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!

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: Skin Care Superstars!

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,

This is so exciting being able to ask you a question. I am a regular visitor to your blog and have learned so much about makeup from you. But my question isn't about makeup. It's about skincare. I'd love to know what your favorite skincare products (cleanser, moisturizer, scrub, makeup remover and lip balm) are and why.

Thanks and keep up the awesome work,
Jessica

Hi Jessica,

I have tons of favorites when it comes to skincare products. For cleansing, I love La Mer The Cleansing Foam; it feels amazing, smells good and spreads nicely. A less expensive and comparable cleanser (and one of my all time faves) is Olay Deep Cleansing Face Wash with Witch Hazel. A great, basic and cheap scrub is St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I try not to exfoliate every day though - it can be too harsh on your skin. Once or twice a week I use DDF's Glycolic 5% Exfoliating Wash. To remove your makeup, I recommend Josie Maran's Bear Naked Wipes. I love everything about them and I'm sure you will too. Wipe away makeup and then follow with your normal skincare routine.

When it comes to moisturizing, I tend to use products that are not too thick or oily. I love La Mer The Moisturizing Lotion. It comes in a pump and is more lightweight than the popular creme. Cetaphil is still a favorite of mine also and works well on a lot of skin types. Sara Happ's The Lip Slip is a very nice lip balm and you should try out her lip exfoliators that come in lots of great flavors. I also love MAC's Tinted Lip Conditioner w/ SPF 15. I saved the best for last - The Eye Balm by La Mer. It's a new eye cream and it's the creme de la creme! I use it like three times a day and I LOVE IT!

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!

Oscars 2010 Beauty: Carey Mulligan

Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan was beautified by makeup artist Georgie Eisdell using the following products:

"This was Carey's first Oscars so I wanted to make sure she looked age appropriate but still embrace the glamour of the night. Carey's dress was edgy and elegant so I wanted to keep her makeup looking fresh and youthful. I wanted to enhance the natural beauty of her skin so I used La Mer foundation lightly powdered with La Mer's translucent powder over that. For her eyes, I used Chanel soft beige and pink shadows from their spice palette. I used MAC's blacktrack eye liner followed by YSL's Faux Cils mascara in black. To finish off her eyes I sharpened up her eyebrows with Laura Mercier's soft blonde brow powder duo. For her cheeks, I wanted to give them a pinched cheek look with Dior's glowing color powder blush in fruit de la passion. For the finishing touch on her skin, I used Bobbi Brown bronzing powder in medium. And finally on her lips I used Dior addict lip polish 004. I used La Mer body creme on the way out the door to give her body the same glow."

Oscars Beauty 2010: Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal's Oscar beauty look, by COVERGIRL celebrity makeup artist, Molly R. Stern.

"Maggie is the muse of spring. Her Dries Van Noten gown is a swirl of bright colors that fades into white. For her makeup I wanted to bring out the color of her eyes with some depth while keeping with the brightness of her overall style. We started off the look by refreshing the skin with Jurlique Rose Water spray. Then I prepped the skin with Shu Uemura red:juvenus vitalizing concentrate and lightly moisturized with La Mer moisturizing lotion.

"For a flawless complexion I primed Maggie's skin with COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer (out in July!!). Then I lightly applied some Chantecaille future skin foundation in the color 'cream' only where she needed it. Then lastly I dusted La Mer powder foundation in 'Ivory' to set the skin for the big night.

"For her amber peachy cheeks I used COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Rich Cinnamon. And dusted some NARS Dolce Vita blush on the apples.

"For Maggie's eyes of layered copper smoke I based her eye with COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast in Bronze Fire. Next I deepened her lid with NARS soft touch shadow pencil in Skorpios. Then I blended into the crease Shu Uemura pressed eye shadow 'p brown 810' and lastly I lightly dusted Shu Uemura pressed eyeshadow in 'n me brown 860' all over the lid for a golden finish. For the undereye, I resmudged the COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast under her lash line to bring out the blue of Maggie's eyes. Finally I defined her lashes by combining brown and black mascara. I painted the lashes with both colors using COVERGIRL LashBlast Length for perfectly flirty long lashes.

"On Maggie's lips I applied NARS 'Schiap' lip color – it was the perfect shade to finish off the look. Its bright hue matches Maggie's vibrant sense of style and confidence."

