Makeup Mondays With Mario: Turn Back Time

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

Hello Mario,

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

Regards,
Sue

Hi Sue,

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

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

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

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

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

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Too Light Undereye Concealer?

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...

You have a gift that would make any woman feel a little more confident after you've worked your 'magic'.

My question is how come the concealer under my eyes looks fine in the mirror when I put it on, but in photos it looks ghastly white?!? I can't figure it out.

I use Laura Mercier camo concealer and then pat Makeup Professional translucent powder over to set it. What gives???

Thanks,
Michelina

Michelina,

A lot of people make the same mistake with going too light under the eyes. It's no secret that I like to highlight and lighten that area of the face but there's a pretty fine line between bright and white. Try using a concealer and/or powder that is a shade darker. Also, check to see that your loose powder doesn't have light-reflecting or shimmery pigment in it. To the human eye, it's difficult to see - but the bright flash of a camera will catch it and magnify it. Another thing to try is to not use too much product where it's opaque. Instead, apply with a lighter hand. It's always good to take pics of yourself with a digital camera to test it out and see how you will look. Hope this helps.

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

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

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Blemishes Begone!

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 a question about concealing blemishes. How exactly do you do it? I am so confused. What concealers are the best? Do you apply the concealer before or after foundation? And what do you apply it with? Every time I try to cover up a pimple, it winds up looking really obviously and kinda cakey. If anyone knows how to create a flawless face, it's you - so please help, Mario. Thanks a lot!

Your biggest fan,
Keisha

Hi Keisha,

Concealing blemishes shouldn’t be so stressful. Follow these steps and you'll have flawless skin in no time!

First, apply foundation as you would normally, followed by a cream concealer applied directly on the blemish. Choose a concealer shade that's a bit lighter. Blend the product with your finger or damp sponge – then, with a translucent loose powder, set the blemish only. Now you can go ahead and powder the rest of the face as you would normally.

When choosing a concealer, look for one that is not oily. I really love La Mer's concealer for blemishes. Benefit and CoverGirl make great cream concealers too.

Try this technique and I'm sure you will be a pro 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 spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

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.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Face Lift Collection

"I designed this collection to give women all the tools they need to look well-rested and bright-eyed in five minutes flat." – Bobbi Brown

This January, Bobbi makes it easy to keep all of your New Year resolutions with her Makeup Face Lift Collection, which allows you to instantly brighten your face and play up your eyes with just a few simple tweaks.

New Extra Eye Repair Cream, $65
Do your eyes need something extra? Packed with peptides, natural plant oils and humectants that target wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness, this rich concentrated cream visibly revives eyes. Use morning and night- warm between fingers, then pat gently around eye area. Once cream is absorbed, follow with Tinted Eye Brightener or Concealer.

Tinted Eye Brightener, $38
Bobbi’s Tinted Eye Brightener, now in a NEW portable pen! Back-of-cab makeup artists (you know who you are) - with just a quick twist and a click, this lightweight Concealer instantly brightens under-eye circles and refreshes your makeup. Available in eight shades: Light Bisque, Porcelain Peach, Bisque, Light to Medium Peach, Medium to Dark Bisque, Dark Peach, Dark Bisque, Deep Peach.

New Brow Pencils, $20
Instantly give your eyes a "lift" with defined eyebrows. These creamy, blendable pencils give you the natural look of eyebrow powder with the precision of a pencil and come with their own. Available in five shades: Wheat, Blonde, Grey, Ash and Mahogany.

Brightening Lip Gloss, $20
Introducing two new shades of Brightening Lip Gloss. This sheer, reflective formula wakes up your face and helps create the illusion of fuller lips. Wear alone or on top of your favorite Bobbi Brown lipstick. Available in two shades: Popsicle and Nectar.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Best Under Eye Concealer

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!

What is the best concealer and how should it be applied for the best coverage? -Liz :)

Liz,

The best concealer really depends on the skin or area you want to cover up. If I had to choose one right now, I'd say the Lift Concealer by Make Up For Ever. Apply some with a brush to undereyes, blend with a damp sponge and set with translucent powder using the same damp sponge. Brush away that excess powder and voila - you've got flawless, creaseless undereyes!

