Mary Kay Spoiled Me With a Miami Makeover

Last month, I traveled to Miami to report on Mercedes-Benz Swim Fashion Week as a correspondent for Mary Kay. I've been a Mary Kay fan for years, and was excited to get better acquainted with their products – particularly, their newest offerings.

One of the highlights of my trip was a makeover with celeb makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff. Ashunta’s client list reads like a who's who of Hollywood (Rihanna, Ciara, Hillary Duff, Ashlee Simpson, Keri Hilson, Jennifer Hudson, Sharon Stone, Queen Latifah, P. Diddy and Alicia Keys) – so to be in her gifted hands was a major treat. Using products from Mary Kay, Ashunta gave me the J.Lo glow I've always wanted but never knew how to properly replicate.

Of all the products Ashunta used to create my Miami-inspired makeover, I fell hardest for Mary Kay's Lash Love Mascara. Lash Love promises to define and deliver 4 times the volume – and child, did it ever!

After Ashunta applied the mascara using her "uptown, downtown, cross town" technique (peep the video for a demonstration), my fringe looked fat and fabulous – without looking overdone. And I really love how deeply pigmented the color is; my natural lashes are black, but skimpy – so I need something ultra dark to make my peepers pop. Not to mention, Lash Love managed to stay put all day, despite the merciless Miami heat and humidity.

Lash Love Mascara costs a very affordable $15 – and is available at marykay.com.

Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

A few weeks ago, Urban Decay sent me their Summer 2011 Collection to test and review. As a huge fan of Urban Decay (they're one of my all time favorite brands - I love their rock and roll vibe and I’m addicted to their 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils), I always have high expectations for new products. And this collection does not disappoint.

Usually when I receive an entire collection to review, I'll choose a few of the best products and feature them here. This collection, which is comprised of some familiar faces and some new makeup bag staples, has so many choice products that I'm going to review the whole she-bang.

Okay, time to break it down...

The Rollergirl Nail Kit includes six mini bottles of summer's IT shades: Fame (shimmery beige), Superfreak (gold glitter), Xanadu (Purple Glitter), Miss T (pearly fuchsia), Woodstock (hot pink) and Love Train (iridescent white). Something to note about these lilliputian lacquers is that each brush has 220 strands, just like a standard polish brush - so it delivers the same flawless finish as a bigger bottle. I painted a pedicure using Woodstock a two weeks ago and it's still holding on and looking hot.

Even if you own just about every Urban Decay product that exists - like me - here's a reason you should still add the Rollergirl Eyeshadow Palette to your shopping list: one of the shadow shades, Verve (pale champagne with oyster shimmer), is exclusive to this set. And don't let the name fool you. There's more to this kit than just eyeshadows. You also get a full-sized 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Whiskey (dark brown) and a mini Crush Lip Junkie Lipgloss (sheer bright hot pink with a vanilla mint flava).

Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizers are great for this time of year when a face of foundation is just too much. The formula is buildable and breathable for comfortable wear. And it' got SPF 20 to protect your baby face from the summer sun.

I've been wearing Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion for years and while I wouldn't change the formula for anything, the packaging left much to be desired. You could never seem to get all of the product out of the I Dream Of Genie-esque tube, and makeup addicts everywhere were pissed. Some of them even took to YouTube, demonstrating how to saw the shit open to extract every drop. Well, Urban Decay has responded in a BIG way. They've re-packaged the product in a squeezable tube - with 10% more product than before. If you wear eyeshadow, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a must. When used as a base, your eyeshadow will not move or crease for 24 hours. I kid you not. And what's more - the pigment of your shadow appears truer and more vibrant...not some washed out version of what you see in the shadow pan. It's available in 4 shades: Original (invisible), Eden (tawny matte finish), Greed (glimmering gold) and Sin (champagne shimmer). If you buy anything in this post, this should be it.

Urban Decay is not kidding when they describe Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara's formula as mermaid worthy. I wear Cannonball during my infant son's weekly swim lessons and it does not budge. Well, not until I remove it with Urban Decay's Meltdown Makeup Remover.

