Senin, 11 April 2011

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Natural Beauty


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.

Dear Mario,

I'm writing for advice on eco-friendly/natural/organic beauty products and makeup. I want to incorporate some "green" products into my routine, but I don't know where to start. I'm not interested in granola-crunchy stuff made out of hemp that smells like patchouli. I want high quality products that work as well as my regular products, but are also good for my body and the earth. Please share any favorite brands or products. Thanks.

-Linda

PS - I'm a big fan - so basically whatever you recommend, I'm going to buy.

Linda,

There are definitely great eco-friendly, organic beauty products out there for you to use and enjoy - and I think in the future we'll be seeing a lot more beauty companies going green as well.


One of my personal faves is Josie Maran Cosmetics. Her line of makeup is very eco-friendly and the products deliver beautifully as true makeup should. Aside from being good for our environment, Josie's makeup has tons of benefits for your skin. Most of her products are made with Argan Oil which, thanks to Josie, is becoming very popular for its healing abilities.


As a makeup artist working on sets and photo shoots, I tend to use product that has great pigment and textures over products that are eco-friendly or organic. But Josie's line totally delivers. Of course, I have to mention the Bear Naked Wipes that I can't live without. They are, hands down, the best makeup wipes ever! Other great natural brands I like are Tarte, Korres and Bare Escentuals.

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario


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

Jumat, 08 April 2011

The Goods: Double Duty Beauty


For this week's installment of The Goods (Philadelphia Magazine's shopping newsletter), I gave shout outs to some of my favorite beauty multitaskers.

To stay in-the-know and receive The Goods in your inbox, subscribe today!

Rabu, 06 April 2011

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick

I'm not really a lipstick gal. Don't get me wrong, I have hundreds of tubes of lipsticks, but I typically reserve them for special occasions. It's just that I feel more comfortable in a gloss. Plus I'm usually in a rush or on the go - so a lip product that's a little more forgiving that doesn't require a mirror to apply appeals to me.

As such, when I do reach for a lipstick, I love a sheerer finish...like MAC's lipsticks with the Lustre finish. Sheer Plum was my very first MAC purchase way back when...and Syrup, Spice It Up!, Polished Up, Cockney and Lady Bug rank among my other faves. Now, just in time for spring, MAC releases a new collection that's convinced me to give my glosses a temporary timeout: Sheen Supreme Lipstick.

Gloss is good, but there's nothing quite as wonderfully, worldly cinematic as a Lipstick – and they're coming back! We've updated formulas to make it all plausible. Sheen Supreme is the combination of the strong, sensually saturated colour of, say, Tilda Swinton's I Am Love Milanese Lipstick, leavened with the light feel and clear vibrancy, the see-through sheen of a modern New York City Girl Gloss. Imagine no muddy undertones, gliding in pearl or creme finish, moisturizing with no sticky/tacky feel.

The Sheen Supreme Lipstick shades include:

Bare Again: Pinky neutral beige
Behave Yourself: Light blue pink
Can't Get Enough: Beige neutral
Can't Resist: Golden purplish red
Full Speed: Bright clean yellow pink
Good to Be Bad: Deep burgundy
Gotta Dash!: Pale coral
Impressive: Neutral gilded plum
Insanely It: Watermelon pink
Look at Her!: Metallic copper
New Temptation: Vivid blue red
Quite the Thing!: Deep blue plum
Supremely Confident: Pale nude
Ultra Darling: Mid-tone yellow pink

If spring has you considering adopting a bright lip color, this is definitely the way to do it. A bold shade in a sheer formula is easier to wear than a creamy or matte texture. It's also fresh looking and seasonally chic.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick is $14.50 and available at Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Nordstrom, MAC stores and maccosmetics.com.

Senin, 04 April 2011

Peep My Polish: Ginger + Liz Swagger

This week, I'm rocking Swagger by Ginger + Liz, a "soft, sexy metallic with rose gold undertones."


The formula is pigmented as all get-out, so it only took two coats to achieve this gilded gorge-osity. And it's so hot, every time I peep my own polish, this starts playing in my head:

No one on the corner have swagger like us
Swagger like us, swagger swagger like us...

 

Ann Taylor Friends & Family 2011: 30% Off

Starting tomorrow, take advantage of Ann Taylor's Friends & Family promotion and get 30% off your entire purchase. Print out the image above and redeem in-store at Ann Taylor and LOFT. Or use the code FRIENDS at online checkout.

