Monday, May 2, 2011
Makeup Mondays With Mario: Picture Perfect
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
LORAC Cyber Monday Collection
Monday, October 4, 2010
Makeup Mondays With Mario: Pretty Palettes
Mario,
I’m going to start by saying that you are a genius! I have learned so much through reading your blog and your Makeup Mondays with Mario column. What are your thoughts on makeup palettes? I have so many little eye shadow and blush containers that I never use because it's not convenient to open up every little jar one by one. Do you like palettes and if so, any recommendations for everyday colors? Thank you so much and keep inspiring!
Thanks, Debbie
Debbie,
Thanks for visiting MMwM, Debbie! I totally agree with you when it comes to the single eye shadow and blush containers. I have hundreds of them in my drawers and in my kit. That being said, I do like makeup palettes and I often use them on set. The trick is finding the right palette that works nicely for you. Check out The Balmbini Palette by TheBalm. I love the combination of shades for everyday makeup and one of my fave blush colors (Hot Mama) comes in the palette! Hot Mama blush is very similar to NARS' Orgasm blush and it works beautifully on darker complexions. For bronzy, warm tones, Lorac's Croc Palette is perfect. You won't get lip product in this palette but you'll have four great eye shadows and a basic natural colored rosy blush. These are only two of many makeup palettes out there to check out. Have fun!
Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!
xo,
Mario
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To "Luminize" Your Face
Hi Mario!
What is your favorite luminizer? And how can I luminize my face?
Love, April

I have a few favorites when it comes to luminizer. LORAC makes a really good one that comes in two shades. A pearly color for lighter skin and a golden/bronze shade for darker tones. Sometimes I will mix a bit of both together to create my own shade. This luminizer is oil-free and great for sensitive skin. You can luminize your face by mixing some of your foundation and/or moisturizer with the luminizer. I prefer to apply it on the cheekbones with my finger and blend with a damp sponge. Also use a bit on the bridge of your nose and center of lips. Try to not use powder directly on top of the luminizer and instead only on your t-zone. If you really want your face blinged-out, brush some shimmer powder over the liquid luminizer only on cheekbones and only at night.
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!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Holiday Deal From LORAC: Free Lipsticks!
This promotion lasts through Tuesday, December 1 (or while supplies last).
Monday, November 2, 2009
Five Ways To Sneak SPF Into Your Beauty Routine This Winter

UV radiation doesn’t take a vacation – and while not as intense in the wintertime, it still poses a threat. In fact, the reflection of the sun’s rays off of snow, sand, water, concrete and buildings can still cause damage to your skin.
Luckily for you, I’ve found five products that make it easy to sneak sun protection into your beauty routine:
Hissyfit Saving Face Anti-Aging Foundation provides flawless foundation coverage with a SPF 50+, broad spectrum protection from the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays. Water-resistant, Saving Face is perfect for protecting skin after exfoliation, dermabrasion or chemical peels. And it gets major props for its wide range of shades. Brown skinned beauties, rejoice!
This post is sponsored by Carmex Moisture Plus ultra hydrating lip balm. More than lip balm, learn Carmex secrets, tips, & ideas here.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
E! News-worthy Interview: Giuliana Rancic Q&A

Giuliana has been anchor and managing editor of E! News since January 2005; and since that time, viewership has risen over 50 percent! In addition to her news anchoring duties, she often hosts red carpet events like the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. The award-winning journalist also stars in the Style Network's real-life romantic comedy Giuliana & Bill, which follows Giuliana and her husband Bill as they juggle high-profile careers and marriage while living apart on opposite coasts.
Giuliana, quite literally, lives in makeup and designer duds - which makes her the perfect candidate for a Spoiled Pretty profile. Read on for her favorite fashion finds and how she always manages to always look so cute and camera ready...
SP: When did your fascination with fashion and beauty begin?
GR: I have loved makeup since I was a little girl. I come from a stylish Italian family so we were allowed to wear makeup at a very young age. I would say I started wearing makeup in 7th grade and I have loved fashion since I was about 10 years old.