Even though I'm brown, I still like to up the ante in the summertime. What I love about Baked Face and Body Bronzers is that they are the antithesis of the flat, orangey bronzers that I loathe. The three shades deliver a gorgeous sunkissed glow that actually looks like it may have come from, well, the sun. I'm going to Miami in a few days and I couldn't decided which one should come with. In the end, I opted for Gilded (smoldering bronze shimmer). Besides being a gorgeous shade, I also figured that it could pull double duty as an eyeshadow. Genius consideration, right?

Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy gives lips a sheer/stained effect. The conditioning formula nourishes your pout, sans stickiness. Available in five shades (Stung, a sheer blackberry, is the prettiest IMO), the gloss smells and tastes like honey. Problem is I don't like honey - the smell or the taste of it. But if you don't have honey hangups, these are some gorgeous glosses to add to your collection.

Urban Decay is celebrating 15 years in the beauty biz with the Quinceanera Makeup Bag. This baby is already packed in suitcase for Miami. It's the perfect size for a product packrat like me. Roomy enough so that I can travel with enough stock, but not so cavernous that I'm tempted to fill it up with everything I own. LOVE!

Finally, there's the Urban Bride Kit. Urban Decay says, "If you're looking for something new to give your favorite bride, lavish her with this decadent gift-ready box of travel-sized products designed to keep her looking exquisite all day (and night, wink wink)." But, honestly, you don't need to be a bride-to-be to enjoy this set. I've been a Mrs. for 4 years and I'm crushing on this kit. It contains:
• Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder to diffuse lines for a flawless airbrushed look.
• Urban Decay’s best-selling original formula Eyeshadow Primer Potion (full-sized) and Supercurl Curling Mascara to keep her eyes looking fresh.
• Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Midnight Cowboy to give bare and lightly colored lips a sensual, come-hither shine or electrify darker lipcolor with more texture.
• All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray to ensure her look stays put for 16 incredible hours.
• Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder to keep the party going long after the guests have left.

I was so impressed with All Nighter that I bought Deslick (their other makeup setting spray that also addresses oil overload) yesterday at Sephora.

So there you have it. Which products are going on your wish list?

Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Lashes Mascara

As a big fan of Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara, I am positively giddy to learn that there's a new member of the Lancôme mascara family. It's called Hypnôse Doll Lashes and its mission is to deliver doll-like lashes, instantly.

This eye-opening new mascara, which was seven years in the making, delivers this doll-lash effect in two ways. First, the cone shaped, triple patented I-conic brush provides an extremely smooth application and defines even the hard-to-reach corner and lower lashes. The bristles offer ultimate separation, making it easy to layer without any clumping. The glide-on formula is enriched with nylon powders that meticulously sculpt and curl each lash for a voluminous, jet-black finish. A combination of hard and soft waxes volumize and curl while shaping polymers lengthen. The result is an instant wide-eye look.

Three of the glamorous faces of Lancôme - Daria Werbowy, Elettra Wiedemann and Arlenis Sosa - will launch the Hypnôse Doll Lashes campaign. Hypnôse Doll Lashes is now available exclusively at Dillard's and Dillards.com and will roll-out nationally in September.

Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara

A few weeks ago, I signed my son, Westley, up for swimming lessons at the local YMCA - and this morning was his first class. Since I'm a new mom and busier than ever, I decided to multitask and test a new beauty product while we got our swim on.

Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara's light gel formula has been rigorously field-tested in the ocean as well as the sweat-drenched gym. The exclusive Japanese formula refuses to budge. A special microcrystalline wax works with the dense, fuzzy brush to increase seductive length and volume, without ever flaking off and compromising your lashes' natural feathery texture. Mermaids can now sing their siren songs with abandon, and high maintenance types can cry all they want.

I quickly swiped on a coat before heading out the door and prayed that the product delivered on its promises. And while Westley and I were splashing around and dunking our heads under the water, I kept hoping that I wasn't having a Tammy Faye moment. But as my mom used to say about school, "It's not a fashion show." Thanks Mom, for always putting things into perspective.

Anyway, when I returned to the locker room and found a mirror, I was pleasantly surprised. My mascara looked freshly applied with no smears or smudges. And even as I vigorously dried my face with my towel, my mascara didn't budge.



This is me, post-swim. My natural lashes are so stumpy, they don't usually show up in photos.

