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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Smokey Eyes For Dark Complexions

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 love the soft, natural smokey eyes you do on Kim Kardashian but have trouble re-creating them on my dark skin (my complexion is closer to Gabrielle Union or Jessica White) - it always comes out too dark and muddy. Can you give me some ideas on color selection to best re-create a soft, smokey eye for my skin tone? And can I use Eye M Glam or will it be too light for me?

Thank You SO MUCH,
Niki 

Niki,

Here's how you can easily rock soft smokey eyes. First start by evening out the lids a primer or concealer and set with powder. This step will prevent the muddy look you mentioned. Try a rich copper or deep bronze shadow (shimmery or satin finish) all over your lids below the crease. Blend that with a clean brush going up slightly above the crease. Using a small brush, sweep the same shadow along the lower lash line. Line the inner rim of eyes and the base of the lower lashes with a black pencil and also line the lids. Blend the pencil softly so there's no sharp lines. You want the black line to blend up into the copper shadow. Do the same with the bottom but this time blending downward into the shadow.

You can use Eye M Glam on your skin tone for sure as its a sheer highlighter. To polish the look, place some right on the inner corners of the eyes and a bit on the brow bone. Finish off with mascara on top and bottom.

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!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Flawless Foundation

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,

My questions are about foundation. First, when I’m buying a foundation, how do I make sure that I’m buying the right shade? Second, once I apply my foundation, how do I get the color to stay true? I ask this because sometimes my foundation will turn slightly orange after a few hours. Thanks!

-Lia

Hi Lia,

When chosing a foundation shade, it's important that you consider your skin shade on your face and neck. Test a few shades of foundation across your jawline and slightly onto the neck. Blend with a sponge and whichever shade looks most natural should be the right match.

Getting the color of your base to stay true is easy. Your face oils are what cause the base to turn orange so try to keep your skin matte by using blotting tissues throughout the day. You may also want to start your application using an anti-shine or matte primer, followed by foundation. Finish off by setting it all with a translucent colorless loose powder and voila! Perfection.

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!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Glossy Eye 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.

Dear Mario,

I hope this message finds you well. I know you're super busy so I'll jump right in with my question for you. For years I've seen woman in magazines with a glossy eye makeup and I want to try this look on me but don't even know where to begin. I read once that Vaseline works over a normal shadow and when I tried it on myself it lasted all of about 10 minutes before getting into my eyes and on my lashes. Please help me with a product recommendation or one of your genius techniques so my eyes too can be glossy like the magazine models!

-Lucy

Lucy,

There are several ways to get a glossy effect on your eyelids. I've done this look many times through the years and it's gorgeous when done the right way. I have also experimented with a few techniques and products. The simplest way to get your lids looking glossy is to use an eye gloss. Here's what you do - first apply shadow primer or concealer to the lids and set with loose powder. This will even out the color of your lids and help the eye gloss to last longer by preventing your oils and the actual gloss from mixing together and eventually making a mess on your pretty eyes.

You must try the Jane Iredale Eye Gloss. It comes in a little tube with a wand applicator in several shades. Just apply it directly to your lids and that’s pretty much it! No need to add several products. This eye gloss is great because it's not overly glossy and it doesn't crease or run at all.

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!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Blush That Won't Budge

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 love your blog, and have been reading all your posts at Spoiled Pretty! I need some help with making my powder blush last. I put on my blush after applying my primer, cream foundation, and loose powder. I am using a variety of blushes, including NARS, MAC, and Wet n' Wild, but none of them seem to stay. Is there anything I can do to get my powder blush to last longer? Thanks!

-Cassidey

Hi Cassidey!

Powder products tend to stay better on moisturized skin. You mentioned that you're using a primer, cream foundation and loose powder which all work. However, using an emollient moisturizer will certainly help your blush and any powders to last longer.

Another way to get your cheeks blushing longer is to first apply a cream blush and follow with a powder blush right over it. I do that often when I need a client's makeup to last through the day and night.

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!

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 fotohotcewekquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Brushes That Won't Break The Bank

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.

Mario,

How are you? I have been following your work and reading your blog for a couple of years now and you are my go-to guy for anything makeup and beauty related. I noticed in pictures that you have a ton of brushes that seem to be from different brands and I know that good quality brushes are important. Can you please recommend brushes that are good but affordable and preferably from one company? I have a couple of MAC brushes but I can't really afford to buy a whole set right now. Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays!