Can't wait until tomorrow to start shopping and saving? "Like" Ann Taylor on Facebook and enjoy the Friends & Family discount a day early!

Kamis, 31 Maret 2011

Christian Siriano Makes Over Your Kitchen Sponge


Fashion designer Christian Siriano is giving your kitchen sponge an extreme makeover.

The Project Runway Season 4 winner has teamed up with the O-Cel-O brand on new scrub sponges inspired by his 2011 spring collection. Launching now at retail locations nationwide, the scrub sponges offer fun and unexpected style for the sink - perfect for cleaning up your hot mess of dirty dishes.

"African, Indian and Asian influences served as the inspiration for my first-ever sponge designs," said Siriano. "Both patterns, Leopard and Muse, are meant to captivate the eye through the use of color and the latest trends."

The limited edition O-Cel-O™ No-Scratch Scrub Sponges are ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces from glassware and china to counters and stainless steel cookware. The scrub sponges are available in a 2-pack for a suggested retail price of $2.59 or a 3-pack for $3.60.

Nordstrom Christiana Mall Opening Day Beauty Bash


Friday, April 8th – 8 to 10am at the Nordstrom mall entrance on the first level
132 Christiana Mall
Newark, Delaware 19702
For more information, call 1.866.504.9860



Bring your girlfriends and start shopping the world of cosmetics while you wait for the new Nordstrom Christiana Mall store to officially open. You’ll get the inside scoop on new products and trends, plus tips and tricks for looking your best. You'll also enjoy special beauty demonstrations, gifts with purchase and other fun surprises. And don’t forget to check out fantastic items exclusive to Nordstrom, including Estée Lauder Nutrious Skincare.

The first 1000 Beauty Bash attendees will receive a free Nordstrom Beauty Swag Bag with goodies inside to help get the Nordstrom Christian Mall experience started!

In addition, you’ll receive a deluxe train case (while supplies last) with your purchase of $150 or more from the department as Nordstrom's exclusive grand opening gift to you. Plus, meet your new best friend in beauty! The Nordstrom Beauty Stylist will give you free personalized advice and help you find the best cosmetics, skincare and fragrances across all our brands. No appointment necessary. For more information on the Beauty Stylist service, call 1.800.7BEAUTY.

Special Gifts with Purchases and Events on April 8

Philosophy Oxygen Peel
Great Skin is in! Please join Nordstrom's skincare team of experts for a complimentary Oxygen Peel and skincare consultation. Receive a 5-piece gift with any $50 or more purchase of Philosophy.

Enhance Your Style with Estée Lauder
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Join Estée Lauder and InStyle magazine to celebrate the grand opening of Nordstrom's newest store and enhance your style for spring. Receive a complimentary style consultation with an InStyle representative, plus take home a copy of InStyle’s book, Instant Style, when you make a qualifying purchase of Estée Lauder products.

Clarins Beauty Party
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Meet makeup and skincare experts and learn about the latest trends in signature Clarins beauty and skincare products. You’ll receive two deluxe-size samples with your two-item Clarins skincare purchase.

Shiseido Facial Massage
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Experience the signature Shiseido facial massage. After your relaxing treatment, receive a makeup lesson using Shiseido's amazing spring color collection created by master makeup artist Dick Page. Plus, receive a makeup pouch filled with Shiseido samples with your two-item skincare purchase.

Tria Beauty 'At Home Laser Hair Removal' Event
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Experience Tria Beauty At Home Laser Hair Removal. Tria Beauty experts will be available to demonstrate and educate customers on how to acheive hair-free skin in just six months. Plus, with your Tria beauty purchase, receive a full-size oil-free SPF 32 sunscreen.

April 8-9

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare 'Peel the Difference' Event
Enjoy a one-to-one consultation and experience better skin tone, smoother texture, a softening of fine lines and wrinkles, and more. In addition, receive an Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel with your $100 purchase.

Peter Thomas Roth ‘Undo the Damage’ Event
Get skincare tips and tricks from Peter Thomas Roth expert during a complimentary consultation and mini facial. In addition, receive a deluxe gift with your $75 purchase from the line.

Elemis 'Teaser' Event
Enjoy a mini Anti-Aging Facial and Exotic Hand & Arm massage during a one-to-one consultation with an Elemis Skin Expert. Plus, with your $150 purchase from the line, receive three deluxe Elemis skincare samples.

Meet Dior National Makeup Artist Rodderick Gregg
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Meet Dior celebrity makeup artist Rodderick Gregg. Rodderick and his team will show the latest tricks and trends for the spring season. You’ll take home a complimentary Skincare Starter Set with your Dior purchase of $125 or more. Please reserve your appointment with a Dior Beauty Advisor.