If you're looking for a volumizing formula, this isn't it. But if you want a mascara that adds good length and delivers natural-looking, you-but-better results, this is a great choice. But if you buy it, you'd be wise to invest in a good makeup remover. Coincidentally, Urban Decay's Melt Down Makeup Remover is also new.

Both are available at urbandecay.com and Sephora.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Made Easy

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 confused and I need your help. It seems that there are so many conflicting "rules" about how to apply mascara and I don't know which ones to follow. Some say to hold the wand vertically while others say horizontally. I've been told to bend the wand - what good does that do? And some tips say let your mascara dry between coats, while other tips say not to let the coat dry before applying more. 

If anyone knows the best way to apply mascara, I know it's you. So please help, Mario!

You rock,

Reena

Hey Reena,

I don't blame you for feeling confused! Applying mascara should be one of the most simple steps in your makeup routine. I'm not sure that there is technically a "best way" to apply mascara as it really depends on your lashes and how you prefer them to look and feel. When I apply mascara, I hold the wand horizontally and apply it first to the root of the lash up to the tip.  If I want a darker and fuller lash, I usually wiggle the brush from side to side to really coat the lashes with mascara. 

I prefer to apply a second or third coat while the lashes are still wet because it allows for easier blending and separating. The same goes for the bottom lashes as well. I recommend you find your own way to apply mascara that feels most comfortable to you and gives you the result you want.  In other words, you make your own rules to follow!

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,

Mario

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

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Long Lashes Undermining Your Mascara?

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

Hi Mario!

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

Thanks!
Amanda

Hi Amanda,

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

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

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

Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies Washable Mascara

I hate mascara ads. Hate them. People get bent out of shape about magazine airbrushing. Well, mascara ads are my pet peeve. The lashes in said ads are always so exaggerated that no matter what amazing results the mascara actually yields, you end up feeling cheated because your fringe still doesn’t look as fantastic as it does in the ads.

So, speaking of false advertising…a while back, Maybelline sent me a tube of their Volum' Express the Falsies Washable Mascara to test and review. At first, I was really disappointed that it didn’t look the model’s. But then I had to stop myself and think rationally. Obviously, the lashes at left have been creatively super-sized and no one in their right mind should expect to look like that, post-application. So I put the advertisement out of my mind, stood in front of the mirror again and took an objective look at my lashes. And you know what? Ad, schmad…Maybelline Falsies Mascara is ab fab – and I’ll tell you why.

First, Falsies has just the right consistency. I’m like Goldilocks when it comes to mascaras. I hate when the consistency is too thick or too watery. This one is just right – coating evenly without clumping. And over time, it doesn’t dry out like so many on the market. Another reason to love Falsies: the curved brush grabs every lash – lengthening and volumizing them to their true potential. For gals with sparse lashes like me who have little to work with, you know that this is a big deal. Finally, I absolutely love that the formula is buildable. So many mascaras claim to be buildable – and then you layer on coats only to wind up with clumped up, tarantula-looking foolishness. The Falsies Mascara builds perfectly. Apply one coat for a natural, “maybe she was born with it” doe eyes. Layer on multiple coats and your peepers will be batting a thousand.

I’m so impressed with Falsies that I’d say it’s a close second to my #1 mascara, Lancome’s Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara. They’re alike in many ways…well, except for the $16.50 difference in price.

Honestly, Falsies’ mascara is so great that Maybelline didn’t even need to augment their ad. The actual results speak for themselves, and the $8 price tag is just icing on the proverbial cake.

MAC Haute & Naughty Lash

As much as I adore MAC Cosmetics (y'all know I do), I’ve always been a little meh about their mascaras. So when the company sent me a sample of their new Haute & Naughty Lash, the package actually sat around for weeks before I tried it.

When I finally got around to reviewing it, I wanted to smack myself upside the head for waiting so long – and for doubting the makeup masterminds at MAC.

Haute &Naughty Lash lets your lashes lead a double life, thanks to a two-in-one dual wiper system. For natural, genetically blessed look, use the wand with the pink end. For doe-eyed, dramatic fringe, use the wand with the pink and disco purple end. The hydrating formula prevents flaking and comes off easily with eye makeup remover.

Peep these photos and see for yourself how Haute & Naughty transformed my lashes from blah to bladow!

