Makeup Mondays With Mario: Fab in Five

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 lot of time in the morning to put on makeup, but I hate leaving the house bare-faced. Can you give me some quick tips or products I can use to look fab in five minutes?

PS - You're awesome!

Lily


Lily,

To look fab in five minutes is very possible! You need concealer, bronzer, mascara and a lip product. Start with dabbing concealer under your eyes or wherever it's needed to even out your skin. You can also apply a tinted moisturizer; they are usually very sheer, allowing for quick application and blending. I love Lancome SPF tinted moisturizer. Using a big brush, sweep bronzer around the frame of your face and a bit on cheeks to warm you up. Try Guerlain's Terra Cotta Tan Booster. It's a great rich color that goes on sheer and doesn't have much shimmer in it. Take a small brush and sweep some on your eyelids too. Mascara on the top and bottom lashes will finish the eyes and - then throw on some lipstick or gloss to finish. You should be looking fab in no time.

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!

Grammy Gorgeous: Katy Perry

After a recent trip to India, Katy Perry brought back a variety of bindis and together, with celebrity makeup artist Jake Bailey, they used this as inspiration to create a "Bettie Page, Indian princess look" for this year's Grammy Awards.

To perfect her skin, Jake used Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation and to set the look, he dusted Guerlain Les Violettes Matte Touch Powder all over the face.

Jake then highlighted the apples of her cheeks with CORALista blush from benefit.

Keeping with the exotic feel, Jake used a mixture of shimmery plums and golds on her eyes. "I was going for a more colorful version of the tradition smoky eye," said Jake. Jake used COVERGIRL's double-ended smoky eye stick, Smoky ShadowBlast in Purple Plume by first applying the angled end of the shadow stick, the deeper plum, over the entire lid and blending into a smoky halo. He then applied Smoky ShadowBlast in Bronze Fire, using the round, golden end to line along the lid and inner corners of her eyes to brighten the look.

To complete her smoky eye, Jake created an ultra-long lash look with several coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Length in black. "The best thing about this mascara is that you can apply coat after coat to get maximum impact without losing separation and elegance," said Jake.
To balance her dramatic eyes without overpowering them, Jake finished her look with a matte lip, using COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain in Wild Berry Wink. "I love these Lipstains so much because you can line and shape the entire lip without sacrificing your own lip texture," Jake finished.

*To win some COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlasts (along with ShineBlast lip glosses), enter Spoiled Pretty's latest giveaway!

Ten Questions with Tory Burch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Window Shopper's Remorse

Two weeks ago, I went to Sephora, for story research (I swear). Guerlain had this promotional table set up, manned by a sunkissed representative. The saleswoman familiarized me with the brand's Terracotta collection, then asked if I would like to try the Terracotta Spray Bronzing Powder Mist.

I had just come from a relaxing rubdown at Topper's Spa (followed by eyebrow shaping at Thread Beauty Bar), and I wasn't wearing any makeup - so I happily obliged. The woman misted my face with the #2 shade and quickly blended the product with a foundation brush. In (literally) one minute, I looked like I just got back from some sun drenched isle. It's so gorgeous, words simply won't do.

As much as I loved the look, I wasn't exactly enamored with the price ($59)...so I left it in the store. But ever since, I've been kicking myself for leaving Sephora empty-handed. I recently learned that each can contains 130 applications, which comes out to just 45 cents per bronzy face. So my cheap ass is heading back to Sephora - this time, primed to make a purchase.

Product Polygamy Week: Bath and Body

It’s Friday, which means the final installment of Product Polygamy Week. Read on for the Spoiled Pretty picks that will rock your body…

PERFUME
The Barb: L'Instant de Guerlain
I was searching high and low for my review of L'Instant de Guerlain and finally realized that I never wrote one…which makes no sense because this perfume is my signature scent. This floral Oriental fragrance is one of the most beautiful and complex scents I have ever smelled. Every time I wear it, I just brace myself for the compliments - and it certainly leaves a lasting impression. L’Instant is described as a “soft, sexy scent comprised of an intricate blend of interwoven fragrance harmonies, like citrus honey, magnolia inclusion, and amber harmony.” I’m no master perfumer, so to be honest, that means nothing to me; to my untrained nose, this perfume has a soft and powdery scent that dries down to a sensual, musky vanilla. I imagine that L’Instant would be a staple on Charlotte York-Goldenblatt’s vanity, but Carrie Bradshaw would definitely sneak a spritz when she’s visiting Charlotte’s Park Avenue apartment.

The Nicki: Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Body Spritz
I’m a fan of potent perfumes, and I’m a little heavy-handed in the application. So I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the light, clean scent of Philosophy’s Amazing Grace Perfumed Body Spritz. After smelling it on me, my sister (who I usually have to bribe for compliments) asked me what I was wearing. When I told her what it was, she said that I smelled very nice. I was like, “OMG. Stop. The. Presses. My sister just said something nice…to me!” Needless to say, it has become a staple in my daily beauty ritual. And sometimes I even find myself spraying the air and linens with Amazing Grace, like it’s Febreze or something. That’s how good it smells.

The Margene: Deauville pour Homme by Michel Germain
My new favorite scent isn’t new at all. In fact, we have a decade-long history. Ten years ago, in a perfume shop in the Bahamas, I fell in love with Deauville pour Homme by Michel Germain. But I was too broke to buy it and Mama Spoiled Pretty wouldn’t lend me the money to buy a men’s cologne. Then a few months ago, Deauville and I were reunited in a suburban Philadelphia TJ Maxx. The icing on the cake? It only cost $9.99!!! It was fate…now we’re reunited and it smells so good, though Señor Spoiled Pretty is a little weirded out.