Grammy Gorgeous: Keri Hilson

"Keri Hilson looked like a 1950's diva when she left for the 2010 Grammys, said celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff. "Her peach dress with jeweled waistband was fit to the T and hugged every curve with care. I was inspired to play up her beautiful hazel eyes and also give a touch of edge to her Hollywood glam goddess look."

"Before applying makeup, always start with clean, toned and moisturized skin. I use Mary Kay's TimeWise Targeted-Action Eye Revitalizer to refresh tired eyes. I love Enessa Neroli Oil Spray to tone skin and make skin glow. To finish, prep skin with La Mer Moisturizer."

The Perfect Face
"I love for Keri to look flawless because she has such a beautiful bone structure. I use Smashbox Photo Finish Primer to give makeup long wearability, then I apply COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation to create a flawless finish. I create a sculpted glowing face using COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Light Bronze. I also use it to contour the nose and cheekbones."

Radiant Cheeks
"I love the soft peach tones of her dress so I accented Keri's cheeks with Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color in Strawberry Cream which has a subtle cotton candy rose tone with a beautiful shimmer to it, so cheeks just glow."

Standout Eyes
"Keri wanted to have a jewel tone smoke so I chose a beautiful deep purple shade from Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Sweet Plum on her lids and lower lash line. As a base to intensify the purple shadow I applied COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast in Purple Plume. Then I created depth using Tigi Bed Head Big Fat Fun Liner in Purple and COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara in Black to top the look, coating both bottom and top lashes three times. I used Ja’Maal Buster's Lash Line to add that extra drama for red carpet flare."

Luscious Lips
"I didn't want to do just a nude lip and smoky eye so instead I went retro - think Kevyn Aucoin meets Naomi Campbell in the 90's with a deeper liner using Mary Kay Lip Liner in Berry. I lined lips then used a brush to blend the liner out so it had soft edges then used COVERGIRL Queen Collection Lip Gloss in Pearled Peach in the center of the lips to create the perfect pout."

Glorious Brows
"Brows frame the face and I love Keri's brows because they are naturally high arched but also full. So I fill them in with Dior Universal Brow Pencil then brush them with Dior Shiny Blonde Brow Gel so they shimmer with a golden glow."

Bodilicious
"Keri's dress was amazing and really showed off her curves so I wanted her skin to glow. I used Sally Beauty Body Glow Shimmer spray to give her body that shimmery glow."

Golden Globes Gorgeous 2010: Toni Collette

"For Toni Collette I combined warm healthy skin with a bronze metallic smoky eye and nude glossy lip. I added a layer of La Mer's The Body Crème to keep her skin looking glowing and radiant. To keep her face looking flawless I used The Radiant Concealer SPF 25 under her eyes and on any redness. I prepped her lips with the amazing La Mer Lip Balm to keep them full and hydrated all night long." –Makeup Artist Gita Bass

Loving La Mer Lip Balm

I used to believe that the hype surrounding La Mer Lip Balm was just that - all talk. But now that I've tried it, I'm jumping on the bandwagon and using my motor mouth to sing its praises.

La Mer Lip Balm instantly transforms chapped lips into a lush, pillowy pout reminiscent of Angelina Jolie. No joke. I'm addicted. And the vanilla mint fragrance puts it over the top.

Once you start using it, you'll find yourself reaching for your lipsticks and glosses less and less - because lips this cushy and moist don't need no dressin'.

If your purse strings are a lil tight but you've been dying to try La Mer, their lip balm is a wise investment.

Emmys 2009 Beauty: Christina Hendricks

Mad Men star Christina Hendricks knows that the best accessory a woman can have on the red carpet is luminous skin. Which is why her makeup artist, Georgie Eisdell relied on La Mer products for the 2009 Emmy Awards.

Georgie said, "The look we went for with Christina had a little 20's influence. I wanted it to keep Christina's makeup really fresh, clean and elegant. I prepared her skin with La Mer’s The Moisturizing Lotion – it’s perfect to hydrate the skin with being greasy and a perfect base for foundation. Next, I love La Mer’s Treatment Fluid Foundation SPF 15 for Christina. It is light on the skin but gives excellent coverage where needed. Under her eyes I used La Mer’s new Radiant Concealor SPF 25 - a genius product, it goes on so easily and does not cake under the eye. Before I started on her eye I lathered her lips with La Mer’s The Lip Balm. I love using this on Christina; she has full lips so keeping them hydrated is really important and when it's time to apply lipstick it goes on beautifully."