Before: nekkid lashes looking a bit bald

After: Haute & Naughty lashes

Haute & Naughty Lash is currently available at nordstrom.com and maccosmetics.com. In September 2010, it will be sold at all MAC stores and counters. MAC products have a way of selling out, so if I were you, I’d get this mascara while it’s haute!

Winner of the Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway

Hi, y'all. So sorry I'm weeks late announcing the winner of the Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Giveaway.

Congrats to Liya S. She will receive the first mascara from Lancôme to regenerate the condition of lashes, all while delivering definition with lash by lash fullness.

Many thanks to Lancôme for spoiling Liya and sponsoring this contest. Stay tuned for the next giveaway!

Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway!!!

Lancôme's latest mascara, Définicils Precious Cells, is now available exclusively at Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com. Définicils Precious Cells is the first mascara from Lancôme to regenerate the condition of lashes, all while delivering definition with lash by lash fullness. Lancôme’s newest ambassadress Julia Roberts is the face of the new mascara.

Définicils Precious Cells Mascara contains the nourishing apple lysate ingredient found in Lancôme's Absolue Precious Cells skincare collection, and boasts an entirely new creamy texture. Just as with the original best-selling Définicils, this formula not only defines lashes beautifully, but also creates a fuller lash look. A blend of five, triple-coated waxes delivers lash fullness from the lash root to tip. Additionally, the new Définicils Precious Cells Mascara formula glides on smoothly while enveloping lashes with conditioning agents. It’s also super-easy to remove, reducing the chance of lash loss.

It wouldn’t be a Lancôme mascara without an innovative, performance-driven brush and Définicils Precious Cells Mascara is no exception. The new multi-faceted brush was specifically developed to work with the creamier formula. The short bristles help deposit the formula in between the lashes, while the flexible, longer bristles allow for a clean application. In combination, the formula and brush deliver optimal lash by lash fullness.

Définicils Precious Cells Mascara is $29 and, as I mentioned before, is now exclusively available at Nordstrom. In August, you can find it at Lancôme counters nationwide and on lancome-usa.com.

But this week, you can score a tube for FREE! Yup…that's right. Lancôme is sending me a sample to try (I wonder how it compares to my favorite lash lengthener of all time, Lancôme Hypnose Drama) and another mascara to give away!!!

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you're the lucky pretty woman!

Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Friday, July 9, 2010. Good luck!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Application

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


Hey Mario,

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

Thanks!
Heidi

Thank you, Heidi!


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

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

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

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara Coming Soon!

Today, COVERGIRL introduced its newest LashBlast mascara – LashBlast Fusion. It's COVERGIRL's first ever volume and length mascara, so now lashes that want it all, can have it all! COVERGIRL Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath previewed LashBlast Fusion exclusively during Fall/Winter 2010 New York Fashion Week.

LashBlast Fusion will be available in-stores nationwide this April, but you can get it before anyone else staring March 12th during the exclusive online pre-sale.

LashBlast Fusion has a suggested retail price of $8.99 and pre-sale customers can take advantage of free shipping from March 12th – April 5th, limited quantity while supplies last.

Visit Facebook.com/COVERGIRL beginning March 12th to find an e-retailer.

Clinique High Lengths Mascara Giveaway Winners!

Congrats to the winners of the Clinique High Lengths Mascara Giveaway: Angelique, Deb C, Elaine, Estrella Castillo, and vnssa906. These lucky ladies have won Clinique's newest mascara, which provides dramatic length and volume immediately upon application.

Many thanks to Clinique for sponsoring this contest, and for creating such a kick lash mascara!

Don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's latest giveaway.

Look What I Recently Rescued From Sephora

Now that my I'm pregnant, a beautiful thing happened. My skin decided to act like it's got some sense. Seriously, my skin developed behavioral issues circa 1990 and has been screwing with my self esteem ever since...until recently.

I used to be that girl who wouldn't dare leave the house barefaced for a night out or a special occasion. I just couldn't get away with it. Now, not only has my complexion drastically improved, but I also have that fabled pregnancy glow...and I don't want to cover it up with the full coverage foundation I have in my beauty arsenal.

So last week, I decided to pay my little friend, Sephora, a visit. Mama needed some new makeup.