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!

Three Custom Color Specialists Make QVC Debut

Trae Bodge, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Three Custom Color Specialists, debuts the brand’s signature Creme Concealer/Foundation on "Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face" on QVC, Tuesday, August 18th from 10-11pm.

This makeup artist’s secret weapon is available in 10 shades on QVC.com (6 to be demonstrated on-air) and is appropriate for all skin types. It’s truly all you’ll ever need to hide marks, conceal dark circles and create gorgeous, even-looking skin.

To use as foundation: full coverage - apply with a dry sponge, foundation brush or fingers, pushing into the skin. Moisten sponge or brush for medium coverage. For sheer coverage, mix with your face cream to create a tinted moisturizer. To use as a concealer: after applying the foundation layer, revisit areas that require more coverage with a concealer brush or fingers. Tap into place.

Check out Trae in action, demonstrating more Creme Concealer/Foundation application tips and tricks on "Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face" August 18th on QVC!.

Don't Forget About The Nordstrom Anniversary Beauty Exclusives Event

The Nordstrom Anniversary Beauty Exclusives Event doesn't officially kick off until July 17th, but you can get a head start on your shopping now. Beat the crowds and pre-order now so you won't miss out on the limited-edition sets and beauty bargains available only at Nordstrom during this decades-old annual ritual.

I recently got my hands on a sneak preview of Yves Saint Laurent 'All Fore Eyes' Set, one of this year's exclusive offerings.

All For Eyes includes a full-size Touché Éclat Radiant Touch No. 1 Luminous Radiance, a travel-size Instant Eye Makeup Remover, and a full-size Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara No. 1 in Black - which is responsible for the impossibly lush lashes I've been sporting as of late (True Blood-sucker Jessica, eat your heart out!)

Fierce, Fabulous and Flawless Giveaway Winners!

Congrats to Cortney Freedland, Elizabeth Getzen and Selena Valente, winners of the Fierce, Fabulous and Flawless giveaway - sponsored by Benefit Cosmetics. These ladies will receive "Hello Flawless!" - a custom powder cover-up with SPF 15. This silky powder cover-up glides on naturally sheer and layers beautifully for customized coverage with SPF protection.

Many thanks to Benefit for sponsoring this contest!

Come back tomorrow for your next chance to get spoiled pretty!

Fierce, Fabulous and Flawless Giveaway, Sponsored by Benefit

This summer, I want all of my girls to be fierce, fabulous and flawless. Which is why I've joined forces with Benefit for a beautylicious giveaway! Three readers will win "Hello Flawless!" - a custom powder cover-up with SPF 15.

This silky powder cover-up glides on naturally sheer and layers beautifully for customized coverage with SPF protection.

Tips and tricks: For a sheer finish, sweep "Hello Flawless!" on with your brush. With quick, light strokes, blend from the center of your face outward. Use it over bare skin, moisturizer or primer to look naturally flawless! To cover it all (& then some!), apply evenly over entire complexion with sponge. For spot cover-up, dab on boo boos & blend.

With 6 shades ("Me, Vain?" Champagne, "Never Settle" Petal, "I'm Cute As A Bunny" Honey, "All The World's My Stage" Beige, "It's About Me, Me, Me!" Toffee, and "Why Walk When You Can Strut?" Hazelnut), it's easy to find your perfect match.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Fierce, Fabulous and Flawless Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, June 14th. Three winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, June 15th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. residents.

Good luck!

Free Concealer Samples at Three Custom Color Specialists!

Three Custom Color Specialists is offering free concealer samples with any online order (no minimum purchase) through April 23rd!

This unique and versatile formulation is a favorite of makeup artists and consumers alike. Use it full coverage to conceal redness or dark circles, apply with a wet sponge to use as a foundation or blend with your favorite face cream to create the perfect tinted moisturizer.

Three Custom Color Specialists feel so strongly that everyone should use their Crème Concealer/Foundation that they invite you to request samples of up to three different shades with any online order.

Just indicate which shades you would like to try in Customer Notes during checkout and get flawless!