Jack Black Neck, Shoulder and Hand Massages and Mini Facials for Him
April 8, Noon – 8:00 p.m.
April 9, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Relax and experience Jack Black Skincare and Grooming products during professional treatments. Experts will be available to customize a skincare and grooming routine that’s best for you. With your qualifying Jack Black purchase, receive a special gift.

April 8-10

Clinique Gift with Purchase
With your purchase of $25 or more from Clinique you’ll receive four smile-brightening lip shades, instant pick-me-up eye cream and more! Turn your smile at least one shade brighter with a lip palette filled with four shades of Clinique Brighter Smile Lip Colour - only in this gift. For healthier-looking skin, there’s radiance-enhancing Clarifying Lotion, fresh-face cleanser and de-puffing eye cream. Add lash-boosting mascara and a cheery cosmetics bag and you’re happily glowing.

Lancôme Exclusive Gift with Purchase
Choose five of your favorite eleven Lancôme items as our gift with your purchase of $32.50 or more from the line. Plus, receive a four-piece makeup brush set with your purchase of $75 or more from the line.

MAC 'Quite Cute' Event
Receive pastel shades for Eye Quads, Lipstick, Plushglass, and Nail Lacquer. And by popular demand, MAC is completely revamping three favorite Lip Pencil shades from last season that will join in on the fun and frolic. You’ll love the Mineralize Blush with the sweet heart baked right into it. If it shines, shimmers and pops it’s completely, contagiously cute!

Nars 'Best of Bronzers' Event
Discover the makeup essential for summer as NARS beauty experts custom match the perfect shade of bronze to your skin tone. Plus, receive a mini lipgloss trio with your purchase of $85 or more from the line.

Anastasia Brow Event
Receive a personal eyebrow consultation to achieve the ideal eyebrow that complements your hair, eyes and overall complexion. An Anastasia-trained Brow Expert will shape, create and educate you on what eyebrow shape flatters your facial structure. Plus, with your $85 Anastasia purchase, you’ll receive a complimentary
service bounce-back card to use toward a brow service on your next visit.

La Mer 'Skin Essentials'
Enjoy a luxurious treatment during a personalized consultation with La Mer expert and discover why devotees say the La Mer Miracle Broth is a secret well-worth knowing. Space is limited; please inquire for further details and reserve your appointment today.

Mario Badescu 'Mini Facial'
Come and have some one-to-one time with a Mario Badescu skin specialist. Whether you need to maintain your complexion or solve a skincare quandary, experts will create a regimen to fit your individual skin type and lifestyle. In addition, with your $50 purchase receive three deluxe samples of Mario Badescu skincare in a signature cosmetics bag along with a mirror.

Clarisonic 'Sonic Cleansing and Infusion' Event
Stop by our Clarisonic Station for a quick cleanse or lift prior to your skin or makeup consultations. Learn about these innovative tools and the sonic technology that make both the Clarisonic Skin Care Brushes and the Clarisonic Opal so effective. Plus, receive a travel case and replacement brush head with your Clarisonic
purchase of $149 or more.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Collection Event
Preview the season’s hottest colors and experience this chic, sophisticated collection of nail lacquers and treatments during a one-to-one consultation. Plus, with your $30 purchase receive a full-size nail lacquer.

Xen Tan 'Perfect Tan' Event
Xen Tan tanning experts will demonstrate the natural color and delicious vanilla scent of Xen Tan self-tanning products. Plus, learn tips and techniques to a perfectly beautiful, year-round tan.

Prevage 'Skin Scanner' Event

Meet the Prevage experts and discover the latest in diagnostic technology, the Skin Scanner. This powerful tool will analyze your skin and reveal signs of premature aging that the naked eye can’t see, such as sun damage, dehydration and enlarged pores. Plus, with your $98 purchase from the line, receive a special tote with Prevage deluxe sample.

Jo Malone 'Fragrance Combining and Hand & Arm Massage' Event
Experience the Jo Malone lifestyle by learning about the art of combining fragrances - mixing, matching and layering fragrances on the skin to create a bespoke scent that’s unique to you. Relax as Jo Malone treats you to a complimentary hand & arm massage using the sought-after line of Jo Malone hand and body products.

