Makeup Mondays With Mario: Long Lashes Undermining Your Mascara?

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

Hi Mario!

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

Thanks!
Amanda

Hi Amanda,

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

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

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

Felix Rey Friends & Family

As a special gift to friends, family and fans, enjoy 20% off of your entire purchase made on felixrey.com from now until Friday, December 3, 2010. Simply enter the code CYBER20 at check out.

TEMPTU Friends & Family Deal

Take 25% off purchases at temptu.com, now through December 4, 2010. Enter FLAWLESS25 at checkout to redeem.

Cyber Monday Savings at Tarte Cosmetics

Take 30% off regular merchandise and 15% off limited-edition holiday items at tarte.com. Orders of $25 and up receive free shipping and a free charcoal emphasEYES pencil! Enter code CYBERMON at checkout. Valid only today, 11/29/10.

Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Set Sneak Peek!

Cyber Monday at Clarisonic

On Cyber Monday (and the day after), enjoy the following deals at Clarisonic.com:

Cleanser Sets - These sets include one cleanser for your face and one for your body. Save $10 plus get an additional 20% off.

Brush Head Twin Packs - Brush heads are available in convenient packs of two. Save $10 plus get an additional 20% off.

Skin Care Pairs - Mix and match your favorite Skin Care Systems. Take an additional 20% off for a savings up to $148.

To redeem, use promo code PAIRS at checkout. This code is good for an extra 20% off all Holiday Gift Duos. Enter promo code at checkout. Offer valid only from 12 a.m. PST on 11/29/10 to 11:59 p.m. PST on 11/30/10.

Shobha Cyber Monday Sale

Be hair-free for the holidays...

This Cyber Monday, all products are buy 1, get 1 at myShobha.com! That’s right, you get 2 for the price of 1 all day.

Free* shipping on all orders! Use code: FSH2010 at checkout (applies to all orders for domestic ground shipping).

* these deals are exclusive to retail items on myShobha.com only.
* the buy 1, get 1 deal does not apply to Shobha® Dollars Cards.
* these deals are not valid at Shobha® Locations.
* these deals are valid for cyber monday only (12:00am EST, 11.29.2010 through 11:59pm EST, 11.29.2010).
* these deals may not be combined with any other offers.

Three Custom Color Specialists Cyber Monday Deal

This Cyber Monday, Three Custom Color Specialists is thrilled to offer you 35% off all online orders!

Want our best shopping tip? Log on to threecustom.com right now, fill your shopping cart, and hit checkout between 12 midnight EST on Sunday, 11/28 through midnight on Monday, 11/29 (24 hours only!) Use coupon code CYBER at checkout to save!

With 35% off the entire site, you can afford great gifts and a couple of goodies for yourself, too!

TINte Cosmetics Cyber Monday Discount

Shop tintecosmetics.com and receive 25% off site wide plus free shipping. Promo Ends MONDAY at midnight. Enter promo code CYBER at checkout.

Get Party Perfect With P&G Beauty and Grooming

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The holidays are a time to do for others. But just because you’re busy showing others how much you care doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take the time to spoil yourself pretty.

You don’t have to worry about looking less than lovely this holiday season. P&G Beauty and Grooming brands like COVERGIRL, Clairol, Olay and Pantene offer the following dependable (and affordable!) products so you can look fabulously festive for any occasion – planned or impromptu.

Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller is a concentrated anti-aging treatment featuring a pen-shaped applicator that gently massages skin to fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the delicate eye area. It sends your under eye bags packing in 30 seconds, so you look fresh and radiant all season long.

When the occasion calls for looking beautiful at a moment’s notice, makeup should never disappoint.

COVERGIRL’s Simply Ageless Foundation provides a flawless finish without settling into fine lines and wrinkles throughout the day. The lightweight yet buildable formula goes on sheer - making imperfections seem to disappear while improving skin condition over time.

Shopping, cooking, decorating and entertaining rarely leave time for hair color throughout the season. Clairol Perfect 10 by Nice ‘n Easy gives hair high gloss, high shine and gorgeous color in just ten minutes. Got grays? No problem, silver belles! Perfect 10 delivers 100 percent, long-lasting gray coverage.

The holidays are prime time for unexpected photos, and you shouldn’t hide behind dry, frizzy locks. Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Shine Enhance Replenishing Mask has an advanced formula to treat rough, dull hair and leave it looking and feeling smooth and silky.

So even when the weather outside looks frightful, thanks to P&G Beauty and Grooming, you’ll look and feel delightful.

