FOTN: Fresh, Defined and Natural

I wore this makeup look last week at Lupe's birthday dinner. It's a fresh, defined and natural makeup that looks like I don't have a lot of makeup on. But I do. It actually takes a lot of makeup to create such look, and I will show you how to do it.

GET THE LOOK

face:

For a fresh and natural looking face, use a wet sponge to apply Revlon Color Stay foundation all over the face. I like this application because it feels light on the skin. Apply Almay Line Smoothing concealer in medium under the eyes and blend it with the same wet sponge. This will lightly conceal dark circles, making the eyes look bright and awake. Then, dust Mac Mineralized Skin Finish Natural in Medium Deep all over the face to set the makeup. This will make the face makeup last for a long time.

brows:

For a natural looking eye brows, fill them in lightly with Wet n Wild brow pencil in taupe and Chattecaille Eye Pencil in Bark (dark brown) and use a spooly to blend the colors by brushing the brows following the natural hair growth. Using a spooly to blend will give the brows a more natural look.

eyes:

To create a slight definition on the eyes, contour them by applying Milani Powder Mosaics in AfterGlow (bronzer) on the crease with Sigma SS224 (a fluffy blending brush). If you don't know where your crease is located, tilt your head back a little and feel where your eye socket sinks in. That's your crease! Then, with an angled liner brush, line the upper lash line with Stila Smudge Pot in black. Curl the lashes and apply a generous coat of NYX Doll Eye Long Lash mascara.

cheeks: 

Apply Nars blush in Orgasm (peachy pink with gold specs) on the apple of the cheeks with Essence of Beauty blush/powder brush duo, using the angled brush. Dab and blend, and make sure you apply with a light hand because this blush is so pigmented, it's very easy to go overboard. You don't wanna look like a clown right? Then, contour the face with Milani Powder Mosaics in AfterGlow with the same Essence of Beauty blush brush/powder brush duo, using the other end (medium fluffy round brush), and apply it under the cheekbones sweeping it upwards towards above the ear. This will create an illusion of a defined cheek bones and a slimmer face.

nose:

This is optional, but lightly define and high light the nose. First, apply Milani Powder Mosaics in AfterGlow (the same bronzer used to contour the eyes and cheeks) on the side of the nose using a small angled shadow brush. Make sure you apply with a light hand. You don't want the shadow to be too obvious. Then, apply a small amount of  Almay Line Smoothing concealer in light/medium on the bridge of the nose all the way down to the tip using your ring finger. Dab and blend. 

lips: 

Apply EOS lip balm in Summer Fruit and let it soak into your lips. Lip balm will keep your lips moisturized. Using a wet sponge, dab Revlon Color Stay liquid foundation on the lips to create a pale nude color. Top it off with ELF Minty lip gloss in Los Angeles, and dab Milani single eye shadow in Peach Peach on the cupid's bow and the bottom center of the lip. This will make the lips appear fuller.

Revlon Color Stay liquid foundation on my lips with E

It may look like a lot of steps, but it's really easy and quick to do. It look me about 10 minutes and I was out the door.

A photo with my friends wearing this makeup. 

And if you're interested, click here to see the outfit I wore that night ^_^

XOXO,

Becky

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

♠☼ POTD * Blue Flowers ☼♠

Today I am showing you another one of my paintings, another static nature, very colorful, mostly in blue, green and yellow. This painting was made in the summer of 2007, at my 20 years of age and I don't consider it one of my best. Actually, I am not completely satisfied with any of my work... It's made in acrylics on an A3 size paper and I used normal strokes for this, no special technique.

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Astazi o sa va prezint o alta pictura de-a mea, inca o natura moarta, puternic colorata, predominand nuante de albastru, galben si verde inchis. Acest tablou a fost realizat in vara lui 2007, pe cand aveam 20 de ani si nu il consider unul dintre cele mai bune desene ale mele. De fapt, rareori sunt complet multumita de ceea ce rezulta in final... Este pictat in acrilice pe foaie A4 cu tuse normale, fara vreo tehnica speciala.

You can click on the image to view it larger.

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Puteti da click pe imagine pentru a o vedea mare.

Deatails of the leaves and background.

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Detaliu cu frunzele si fundalul.