Victor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb
Experience the floral explosion of Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb fragrance. Receive a special deluxe gift with your qualifying Flowerbomb purchase.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist
Enjoy the ultimate pampering experience - fragrance experts will help you discover the Cashmere Mist fragrance that is right for you and help personalize your fragrance experience. You’ll also receive a hand massage using our soothing lotion and cream. With your qualifying Cashmere Mist fragrance purchase, receive a special gift. Exclusive gift sets are also available.

Angel by Thierry Mugler Gift with Purchase
With your qualifying Angel fragrance purchase, receive a deluxe token as their thanks.

Marc Jacobs 'Create Your Own Button' Event
This spring, Marc Jacobs wants you to experience the World of Marc Jacobs fragrances. Add your own unique touch to the World of Marc Jacobs fragrance with your very own personalized button pin - it’s a collectible!

Gucci 'Guilty Pleasures' Event
Are you a Guilty or a Flora lady? Take a Gucci Personality Test to make the best choice for your personal style. With your qualifying Gucci fragrance purchase, receive a special gift.

Narciso Rodriguez for Her
Come experience the best-selling fragrance harmony of Narciso for Her and Narciso Essence. With your qualifying Narciso purchase, receive a special gift.

The Art of Shaving 'Lather Up!' Event for Him
Want to find out how to get the smoothest, cleanest shave? Join The Art of Shaving as they demonstrate the 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave. Specialists will focus on the features and benefits of wet shaving, and with your qualifying purchase, receive a token of appreciation.

Selasa, 29 Maret 2011

I'm Featured In Philadelphia Magazine!

If you're in the Philadelphia area, swing by your local newsstand, pick up a copy of Philadelphia Magazine, turn to page 34...and booyah!


A few months ago, the lovely Lauren McCutcheon (Philadelphia Magazine's Lifestyle Editor) invited me to their offices to play around with some local makeup lines and share my thoughts. When I arrived, splayed out on a table was a veritable buffet of beauty products, from fabulous brands in my own backyard: Carie Brescia, Tenshi Beauty Bar, sh. cosmetics, and Tu by Claudia.

Many thanks to Philadelphia Magazine for including me!

PS - Did you know that I'm also a regular contributor to Philadelphia Magazine's online column, The Goods? Check out my latest beauty roundup, Five New Beauty Breakthroughs.

Jumat, 25 Maret 2011

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

If you’ve perused the beauty aisle at your local drugstore, you’ve likely spied the new Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips from Sally Hansen. As a big fan of their Nail Art Pens that launched a few years back, I expected to love these. But after trying them, I have to admit that my feelings were a lukewarm like.

Like a moth to a flame, I’m inexplicably drawn to anything leopard print – so it’s a no-brainer that I chose to outfit my nails in the Kitty, Kitty style. Following the instructions, I affixed the stickers to each nail and became very frustrated with the fit. It was a Goldilocks kind of situation – the strips were either too narrow or too wide for my nail bed. And when I tried to stretch the sticker for a perfect fit (the directions suggests doing this), the sticker ripped several times.


Peep my polish. The finished results look pretty damn impressive in the photo. But close up, it’s actually kind of messy…Cher Horowitz might characterize my mani as a “full-on Monet.” On some of my fingers, parts of my nail are clearly visible. And on others, the design overlaps my cuticle and the skin on the sides of my nails. Granted, I don’t think anyone will be scrutinizing my hands with a critical eye. But, to me, it doesn’t matter if others notice the minor imperfections...what matters most is that I do.


My friend, Alyssa, had a better experience than me (see above), though she did have some of the same complaints - namely that the strips don't apply as smoothly as she had hoped. However, she praised the product's staying power. Her mani lasted for about a week and might have worn longer, had it not been for an unfortunate run-in with an errant Ped Egg. 

Maybe I’m too much of a perfectionist or perhaps my application technique could use some practice. Bottom line: when it comes to my manicure, it better be wow-worthy. Otherwise, I’d rather sport nekkid nails.

If you’re looking for a quick, DIY alternative to the Minx mani, the Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips are a decent bet. I’d recommend the High-Fashion Designs (Wild Child, Kitty Kitty, Fly With Me, Girl Flower, Misbehaved, Laced Up, Booty Camp and Collide-o-Scope, Cut it Out, Check it Out , Skinny Jeans) and High-Shine Metallics (Frock Star, Bling it On, Glitz Bitz, Raise a Glass, Blue Ice) over the Shiny Neons (Cry Baby, It Girl, Violet Night, Teal With It, Groove, Electric Shock, Squeezed!, Red-y for Trouble) because I’ve heard the neons really exaggerate nail imperfections and the result doesn’t look as - pun intended - polished.