GR: I shoot every day, all year round, so I wear makeup from 8am to 10 pm at night. 14 hours straight!!! So my cleansing regimen is super important to me. In the morning, I wash my face with Patricia Wexler, MD Universal Cleansing Lotion. It is very mild and perfect for the morning. I use her moisturizer as well. It gives my skin a dewy and fresh look. At night I use DDF Blemish Cleansing Foam to wash off my makeup and keep my skin clear thanks to it's small dose of salicylic acid. I moisturize with Patricia Wexler's PM cream and use her eye cream as well. Then I put on ChapStick Fresh Effects before I go to bed to moisturize my lips. I am obsessed with Patricia Wexler's products and I do not endorse her in any way. In fact, I have never met or spoken to her in my life but I would love to so I can thank her for making my skin look so darn great!
As for makeup, I start with L'Oreal True Match Foundation. I use Lorac Blush/Bronzer in Hot & Spicy for a great glow. Then I line my lips with MAC liner and use ChapStick Fresh Effects Green Tea Mint before my lipgloss as the perfect base. It tingles while it moisturizes so I love using it.
SP: What are the five beauty products that you can't live without right now?
GR: I always have my Lorac bronzing blush for a nice glow and my ChapStick Fresh Effects. I love the tingle it gives me while it moisturizes my lips. I can't have chapped lips on the red carpet when I'm standing 6 inches from a celebs face so I love this product because it gives me an instant beauty boost and is an amazing base for lip gloss and lipstick. I love my Patricia Wexler, MD Universal Cleansing Lotion and Moisturizer to give me great skin. I am also loving fake lashes right now. I use Andrea or Ardell from the drugstore. I have learned how to put them on perfectly so now it only takes me a few minutes and gives me amazing eyes. Fake lashes are the secret to a gorgeous eye!
SP: What is your signature fragrance?
GR: My signature scent is Quelques Fleur. I've worn it since I was in high school. It's a classic scent that I have never gotten tired of. My fragrance philosophy is to look for scents that are clean. Guys don't like anything too floral or bold. They love a girl to smell like she just walked out of the shower- clean and fresh. I spray it all over as well as my hair to make it smell great when Bill comes in for a hug.
SP: What was your most embarrassing fashion or beauty moment?
GR: The zipper on my dress broke minutes before I was to walk out to the Oscar red carpet two years ago! Thankfully, my backup dress was in my stylist's car on the way back to the designer, so he grabbed it and I did a quick swap.
SP: How has your look evolved over the years?
GR: I constantly change my hair color...platinum blonde, dark brown, warm brown, honey blond...I love changing my hair color every year. It keeps things interesting.

GR: I just bought a few men's blazers in black and navy blue. They are by MM Couture. Very affordable and super stylish. I've been wearing them with a simple neon or bright t-shirt over super tight LNA stretch pants and my new above the knee Balenciaga black leather boots. They are equestrian style with a four inch heel and are very fitted to the leg and tall. So hot!!! I just got two tight leather motorcycle jackets, one in black and one in turquoise from the clothing company Secret Circus out of London. Love!
SP: What tips do you have for women who want star style on a budget?
GR: Shop at H&M, Forever 21 and Express. There is no reason to spend a lot of money on trendy items.
SP: What are three fashion accessories every woman should own?
GR: Tall leather black boots, a great trench coat, and a big, long scarf.
SP: Current handbag obsession?
GR: I love my new gray woven leather Cole Haan bag. It just came out and it's the perfect size.
SP: If you could only use one brand of makeup for life, which would it be?
GR: MAC. Most of my makeup is from MAC. I wear makeup for up to 14 hours a day and MAC stays on my skin the longest.
SP: What’s the best beauty tip/secret you’ve ever heard?
GR: Moisturize! My mother is in her late 60s and looks 50! She has moisturized her entire body, especially her face, every day of her life and it shows!
Watch Giuliana Rancic on E! News, weeknights at 7 and 11:30pm. She's also very active on Twitter...follow her tweets at twitter.com/GiulianaRancic.
Thanks for such a fun and informative interview, Giuliana. See you at 7!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Emmys 2009 Beauty: Debra Messing