Detalis of the flowers.

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Detaliu cu florile compozitiei.

Detail of the beads and transparency of the vase.

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Detaliu cu margelele si transparenta vazei.

Hope you've enjoyed my painting and please leave your feedback.

Have a great day!

XoxO,

~ alexandrazeres@yahoo.com ~

Oscars Beauty 2011: Marisa Tomei

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oscars Beauty 2011: Scarlett Johansson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oscars Beauty 2011: Reese Witherspoon

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

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

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

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

Oscars Beauty 2011: Cate Blanchett

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

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

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

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

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

Oscars Beauty 2011: Giuliana Rancic

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

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

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

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

• Lightly tease the ponytail into a textured poof.

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

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

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

Make-up Trend: Smoky Bronze Eye Shadow

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shimmered in bronzy hues at the 83rd Academy Awards. To get her smoldering bronzy look, trace the outer corners of the eyes with black pencil, staying as close to the lash lines as possible. Soften lines with a cotton swab, then dust bronze eye shadow on the lids and even a thin rim below the eye. Dab a touch of gold shadow on inner corners and brow bones. Brush on one coat of mascara to top and bottom lashes. Use a large powder brush to apply bronzer on cheekbones, and blend it out to the hairline, make sure to tap or blow excess powder off. Moisturize lips with lip balm, then slick on a nude brown lipstick.

Rec: Lorac Starry-Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trio in Superstar

Funky Town

Hello?  Is anyone out there?  I wouldn't blame you if you abandoned my blog...it seems I've been a neglectful writer as of late.  I'm not sure why that is.  I have tons of products I need to write about and I think up ideas for new posts all the time.  But lately...when it comes to putting words down, I just can't seem to be bothered.

I, my friends, am in a blogging funk.  

I've been writing here since 2006, so I guess a period of blah-ness is to be expected.  But I am not happy about it.  It's bothering me that I've been negligent, and I am of two minds.  On one side, I tell myself, "to hell with it.  It's been a good run, but maybe it's time to close up shop."  On the other side, I say, "sit down and write.  This is not the time to quit...it's a time to reevaluate and reconstruct."  Since it's easier to do nothing, that's exactly what I have done.

I think the side of me that wants to reevaluate and come back better than ever is edging out the other side that says F-it.  I do know this: I have a lot still in me to share, and I really DON'T have any intention to shutter this site any time soon. 

I will get back into the writing and posting routine I'm used to...it seems I am just taking a temporary hiatus.  I don't know how long it would last.  Hell, if I get my act together, I might be back tomorrow like this little silent stretch never happened.

All I ask is that you hang in there and stick with me.  I'll shatter this blogging funk in no time, and (being completely optimistic) hope that the best is yet to come!

Before I end this post, I'll ask you this: how do you bust out of a funk?  We all get into them, and we all find our ways out (hopefully).  Let me know what works for you!

Advice Home Cellulite Massage

Have you tried every known means to get rid of cellulite, it's still there? Why not experiment with the massage which is also used by professionals to visibly reduce the unpleasant effect of this fault. To learn more about how you give yourself a massage house effective cellulite.

It shows that getting rid of cellulite is more complicated than a simple plan of weight loss. Itself as the toxins are trapped under the skin surface would be more difficult to remove, if not a bit 'steep methods.

There are several schemes of cellulite, training plans and cosmetics that will guarantee success. However, it seems that most of those struggling with this problem and would not contact a professional for a hard massage.

Increasingly likely to spend time and money on these rituals, however, with a little help anyone could use it at home without visiting a beauty salon. To increase the chances of removing the burden of reading this stuff home cellulite massage.

Outfit: "I have nothing to wear"

This is the outfit I wore on Friday for the potluck and karaoke party I organized for my best friend Monica's birthday. I looked at my closet and said to myself "dang, I have nothing to wear!" I say that all the time, and it gets my mom annoyed because in reality, I do have a lot of clothes. Most of them are still in shopping bags, with tags or they just don't fit anymore lol. My problem is, I don't know how to wear them or make a nice outfit out of them. I told you I suck at fashion lol.