But at $10 a box, I’d rather spend two more bucks and indulge in a professional manicure at my local nail salon.

Rabu, 23 Maret 2011

Ann Taylor: 40% Off Sale Items!

Ann Taylor is one of my favorite places to shop, so I'm excited to share this coupon code for 40% off sale items. To redeem online, enter EXTRA40 at checkout. No code or coupon necessary in-store.

Enjoy!

OPI Texas Collection

For its Spring/Summer 2011, OPI comes "home" to the USA with timeless style in the Texas Collection. "Texas provided the inspiration for this season, with bright colors and classic neutrals that draw from the American spirit,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. "Taking cues from the state's naturally beautiful backdrop, the Texas Collection features warm tones from honey and tangerine to dazzling hues of violet and sky blue."



The Texas Collection includes:

San Tan-tonio
A "honey" of a ten-gallon tan!

Suzi Loves Cowboys
But she loves this campfire chocolate shade s’more!

It's Totally Fort Worth It
A shimmery lavender grey that’s so worthy of you

Don't Mess with OPI
A lean, mean, kick-grass forest green

Austin-tatious Turquoise
Cowgirls love this bodacious blue-green.

I Vant to Be A-Lone Star
You won't want to share this starry Texas-sky blue.

Y'all Come Back Ya Hear?
This Texas tangerine will be waitin' for ya!

Big Hair...Big Nails
A rosy pageant peach

Guy Meets Gal-veston
An "engaging" coastal coral

Too Hot Pink to Hold 'Em
A red-hot pink-red that deals a winning hand

Do You Think I'm Tex-y?
A "berry" sexy bloom of Dallas dahlia

Houston We Have a Purple
A galactic red-violet that's ready to "rocket roll"!

My friend/co-worker/hand model, Angela, is rocking I Vant To Be A-Lone Star, my current favorite shade of the collection. But all of the colors are so gorge, I'm sure I'll have a new pet polish next week.

Six of the shades (Guy Meets Gal-veston, Ya'll Come Back Ya Hear?, Too Hot Pink to Hold 'Em, Big Hair...Big Nails, Do You Think I'm Tex-y? and Houston We Have a Purple) have a semi-transparent finish that OPI is calling sorbet. "These sorbet-style formulas for nails will be in full swing by 2012, but women can get a jump start on this trend with colors in the Texas Collection," says Weiss-Fischmann. "Unlike thicker creams or light sheers, these twelve shades are slightly translucent - similar to the look of icy, water-based sorbet!"

Watch the video below to learn how to apply the sorbet formula and to see the finished result!

 

*Samples were provided by the brand for review.

Senin, 21 Maret 2011

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Make Small Eyes Look Bigger


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,

How are you?  I hope this question reaches you.  You're a big inspiration to me and my girlfriends!  My problem is that I really love wearing eyeliner (I use pencil) on my top and bottom lids, however, I have small eyes and when I do my makeup, I feel that the liner is making them even smaller.  What can I do to give the effect of bigger eyes?  I love liner because I feel very washed out and tired without it, so if you have any advice or tips on how to apply liner, I would so greatly appreciate it and love you even more!!  

-Violet

Hey Violet,

I'm well, thanks for asking.  This is a very common issue among women with smaller shaped eyes. The key to making your eyes appear bigger is to use a lighter shade of pencil (or powder) along the inner rim of your eyes. Beige, Vanilla and/or white will do the trick.  Don't forget to line using your dark liner below the water line along your lashes for definition. You should also apply a light, bright shade of white or pearl to the inner corners of the eyes which will open and separate them more.  Another quick and easy way to open the eyes is to curl your lashes and apply mascara right after. 

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario


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

Minggu, 20 Maret 2011

Victoria's Secret Incredible Bra Is Aptly Named

Since I gave birth in August, I have been rotating five sad-looking nursing bras. For a while now, I've been meaning to upgrade to more sexy support systems. But as most new mothers know, there's not a lot of free time those first few months - and when you do get some downtime, you take a nap.

But last week, I decided enough was enough. It was high time my undergarments made me feel like a woman again, rather than a milk maid. So I made a sojourn to Victoria's Secret to get outfitted for a ultra-feminine bra.

The first thing I did upon entering the land of lingerie was flag down a helpful salesperson and asked to be fitted. Pre-pregnancy, I was barely a 34B - but her tape measure revealed that, post-pregnancy, I am now a 36D!!!

