Beauty Product of the Week: True Match Roller

What is it? L'Oreal's True Match Perfecting Roll-on Makeup is "the first ever roller foundation.  The unique roller applicator seamlessly applies the perfect amount of makeup for smooth, even coverage and the ultimate airbrushed finish.  And the flexible applicator bends with all the hard-to-reach curves of your face.  No streaks, no smudges, just picture-perfect skin.  It's a whole new way to apply your foundation."  Available at drugstores and big box stores for about $15 (though you can probably get it on sale for less!).

What did you think? I am not sure what possessed me to buy this product.  From the start, the cards are stacked against it:

1. I typically use mineral foundation
2. I am not a fan of L'Oreal as a rule
3. I don't usually buy my foundation from a drugstore (yes, I know that sounds very snobby)

And yet, there I was, putting the L'Oreal True Match Roller in my basket at Rite Aid.  I figured if I hated it, it would just be another experience for my blog.

I was not anticipating liking this product, and yet...I do.  It provides a great deal of coverage and comes in a number of shades so you can, indeed, get a "true match."  The roller is a snap to use, and it does a decent job of evening out my complexion and neutralizing the annoying pink on my cheeks.

If you find yourself buying this product, take a few practice strokes before you really apply this foundation.  Don't push the rolling foam applicator down too hard--you don't want to overload it, nor do you want to pound down the product. 

Be sure to check your face over for any lines that may be left behind from the roller.  If you do find lines, the product blends in easily, leaving behind a smoother, more even face.  The foundation lasts all day, at least on my skin.  I would warn that a little goes a long way.

Final verdict?  I shouldn't like this product, but yet, I do.  It makes me wonder if I'm too harsh on L'Oreal!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Photo Friendly Foundation

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

Hi!

My wedding is in a month and I'm looking for a foundation base that would look perfect in photos. I know I should avoid products with SPF, but is there any specific product recommendation I could get, Mario? It would be much appreciated!!!

Sara

Hi Sara,

Congradulations! A great foundation to use on your wedding day is Dior's Diorskin Sculpt Line-Smoothing Lifting Makeup. I'm a fan of lifting and line-smoothing products, regardless of age.

I recommend applying this foundation with Sigma's Synthetic Face Kit. The kit comes with three face brushes that can be used with liquid or powder products. Buff the Diorskin Sculpt makeup onto your skin using the flat top Kabuki brush for a flawless looking, high definition effect. Good luck and best wishes on your big day!

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!

Updated Foundation Routine (BeautyBlender)

So during my last skincare haul video, I mentioned the BeautyBlender sponge makeup applicator at some length. I had gone to the store looking for a generic makeup-removing facial cleanser to clean it with which then inspired the whole change in my skincare routine.

Which then inspired a long ramble in that video about my love for the BeautyBlender...

So as promised in that video, here is my updated foundation routine using this product.


Here are some BeautyBlender basics to remember:
-Always use the sponge damp. It expands to almost twice it's size and makes it much softer and springy..er. :) Dampening it really is what makes the product worthwhile and keeps it from soaking up (and wasting) most of your foundation like most other sponges.
-Apply your foundation using bouncy motions. (I demo this in the video)
-Clean it every 3 or 4 times using a gentle cleanser.

BeautyBlenders are available at sephora.com.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Flawless Foundation

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

Hi Mario,

My questions are about foundation. First, when I’m buying a foundation, how do I make sure that I’m buying the right shade? Second, once I apply my foundation, how do I get the color to stay true? I ask this because sometimes my foundation will turn slightly orange after a few hours. Thanks!

-Lia

Hi Lia,

When chosing a foundation shade, it's important that you consider your skin shade on your face and neck. Test a few shades of foundation across your jawline and slightly onto the neck. Blend with a sponge and whichever shade looks most natural should be the right match.

Getting the color of your base to stay true is easy. Your face oils are what cause the base to turn orange so try to keep your skin matte by using blotting tissues throughout the day. You may also want to start your application using an anti-shine or matte primer, followed by foundation. Finish off by setting it all with a translucent colorless loose powder and voila! Perfection.

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!

How to Make Powder Foundation Look Natural

Powder foundation is quick and easy, but sometimes an overly-powdered look is really not what I go for... Ok, actually an overly-powdered look is something I never go for. Remembering a few easy tricks and adding in a few crucial steps to your powder foundation routine can actually make it look extremely natural. No one will ever know your flawless skin came from a compact. I won't tell if you won't! :)

Beauty Product of the Week: Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

What is it? Stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is "A lightweight, tinted moisturizer infused with a hint of shimmer and a protective SPF 15.  This multipurpose beautifier does triple duty: It acts as your moisturizer, sunscreen, and luminizer to provide sheer coverage that makes skin appear flawless, and its super hydrating ingredients and protective SPF 15 will keep your skin protected."  Available at Sephora and department stores (and occasionally on HauteLook, where I scored this and a bunch of other Stila products for less than $10) for $32.