So I challenged myself to come up with an outfit using clothes I've never worn. It took me awhile to put it together, but I did it. I dug deep in my closet, and found a button up long sleeve shirt that I bought a looooong time ago at Downtown L.A. Fashion Distritct for only a buck (no tax!). I put a belt around it because I have a thing for belts at the moment ( It's the same belt I wore here), then I wore a black crochet vest that I also bought a loooong time ago at the Fashion District to add a nice layer (huh? don't listen to me. I don't have a clue what I'm talking about). Then, I just wore my jeggings because they're so comfortable and grey boots because I can't find my black ones O_o.





Sorry guys, the only decent pose I can do is to put my hand on my waist and smile real big ^_^

What do you think? 

shirt- Maurices (Downtown L.A. Fashion District) $1
jeggings- Cello (Downtown L.A. Fashion District) $7
black crochet vest- SugarLips (San Pedro Wholesale Mart) $5
faded black belt- Mom's
grey boots- Cathy Jean $60
stretch gold bangle bracelet- Ann Taylor $68
necklace- Ann Taylor

A few photos from the fiesta!

 Grace, Me, Aracely and Mon


Mon got a little shy...assuuus!!



...with my Kiko



My favorite karaoke song is "I'm Crazy for You" by Madonna. I always score a 98!



Thank you so much for stopping  by and I appreciate all your comments.

Black Swan

In time for tonight's Academy Awards, I've dediced to do a look inspired by "Black Swan". This is not one of the looks  from the actual movie - I've seen several recreations of the black swan make-up, and didn't want to add on top of that. Instead, I tried to do something different that still is in line with the movie's aesthetics. I tried capturing both Odette (the white swan) and Odile (the black swan), although I suppose Odile prevails as always...

Product List
Face: MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC15, MAC Studio Finish NC15, MAC Blot Powder light, MAC Plum Foolery
Eyes: MAC Bare Canvas, Zoeva 88 Mattes palette, MAC Platinum, p2 liner pen, Maybelline Expression kohl in white, NYX Milk, theatre blood
Lips: MAC Quietone, NYX Queen of Africa

*False lashes courtesy of kosmetik4less.de*
*Die Wimpern wurden kostenlos von kosmetik4less.de zur Verfügung gestellt*

India Salwar Kameez Models

Salwar kameez (also spelled shalwar kameez or shalwar qameez) is a traditional dress worn men and women in South Asia. Salvars shalvars or are loose pajama-like pants. The legs are wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Kameez is a long shirt or tunic. The side seams (known chaak) are open under the beltline, which gives the wearer greater freedom of movement. Afghanistan and Pakistan, the garment is worn either sex. India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, it is mostly women's clothing, but this was passed around

Ear_care

ear_care

Sensorisk skrøbelig Oreto ° Mekan, da der oplysninger om det miljø udendørs vigtige to Hjerner carnivores. Det er af en af vigtigste Krop delegates carnivores. SA, og skal Logo AZ Plej beskyttes overgreb mod.

As body parts go, your ears are not asking too much attention. You have to do a particular task often. No need to be brushed or carved like teeth and nails. Caring for your ear can separate pieces.

Ear cleaning:

* Clean the ears with two things. One is cleaning the outer ear hearing protection and aesthetic reasons for cleaning the inside of the ear.

* By using facial care products or soap, you can clean the outside of the ears.

* While many think that your ears need cleaning daily and energetic. It is not good for your ears. The internal auditory canal is coated with a thin skin and sweet. daily cleaning so strong and can inhibit the skin fine and soft.

* Wax and the skin can build up inside the ear canal. The skin in the ear canal grows like nails. If the channel is not clean, the eardrum can become completely blocked, it can actually reduce the hearing and cause permanent damage. So it is frequently cleaned.

* But ultrasonic cleaning your ears will never try to clean a hard thing, like cotton or a cotton swab in the bar. Some people use ear drops to clean ear wax removal. Using cotton-tipped swabs or ear wax removal drops can also cause damage to your ears.

* Tai Lääkäri Kuulo asiantuntija pitäisi poistaa ylimääräinen vaha. Ala yritä poistaa kanssa vaikku vanupuikkoja, hiukset Nastätten, tai Muitas esineitä Kovi. Voit vaurioittaa korvakäytävän tärykalvon tai.

* If you really want to clean your house ear canal. So try to take the help of another person using a cotton swab and a mirror.