I told the saleswoman that I was in search of a bra that would give the girls some serious lift (post-baby, gravity is not your friend). I also mentioned how frustrated I have become with my nursing bras and the fact that they look lumpy under my form-fitting tops. So she introduced me to Victoria's Secret Incredible Bra and selected a few styles to try on.


In the dressing room, I discovered that the Incredible Bra is aptly named. It's moniker isn't just a clever marketing ploy. It was as if Victoria's Secret read my mind and created a bra just for me. So I snagged the Incredible Demi Bra (for everyday) and the Incredible Front-Close Push Up Bra (for dramatic, Jessica Rabbit-esque décolletage). So what's so incredible about these bras? Lemme break it down:

The bras have a cushioned underwire doesn't dig, bind or pinch. Both styles I purchased are front-close, which makes it, literally, a snap for me to nurse my constantly hungry baby boy. Last, but definitely not least, both bras feature self-adjusting straps that fit perfectly every time. I don't know about you - but this was the ultimate selling point for me...my bra straps stay slippin' and it drives me insane. The Incredible Bra is also available in a wide range of shades and pattens, which is a nice change from the pedestrian palette of most nursing bras.

I am beyond pleased with my new bras. Visit your local Victoria's Secret store, try one on for size, and it'll be incredible if you leave the store empty-handed.

Jumat, 18 Maret 2011

GAP Give & Get 2011: 30% Off Coupon

Yesterday, I made a killing at Banana Republic - all in the name of charity.

You see, right now, GAP is having its Give & Get program. You get 30% off your ENTIRE purchase at GAP, GAP Outlet, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Banana Republic Factory Stores - and GAP will donate 5% of what you spend to a nonprofit organization.

Yesterday, I stocked up on some chic spring essentials, including:







You, too, can simultaneously get your shop on and support a worthy cause. Here's a printable coupon, good through Sunday, March 20, 2011.

Senin, 14 Maret 2011

Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Prevent Eyeliner From Running


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!

Your tips and tricks have absolutely changed the way I do my makeup - for the better, of course (beautyblender, anyone?). But there is one major thing that I'm still struggling with. I love MAC's liner in Smolder and the way it looks when I use it on my waterline and to line my lower lid, but it doesn't seem to last more than 20 minutes without smudging, running and going everywhere. This goes for most of the pencil liners I've tried, I just can't figure out how to make that look stay put. Any help you can offer is truly appreciated.

Thanks so much!
Lola

Hi Lola,

I'm so glad to hear that my tips have changed the way you do makeup! That makes me very happy - so thank you for that! So many women write me with the same issue that you're having, so listen up lovely ladies! To prevent your eyeliner (in the waterline/along lower lashes) from smudging down your face, you must create a barrier using makeup.

Apply concealer under the eyes and blend it out. The next step is most important - dip a sponge in a little bit of translucent loose power and press it directly over the concealer to set it. Use a clean brush to sweep away the loose powder under the eyes. This should do the trick for you as the concealer and powder will not allow the liner to smudge down past the lashes.

To better understand it, think of flood for example. If water is coming toward your front door and leave the door open, the water will come in. If you take sand bags and build a little wall, the water will not be able to get in your front door. The concealer and powder together act as the sand bags. I 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 fotohotcewekquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Take The Suave Challenge: Win Free Products on Facebook!

Suave Professionals wants Spoiled Pretty readers to take the "Suave Challenge" to see if you can tell the difference between Suave Professionals products and top salon brands.

As part of the challenge, on Thursday, March 24th, the first 200,000 fans to visit Suave Beauty on Facebook will receive a FREE full-size bottle to see for themselves just how well the new Suave Professionals products perform. You can also take the "Suave Challenge" at CanYouTell.com where the products will be put through virtual hair tests like wind, water, heat and more!

Also, be sure to "Like" Suave Beauty on Facebook and follow @SuaveBeauty on Twitter for the latest information on Suave, hair tips and news from The Suave Professionals.

Minggu, 13 Maret 2011

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

 
How obsessed am I with Clinique's new Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm? All eight shades have taken up permanent residency in the makeup bag I keep in my purse. These clever crayons (think of them as perfect hybrid of a lipstick and a gloss) moisturize with mango and shea butters while adding a hint of color and subtle sheen. Plus they never need a sharpener because they swivel up from the bottom - like a traditional balm.

Each of the shades is so ultra-flattering that you could buy any one of them - sight unseen - and it would look absolutely perfect on your pucker.