Words From The Wise: Benefit Sheds Light On How To Cover Dark Circles

Spoiled Pretty reader Amy wrote me, hoping that I could shed some light on disguising her dark circles:

"I am fairly young (32) and get a fair amount of sleep every night and yet every morning I have dark circles under my eyes. I feel like I have tried many different concealers but those dark circles are always there! Is there a secret to applying concealer - or a product that will rock my world? Help me Spoiled Pretty!"

To assist Amy, I turned to Ann Ford Danielson, Makeup Trend Artist for Benefit Cosmetics - who provided some illuminating advice.

"Have no fear, Erase Paste is here!!!! This product is a concentrated creamy concealer that will camouflage your dark circles instantly. A little goes a long way with this product, so you get a good bang for your buck. It will not only conceal your dark circles but it also brightens the eye area, leaving you looking rested and ready to go!! Erase paste doesn’t dry out the under eye nor does it start to crease as the day goes on. All in all, it is an under eye miracle worker!!! I love to brush on a little Powderflage right on top to help set and smooth over the erase paste. The two products together are killer. Say goodbye to your dark circles for good!!"

Amy, get ready to give your dark circles the one-two punch, because you will soon be receiving Erase Paste and Powderflage, courtesy of Benefit.

Thanks to Ann Ford Danielson and Benefit Cosmetics for participating in this installment of Words From The Wise!

Baffled by beauty? Overwhelmed by the number of products on the market? Desperately in search of answers to your hair, skincare and makeup dilemmas? Email me your query to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com - and if your question is answered on the blog, you will receive expert advice, plus a Spoiled Pretty-approved product that addresses your specific beauty issue! Be sure to include your full name and mailing address in your email.

Coming Soon From MAC: Well-Defined Collection

Well-Defined brings to life over two years of work backstage in the lab to perfect our newest foundation and concealer. Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation is a rich, luxurious Cream Foundation in tube. This lush uniquely textured foundation delivers ultimate hydration while instantly revitalizing dull and dry skin. Smooth and even application yields a medium buildable coverage with a natural-satin finish. It’s paired with Studio Sculpt Concealer, which provides full-coverage that never becomes dry and cakey with a gel-based cream formula slips onto skin, effortlessly hiding imperfections.

"Studio Sculpt Foundation has fused new advancements in technology with innovative plant-based extracts to create a lush, luxurious new cream-gel foundation that delivers comfortable, weightless and flawless coverage," says Nick Gavrelis, MAC's Vice President of Global Product Development. "Makeup artists and women customers alike can easily achieve blendable medium coverage, with a luminous, satiny finish."

Gordon Espinet, MAC's Vice President of Global Makeup Artistry shares this application tip for the non-professional user: "Begin with a pea size amount on the back of your hand, and use any foundation brush to apply onto hydrated skin. Mix in a bit of your favorite moisturizer (try Strobe Cream or Strobe Liquid), which will create a sheer, luminous finish that makes skin appear to be candlelit. Use any MAC concealer over areas that need additional coverage."


STUDIO SCULPT SPF 15 FOUNDATION
NC 15, NC 20, NC 25, NC 30, NC 35, NC 37, NC 40, NC 42, NC 44, NC 45,NC 50, NC 55, NW15, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW43,NW45, NW47, NW50, NW55
Suggested Retail Price: $28.00


STUDIO SCULPT CONCEALER
NC 15, NC 20, NC 30, NC 35, NC 42, NC 45, NC 50, NW15, NW20, 25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW45, NW50
Suggested Retail Price: $16.50

191 FOUNDATION BRUSH
Large, flat, square shaped synthetic-fibre brush with a fine, firm edge for distribution and blending of liquid, emulsion or cream products on the face or body.
Suggested Retail Price: $32.00

195 CONCEALER BRUSH

Flexible, synthetic flat brush with slight pointed tip for application and blending of all concealer formulas and other emollient products.
Suggested Retail Price: $22.00


PREP + PRIME SKIN
Suggested Retail Price: $23.00

Available February 7, 2009 at all MAC locations and at maccosmetics.com.