* There are old UN Who You should NOT put passport Saying Anything smaller Quebec sews Your dance Your Ear.

* If you have pierced ears to clean earrings and ear lobes often with alcohol. Some stores that perform body piercing procedures to sell other cleaning products are an alternative to alcohol.

Art Inspired Makeup - Picasso's "Demoiselles D'Avignon"

Hey, girls! Today I'm starting a new series on my blog, consisting of makeup looks inspired by famous painting or famous artists' work, not necessarily the most famous of their work. And the one I am here with now is a makeup look inspired by a Pablo Picasso painting called "Les Demoiselles D'Avignon". Hope you enjoy it and please leave your feedback.

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Buna, fetelor! Azi voi incepe o serie de machiaje inspirate din tablouri celebre a marilor pictori, sau inspirate din tablouri mai putin celebre dar in culori care poate sunt frumoase si ma inspira, de la pictori cunoscuti. Machiajul pe care vi-l prezint astazi este unul inspirat de tabloul faimos al pictorului Pablo Picasso, "Domnisoarele din Avignon". Sper sa va placa si abia astept sa va aud parerile! :)

Start by applying a white matte base for better adherence. For this look we are going to use only matte colors, inspired by the skin of the ladies in Picasso's painting. 

Put a matte white e/s on your inner corner and after this, apply a flesh toned e/s (I used "Naked" from Urban Decay) on the first third of the lid.

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Incepeti prin a aplica o baza mata alba pentru o aderenta mai buna a culorilor, pentru ca vom folosi in special culori mate, inspirate de pielea femeilor din tabloul lui Picasso.

Am aplicat apoi un fard alb mat in coltul intern al ochiului, urmat de o culoare asemanatoare cu tonalitatea pielii (am folosit "Naked" de la Urban Decay) pe prima treime din pleoapa.

After the first flesh toned e/s, apply a second similar one, in a darker tone. I used "Buck" from Urban Decay again. In a cut crease style and grabbing a matte dark blue eyeshadow, apply the color starting from the outer v and working your way towards the inner corner of the eye.

*

Dupa acea culoare in tonalitatea pielii, aplicati o a doua asemanatoare, dar intr-o nuanta mai inchisa. Eu am folosit "Buck", tot de la Urban Decay. In stil cut crease vom aplica un albastru inchis mat, incepand cu coltul extern si mergand spre coltul intern al ochiului.

Darken up the outer corner by using a black e/s and highlight your browbone with the same white from the inner corner. Trace a line with the same white under the fake crease, to create dimension.

*

Am aplicat apoi un negru pe coltul extern al ochiului si un alb pe arcada. Trasati cu acelasi al o linie chiar sub cuta falsa creata, pentru mai multa dimensiune.

Mix a dark green e/s with some matte black and smudge it on the lower lashline. Then apply black liquid liner on the upper lashline, white e/liner on the waterline, mascara and false lashes.

*

Amestecati un verde inchis cu negru si aplicati-l pe pleoapa de jos. Apoi trasati cu un tus negru pe pleoapa superiara, plasati un creion alb pe waterline, aplicati mascara si gene false.

On my cheeks I used a brownish pink blush and on my lips, a red lipliner and a reddish-orange gloss with glitters to complete the look.

*

Pe obraji am folosit un blush roz-maroniu, iar pe buze am folosit un creion rosu si un luciu rosu-portocaliu cu sclipici pentru a completa look-ul dramatic.

PRODUCTS USED:

- elf eyelid primer

- Dars matte white e/s base

- Elf "Drama" quad white e/s

- "Naked" e/s from Urban Decay

- "Buck" e/s from UD

- Nyx dark blue e/s from "Supermodel" palette

- "Cantare" black e/s

- 120 palette green e/s

- Elf liquid liner

- Nyx Jumbo pencil in "Milk"

- Elf duo mascara

- Elf natural eyelashes

- Ruby Rose blush

- Ada red lipliner

- Gabrini orange lipgloss.

Any suggestions for future looks?

I have a few other artists in mind, but maybe you'd like to see some others as well...:)

But until then, have a great weekend and thank you for visiting!

XoxO,

~ alexandrazeres@yahoo.com~