What did you think?  I typically like products that try to multitask.  I just don't think this is the best muiltitasker on the market.  This product is very, very lightweight...which I like and hate.  I like that it goes on quickly and absorbs easily.  I just don't think it provides much in the way of color or coverage.  I was hoping that it would proved enough cover so that I could stick foundation during the day.  I was sadly mistaken.  I find that I still need to brush on my foundation in order to cover some of my splotches.  Then again, this is the winter, and my skin is less than lovely this time of year.

The final verdict? The moisturizer is not greasy, it's not unpleasant, and I think it does add the slightest bit of illumination to my skin.  That said, I would not re-purchase this item at the $32 price tag.  But what do I know?!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Faking Freckle-Free Skin

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!

So, I'm sure you hear this all the time, but you are a genius! I really like your style and technique, so here is a question for you. I have freckles all over my face and pale-ish skin. I HATE my freckles and even though people may say they are cute, I want CLEAR FRECKLE-FREE SKIN...ha ha (so please don't say freckles are cute LOL). I know I can't make them disappear, but is there any way I can still look pretty with freckles? Or even a cheap way to get rid of them or cover them? I won't hide them all of the time, but it would be nice to have clear, tanned skin. How can I achieve this?

Thanks,
Alice 


Hi Alice,

A great way to conceal freckles is to get a spray tan.  This especially would be good in your case because you also want your skin more tanned.  The color will last for about a week or so and with the tan, you avoid having to use heavy foundations and bronzers.  I don't recommend applying a full coverage foundation to cover freckles.  If you do choose to do so, the foundation shade must be as close to your natural skin color as possible.

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!

TEMPTU Friends & Family Deal

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

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!

Tiffany's Flawless & Natural Foundation Routine

Where makeup is concerned, getting your foundation "right" is possibly the most important thing to master. I find the most difficult task (other than finding your correct shade which is a totally different story...) is finding a good combination of products that gives great coverage, yet looks natural. These are the products that do exactly that for me. Check out the video below to see how I apply these products step by step (and see me without ANY makeup...EEK).

Products used:
Origins Brighter by Nature Serum
Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ liquid foundation in #40
MAC Studio Finish concealer in NC20
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Medium & Medium Dark
YSL Touche Eclat in #1 Luminous Radiance (light pink shade)
Benefit Powderflage

Revlon Photo Ready Foundation: Buy Immediately!

No offense to mass market makeup, but with its new Photo Ready Foundation, Revlon just brought drugstore foundation out of the dark ages. In fact, many prestige brands could learn a lot from this particular foundation. Priced at around $13.99, Photo Ready is worth two or three times that.

For a few months, I've been hearing Revlon Photo Ready Foundation being touted as the discount version of my beloved Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation. I kinda dismissed it as hype, until I tried it last week. While there are a lot of similarities, there are some differences too – namely, the price (HD Foundation costs $40).

Photo Ready, like MUFE's HD Foundation, gives the skin an airbrushed look. It looks even more flawless when applied with a foundation brush or, my fave, the beautyblender sponge. The coverage is medium to full – and I find that when I use it, I don't really have to use concealer. It’s that good. Where Photo Ready differs from MUFE's HD Foundation is that it has a dewy finish; so if you like a more matte look, MUFE might be the way to go. My skin is on the oilier side, and I happen to love Photo Ready. It gives me perfect looking skin with a healthy glow, without it veering into oil slick territory.

Photo Ready wears well all day long, and feels very light; I often forget I'm even wearing it. I also appreciate that it doesn't oxidize and change color after a few hours – as that has happened with many foundations I've tried.

And before you ask me if gals with problem skin can tolerate this product, I'll tell you…the answer is a resounding YES. My skin is acne prone and likes to stage a mutiny every time I turn around, but Photo Ready has not caused an adverse reaction.