Complexion: aquaPRIME Oil-Free Makeup Primer, Breakthrough Performance Foundation in SMS4 (Medium), Double Feature Paraben Free Concealer/Highlighter in DF2, Powder in Light
Eyes: Red Carpet Reveal Palette (first shade highlight under the brow, second shade on lid and crease, third shade on lid and liner for lower lash line), Black Eye Shadow (smudged on lid), Front of the Line PRO Liquid Eyeliner in Black, Special Effects Primer and Mascara
Cheeks: TANtalizer Baked Matte Satin Bronzer SPF 15, Baked Matte Satin Blush in Exposed, Perfectly Lit Oil Free Luminizing Powder in Luminous
Lips: Lip Pencil in 18 (Nude), Breakthrough Performance Lipstick with SPF 15 in Nude Scene, Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Vintage
Body: TANtalizer Baked Bronzer
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Monday, August 24, 2009
Darac TourQuam 3-D Face Sculpting Brush, Nothing Compares 2 U
After using Darac's TourQuam 3-D Face Sculpting Brush, I have one thing to say to all of the other makeup brushes on the market: you should be ashamed of yourselves.
For applying powder products, nothing compares to the TourQuam brush. Nothing.
This Jetsons-esque tool has a magnet hidden in the handle. Because all powders have an iron oxide, magnetic base, this brush attracts the perfect amount of product. Which means no wasting your precious powders. And no more tapping and blowing on the bristles to avoid looking like a character straight outta Kabuki theater. So not necessary.
Seriously...even you unintentionally heavy-handed makeup junkies will be amazed at how this brush keeps your 'more is more' tendencies in check.
Lately, I've been using this brush in tandem with my LORAC TANtalizer Baked Matte Satin Bronzer and Fresh Freshface Blush Powder - and I can honestly say that my golden glow and flushed cheeks have never looked more natural.
Darac TourQuam 3-D Face Sculpting Brush, nothing compares 2 u!
Darac products are available at QVC and daracbeauty.com.
Friday, July 31, 2009
LORAC Gift With Purchase, Plus Free Shipping
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Summer VIP Sale at LORAC
Oh...and while you're there, throw a TANtalizer bronzer into your cart. You'll love it. It's TANtastic.
Okay, even I admit that joke was straight out of corn city.
Monday, July 6, 2009
You Glow Girl: LORAC TANtalizer Baked Matte Satin Bronzer SPF 15
One of the best tips to prevent product overload is to invest in a good bronzer. Adding warmth to your complexion allows you to get away with wearing less. My new favorite bronzer is LORAC TANtalizer Baked Matte Satin Bronzer SPF 15, which has a mineral-based, baked formula that goes on silky-smooth for a glow that lasts. It can be used wet or dry, depending on the intensity you desire, and is great for contouring and highlighting. It might just be the best bronzer I've ever used.
Using the TANtalizer Baked Matte Satin Bronzer SPF 15, I've been borrowing a technique from my girl Jenn Falik's playbook. Apply the powder in the shape of a 3 on each side of your face; hit your forehead, cheeks and jawline evenly for a super natural looking all-over glow. I dust it on with my ecoTools Powder Brush; it's super-soft and picks up just the right amount of pigment.
Swipe on two coats of your must-have mascara and coat your pucker in a sheer gloss, and you're good to glow.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Pretty In Purple: Get Kim Kardashian's Mermaid Makeup

The brows are filled in with Cork by MAC. On the lids I used Stars N’ Rockets by MAC. In the crease, outer corners and under the eye, I used Deep Truth - also by MAC. Right below the Deep Truth shadow, I blended Creme de Violet shadow (a lighter shimmery purple, MAC) all the way down to the cheek bones. I also swept a bit of it on the brow bone. The liner on the top is a very pigmented black liquid that I blended myself from Giella Cosmetics. In the inner rim of the eye, I used the black Powerpoint pencil from MAC and ALOT of mascara - Bad Gal mascara by Benefit. For this shoot, my assistant and I cut up a bunch of different lashes and I placed them in pieces all over the lash line so I wouldn’t be able to tell you the brand or style type.
For blush, I used Angelika by NARS and the Bronzing Powder by LORAC (framing the whole face and on the hollows of the cheeks). To get that glow all over the skin and on the bridge of the nose, I blended my own color with different pigments and shimmers but you can get a very similar effect by using Shroom shadow by MAC, or if your skin is darker, try Trace Gold blush by MAC.
For Kim’s lips, I used a little bit of the foundation on them, followed by a clear gloss. So easy.
To learn how to recreate Kourtney, Khloe and Kris Kardashian's makeup, visit Mario's blog.
For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here.
Source
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Kourtney Kardashian's Favorite Beauty Products

Here’s what’s Kourtney had to say about her makeup must-haves:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer: I started using this whenever I had a photo shoot and needed my makeup to last all day. I became addicted to the way it makes my makeup smooth on so perfectly, so now I use it every day.

Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation: Whenever I get my makeup done, this is the one item I bring with me and ask the makeup artist if they want to use it. I swear I have turned a few makeup artists onto it after they tried it on me…it’s amazing!

LORAC Double Feature Concealer/Highlighter: I love Lorac in general…the creator Carol Shaw is a family friend and makeup genius. This is probably my favorite product and Carol actually suggested that I get it. I use it as an everyday under eye concealer. There’s a wand on the other end of it that has a shimmery highlighter too! Lorac’s palettes are always the most wonderful colors, so I always buy them when they come out with new ones.

Smashbox Bronze Lights Bronzer in Suntan Matte: My search for the perfect bronzer never seems to end. I was getting ready at my sister Kim’s house last week who happens to have the best makeup collection, and I think I discovered the perfect bronzer. I went out and bought it the next day. Bronzer mission accomplished.

NARS Orgasm Blush: I have used this for as long as I can remember…it always does the trick to freshen up my face and give it that extra pop of color. They just came out with Super Orgasm…which is the same heavenly color with a touch of glitter…so fun and perfect for summer. I hear it is the number one selling blush in the country, so I can see why.

Stila Kajal Eyeliner in Onyx: Goes on super dark, and lasts longer than any others I’ve tried. An easy way to turn my makeup from daytime to nighttime ready.

Too Faced Lip Injection Lip Plumper: My fake twin sister Adrienne Bailon (Cheetah Girls) and I tried this on together, and literally fell in love. Our lips looked so juicy and delicious. They had the best color to them too and looked like we had been making out with someone for hours. The trick is to put it on with nothing on your lips, and when you reapply, wipe off what’s on there first!

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Highlighter: This is a highlighting/concealer wand, and basically like a magic wand. I use it as my last step when doing my makeup. I use it under my eyes to get rid of any fallen eye makeup, down the center of my nose as a highlighter, and under my lips to make them pop! I don’t leave home without it.
Source
Photo Source
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oscars 2009 Beauty: Jennifer Aniston

Makeup Artist Angela Levin used Chanel products on presenter Jennifer Aniston for the 81st Academy Awards.
Beauty Inspiration:
"When I spoke to Jen before the Oscars, we decided we wanted to create a look that exuded modern glamour. She had just returned from vacation, and she had that relaxed, glowing feeling, which we wanted to display on the red carpet. She is the quintessential California glamour girl, and she was radiant as always on Oscar night."

Angela prepped Jennifer's skin with Chanel Hydramax + Active Moisture Boost Cream. She then used a foundation brush to apply Chanel Lift Lumiere Firming and Smoothing Fluid Makeup in Beige all over the face. Under Jennifer's eyes, Angela applied Chanel Lift Lumiere Smooth and Rejuvinating Eye Contour in Beige Lumiere. Instead of a traditional blush, Angela dabbed a bit of Chanel Hydrabase Lipstick in Coco Red on the apples of Jennifer's cheeks. She then applied Chanel Sheer Brilliance in Sunkissed around the tops of her cheekbones, closer to the eye, for a bit of shimmer. Jennifer's eyes were a combination of LORAC eye shadows in Jade, Black, and Serenity, and a Tina Earnshaw shadow in Aubergine. Her lashes looked extra glamorous thanks to Chanel Inimitable Mascara in Noir-Black. On Jennifer's lips, Angela used Chanel Aqualumiere Lipshine in Panarea (available in April). To complete the look, she dusted Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzer.
Photos: Wireimage
Monday, January 12, 2009
Golden Globes Gorgeous: Jenna Fischer

Make up artist Brett Freedman played up her new whimsical, boho-vibe with an extended eyeliner on the eyes and a little “out of the box glam” for the usually understated Jenna. What would Pam say?
Brett used the following products:

Loose Powder: Prescriptives Liquid Powder in Deep Translucent (It has a gorgeous light-reflective quality with a hint of bronze and photographs beautifully.)
Concealer: Cle De Peau Concealer in Beige
Blush: Almay Smart Shade Blush in Natural, topped with LORAC Oil Free Luminizing Powder in Luminous on apples of the cheeks.
Eyeshadow: Rimmel Colour Rush Mono Eyeshadow in #330 Azure, applied wet and swept over lids and blended down to a sheer finish.
Liquid Liner: Lancome Laque Liner in Pure Black - applied a line across the top lash line, thickening and extending out and upward for a dramatic look.
Brow Highlight Shadow: L'Oreal HiP pigment powder in Restless. (I love to have a bright, crisp brow bone. This champagne hued shadow looks natural yet packs a punch.)
Mascara: Vanitymark 'the LASH' in Blackest. Three coats were applied to really amp up the top lashline. One full coat on the bottom to give eyes definition without overpowering the top lash line.
Faux Lashes: Kre-At Beauty individual lashes. A mix of the short (on the inner eye) and the long (for outer) in black were used to give an alluring sweep.
Body Bronzer: Vanitymark Summerskin, applied first to 'tone down' the tawny shade so Jenna would have a healthy glow without being too tan. (When you're showing that much flesh it's good to have a nice lift of color.)
Lips: Benefit Pocket Pal in Benetint.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Lashes For Days: The Lash Stash From Sephora

I know you. You're what I call a mascara minx. Sure, you have a number one lash luvah...but it's hardly an exclusive relationship.
You're not alone. Many women find mascara monogmany to be challenging. It's nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, Sephora supports your cheatin' ways.
New from Sephora: The Lash Stash, a best-selling mascara sampler set.
Brought to you exclusively by Sephora, The Last Stash allows you to test-drive a new mascara every day until you find your true lash love. It contains seven travel-size black mascaras from your favorite brands, for the longest, lushest, most-volumized lashes ever. The kit includes:
* Benefit A Little Bit BADgal Lash in Black
* Blinc Kiss Me Mascara in Black
* Smashbox Bionic Mascara in Black
* Stila Multi-Effect Mascara in Black,
* Sephora Brand Lash Plumper in Black
* Too Faced Lash Injection in Black
A $50 value, The Last Stash can be yours for the low, low price of $28.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Kim Kardashian's New Lighter Makeup Look

Kim Kardashian decided to try out a lighter eye make up look...and she wants your opinion. Head on over to Kim's blog and tell her what you think!

To achieve this lighter look, Kim used:
* Lorac Glam Rocks Loose Metallic Eye Shadow in Metallic Pearl
* MAC Zoom Lash Mascara in Zoomblack
*Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight
For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here!
Source: officialkimkardashian.com
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Get ‘Em While They’re Hot (and Still In Stock)

Bare Escentuals’ new Classic Rock Flawless Diamond 9-Piece Color Collection will leave you dipping in diamonds – literally! The collection boasts a precious blend of all natural bareMinerals and real diamond powder to illuminate your face, cheeks, lips, and eyes with brilliant, sparkling color. This collection can be yours for the low, low price of $59 ($145 value).

Tarte’s We Wish You Wealth Palette is stacked with exclusive shades of (16) eyeshadows, (16) lip glosses, (4) eyeliners, (3) lip sheers, an eyelid primer, luminizer, makeup brushes, and for the first time ever, (4) of their best-selling cheek stains in a pan form. This jaw-dropping, must-have palette is only $52 (you save $526). What, what?!?!?

The Best Of Benefit is the best of beauty at the best value. This beautiful set includes BADgal Lash, their best mascara, Eye Bright, their best eye brightening pencil, and Dallas, their best bronzer/blush that works on every complexion. The best part? The kit costs $46 (a $65 value).

Anastasia's Best In Brow Pencil Set ($70.40 Value) is a steal! For $44, you get a set containing everything you need to maintain perfectly polished brows. A compact burgundy bag features 1 full sized Perfect Brow Pencil (available in 3 shade options; Ash Blonde, Medium Ash or Brunette,) a full sized Brow Fix to keep brows in place, a full sized Eye Lights Matte cream to powder highlighter in Matte Camillle (the perfect shade for any brow bone) and 1 set of each 3 shapes of (Petite, Medium and High) Browstix Arch Stencils.

Get all your LORAC favorites in one easy-to-use collection. Lotsa Gift includes Lotsa Lip Plumping Lipstick in Kissin, matching Lotsa Lip Plumping Lip Gloss in Cutie, and Lotsa Lash Fiber Mascara in Black. You'll have full, plump lips and long, lush lashes just like the stars you see walking down the Red carpet. All yours for $25 - just a couple bucks more than the price of the mascara…not bad, considering it’s a $56 value.
PS - Score a full-size tube of Buxom Lips in Amber, the pout-plumping, mineral-infused, lip polish sensation from Bare Escentuals, when you spend $50 on Sephora.com. Enter promo code 'AMBER' at checkout.