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Keeping Up With Khloe Kardashian: Exclusive Beauty Q&A

It's not easy keeping up with Khloe Kardashian. She films Keeping Up With The Kardashians in Los Angeles. She and her sister, Kourtney, filmed their upcoming reality show in Miami. Khloe recently traveled to Africa with other sister, Kim. And just this past weekend, she appeared with her family at an event in Atlantic City.

On Sunday, the fates smiled on me when our paths crossed in New York City. And thanks to her magician of a makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, I scored an interview with this dashing diva. I hope you enjoy this exclusive Q&A with Khloe as much as we enjoyed filming it.




Products featured in these videos include:

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup
Lancome Hypnose Mascara
MAC Lip Pencil in Spice
La Mer Moisturizing Lotion
Child Fragrance by Apothia Beauty
The Celestial Powder in Candlelight by Kevyn Aucoin

Click here for 10 things you don't know about Khloe Kardashian.

Many thanks to Khloe Kardashian and Mario Dedivanovic for generously sharing their time and tips. Mwah!

If you loved this Q&A, my interviews with Kim Kardashian and Mario Dedivanovic are must reads!

Oscars 2009 Beauty: Amy Adams

For the 81st annual Academy Awards, nominee Amy Adams, walked the red carpet with makeup designed by CoverGirl Celebrity Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern. The inspiration was a cross between Talouse Latrec's dancing girls and the watercolor feeling of a Gustav Klimt painting.

"First of all, I have to say I was the most excited I have ever been this morning. I couldn't sleep a wink. I was dreaming about Amy's makeup," Molly said. "The day was amazing. My goal was to make sure that her makeup was saturated but not overdone. I wanted to give her a face without competing with the dress."

"I started by prepping the face with Jurlique citrus spray to give the face a healthy lift then I gave Amy a light facial massage with La Mer moisturizing lotion. Next I based her face with YSL Perfect Touch #2. Then l blushed her cheeks with Chantecaille Aquablush in Frivolous as a peachy base with Chantecaille Sesame peach eyeshadow over top."

"Her eyes are based with NARS cream eyeshadow in Maracaibo. Over that I blended Shu Uemura shadow in gray 960 mixed with Shu Uemura shadow in purple 700 all over the lid up into the crease. With a flat shadow brush I added a touch of NARS shadow in Ondine on the inside corner of her lid to give the eye a little gold hint. I lined the top and underneath of her eye with Trish McEvoy's Arabian Nights Definer. To soften the line underneath, I added a soft smudge of Suqqu lavender shadow in #27. On her lashes, I put one soft coat of CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Mascara in Black Ruby."

"On her lip, I based her lip with La Mer Lip Balm then applied a thin coat of Outlast Lipstain by CoverGirl in Plum Pout. Then a sheer layer of Shu Uemura wine lip color in 265 with a dot of CoverGirl Wetslicks AmazeMint in Plum Crazy at the center of her lip for a little extra pout. That's also what she took in her bag for touch ups."

Photos: Wireimage

Golden Globes Gorgeous: Laura Linney and Christina Applegate

Physicians Formula celebrity makeup artist Joanna Schlip was on hand to help beautify A-list actress Laura Linney, who took home the Golden Globe for her performance in “John Adams” and Christina Applegate, nominated for her work in “Samantha Who?”


Laura Linney

Skin Care: La Mer The Mist, La Mer The Moisturizing Lotion, La Mer The Lip Balm
Foundation: DiorSkin Pure Light in Cameo
Concealer: Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen in Candlelight
Powder: Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Pressed Powder in Warm Beige
Bronzer: Physician's Formula Bronze Booster in Light to Medium
Blush: Physician's Formula 100% Natural Origin 2-in-1 Bronzer and Blush in Bronzer and Ginger
Eye Shadow: Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Vegas Strip
Eye Liner: Physician's Formula Eye Definer Felt-Tip Eye Marker in Cool Black / Dior Crayon Eyeliner - Waterproof Trinidad Black 094 (Jet Black)
Brows: Dior Powder Brow Pencil in Blonde
Mascara: DiorShow
Lips: Dior Contour Lip Liner in Holiday Red / Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in 757 / Red Premiere Rouge Dior Replenishing Lipcolor
Highlights/Contour: Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Illuminating Veil in Warming Glow / Physician's Formula 100% Natural Origin 2-in-1 Bronzer and Blush in Bronzer and Ginger
Body: MAC Strobe Cream