-Danielle

Hi Danielle,

I totally understand where you're coming from when it comes to brushes being pricy! Finding very good, inexpensive brushes that last long and work well will sometimes require a bit of research. Research and testing takes all the fun out of it so heres my recommendation that I'm certain you will be very happy with. Try Sigma brushes. Sigma is a line of professional brushes that are all high quality and won't break the bank. They offer a bunch of brush sets that you can choose from as well as individual brushes.

Happy Holidays to you as well and 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!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Faking Freckle-Free Skin

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!

So, I'm sure you hear this all the time, but you are a genius! I really like your style and technique, so here is a question for you. I have freckles all over my face and pale-ish skin. I HATE my freckles and even though people may say they are cute, I want CLEAR FRECKLE-FREE SKIN...ha ha (so please don't say freckles are cute LOL). I know I can't make them disappear, but is there any way I can still look pretty with freckles? Or even a cheap way to get rid of them or cover them? I won't hide them all of the time, but it would be nice to have clear, tanned skin. How can I achieve this?

Thanks,
Alice 


Hi Alice,

A great way to conceal freckles is to get a spray tan.  This especially would be good in your case because you also want your skin more tanned.  The color will last for about a week or so and with the tan, you avoid having to use heavy foundations and bronzers.  I don't recommend applying a full coverage foundation to cover freckles.  If you do choose to do so, the foundation shade must be as close to your natural skin color as possible.

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!

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 fotohotcewekquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Wear MAC Pigments

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, let me say that I think you are a makeup genius and I am a very big fan of yours. Which is why I am reaching out with this question. My question is about MAC pigments. Have you ever used those? I have a whole bunch, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to use them. Can they only be used as eye shadows or can they be used elsewhere on the face? And what's the best way to apply them - I have trouble making them stay put. Thanks so much and best of luck to you!

-Keisha


Hi Keisha,

Thank you! I recommend priming the eyelids with either concealer or an eye primer and setting it with loose powder before you apply any pigment or mica. This allows for a more smooth, clean application. The brush that you use should not be too fluffy. Blending brushes will not work when applying pigments. Instead, use a normal eye shadow brush that is more dense like Sigma's eye shading e55 brush. A dense brush is great for building eyeshadow for more intensity and also holds on to the pigment so it goes exactly where you apply it.

Pigments can sometimes be used on the cheeks or as a highlighter and even on the lips. If the color is appropriate, dab some on your lips and rub it in or mix a bit with a gloss. It has great staying power. Shimmery pigments look great when applied with a wet brush. I often wet the brush myself before applying a shimmer pigment because it makes application very clean and I get more intense color. Another tip is to first dip and sweep your brush into the lid of the pigment before you apply it to your face. This coats the bristles in pigment and, again, provides a more clean and precise application.

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!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Fix For Flaky Foundation

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.


Help me, Mario. I have super dry skin and no matter what I do or how much moisturizer I use, my skin always looks flaky when I wear foundation. What am I doing wrong? If anyone can help me, I know it's you!

Thanks,
Kaitlin


Hi Kaitlin,

Flaky skin can be a result of a skin condition such as eczema. If you haven't already done so, please have your skin checked by a dermatologist to determine what the problem is - if any - and the appropriate treatment you may need.

I find that with very dry skin, it's good to use a tinted moisturizer. Stay away from setting powders which will absorb all the skin's moisture and bring attention to flaky, dry areas.

Another option is to use Bare Minerals mineral powder foundation - it works beautifully on dry, flaky skin and even gives a glow!

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!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: You, But Better

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,


Usually, I don't wear much makeup. In fact, I usually just wear some sort of lip balm and then I'm out the door. But I recently decided to start putting some more effort into my look. So can you share some tips and products to help me look put-together, but natural? I want to look like a prettier version of myself - but I also don't have a lot of time in the mornings to apply makeup. Thanks a lot!

-Joan

Hi Joan,

I’m glad you've decided to show yourself some love by putting forth the little bit of effort to be a prettier you. Starting with just a few products will have you looking naturally beautiful and smiling in no time.

Tinted moisturizer, applied with your fingers to your face and blended into your neck, will even out your skin without feeling heavy at all. My favorites right now are from Laura Mercier and Lancome. Use a bit of concealer under your eyes to brighten up and also on any red or dark spots - try Smashbox High Definition Liquid Concealer.