I ended up purchasing:

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Tan
Laura Mercier Undercover Pot in 4
Lancôme Hypnose Drama Mascara

At $42, Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer is pretty pricey. But is just so happens to be the best tinted moisturizer I have ever used in my entire L-I-F-E. And Laura gets big props for the wide range of shades. Can I get a hallelujah, brown girls?

Though I've been getting more sleep lately, I've started getting dark circles under my eyes - which I never had before. The shadows beneath my eyes were detracting from my glow, so those suckers had to go. I bought Laura Mercier's Undercover Pot because after spending an hour testing almost all of the concealers at Sephora, this one reigned supreme. Undercover Pot is a travel friendly pot with two amazing concealers: Secret Camouflage (oil free and stays in place all day long to cover blemishes, scars, and imperfections) and Secret Concealer (the emollient formula combats dark circles and allows for a smooth application in the sensitive eye area). The pot also includes Translucent Loose Setting Powder, which adds a velvety finish.

The Lancôme Hypnose Drama Mascara was a re-purchase. I just cannot be without this product. It is my mascara soulmate. I'm sure my friends at Lancôme would have replenished my stock; they're aware of how much I adore Hypnose Drama, but I didn't have time to wait. My old one was, well, old and I needed a new tube stat.

In the above pic, I'm wearing another of my new favorite products: Hourglass Cosmetics' new Prodigy Lipgloss. Hourglass sent me a sample a few weeks ago, and it has been a staple in my handbag ever since. I love the sleek packaging and non-tacky texture. If you're one of those girls who loathes a sticky lip, you are going to LUVRE this gloss. It come in six gorgeous shades, but "Legend" shade is my fave...it's like my natural lips, except 100% sexier. It is also available at Sephora.

Clinique High Lengths Mascara Giveaway!!!

A few weeks ago, I raved about Clinique's new High Lengths Mascara. The amazing formula and genius applicatior took my stumpy lashes from itty-bitty to BLADOW!

My review and before & after pic really speak for themselves, but I wanted to give you Spoiled Pretty readers the opportunity to try for yourselves.

So, this week, I'm teaming up with my peeps at Clinique - and five lucky readers will win a tube of High Lengths Mascara!!!

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave a way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Friday, February 26, 2010.

Good luck!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Tips for Long Lashes

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

Hi Mario!

I have the opposite problem of most girls. I have really really long eyelashes. And while I love them, I find that no matter what mascara I use, it a) clumps up, b) won't curl my lashes upwards (and stay that way) and c) because there are so many lashes, they get caught together. Often times it's the bottom and the top lashes that have joined together, or the smaller lashes on either end of the eye. I would like to be able to find a mascara or technique that will allow me to curl my lashes and make sure to separate my lashes. Any tips you could offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

-Lil' Sara


Lil' Sara with the not so lil' lashes! I'm sure the girls reading this right now could only wish to have your "problem." I'd recommend starting out curling the lashes first. If you can't get the ends in the curler, use an individual lash curler. Japonesque makes a great one. Before applying mascara to the lashes, wipe off the mascara wand with a tissue. Try applying only to the roots and then very little or none up the tips of the lashes. If you apply too much to the tips, the weight will cause the lash to straighten. Now separate your lashes with a lash comb and that should get rid of any clumps. Let mascara dry, then take the individual curler and curl the outer corners or whole lash again. Follow with one more coat of mascara to hold the curl. Good luck and thanx for visiting MMWM!

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!

Stila Dust to Diamond Collection - Buy It All!

Because the recession isn't recessing any time soon, I don't usually advocate purchasing entire makeup collections. I understand that, for most, money is tight...so I usually highlight certain items as must-have additions to your beauty arsenal. But in the case of Stila's new collection for spring 2010, Dust to Diamonds, I can't choose.

I'm a sucker for sparkles, and this collection had me at "bling." Seriously, if Stila had't furnished me with samples to review, I would have paid my own cash money for these products. That's how fantabulous they are. Since I first tested the collection two weeks ago, I've worn at least one of the products every day since.

Top: Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain; Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Middle: Jewel Eye Shadow Palette
Bottom: Jewel Lip Glaze Trio

To purchase the entire collection would run you $132, which isn't all that bad. But if your makeup fund is maxed out, here are my individual reviews - so you can decide what you need now (and what can wait til later).