The only category where MUFE HD Foundation wins hands down is in the color options (Photo Ready has 12 shades and MUFE HD has 25). And it's too bad that you can't really test Photo Ready in the store (at least, there were no testers at the drugstore where I bought my bottle) - so you sort of have to take a leap of faith when you choose a shade. Personally, I spent about five minutes deliberating between Rich Ginger and Caramel. Then I noticed that the display had a photo of Halle Berry modeling the product and the caption read "Halle is wearing Rich Ginger." Halle and I have the same skin color (lucky me), so that's what I chose – and it was a perfect match. If I get some sun this summer, I may purchase Caramel and blend the two.

So, bottom line, this is one of the best foundations I've tried in a long time – on account of its performance and price. If you're in the market for new foundation, you'd be a fool not to check it out.

Revlon Photo Ready Foundation is my Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week.

Foundation Application & Review: Nars Sheer Glow

I thought it was about time to post an updated foundation routine. Especially now since I've been trying a new foundation with great results -- the Nars Sheer Glow liquid. Check out the video below for a full review of this product as well as a demonstration of how I apply it.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation Plus Orgasm Illuminator Equals Perfection

I'm not much of a cook, but I've got one heck of a recipe for ya...

Yesterday, my boo took me out for breakfast. As we sat across the table from each other, Graham kept gushing about my complexion. "Your skin looks amazing. Really, you're glowing...it looks so fresh and healthy." That's when I really started beaming, as Mr. Spoiled Pretty throws around compliments like manhole covers (his euphemism, not mine).

So what's my secret? Unfortunately, this time, it had nothing to do with the pregnancy hormones. This glow was a gift from NARS. A few weeks ago when I was in NYC for Fashion Week, I had an opportunity to meet with the NARS team - and I got color matched by James Boehmer, NARS International Lead Makeup Stylist. NARS gifted me with their Sheer Matte and Sheer Glow foundations in Cadiz (medium-dark with caramel and red undertones) - which was a PERFECT match, by the by.

Anyways, so my glow yesterday was the result of the Sheer Glow Foundation mixed with the new Orgasm Illuminator. Here's the recipe: mix 2 parts foundation with 1 part Orgasm Illuminator, and apply with a brush or sponge (I recommend the beautyblender). Then go somewhere where your beauty can be truly appreciated, and wait for the compliments to start flying.

Glo-oh-ow get 'em, girl.

PS - I want to take this opportunity to give a big shout out to NARS for their wide range of foundation shades. Far too often, women with deeper complexions find themselves forgotten by makeup brands. Not so with NARS. I'm so glad to have found this foundation. I encourage you to go to your nearest NARS counter or Sephora store and get color matched too. I guarantee you won't be able to leave empty-handed.

The Thrill Is Gone...

It happens to the best of us, but lately I've noticed that a few of my favorite beauty products--my old faithfuls--have let me down a bit. Here are my top three "I'm not feeling it anymore" products:

1. Great Lash by Maybelline. Say it ain't so! Once my favorite inexpensive mascara on the market, Great Lash seems sorta ho-hum to me now. I am not exactly sure what's happened, but the last time I cracked open a tube, it seemed too clumpy and a bit, well, cheap. I've been a big fan of Great Lash for years and I do plan to give them a chance at redemption, but for now, I'm going to find something else.
   
   
2. Lip Venom by DuWop. I was a Lip Venom addict, especially when it first came out. I liked the cinnamon-y bite of the lip plumper, and I also liked the way it made my lips shine. Now? It seems like Lip Venom has lost it's bite. It seems to fade away too quickly in my opinion. Plus I was really unimpressed with their Lip Venom V, the plumper with color that tied in with Twilight.
   
   
3. Bare Minerals by Bare Essentials. I am not sure why, but I have fallen out of love with this mineral foundation. Maybe they've saturated the market too much? Maybe I'm just ready for a change? Whatever the case may be, I'm going to search for something new once my current foundation is used up.

So sorry formerly loved beauty products. It's not you...it's me. Except, maybe it IS you. Ugh. I guess time moves on, things change, and what was awesome 4 years ago doesn't quite cut it today.

Have you been let down by a much loved beauty product? Leave me a comment and tell me about it!

And...don't forget to become a fan of Kiss and Makeup on Facebook!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Tips For Rosacea

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'm amazed by your work and am a fan. I was hoping you could help me with my makeup problem. I'm a rosacea sufferer and makeup is a big problem for me. My cheeks are always red as if I have permanent blush on. I've tried using green concealer and/or yellow concealer to help cover the redness, but haven't had much success (maybe it is a technique issue). I also haven't been able to find a foundation to match my skin. I'm not exactly sure what the best approach is to match my skin tone. I find that I get the weird clown face effect and I don't know how to combat that. So any tips on how to wear makeup for rosacea sufferers would be great.

Thanks, Mitch J.