If you brows need grooming, be sure to have this done. It gives an instant lift. Try filling in your brows with a brow pencil and focus on the mid to outer corners for the most natural result. Brow Tech To Go, also by Smashbox, is a personal fave. You can set your brow with the brow gel on the other end of the pencil.

Curl your lashes as I can’t stress enough how huge of a difference it makes. Just do it! LOL. Follow with a basic black mascara on top and bottom lashes and you won’t even need liner.

Looking in the mirror, smile and apply a bit of blush to the apples of your cheeks. To find the right shade for you, I recommend you go to a department store and have a makeup artist help you out. Another option is to choose a couple of drugstore shades and test them at home.

Answering this question brings back fond memories for me, so I will share them with you…

My mother never wore any makeup her entire life - aside from lip balm - and she still doesn't. I do remember, though, that on very special and rare occasions, she would take out this pinkish, natural lipstick tube and in front of the mirror, softly dab it a few times on her lips, barely applying any color. Next she would very gently and cautiously dab that same lipstick onto her cheeks, followed by a smile in the mirror. All together, this took about 20 seconds. I’d stare up at her and smile because I thought she looked so beautiful that way. I’m smiling again right now at this memory, even twenty years later.

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!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Do Drugstore

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 don't have a big budget for cosmetics, but it seems that most of the inexpensive products I buy don't look very good. Can you recommend some drugstore makeup that is comparable to department store makeup?

Thanks, Kourtney

Hi Kourtney,

When using drug store cosmetics, you should try switching up your technique and tools during application. An extra step or two should have you satisfied with the way your makeup looks. For example, a eyeshadow color that you love at the drugstore looks great in the package but when you bring it home and apply the color, it probably doesn't glide smoothly or evenly stick to your lids. In this case, make sure your lids are primed with a shadow base or a bit of your foundation/concealer and set them with loose powder. This will ensure a smooth and even application. Your brush should not be too "fluffy" unless you are blending so choose a shadow brush with shorter, firmer bristles and dab/press the shadow onto the lids a few times. Using a cream shadow first followed by a powder also works well and gives a richer look.

A tip for making inexpensive, hard liners easily glide on to give you nice pigment is to first heat them with a blow dryer or a lighter. You'd be surprised at how the texture of the pencil becomes rich and emollient. If you try this, please wait a few seconds before you apply the hot pencil to your face.

Drugstores do carry so many great makeup brands and products that are comparable to department store brands. L'Oreal True Match Foundation, Revlon lipstick, NYX shadows and blush and CoverGirl concealers are just a few of many, many good products that can be found in drugstores. Just like with inexpensive clothing or furniture, it takes more effort to make it look good but you learn so many tricks along the way.

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!xo,

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Turn Back Time

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

Hello Mario,

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

Regards,
Sue

Hi Sue,

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

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

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

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

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

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Color Coordination

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,

As a beauty junkie, I just want to say how awesome it is to get to write and ask you a question. And if you're reading this question, that's even more awesome. You are so talented and I really admire your abilities. Anyway, moving on - here's my question. Do your eye shadow, blush and lipstick/gloss have to be in the same color family? I'm always so confused about the rules. Like, if I wear warm tones on my eyes, do my cheeks and lips also have to be warm toned too? And if not and it's okay to mix them up, do you have any tips for how to coordinate them all? Thanks so much, Mario!

Love, Leslie

Leslie,

Thank you! This is a great question so I want all the ladies to pay attention, please. ;-) To help rid yourself of confusion, get rid of "the rules." There are no rules or laws when it comes to makeup, but there are a lot of options.

Eye, cheek and lip colors do not have to be in the same color family. For those of you who don't know, warm tones are shades like brown, bronze, yellow and peach. Purple, pink and blue are all cool tones. I think mixing cool with warm tones can have a beautiful result. Let's say your skin is warm with a yellow undertone and you do your eye makeup with purple shadows which are cool tones, it doesn't mean that your cheeks and lips have to be cool. I think a warmer cheek like peach and bronze and a nude lip in this situation paired with the cool eye is aesthetically more flattering.

A client of mine once referred to me as the "mix master of makeup," LOL. I mix everything on the back of my hand to see the result. One of the best parts of doing what I do is being able to "wipe it if I don't like it."

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!