From left to right: Graped-Up, Super Strawberry, Woppin' Watermelon, Chunky Cherry,
Mega Melon, Fuller Fig, Whole Lotta Honey, Richer Raisin




Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balms are available at Sephora, Clinique counters and clinique.com.

*Samples were provided by the brand for review.

Senin, 07 Maret 2011

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Belle of the Brows


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 sparse eyebrows, but I love the look of thick eyebows (like Camilla Belle's). Do you have tips for filling in sparse brows so that they still look believable? Every time I try, I feel like the color is off or I'm too heavy-handed with the application - and the result isn't realistic. Application and product suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks a ton!
Eryn

Hi Eryn,

You should start out by filling in your brows with a brow pencil that is lighter then your hair. I recommend a pencil that has a very thin tip like MAC's Eye Brows pencils. Fill in the inner corners of the brows with light upward strokes to mimic natural brow hairs and continue towards the outer corners. It's very important that you brush through the brows a couple of times to blend and soften the pencil. Next you should fill them in again with a eye shadow, using a thin slanted brow brush. The powder shadow should be very similar in color to the pencil (don't go much darker) because it will darken once it's over the pencil. Brush through and blend again. The layering of the light pencil and light powder blended into your brows should create a natural looking texture.

For those of you who once upon a time had a full brow, tweezed and waxed them for years and now can't grow them back, I sometimes recommend using Rogaine on the eye brows every night before bedtime. Results are not guaranteed but it does work on many women after continued use. Give it a try.

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario


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

Selasa, 01 Maret 2011

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Senin, 28 Februari 2011

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Fill In The Beauty Blanks


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.

This week, it's my turn to ask a question or two...or six. To mix it up, I've asked Mario to play a game of Fill In The Beauty Blanks...

1) The first beauty product I ever bought was a Stila brush - #15, I think.
2) My favorite drugstore beauty product is L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black.
3) Every woman should own Eye M Glam highlighter.
4) Splurge on foundation and save your money on lip gloss/lipstick.
5) Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in RD 165 is a universally flattering red lipstick.
6) La Mer, beautyblender, Dior are my three favorite beauty brands
.

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

Oscars Beauty 2011: Marisa Tomei

For Marisa Tomei's gorgeous red carpet look, makeup artist Matthew VanLeeuwen worked exclusively with Anastasia Beverly Hills product.

Matthew took the Anastasia Highlighting Crème Duo in St Tropez dipped into the crème blush and applied it in gentle back and forth sweeps across Marisa's smiling cheeks. (Pro tip: smiling makes the job mistake proof, because it helps the blush go where it's supposed to). Using the same brush, Matthew dipped into the highlighting crème and brushed the tops of the lips and nose with the illuminating fluid. The skin was "so translucent and smooth looking!"

Turning to brows, Matthew filled and shaped Marisa's with Anastasia Brow Wiz Pencil in Brunette and created a few feathery strokes in the brow and to define the bottom edge of the brow. Matthew then took Anastasia Brow Duality Pencil and placed a bit of the matte highlighter just at the arch of the brow. The total effect is ultra defined and crisp brows that perfectly frame the face.

Moving to the eyes, Matthew took Anastasia Illumin8 Eye Shadow Palette 1 and dusted the soft pink sorbet shadow all over the eye to brighten and tone the skin. Matthew raved that "the shadow is so smoothing and imparts a modern velvety texture." Then Matthew took Illumin8 palette 3 and blended the mauve shade into the crease "to create the perfect shade of orchid." Next, Matthew lined the eye with a thin line of black pencil and smudged the sparkly blue/black shadow from Illumin8 palette #3 into the lashline to create a softer, smokey eyeline.

The eye makeup was finished by curling the lashes and applying two coats of Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara, which Matthew says "has reached cult status with many of my clients...it's incredible."

Finally to finish Marisa's stunning look, Matthew applied Anastasia Hydrafull Lip Gloss in Sangria, a gorgeous soft amethyst berry shade.

Oscars Beauty 2011: Scarlett Johansson

Duffy for Frederic Fekkai styled 2011 Academy Awards presenter, Scarlett Johansson.

INSPIRATION: Duffy sought to bring out "the real Scarlett Johansson" by creating a young, sexy, modern shag with dry texture.