Jewel Eye Shadow Palette ($32): "This high-tech eye shadow formula creates a glittering wave of sequin-like sparkle, leaving your eyes glistening like jewels." These really aren't the shadows you'll be applying in the AM before work; more likely, this is the palette you'll reach for in the evening to kick it up a notch and create a truly glitterrific effect. The formula is a blend of pigment and pearl, and the coverage is buildable - so don't worry that these shadows will take you into drag queen territory...unless that's the look you're going for. Shades include Rose Quartz (light pink with silver sparkle), Amethyst (gray aubergine with champagne sparkle), Black Diamond (black with silver sparkle) and Golden Topaz (champagne shimmer with silver and gold sparkle).

Jewel Lip Glaze Trio ($32): "Sprinkle stardust on the lips with this trio of glistening glosses infused with Stila Gem Complex, a blend of Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Amethyst, Amber, Garnet, Mother of Pearl, Opal and Alexandrite. Mango Seed Butter, Goa Seed Butter and Shea Butter keep lips moisturized all day. The formula seamlessly glides on the lips leaving a celestial wave of sequin reflections." Okay, if you're a gal who believes that glitter makes everything better, this should be your first purchase. Likewise, if you're a lipgloss lover. At first glance, these glosses are verrrrry glittery; even I was a little hesitant about trying them. But I found the glitter content to be Goldilocks perfect (not too much, not too little)...and the formula felt smooth, not gritty. The shades are more sheer on the lips than in the tube - so don't let the concentrated color fool you. Shades include Pink Diamond (pink with pink sparkles), Amethyst (deep plum with gold and red sparkles) and Golden Topaz (warm amber with pink sparkles).

Black Diamond Mascara ($24): Not only does this mascara beautifully plump and lengthen your lashes, it imparts a subtle little shimmer shimmah. Available in Black Shimmer (black with silver shimmer) and Blue Shimmer (black with blue shimmer).

Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20): "Marker-sharp precision and a true carbon black pigment, this waterproof liquid liner glides on easily without pulling, smudging, or running. Color stays in place all day long." This eyeliner is amazing. It draws razor thin and thick lines. The shade is inky black...and, as the name suggests, the formula ain't coming off until you're ready to take it off. If I was purchasing from this collection, the Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner would be my first buy.

Though not technically a part of Stila's spring 2010 collection, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24). At first, I was very skeptical that the pearly pink shade would compliment my cappuccino complexion. But once I blended the sheer blush into my cheeks and lips, it gave me a believable snow bunny glow. I mean, you could go outside in the cold and wait until you can't feel your face...or you can pick up this clickable pen and apply the berry scented gel for a yummy, fresh-faced flush.

Clinique High Lengths Mascara

I didn't even know Clinique had a new mascara until a sample showed up in my mailbox last week. And after twisting off the cap and removing the wand from the tube, I thought I had received a defective product. I was expecting to see your standard issue mascara brush; instead, I met a curved, neon green, plastic applicator with teeth. Wait, I take that back. The comb isn't exactly curved; it's more limpy. It leans. Anyway, I took one look at the wand and said to myself, "Oh here we go again. Another gimmicky mascara, just what the beauty world needs." But then I tried it, and quickly changed my presumptuous tune. Before I tell you about my change of heart, I just want to go on record as saying, "Sorry to have ever doubted you, Clinique."

Left eye: with Clinique High Lengths Mascara
Right eye: sadly, without (doesn't it look pathetic?)

As promised, Clinique High Lengths Mascara took my stumpy lashes from itty-bitty to BLADOW! Seriously, they went on for-ev-er. The formula also imparted just the right about of volume - dramatic, yet believable. Since the comb doesn't pick up a lot of product, you'll find High Lengths to be much less wasteful than traditional mascara. And the leaning tower of green teeth did a great job of coaxing my wayward lashes into a curl.

Ever heard the theory about the flap of a butterfly's wings affecting weather patterns thousands of miles away? Well, I have a hypothesis of my own. I'm pretty positive that the flutter of my fab fringe is responsible for this weekend's predicted Nor'easter.

Thanks, Clinique High Lengths Mascara! Sorry about the storm, y'all.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Curling Stick Straight Lashes

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


Hi Mario,

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

Thanks, Jen


Hey Jen,

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

xo,
Mario

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