NARS Spring 2009 Collection: Heart of Desire

Introducing NARS Spring 2009, a color collection inspired by the 1970’s boasting pastel hues and berry shades for a look of pure chic.

Both strong and sophisticated, this collection features two new must-have products, the Blush Duo and the Duo Concealer.


NARS Blush Duo
François Nars has always considered blush a critical beauty building block. The double compact opens to reveal one highlighting and one sculpting shade, allowing you to literally shape your desired look.
Hungry Heart - Iridescent gold ivory and pink sand with golden sheen


NARS Duo Concealer
Since the skin on your face is not created equal, one shade of concealer usually won’t suffice.
This new palette features two complementary shades that can be blended together or used individually. Creamy and completely crease-resistant, the Duo Concealer is lightweight but still able to provide smooth, opaque coverage to eradicate skin redness, imperfections, and under-eye shadows.
Vanilla/Honey - Fair complexions
Custard/Ginger- Light to medium complexions
Praline/Toffee - Medium to dark complexions


NARS Duo Eyeshadow
To celebrate spring’s delicate femininity, François Nars introduces two new shimmery and frosty hued Duo Eyeshadows to the collection.
Egea - Frosted sage and smoky lilac
Hula Hula - Strawberry with gold particles and hazelnut with gold glitter particles


NARS Single Eyeshadow
Whether your mood is classic or playful, these three new Single Eyeshadows provide all the color combinations necessary to complete your makeup look. Go for a subtle, natural look with shades of pink and gold or a touch of sophistication with a sweep of the matte dusty red hue.
Baby Girl* - Cotton candy with golden undertones and gold particles
Grenadines - Matte garnet
Night Sun - Bright marigold with gold particles


NARS Multiple Duo
This two-in-one convenience pairs the complementary colors of Orgasm and South Beach of the versatile, multi-purpose cult favorite for eyes, lips and cheeks.
Orgasm/South Beach - Peachy pink and apricot with shimmer


NARS Multiple Bronzer
NARS extends its Multiple Bronzer shade range with this new hue. Rich in anti-oxidants, this bronzing stick is formulated to strengthen, support and repair the skin while creating an all-over warmth and contour for the entire face.
Cap Vert - Medium to dark complexions with red undertones


NARS Lip Gloss
Drench lips with this new sheer and shiny shade to echo the delicate and fresh feel of the season.
Sweet Revenge - Sheer pink grapefruit


NARS Lipstick
This new sheer jewel tone adds a pop of color, for juicy berry-stained lips. The creamy formula glides on smoothly and leaves a hint of sexy shine.
Shrinagar - Metallic raspberry

The Spring 2009 collection is currently available at narscosmetics.com.

*Is there anything finer than a shimmery NARS shadow named Baby Girl?

All I Need Is A Miracle, All I Need Is You

My complexion is far from perfect. Like many of you, I struggle with acne, dark circles, hyperpigmentation and rednesss. But masking these imperfections with foundations and concealers can lead to a vicious cycle. Yes, heavy face makeup camouflage your problem areas, but they can exacerbate skin issues, rendering you more dependent on these products. Besides, I’m not the kind of gal who likes wearing base on the regular. Boo hoo. What to do?

ModelCo (the whiz kids behind Body Meringue and Shimmer Airbrush Illuminiser) just unveiled Miracle Veil Skin Perfecting Fluid, a light-weight skin corrector that minimizes imperfections, disguises redness, lightens pigmentation, evens out skin tone and protects skin with SPF 14.

When I first took a chance on Miracle Veil, I was absolutely perplexed. It’s green, so I was extremely hesitant to rub it all over my mug. I thought to myself, “How in the ham sandwich will smearing this mint colored mess all over my face make me look better?” But the beauty of most beauty products is that they wash off. So I gave it a try, figuring that I had nothing to lose - other than a few flaws.

Well, let me tell you…they don’t call it Miracle Veil for nuthin’. It brightened my skin tone, whisked away the shadows beneath my eyes and enhanced my skin’s luminosity. Wearing Miracle Veil is akin to traveling with your own lighting crew. So I can dare to go bare. The product also acts as a primer for optimized makeup application; it cancels out darkness and redness, so your foundation and concealer don't need to work as hard. But the benefits don’t end there. Miracle Veil doesn’t just hide imperfections, it heals the skin.