SHOWER GEL/SOAP
The Barb: Jaqua Buttercream Frosting Shower Crème
Not only do Jaqua’s Buttercream Frosting products pamper my parched skin, they smell like heaven - a sweet tooth’s version of heaven, anyway. Like vanilla frosting with a hint of fresh strawberries, Jaqua's Buttercream Frosting Shower Creme smells so much like the real thing, I have to remind myself that it’s not edibile. I can only hope that Jaqua is developing hair care, shaving cream, toothpaste, antiperspirant, and contact lens solution…so that every square inch of me can smell saccharinely sweet.

The Nicki: Jo Malone Orange Blossom Shower Gel
I once had someone ask me, “If you were going to take your very last bath on earth, what oil, salt, or bubbly brew would you use to make it especially soak-worthy?” My answer: without a doubt, it would be Jo Malone Orange Blossom Shower Gel. The scent is like heaven.

The Margene: Johnson's Vanilla Oatmeal Body Wash
The latest installment of my Recessionista’s Fabuless Pick of the Week series featured Johnson's Vanilla Oatmeal Body Wash. And for good reason. The creamy formula lathers up nice, thoroughly cleanses my eczema-prone skin without stripping, the oatmeal relieves my itchy scratchies and the subtle vanilla scent is warm and comforting. And it’s less than $5.


LOTION/MOISTURIZER
The Barb: Johnson’s Softlotion 24 Hour Moisturizer
I am a big fan of Johnson’s Lotions, particularly Softlotion 24 Hour Moisturizer. This non-greasy, fast-absorbing lotion smells like baby oil and is enriched with hydrating emollients and natural lipids ingredients to maintain hydration and prevent moisture loss. It keeps the ashiness at bay and leaves my skin touchably soft all day.

The Nicki: 100% Pure Organic Virgin Coconut Nourishing Body Cream
I recently fell hard and fast for 100% Pure’s Organic Virgin Coconut Nourishing Body Cream, which worked wonders on my desiccated skin. The scent is so yummy fantastic that I thought to myself, “the world would be a better place if everything smelled exactly like this.” Even Mama Spoiled Pretty, who complains that my favorite scents are too cloying, said that Organic Virgin Coconut Nourishing Body Cream smells good enough to eat. Ironically, it doesn’t remind me, at all, of coconut…fresh baked oatmeal cookies is more accurate.

The Margene: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil
No matter what your skin situation, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil is “right on top of that, Rose” (shout out to Amber and other fellow fans of Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead). This preservative-free, lightweight formula contains an exclusive blend of key ingredients for scars, stretch marks, dry, damaged skin, uneven skin tone, aging skin, lines and wrinkles. The oil locks in moisture; your skin will look and feel soft, with a radiant sheen. The product sinks in on contact and the formula is non-greasy and non-staining, so you don’t have to wait to get dressed.


HAIR REMOVAL
The Barb: Schick Intuition
When Schick unveiled Intuition a few years ago, I instantly hated it. The music in the commercial was that disgusting pop song Intuition by Jewel. Don’t get me wrong. I dig Jewel…Pieces of You Jewel. Not pop tart Jewel. But when my Aunt Bunchie gave me a whole bunch of Intuitions for Christmas that year, I couldn’t be a Scrooge and throw 'em out. So I tried them and fell in love right then and there. You would think that the ‘skin conditioning solid’ would prevent the blade from getting close to the skin, but you would be wrong. Intuition is the closest shave I’ve ever had. It’s really all I use at home.

The Nicki: Gillette Venus Embrace
Now on the road, that’s another story. When I travel, I pack Venus Embrace; it travels better than the Intuition. The pivoting head allows the blades to stay in constant contact with the skin, even around nick-prone areas like knees and ankles. The soft grip handle provides increased control in the shower, and the razor comes with this super cool ‘ShowerPod’ that suctions to the tile and conveniently stores the razor and extra blades. Pair it with Satin Care Alluring Avocado Shave Gel, which is intensely moisturizing and has a light, fresh scent.

The Margene: Miracle Threading (King of Prussia Mall, PA)
If you’re not in Philadelphia, you’re missing out. On New Year’s Day, while shopping at the King of Prussia Mall, I found myself in front of the Miracle Threading kiosk across from Sephora (excellent location). Usually, there are ladies lined up to get their eyebrows waxed and whiskers get pulled from their chinny chin chins; but on the 1st, there was no one. I imagine that most of these hirsute regulars were home nursing their hangovers. So, based on my mom’s and sister’s rave reviews (and the lack of a line), I decided to sit in the chair and let Pina go to town. Did she ever. A few short minutes later, my upper lip was baby butt smooth and my eyebrows were shaped to perfection. Literally, my eyebrows had never looked so well-groomed. Pina is precise; when I returned home that day, I gave my eyebrows and upper lip a close inspection - and there was not one stray hair. Pina is on point, so if you’re in the Philadelphia area, get yourself over to Miracle Threading (on the upper level of the Plaza - as I said, across from Sephora). Yes, it’s a little weird getting threaded in public, but when you see the finished product, you’ll be glad you sucked it up and acted like a big girl. Call 484.300.7945 for more information.

Well, that concludes Product Polygamy Week. Did you fancy? I hope that you take advantage of my sage advice and enter into some loving relationships with these products. Are you sad to see this theme week to come to an end and jonesing for another fix? Visit Amber’s final post before you start pouting.

And tune into HBO'sseason premiere of Big Love on Sunday, followed by the absolutely hilarious Flight of the Conchords.

PS - Big props to Beth at Glamour.com for giving Amber and I a BIG link LOVE yesterday!