Thanks, Mitch! I know that rosacea sufferers have it more difficult then others when trying to cover up and even out the skin. I have worked many times with different women who have rosacea. 'Less is more' works best for this. Definitely go for a liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer and use minimal loose powder on the skin. Apply the foundation with a damp sponge by pressing it onto the skin. Try not to rub it too much.

You may want to add a bit of your makeup to the neck area as well and see if you still are not happy with the shade. To prevent the clown look, go with a deeper color foundation and make sure the powder is not too light. I'm sure you will find an easy solution so that makeup time is a good 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!

I TEMPTU. Do You?

I recently received the TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System to test and review for Spoiled Pretty, and I'm really dreading having to give it back. That's how amazing it is. Watch the video to find out why I'm awarding TEMPTU with 'holy grail' status.


TEMPTU is a great holiday beauty gift (the recipient would love you forever). The TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System is available at Sephora and costs $225. A duo of foundation pods (there are 12 shades) costs $55. Blush pods (4 shades) are $30 and highlighter pods (4 shades) are $35 each.

For more expert gift picks, check out Spoiled Pretty's 2009 Holiday Beauty Gift Guide!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Keeping Foundation On Your Face

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.


Mario,

I have a foundation that I love, but it seems to get on everything! I work in an office and tend to pass around papers that have brown smudges on them whenever I wear that foundation. Is there anything I can do to keep the foundation on my face and not on everything else? -Khalia
Khalia,

I can totally sympathize with you, as someone that constantly gets makeup "spots" on just about everything. Here's how to keep your foundation on your face and off the paper work:

Try using a oil free moisturizer if you aren't already. Makeup that smears off the skin easily probably isn't being set well. With a velour powder puff, set your makeup by pressing translucent loose powder all over face after foundation. If this doesn't help, you can try a makeup sealer. They come in spray bottles and help keep everything in place. Lastly and most important - try to stop touching your face! If you didn't touch your face, your hands wouldn't get makeup on them. It's a hard habit to break, but not impossible.

Hope this helps you out. Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!xo,
MarioGot 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!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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!.

(Air)Brush with Beauty

I was thumbing through my latest Sephora catalog and I noticed a new product that Sephora's proudly launching this fall: Temptu. It will set you back $225 (plus $55 every two months for foundation pods) and it will be available in stores on September 15th (it's already for sale online).

So, what exactly is this thing? Here's what Sephora has to say:

The leader in professional AIRbrushing, TEMPTU is the brains (and beauty!) behind most of the A-list work you see—the picture-perfect faces on the silver screen, the immaculate high-fashion shots. Now the brand is revolutionizing everyday makeup with its TEMPTU® AIRbrush Makeup System, a personal AIRbrushing tool designed to deliver impeccable coverage on demand. The sleek system's handheld applicator sprays with TEMPTU's natural-finish foundation, blush, and highlighter, leaving skin looking untouched—never retouched. It's easy and unparalleled perfection—right at your pretty little fingertips.

Hmmm....an at-home airbrush for applying foundation? Sounds a little frightening to me. I envision myself getting foundation all over the place, basically everywhere except my face. I'm not a makeup klutz, but I'd be worried that I wouldn't apply my makeup well with this since it's a new technology that I've never tried before.

Sephora says that Temptu is easy to use and that it's mess-free. Better yet, they claim that using will give professional results--flawless skin. People who've tried it love it, at least if the reviews on Sephora's website are to be believed.

I'd be willing to try this out, but I do have some concerns.

1. Is this really necessary for the mass market? Do the vast majority of us need something this high-tech to apply foundation?
2. Is this thing worth the hefty price tag?
3. How easy--really--is it to use?

I have no plans on purchasing this product any time soon, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Would you want to try out an at-home airbrush? And is $225 plus $55 for the foundation pods a price you'd be willing to pay?

YSL Fall 2009

YSL Fall 2009 Beauty Collection: Inspired by the YSL Fall RTW Fashion collection of exquisite tailoring with sumptuous textures, a flawless complexion is offset by magnetic pearl grey eyes and intense plum lips.

FACE:
* Perfect Touch Radiant Brush Foundation
* Touche Éclat Radiant Touch in Luminous Radiance
* Palette Y Collector Palette for the Complexion (limited edition)
* Crème de Blush Cream Blush in Powdery Rose (limited edition)

EYES:
* Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes in Midnight
* Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara in Sublime Grey

LIPS:
* Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick in Exquisite Plum

NAILS:
* La Laque Long Lasting Nail Lacquer in Stormy Grey