White Mulberry Root Extract balances skin pigmentation and protects against future discoloration. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, soothing and calming the skin to combat redness with anti-bacterial properties. Hawthorn Extract prevents the visible appearance of wrinkles while treating pigmentation and uneven skin tone. And Phospholipids create a protective barrier while reducing water loss and protecting against environmental pollution.

So if you look in the mirror and it seems like you’ve stumbled into some bad lighting, don’t hope for a miracle. Just go out and buy one.

Miracle Veil is available at Henri Bendel, Sephora, Beauty Bridge and modelco.com.au.

If This Concealer Is Smart, I Shudder To Think What A Dumb Concealer Looks Like

Yesterday, I visited the parental units and my sister happened to be home from college. As is the norm when she makes an appearance, her makeup arsenal was splayed out on the counter in our once-shared bathroom. I couldn’t help myself from taking a peek and rooting around a bit.

Most of the products I’ve tried before, and a majority of the stockpile were gifts from her benevolent big sis. But before turing off the light and moving on, an unfamiliar tube caught my eye – Almay Smart Shade Concealer.

Almay promises, “with Smart Shade Concealer, there’s no more guessing or stressing over what shade of concealer is right for you. This revolutionary colorless concealer contains microscopic color beads that are activated when you smooth it on—transforming into a shade that complements your skin tone. It conceals minor imperfections on face and dark circles under eyes and provides easy, buildable coverage.”

So what’s the verdict? This product is neither a smart buy, nor does it conceal.

First of all, the concealer has an odd, paste-like consistency. Kinda like toothpaste. And it’s thin, so don’t smooth it on, as directed. In order to achieve any kind of coverage, you must dab it on…but even when you do, don’t expect to camoflage anything more than a freckle. No joke. And, finally, if you’ve got medium to dark skin, just fugetaboutit. Almay Smart Shade Concealer leaves chalky white patches in its wake.

I think that a product that adjusts to compliment your skintone is great…in theory. But, in my opinion, this ‘technology’ is much better left to blush or lipgloss – situations where there’s more leeway with regards to color. With foundation, powder and concealer , you’re trying to fake a flawless complexion. So why leave a perfect match to chance?

You would do much better to choose your own shade than let Almay’s ‘microscopic color beads’ make the decision for you.

Sometimes Not Reading Labels Actually Pays Off

For the past few weeks, I have been applying Too Faced Mineral Water Eye Brightener to the inner v of my eyes to make my peepers pop. The nudish beige shade has a slight sheen that is the perfect marriage of matte and shimmer. I've been searching for such an eye pencil for forever...but the irony of it all is that this is not the product's intended use.

In doing research for this review, I learned that the Mineral Water Eye Brightener was actually created to banish dark circles and allow the wearer to fake a restful 8 hours of sleep. I have since tried it under my eyes and have, consequently, fallen a little deeper in love with Too Faced.

As an added bonus (like you need any more reason to pull out your wallet), the pencil contains more than 35% mineral water - which makes it cool to the touch, while de-puffing and improving skin's firmness elasticity and circulation.

Mineral Water Eye Brightener is available at Beauty.com, Nordstrom, Ulta, Sephora and toofaced.com.

Concealers For All Complexions

Twenty-some odd years ago, I was swinging on a metal gate at the playground near my house. I vaguely remember some adult telling me to stop, but I was having a blast making myself dizzy. So I ignored them. After a few minutes of swinging, I was riding that thin line between euphoria and nausea, so I hopped off. Before I realized what was happening, the gate swung back at me, hit me in the face, and knocked me out cold.

When I came to, I still had all of my teeth – thank heavens – but I also had one hell of a shiner. My mom was extremely upset…not just because her child had been injured and subsequently rendered unconscious due to her own stupidity. My First Holy Communion was mere days away, and a black eye just doesn’t go well with a white dress and veil.

