Makeup Mondays With Mario: Tips For Lasses With Glasses

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.

Hi Mario,

I'm a makeup junkie and a big fan of yours - so this is very exciting being able to ask you a question personally. Anyway, here's my problem. I wear glasses and I need advice on wearing eye makeup. I think my eyes are my best feature, so I want to show them off. But I don't want to go so heavy that my glasses will magnify everything and make me look crazy. Do you have any tips? Thanks!

-Tanya

Thank you, Tanya!  This is a good question that I don't get asked often about so I'm glad to help!  I'll start out by saying that if you wear glasses, you should look and feel equally beautiful as when you're not wearing them.  A nice pair of glasses can even lift the eyes and face if the shape points towards the outer corners and isn't too round. 

Keep the eye makeup simple because, like you mentioned, everything tends to look magnified. Magnified lashes could be gorgeous - but flecks of glitter or super shimmery shadow in the crease?  Not so gorgeous. Use natural tones that suit your eye and skin tone and stick with textures that are matte or satin-like. I love a nicely drawn line on the upper lid for definition and it's important to curl the lashes and apply and even coat of mascara to top and bottom lashes. 

Eyebrows should be groomed and filled in - if needed - as well. You can really have a good time trying on different pairs of frames in colors that flatter your makeup and skin tone. Another look I really love is a red matte lip paired with clean eyes and a bit of highlighter on the cheekbones - it's sexy and confident.  What more could you ask for? 

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!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Long Lashes Undermining Your Mascara?

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.

Hi Mario!

First and foremost, I'm an epic fan of your work! The advice you give is extremely helpful. So, I was hoping that you could help me out with one particular struggle I have with applying makeup. I have a problem with mascara. My makeup looks hot when I leave the house but 2 hours later I get mascara smudges right below my eyebrows! I don’t know what to do. I have tried every single brand of mascara you can possibly think of! When I go to MAC or any counter they say to use a good primer and this and that and they sell it to me. I use it and still get the smudges. What do you recommend? Or am I stuck with my super long eyelashes and carrying my 224 brush everywhere I go?

Thanks!
Amanda

Hi Amanda,

Thanks so much. The mascara smudges right below your brows are a result of oily eyelids. I’m sure there are a lot of women reading this and wishing they had your "issue," LOL.  As the day progresses, your eyelids begin to produce more oils and your lashes are smudging on the lid because oils break down and melt makeup. I say you stick with your preferred waterproof mascara and try applying a mattyfying cream to your T-zone and also to the area around the brows. I like Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel by Peter Thomas Roth.  Follow with a dab of oil-free concealer or foundation and then seal the deal with a translucent setting powder. Instead of using a brush to apply the powder, use a damp sponge and press it onto the skin. Sweep away the access powder with a clean blending brush. Try Luminous Translucent Loose Powder by Motives Cosmetics. This technique will help with creating a barrier between oily skin and mascara. If your skin and mascara are both dry to the touch, there will be no more mess!  

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!

Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Set Sneak Peek!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Too Light Undereye Concealer?

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.

Hey Mario...

You have a gift that would make any woman feel a little more confident after you've worked your 'magic'.

My question is how come the concealer under my eyes looks fine in the mirror when I put it on, but in photos it looks ghastly white?!? I can't figure it out.

I use Laura Mercier camo concealer and then pat Makeup Professional translucent powder over to set it. What gives???

Thanks,
Michelina

Michelina,

A lot of people make the same mistake with going too light under the eyes. It's no secret that I like to highlight and lighten that area of the face but there's a pretty fine line between bright and white. Try using a concealer and/or powder that is a shade darker. Also, check to see that your loose powder doesn't have light-reflecting or shimmery pigment in it. To the human eye, it's difficult to see - but the bright flash of a camera will catch it and magnify it. Another thing to try is to not use too much product where it's opaque. Instead, apply with a lighter hand. It's always good to take pics of yourself with a digital camera to test it out and see how you will look. Hope this helps.

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!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Summer Smokey Eye and Meltproof Makeup

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.


Hi Mario!

I want you to know I'm a HUGE fan and your work is PHENOMENAL!! Always flawless!! Well, it's that time of the year again - it's so hot and humid. Is a smokey eye or eyeliner too much for the heat? I don't even know what to do with my face because I feel like it all melts off or smudges, or I may look overdone. Can you share some tips/do's and dont's for summer makeup, and an appropriate summer smokey eye?