For more holiday beauty tips and enter to win a luxe NYC getaway, visit MustHaveIts.com.

This post was sponsored by P&G Beauty and Grooming.

Holiday Deals & Steals at Sephora

Free Shipping on Philosophy's Limited Edition Hope in a Jar chosen as one of Oprah's Favorite Things 2010. (Ends 12/14, use coupon code: HOLIDAYSHIP at checkout)

Sephora Collection Bath SALE - including the Holiday Sets - Get to 50% off now!

Smashbox Friends & Family 2010

LORAC Cyber Monday Collection

LORAC has a kit available on their website (loraccosmetics.com) for Cyber Monday. It’s called CYBER MONDAY COLLECTION and it contains 5 products including 2 shades of Baked Matte Satin Eye Shadow, On Screen Duo Highlighter/Cream Liner, a Lotsa Lip Gloss and Lotsa Lipstick all in a chic black makeup bag. The products were hand-picked by Celebrity Makeup Artist and LORAC Founder, Carol Shaw. It’s a steal for only $25 with a $100 value! Available on Monday 11/29, while supplies last.

Elizabeth Arden Thanksgiving Deals

To kick off this beautiful holiday season, ElizabethArden.com is offering exclusive discounts and exciting beauty sales! The best part? You can avoid the crowds (not to mention the middle-of-the-night lines!) and order all of your beauty must-haves from the comfort of your home.

On Friday November 26th, kick off Black Friday with up to 25% off Makeup, Skincare and Fragrance (with free shipping of course!) on any order on www.elizabetharden.com. This promotion ends on November 30th, so shop away all weekend!

Cyber Monday, is filled with deals, steals and even free gifts! With any $65 purchase, we're giving you a 31-piece Black Tote with a retail value of over $300! This bag is the ultimate makeup kit, it includes everything from blushes, to mascara, to glosses and more! Keep it for yourself or use it as the perfect gift for the beauty maven in your life. Use coupon code CYBER65 at check out to redeem this offer.

Holiday Deals at Benefit Cosmetics

Get free US standard shipping on any Benefit Cosmetics order. Enter GLAMSHIP at checkout. Offer valid 11.24.10–11.29.10.

Get free international shipping on any $85 Benefit Cosmetics order. Enter DEALDAY1 at checkout. Offer valid 11.25.10–11.29.10.

Cyber Monday, November 29th only at Benefit Cosmetics! Get 20% off top rated pics from Annie & Maggie. Enter FORDPICS at check out. Offer valid 11.29.10.

Macy's Cyber Friends & Family 2010: 25% Off

Get an extra 25% Off (10% electrics) at the Friends and Family sale at macys.com (Free Shipping when you spend $99 or more) Enter promo code:MACYSFF at checkout. Valid 11-30-2010 through 12-06-2010.

Kate Somerville Friends & Family: Take 30% Off!

Shop katesomerville.com through November 30, 2010 and receive 30% off all merchandise. Enter promo code KSFF2010 to redeem.

MAC Pink 4 Friday Collabo with Nicki Minaj

It's a Monster collaboration: Pink 4 Friday by MAC Cosmetics and Nicki Minaj.

The Trinidadian hip-hop diva has personally designed a limited edition MAC Lipstick, Pink Friday, to celebrate the release of her highly anticipated debut album of the same name. Putting her trademark barbz glamour twist on a bright, creamy pink satin formula, Nicki says, "MAC's Pink Nouveau was my favourite lipstick for years, but it's all about Pink Friday!”

Nicki's exclusive shade will only be available for purchase four Fridays beginning Friday, November 26, 2010, while supplies last, only at maccosmetics.com.

Available FRIDAYS November 26, December 3, December 10, and December 17, 2010.

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

NARS Poker Face Nail Polish

When the weather gets chillier, I usually prefer a dark, edgy nail. But today, while perusing Sephora on my lunch break, I succumbed to the bright lilac charms of NARS Poker Face Nail Polish.

I painted the pretty purple on my thumb, but - for some unexplainable reason - left Sephora empty handed. As the hours passed, the color grew on me more and more...and now, as I type this, I have a sad face over leaving Poker Face at the store.

Guess I'm gonna have to make a return trip tomorrow to turn my frown upside down.

MAC Me Over: Be The Face For MAC’s Fall 2011 Collection!

MAC Cosmetics just announced the launch of MAC Me Over!, the first of its kind national contest that aims to tap into its fan base to be the official faces for its Fall Color Collection. The contest runs now through December 20th.