There weren’t too many concealer options (or foundations, for that matter) for women of color, circa 1985. But whatcha gonna do when your 7-year-old daughter looks like she’s been moonlighting as a cage fighter?

I don’t remember the name or brand of the concealer my mom used to mask my bruise - but it came in a tube, smelled like Play-Doh, and was crazy pasty. Seriously, the label may have said “tan” – but the color was straight up brownish gray (I really don’t think the color exists in nature). But that’s all we had…so my mom made it work as best she could.

The 80's was a great decade, but the dearth of makeup shades for women of color (with the exception of Fashion Fair) was definitely a low point. Thinking back on my mom’s chalky concealer really makes me appreciate the limitless options that are available today.

For example, I recently discovered (and fell in love with) Murad’s Acne Treatment Concealer. Usually, I’m just too lazy to use concealer, although my skin could certainly use some. But this concealer has the dual benefit of treating blemishes with acne-fighting medication (which really works) and concealing them with an oil-free tinted formula. It’s also a breeze to apply – just dot on and go. But my favorite thing about this concealer stick is that the Medium Dark shade is spot-on perfect for my typically hard-to-match complexion.

We’ve come a long way, baby!

Murad Acne Treatment Concealer is available at Sephora and murad.com.

Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 7

Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty and professional makeup artist says:

That tattoo you got with your friends when you were 19 isn't something you necessarily want to showcase in a gown. I use a lot of Dermablend Cover Crème, the gold standard for covering anything from tattoos to birthmarks.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

Seeing Double

Yesterday, as I was perusing the CVS website, a new skincare brand caught my eye.

What struck me the most about 24.7 Skincare is its similarity the Freeze 24-7 skin care brand. From the names to the packaging to the product descriptions, they’re nearly identical. Take a look…

24.7 Skincare Instant Plump Volumizing Lip Shine: Triple action lip treatment works with Retinol, Niacin and GABA to immediately plump, hydrate and nourish lips. ($19.99)

Freeze 24-7 PlumpLips Lip Plumper: Revolutionary lip plumper and gloss that delivers full, pouty, buttery lips in minutes. Hydrates, smoothes and soothes…It’s addicting! ($40)

24.7 Skincare Smooth & Go Immediate Skin Perfector: Instantly illuminates and smoothes, bringing a newfound soft, flawless look to your skin. Performs brilliantly under or over makeup and wouldn't think of smudging or smearing. Perfectly portable for whenever or whenever you need a quick skin-perfecting fix - an absolute must have, with mistake-proof application! Treat fine lines and wrinkles, imperfections, dark circles, lip lines, laugh lines, large pores. Perfect for: quick touch-ups: Smooth & Go, use under OR over makeup, absorbs excess oil, instant brightening, instant smoothing. ($29.99)

Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go Instant Smoother & Brightener: Use under or over makeup to fix fine lines, absorb excess oil and brighten skin for a flawless finish. Perfectly portable, this sleek, metallic, pod-like package is designed for optimal convenience and totability, with a removable mirror and metered dosage to ensure a flawless finish on-the-go. ($65)

24.7 Skincare Targeted Wrinkle Treatment: Targets lines and wrinkles with a latest-tech formula including GABA, Lavendox and Hyaluronic Acid Spheres. The results are impressive: 100% of respondents saw a 50-90% reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within 10 minutes, making it an effective, non-surgical cosmetic alternative to Botox and other invasive procedures. ($39.99)

Freeze 24/7 Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment: This dream cream is for real and delivers a powerful punch against wrinkles. Watch them melt away within minutes. Respondents saw a 50-90% reduction in the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within minutes of application. A safe alternative to Botox and other synthetic products which produces results - not side effects. ($65)

After noting the similarities, I instantly smelled a lawsuit. But it seems that the brands are in cahoots. 24.7 Skincare was created in partnership with an initial investor in Freeze 24-7. So maybe there won’t be blood. But there will be youthful skin and plump lips – whether you shop at the department store or the drugstore.

Freeze 24-7 is available at Nordstrom, Henri Bendel, Bloomingdale’s, Space NK, and Saks Fifth Avenue. 24.7 Skincare is sold exclusively at CVS.