Thank you so much!

xoxo,
Lauren

Lauren,

Smokey, sultry eyes are great for summer! If you're having issues with your makeup melting or smudging in the summer heat, try using less products that contain oils - such as eyeliner. Smoke up your eyes using shadows. I love a shimmery copper or bronze on the top lids and smudged along the bottom lashes. A couple coats of mascara will finish the eye. Remember that for a smudge-free, long lasting eye makeup, prime your lids with concealer or foundation first, then set with a bit of loose powder. This trick also allows for flawless blending. Don't cover your whole face with makeup in the summer months. Instead, try to even out your skin tone with a sheer tinted moisturizer and if needed, follow with a concealer on blemishes. Lip stains are great in hot weather too! Apply once to lips and you literally don't have to worry about retouching all day.

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!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Application

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.


Hey Mario,

My beauty question is about mascara. What is the best way to apply it? I've heard so many different tips. Some people have told me to apply mascara to the tops of lashes, while others have said to apply to the underside. I've heard about wiggling the wand at the base of lashes and rotating the wand as you apply. Some people hold the wand vertically and others hold it horizontally. And are you supposed to let mascara dry in between coats? Mario, you are a makeup genius so I really trust your opinion. Please set the record straight so I can make the most of my mascara.

Thanks!
Heidi

Thank you, Heidi!


The first thing you should do is curl your lashes and wipe the mascara wand with a tissue before applying mascara to the eye lashes. This gets any clumps off of the brush and makes for a more even application. I recommend applying the wand starting at the base of the lashes and going up. You can "wiggle it just alittle bit." Too much of that will tangle the hairs. You want to have the majority of the mascara towards the base because the lashes will fall or droop if a lot of product weighs them down on the tips. Don't wait until they dry to apply your second coat - perfect and seperate them before they dry.

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!

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!

Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection

Clueless with Color?
Give Bobbi Brown 5 Minutes.
She’ll Make You a Pro.

The Problem: You buy shadows that look amazing in the store, but then you get home and don’t know what to do with them.

The Fix: Everyone can wear bright shades. Bobbi put together these three palettes with pops of color - plus the perfect neutrals that make them work for everyone.

Introducing Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection: a complete spring eye, lip and cheek wardrobe - designed by Bobbi. Each of these three palettes has five Eye Shadows and three shades of Pot Rouge designed to work together beautifully.

"Don’t be afraid of color. Each palette has one bright eye shadow that really stands out - the rest of my hand-picked shades for eyes, lips and cheeks will make it wearable." –Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Color Strips palettes: Aquamarine (top); Orchid (middle); Bonfire (bottom)

Suggested Retail Price: $60.00
On Counter: March 2010
Available at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on bobbibrown.com

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner giveaway: Angela (sparklemidori09), paulasue, Kallen, Shrinky Inky, smilekisses, and miss.high.yellow. Ladies, you are going to LOVE this liner...trust me when I tell you.

Winners, check your email. I'll need you to send me your full names and mailing addresses so that the contest's wonderful sponsor, Stila, can ship your prizes.

Stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway. It's coming soon...

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Giveaway!

Did you happen to read my review of Stila's new Dust to Diamonds? If you did, you know that I am enamored with every product. I strongly suggest buying the entire collection, but I understand that for many, $132 worth of cosmetics just isn't in the credit cards. So I'm gonna get you started...

This week, six readers will win Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner. "Marker-sharp precision and a true carbon black pigment, this waterproof liquid liner glides on easily without pulling, smudging, or running. Color stays in place all day long."

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave a way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky.

Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Good luck!

NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the NARS Spring 2010 Collection features soft, sexy shades that are as elegant as they are versatile.

"I love Catherine’s makeup look in this movie," says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics who chose supermodel Amber Valletta for the campaign. "It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian '16th Arrondissement' way. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed." The hues are playful yet sophisticated and can be either soft and subtle or bold and daring. As always, the effects are limitless, determined by application, technique, and attitude.

"The shades are soft, sexy and light — like springtime. The formulas are trans-parent, so they allow the skin to look natural and fresh. If a woman wants a more intense look — and I hope she does — the hues can be layered for a bolder effect."

Lipstick in Cruising, $24
This subtle, sexy pink lipstick hue provides a sheer natural long-lasting color. The hydrating formula can be worn alone, or over a NARS Lip Pencil for variations in color and depth. It's neutral enough to pair perfectly with dramatic eyes, yet alluring enough to attract attention when used on its own.