Six very lucky winners will be chosen and flown to New York City, where they will have the opportunity to be photographed by an award-winning celebrity and fashion photographer, and those photographs may be used as part of materials that will appear at MAC stores and counters throughout the world. The criteria: Style, Heart and Soul.

"MAC Me Over! is a true celebration of MAC’s credo - All Ages, All Races, All Sexes," says James Gager, Creative Director, MAC Cosmetics Worldwide. “The program allows us to honor our fans by celebrating their individual personality and style."

Ro enter, log on to macmeover.com and submit a photo and blurb, or video of yourself that describe why you should be a winner of our “MAC Me Over” contest. The written or spoken part of your video entry must begin with the phrase: “MAC Me Over! because…” and then let your unique style, personality and flair shine through. The lucky winners will be announced in August 2011 and selected by James Gager, Creative Director, MAC Cosmetics Worldwide.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The MAC Cosmetics "MAC Me Over!" contest is sponsored by MAC Cosmetics. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 or older as of date of entry. Starts at 12:00:01 a.m. ET on 11/15/10 and ends 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 12/20/10. For Official Rules, visit macmeover.com.

Kiehl's Friends and Family 2010: Enjoy 20% Off

From November 26 to November 30, enjoy 20% off at Kiehl's stores and at kiehls.com. Happy shopping!

Makeup Seminar With Mario Dedivanovic!

My friend and celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic will be hosting his first makeup workshop/seminar for Industry Art Shops on December 4th and 5th in Hollywood, CA.

December 4th, 2010.  11am – 5pm.  Watch the transformation as Mario demonstrates two of his signature looks in front of you and learn his coveted tricks of the trade. He will answer your questions, give you advice, and share his story of how he broke into the industry. You will also have the option to do make up on your own model to build your portfolio. Photographer and models provided by IAS, and Mario will be available for anyone that has questions. Brushes and make up will be available for use, but please feel free to bring your own if you choose the Artist Portfolio Event. There will be a catered lunch.

December 5th, 2010.  11am – 3pm.  Catered Lunch.  Spend the day with Mario and let him show you how to get red carpet ready!  Known for his signature looks on some of your favorite celebrities, he shares his tricks and tips with you up close and personal. He will answer your questions and even help you edit your own make up bag if you’d like. There will be a catered lunch.

A portion of all proceeds will go to CARRY, The Coalition for At-Risk Youth. An organization dedicated to changing the lives of foster youth suffering from debilitating skin disorders and physical illnesses.

SPACE IS LIMITED. To register, click here!

Ann Taylor Friends & Family 2010

Just had to share that I made a killing this week at Ann Taylor, and you can too!

Right now, all sale merchandise at Ann Taylor is 25% off. Then, if you use the Friends & Family coupon in-store (or use the promo code FRIENDS) online, you get an extra 30% off.

Yesterday, I went to my local Ann Taylor store and spent way too much money. But considering how much I saved ($160) and how cute my future outfits are gonna be (super cute), I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. Then, today, I went to the Ann Taylor website to see what else I could snatch up - and I really lucked out. I picked up six of these v-neck long sleeved tees (originally $28 each) in a myriad of shades and guess how much I ended up paying after the discounts?

$37!

Can you believe it? Six tops for $37...and that includes the $9.99 shipping charge.

Damn, I'm good.

PS - the Friends & Family discount also applies at LOFT.

OPI 100,000 Fan Giveaway

Don't miss out on OPI’s 100,000 Fan Giveaway, where winners have the chance to score 6 currently retired lacquer shades! Helping OPI reach 100,000 “Likes” on Facebook by December 31st will open the vault for 100 lucky fans to receive some of OPI’s hottest hues from the past.

This contest is open to U.S. residents only.

Stila Cosmetics Cyber Monday Sale 2010

Here's a sneak peek at the Stila Cosmetics Cyber Monday Sale invite. From November 29 to December 3, you'll save up to 80% on tinted moisturizers, smudge sticks, eye shadow pans, lip glaze, long wear lip color and more.

Mark your calendars!

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

Urban Expressions Axel Studded Wallet

Okay, okay. I realize that I'm on a wallet kick lately. Even though I already bought an uber cute leopard print Felix Rey wallet, I just couldn't resist this one from Urban Expressions that I discovered at my local DSW. For only about $20, I picked up a dead ringer for the $395 Be & D Garbo Stud Wallet (seen below)!