Christina Applegate

Skin Care: La Mer The Mist, La Mer The Moisturizing Lotion, La Mer The Lip Balm
Foundation: DiorSkin Pure Light in Light Beige
Concealer: DiorSkin Sculpt Lifting Smoothing Concealer in Beige
Powder: Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Pressed Powder in Buff Beige Organics
Bronzer: Physician's Formula Bronze Booster in Light to Medium
Blush: Physician's Formula 100% Natural Origin 2-in-1 Bronzer and Blush in Light Bronzer / Pink Rose
Eye Shadow: Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Miami Strip
Eye Liner: Physician's Formula Eye Definer Felt-Tip Eye Marker in Soft Black / Dior Crayon Eyeliner - Waterproof Trinidad Black 094 (Jet Black)
Brows: Dior Powder Brow Pencil in Blonde
Mascara: DiorShow
Lips: Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in A Lick of Taffy / Dior Contour Lip Liner in Nude Rose
Highlights/Contour: Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Sunkissed Glow (Highlighter) / Physician's Formula 100% Natural Origin 2-in-1 Bronzer and Blush in Light Bronzer / Pink Rose Body: MAC Strobe Cream

Rocket Science

“The folly of one man is the fortune of another; for no man prospers so suddenly as by others' errors.” - Francis Bacon (1561-1626)

More than forty years ago, aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber suffered a horrific accident. A routine experiment exploded in his face, covering him with severe chemical burns. Neither science nor medicine offered a treatment to minimize his scarring, so Huber decided to help himself. Twelve years and 6,000 experiments later, he perfected a product that has been dubbed “the miracle cream.” In the case of Crème de la Mer, the folly of one man is the fortune of thousands of women…and now I am one of them.

Typically, it takes a few weeks to see results from a new face treatment; but with Crème de la Mer, it only took me two days to notice a drastic improvement in the quality of my skin.

Concentrated ingredients - including sea kelp, essential vitamins and minerals, plus oils of citrus, eucalyptus, wheat germ, alfalfa and sunflower - are combined into a 'Miracle Broth', distilled, and fermented for three to four months. Then this nutrient-rich mixture is then hand-poured into jars, as not to disturb it delicate balance.

I can honestly say that when it comes to Crème de la Mer, the myth is indeed reality. There is a reason why it has achieved cult status. I now understand why Jennifer Lopez uses it all over her body - and we thought that J.Lo glow was the result of makeup. Only now can I appreciate why Victoria Beckham says it’s the one beauty product she can’t live without.

What I love so much about the cream is that it provides instant gratification. To activate the broth and release its key ingredients, warm a small amount between your fingertips. As you pat onto clean, dry skin, you will instantly feel the soothing effects of the cream.

Crème de la Mer may appear thick in the jar, but it simply sinks into skin – leaving it soft and luxuriously hydrated, with a youthfully dewy finish. Using other facial moisturizers, I would need to reapply throughout the day to treat dry patches – or apply powder to offset excess shine. With Crème de la Mer, I don’t have those problems – in fact, I haven’t been wearing makeup the past few days because my skin looks so radiant without it. It’s like I’m walking around with special lighting. Apply it in the AM and PM – that’s all it takes. And, as a bonus, the soft fragrance helps to calm me as I fall asleep at night.

At $125 for an ounce (or $1,350 for 16.5 oz), the price tag is a little frightening. But I think I’m just going to have to bite the bullet – because the thought of going back to some ‘regular’ moisturizer is a much scarier thought.

Put this on your holiday wish list: La Mer’s Holiday 2007 Gifts of Beauty, exclusive to Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

The Essential Collection gift set combines three of La Mer’s most coveted products, and is ideal for both newcomers and longtime La Mer devotees. The Connoisseur Collection include the Crème de La Mer and Eye Concentrate in two lacquered boxes. Looking for a stocking stuffer to spoil someone (or yourself) pretty? Look no further than The Lip Balm, which works on contact to soften and hydrate.