Lip Gloss in Easy Lover, $24
Serious luster meets sexy color in this ultra-sheer hot pink lip gloss. The eye-catching and refreshing springtime hue is perfectly suited to deliver super shiny, sensual lips. An extra dab of it in the center of the bottom lip will accentuate sheen and fullness. It's impossible to resist.

Lip Gloss in Ophelia, $24
This high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive. Wear it alone, or over NARS lip products for a more intense effect and color variation. The glossy formula will capture both the light and the attention of admirers.

Nail Polish in Purple Rain, $16
This intensely gothic purple is a bright and audacious shade destined to become a modern classic. Boasting a long-wearing formula, this intense nail hue vacillates between opposites: rocker or royalty, rebellious or refined.

Single Eyeshadow in D. Gorgeous, $23
This dusty lilac powder eyeshadow yields just a hint of flirtation, but never misses its mark. The long-wearing, crease-resistant matte formula boasts a translucent texture and can be applied sheer, or layered with other NARS products for a bolder result.

Duo Cream Eyeshadow in Camargue, $32
Named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the French river delta, this pairing of golden moss and sienna, with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula. Wear it alone or layered beneath NARS powder eyeshadows to create more color, depth and intensity.

Duo Eyeshadow in Kuala Lumpur, $32
Like its Malaysian city namesake, this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing is influenced by contrasts — rich and subtle, traditional yet modern. Wear the two shades separately or together, sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect. Try swiping one shade over the entire eyelid and applying the other just beneath the brow bone to highlight.

Glitter Pencil in Bains Douches, $24
This bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue delivers powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending. Use this glitter pencil layered or alone — to line, accent, highlight or illuminate the eyes. No matter how it’s used, the look will be as ultra-chic as the legendary Parisian nightclub for which it was named.

The Spring 2010 collection will be available on January 15, 2010 at narscosmetics.com.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Face Lift Collection

"I designed this collection to give women all the tools they need to look well-rested and bright-eyed in five minutes flat." – Bobbi Brown

This January, Bobbi makes it easy to keep all of your New Year resolutions with her Makeup Face Lift Collection, which allows you to instantly brighten your face and play up your eyes with just a few simple tweaks.

New Extra Eye Repair Cream, $65
Do your eyes need something extra? Packed with peptides, natural plant oils and humectants that target wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness, this rich concentrated cream visibly revives eyes. Use morning and night- warm between fingers, then pat gently around eye area. Once cream is absorbed, follow with Tinted Eye Brightener or Concealer.

Tinted Eye Brightener, $38
Bobbi’s Tinted Eye Brightener, now in a NEW portable pen! Back-of-cab makeup artists (you know who you are) - with just a quick twist and a click, this lightweight Concealer instantly brightens under-eye circles and refreshes your makeup. Available in eight shades: Light Bisque, Porcelain Peach, Bisque, Light to Medium Peach, Medium to Dark Bisque, Dark Peach, Dark Bisque, Deep Peach.

New Brow Pencils, $20
Instantly give your eyes a "lift" with defined eyebrows. These creamy, blendable pencils give you the natural look of eyebrow powder with the precision of a pencil and come with their own. Available in five shades: Wheat, Blonde, Grey, Ash and Mahogany.

Brightening Lip Gloss, $20
Introducing two new shades of Brightening Lip Gloss. This sheer, reflective formula wakes up your face and helps create the illusion of fuller lips. Wear alone or on top of your favorite Bobbi Brown lipstick. Available in two shades: Popsicle and Nectar.

Urban Decay Spring 2010

Urban Decay is one of my top 5 makeup brands, so I was super stoked to get deets and pics of their Spring 2010 collection in my inbox earlier this week. Here's the skinny:

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils in (top to bottom) Binge, Crash, Mildew and Oil Slick were previously only available in Urban Decay's holiday gift sets, but now Urban Decay is introducing these new fame-bound shades to their beloved 24/7 pencil family. Crash is a rich deep eggplant, Oil Slick is black with silver sparkle, Mildew is a dark green based on our best-selling shadow, and Binge is a long-awaited navy. You're probably heard me say it before, but I'll say it again - 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are the BEST eyeliners on the market. These pencils, with their creamy-on-the-eyes and waterproof formula (so you can apply to the inner rims) are must-have additions to your beauty arsenal. Available at Sephora and urbandecay.com.

