amazing color (loose shadow or can be made into a pencil) that looks good on every skin tone. Apply it to the inner corner of the eyes to brighten up and separate the eyes. It reflects great in the sun too.

SP: If you could only use one brand of makeup for the rest of your career, what would it be (and why)?
MD: Oh no. I think I would change careers! That's the most difficult question to answer and would require a lot of research. Ask me when I create my own line. ;)

SP: What is your #1 beauty secret/tip?
MD: Blending. For me, blending is so important. Invest in good brushes and sponges, and blend until you can’t blend anymore!

Did this interview just whet your appetite? Are you now on a need-to-know basis with Mario? Then be sure to bookmark his blog and follow him on Twitter!

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here.

Photos: kimkardashian.celebuzz.com