HOW TO:
1. Begin by applying Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume™ Styling Whip to towel-dried hair, working the product in from roots to ends.
2. Dry hair using Fekkai Classic Brush to create loose, tousled waves for the textured effect.
3. Apply Fekkai Full Blown Volume™ Lifting Hairspray to roots to prep the foundation
4. At the nape of the neck, spritz hair with Fekkai Coiff™ Océanique Tousled Wave Spray.
5. Using a 1 ½ inch curling iron wrap 2-3 inch sections of hair around the barrel of the iron, leaving ends out. Continue to repeat this act.
6. Take a hairdryer with nozzle attachment and blast the root of the hair for hold and volume.
7. Run fingers through the hair to break-up the waves.
8. Clamp the ends with a flat iron to flatten the curl, creating an imperfect, sleeker wave.
9. Finish the style with Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray to give a modern, edgy look.

Johansson’s Make Up Artist accentuated the star's breathtaking beauty exclusively with products from the Dolce & Gabbana range.

He focused on eyes, shading and outlining them using The Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Stromboli 130, applying the darkest color close to the lash line on the lid and beneath the eye line. He then used the copper and bronze hues at the crease of her eye and highlighted the inner corner with a smudge of the golden tone from the palette. He finished the eyes with a sweep of The Crayon Intense Eyeliner in Gold 3 and several coats of The Volumized Lashes Mascara in Black 1 for volume and definition. For a effortless, natural glamour, he used The Ultra Shine Lipgloss in Candy 80 on Scarlett’s lips. A light dusting of The Illuminator in Eva 3 completed the look.

Speaking about the star’s glamorous look for the evening, her personal Make Up Artist said: "Scarlett was simply stunning in tones of gold and copper, offset with a sheer pink to accentuate her lips. She looked the epitome of the modern movie star."

Oscars Beauty 2011: Reese Witherspoon

Frederic Fekkai's Renato Campora styled 2011 Academy Awards presenter, Reese Witherspoon.

INSPIRATION: To compliment her gown, Renato channeled a mod-60's high ponytail over combined with the top glamour.

HOW TO:
1. Create the foundation for the style by applying Fekkai Coiff™ Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel and the Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless™ Smooth Finish Serum.
2. Blow-dry hair with the Fekkai Large Round Brush to enhance fullness and volume.
3. Divide the hair into two sections.
4. Using a 1 ½ curling iron create movement and volume on the bottom layer.
5. Tease the roots of the top section to create the volume.
6. Finish the look by spraying Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray to secure the silhouette and shape of the style.

All products available at Fekkai.com, ULTA.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Oscars Beauty 2011: Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett, who presented the award for best makeup at the 83rd annual Academy Awards is known for her flawless complexion.

When you have flawless skin like Cate, you don't need much makeup. To get her award-winning look, the actress prepped her skin with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and SK-II Facial Treatment Masks, both of which contain the highest concentration of SK-II's key ingredient, Pitera®.

Facial Treatment Essence, which helps promote radiant skin, is a simple step easy to incorporate into any skincare ritual. Used both day and night, it restores skin’s natural surface cycle. "SK-II is fundamentally different from other lines based on one indispensable product – the Facial Treatment Essence," Cate says. "It is like nothing I have ever used before, a clear liquid that you simply press into your skin. It clarifies and moisturizes. It basically does it all. As a result, my skin looks more balanced and healthy."

Facial Treatment Mask is a deeply intensive, moisture-boosting mask that hydrates the skin with Pitera® to promote more radiant and smoother skin. Cate says, "I use a Facial Treatment Mask to immediately brighten my complexion with a surge of Pitera® - it's so refreshing and leaves my skin feeling rejuvenated."

This dynamic duo intensely moisturizes the skin, resulting in a stunning luminous glow even before makeup is applied.

Oscars Beauty 2011: Giuliana Rancic

Giuliana Rancic's hairstylist is sharing the exclusive step-by-step instructions on how to achieve the E! host's gorgeous look using Alterna products:

• Apply Alterna's Bamboo Smooth Kendi Pure Treatment Oil ($24) to damp hair and blow-dry straight.

• Add additional texture with a 1" iron by wrapping small sections of the hair away from the face to create "beach-like" texture.

• Gather the hair into a high ponytail leaving a little height in the front and pulling the sides tighter. Secure with an elastic band.

• Lightly tease the ponytail into a textured poof.

• Create a large bun and secure with French bobby pins. This look is inspired by YSL's Fall 2010 fashion show.

• Finish with Alterna's Caviar Working Hairspray ($26) and follow with Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Mist Oil ($24) to add extra shine.

Get a free deluxe sample of Alterna’s Bamboo Kendi Pure Treatment Oil at Ulta while supplies last. Just go to the counter and ask!

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