Designed for stars of film and flat screens, Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder, this high-tech translucent powder, keeps you camera ready at all times. The micro-fine powder fools the eyes with "optical blurring." Imperfections are seemingly airbrushed away for a soft-focus finish. Skin appears flawless, even under bright, unforgiving light. Tiny water particles float along the skin's surface and actually "burst", creating a microscopic ball bearing effect when the powder is applied. The feel is refreshing, smooth, and light as air.

Apply as a finishing touch after your foundation. Or, wear it along for bare, youthful look. Used under make-up, it transforms foundation into a liquid powder! The sleek gunmetal lid and clear base showcase a unique mess-free system and attached puff. Other brands require swirling, brushes and hassle, whereas this is all-in-one, and even has an "on/off" feature to keep your purse powder-free! Available at Sephora and urbandecay.com.

Stardust Eyeshadow is an eyeshadow that has a prismatic sparkle set against a wash of captivating colors with 40% more glitter than the most sparkly shadows from Urban Decay. The futuristic, squeeze-open case holds over two times the amount of product than other Urban Decay eyeshadows.

Top row: 54 (light purple w/iridescent sparkle), Atmosphere (deep turquoise w/iridescent sparkle), Bobby Dazzle (white w/iridescent sparkle). Middle row: Diamond Dog (brown w/iridescent sparkle), Griffith (green w/iridescent sparkle), Moon Spoon (gray w/iridescent sparkle ). Bottom row: Retrograde (dark purple w/iridescent sparkle), Space Cowboy (beige w/iridescent sparkle), Void (black w/iridescent sparkle).

Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden is an eye prep product that provides smoother, longer-lasting, and absolutely crease-proof eyeshadow. If your shadow likes to move it, move it - you need Urban Decay's Primer Potion...which is now also offered in a very-wearable, tawny, matte hue. Available exclusively at Sephora.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Curling Stick Straight Lashes

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.


Hi Mario,

I have this problem where I have to curl my lashes several times throughout the day. When I first put on my makeup in the morning, I curl my lashes and then apply the mascara, but it seems that right when I walk out the door they are sticking straight again. I have no idea what to do. Can you please suggest some things that might help?

Thanks, Jen


Hey Jen,

Rest assured that you're not the only girl with stick straight lashes! Before you start your face, curl the lashes once, counting to 3 or 4 seconds per pinch on each lash. This way, they will be evenly curled. Go ahead and do your makeup as normal. After the eyes are done, curl lashes one more time. Apply a curling mascara. There are tons of different curling mascaras on the market. N.Y.C. New York Color makes a great and affordable one. Brush out the mascara with a clean wand so it's not too clumpy. Once it's dried or almost dried, curl one more time, not pressing too hard. Finally, apply another coat of mascara. Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays!

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!

MAC All Ages, All Races, All Sexes Swatches

When I first heard about MAC's upcoming All Ages, All Races, All Sexes collection, I got really excited. I immediately loved the idea of a "multi-culti color story" - and knew that a vast majority of these gorgeous, nude/neutral products would find its way into my own beauty arsenal.

The release date for All Ages, All Races, All Sexes is January 7, 2010...though, like most MAC collections, it will probably be available a few days in advance. I got my hands on some early samples (MAC sent them for me to review), and the shades are so beautiful in person. The images and press release I had previously seen didn't do them justice.

When the collections comes out, I'll be picking up one or two of the lipglasses. I'm a sucker for MAC lipglass and these frosty neutrals look Rihanna approved.

So, without further ado, here are some swatches and close-up product pics from All Ages, All Races, All Sexes.

Here's my favorite product of the bunch - Eye Shadow in Banshee (dirty taupe with frost and sparkle diamond cluster - lustre).



Here's Banshee again...this time, with flash.



Left to right: Impeccable Brow Pencil in Dirty Blonde (cool light brown); Penultimate Brow Marker; Brow Set in Mink (dirty brown)



Eye Shadow in Showstopper (deep blackened brown - matte) and Pigment in Rich Life (dark cool brown with silver pearl - frost)



Close up of Pigment in Rich Life



Lipstick in 5N (plumy sheer brown - lustre) and Myself (creamy pale yellow beige - lustre)



All Ages, All Races, All Sexes swatches (no flash)
Left to right: Penultimate Brow Marker; Impeccable Brow Pencil in Dirty Blonde; Brow Set in Mink; Eye Shadow in Showstopper and Banshee; Pigment in Rich Life; Lipstick in 5N and Myself



All Ages, All Races, All Sexes swatches (with flash)

For more info about the All Ages, All Races, All Sexes collection, click here.

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.