Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner High Precision Waterproof Eyeliner

Normally, I don’t wear eye makeup to work because, when I do, around 3p.m., I catch a case of the afternoons and start rubbing eyes – and my handiwork ends up all over my fingers. But I recently discovered a product that has me re-thinking my work week eye makeup embargo.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner High Precision Waterproof Eyeliner is a high precision, richly pigmented waterproof liquid eyeliner with unmatched staying power.

Just to give you an idea of how well it wears, when I first received samples to review, I tested a few of the shades on my hand. 24 hours later, the lines look freshly applied, despite a shower and several thorough hand washings.

Available in 15 gorgeous shades (with matte, iridescent and diamond finishes), these liners come off easily with waterproof makeup remover.

Forget 9 to 5...Make Up For Ever Aqua Liners are taking care of business - and working overtime!

Make Up For Ever Custom Lashes

While in Miami for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I stopped by the Make Up For Ever booth at my hotel, The Raleigh Hotel, which also happened to be Fashion Week headquarters. Make Up For Ever was an official sponsor of the event - and so they set up shop and were making made-to-order lashes for Fashion Week revelers. You could customize a pair of their fashion lashes with glitter, feathers and other fun accessories - like mini butterflies and bows. I accessorized mine with gold and pink glitter, and black and white feathers.

I wore mine to the Skintimate/Mara Hoffman Swim Show after party (more on that later). At first, I felt a little bit silly - but after a while, I started to embrace the lashes. I mean, where better to rock flashy fringe than Miami Fashion Week?

What do you think?

Blush Blast From The Past: Benefit CORALista

You know what’s almost as fun as a new beauty product? It’s when you re-discover an oldie but goodie that you forgot that you had.

For the past several weeks, NARS Blush in Torrid has been step 2 of my three step/minute makeup routine (step/minute 1 being Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara and step/minute 3 being either Lancome Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin in Rose Pretty, Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss in Rave or Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Nude Almond topped with Make Up Forever Fascinating Lip Gloss in #10). But this morning, I decided to switch it up and go fishing in my bottomless basket o' blushes. What I came up with was Benefit CORALista Blush – and after sweeping it on my cheeks and admiring myself in the mirror, I can't believe I ever let CORALista slip my mind.

It imparts the most gorgeous, coral-pink glow that looks ab fab on a multitude of complexions. What I love most about CORALista is how effortless it looks; it applies like a dream and the blush actually looks like it's coming from within. Another reason to put CORALista on your shopping list? Coral happens to be the it blush shade right now (ladies, if don't know…you betta ask somebody ).

Oh, and did I mention that the blush – besides looking fantastic – smells fantastic too? It has this light floral scent that, while completely unnecessary, is totally genius. CORALista comes with an applicator brush, but for best results, I like to apply with my ecoTools blush brush.

Make Up For Ever HD Blush: Buy This NOW!

Make Up For Ever’s new HD Blush is one of the best blushes I’ve ever tried - and you know that, when it comes to makeup, I get around.

I am absolutely enamored with MUFE’s HD Foundation, so when I heard about the new blush, it went straight to the top of my makeup must haves list. And lemme tell you, it does not disappoint. First of all, it is very pigmented, which means a little goes a long way…but not so crazy bold that you end up looking like Bozette the Clown. I also love its creamy texture, which is ideal for the warmer weather that is upon us. Another plus of the cream consistency? No need for a makeup brush…all you need is your fingers. But if you want a really professional look, the beautyblender sponge applies like a dream.

The real reason to love HD Blush is the fact that it looks, well, real. Even up close, it appears as if you’re actually blushing – not wearing something to mimic a radiant glow. It blends seamlessly and lasts all day (and night). Oh, and did I mention that it comes in 14 amazing shades? Make Up For Ever sent me samples of #4 (Walk of Shame) and #6 (Quickie) and I love them both. I wear the first when I’m going for a cool toned makeup look, and it looks amazing; when I’m going in a warmer direction, I wear the latter. Though these are the only shades I’ve tried, I can imagine that most of the colors would be universally flattering because they apply so fantastically well and can be layered for intensity.

The only unfortunate thing about this product is that, for now, it’s playing hard to get. I’ve visited two local Sephora stores and, to my dismay, the MUFE display does not yet include the HD Blushes. For the time being, you can purchase on sephora.com (and, luckily, the swatches on the Sephora website are pretty accurate).

New York Fashion Week, Fall 2010: Thuy

Acclaimed fashion designer Thuy Diep selected MAKE UP FOR EVER to perfect her models' faces at the Thuy Fall 2010 show at Bryant Park during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

MAKE UP FOR EVER ALLIANCE team member, Lottie, served as key make up artist for the show, where she created a cool, fresh look to complement the vibrant jewel tones of the collection.

Complexion & Cheeks: Lottie first applied HD Invisible Cover Foundation to perfect the models' complexion. Next, she created a contour on the cheeks using Mat Bronze #2, and then applied more bronzer high on the apple of the cheeks. The look was set with Super Matte Loose Powder #12 on the t-zone.

Eyes: To create a sheer, shimmery gold wash on the eyes, Star Powder #920 was applied to the entire eye area starting at the lid and extending beyond the brow and temple. Pan Cake Foundation #3 was then applied to the temples to illuminate the skin. The eyes were finished with Smoky Lash Mascara on both the top and bottom lashes.

Lips: Lottie mixed Flash Color #1 with a hint of Flash Color #17 to get a matte, blood red stained mouth. She applied the Flash Color with her finger tips to blot it onto the mouth

Grammy Gorgeous: Katy Perry

After a recent trip to India, Katy Perry brought back a variety of bindis and together, with celebrity makeup artist Jake Bailey, they used this as inspiration to create a "Bettie Page, Indian princess look" for this year's Grammy Awards.

To perfect her skin, Jake used Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation and to set the look, he dusted Guerlain Les Violettes Matte Touch Powder all over the face.

Jake then highlighted the apples of her cheeks with CORALista blush from benefit.

Keeping with the exotic feel, Jake used a mixture of shimmery plums and golds on her eyes. "I was going for a more colorful version of the tradition smoky eye," said Jake. Jake used COVERGIRL's double-ended smoky eye stick, Smoky ShadowBlast in Purple Plume by first applying the angled end of the shadow stick, the deeper plum, over the entire lid and blending into a smoky halo. He then applied Smoky ShadowBlast in Bronze Fire, using the round, golden end to line along the lid and inner corners of her eyes to brighten the look.

To complete her smoky eye, Jake created an ultra-long lash look with several coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Length in black. "The best thing about this mascara is that you can apply coat after coat to get maximum impact without losing separation and elegance," said Jake.
To balance her dramatic eyes without overpowering them, Jake finished her look with a matte lip, using COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain in Wild Berry Wink. "I love these Lipstains so much because you can line and shape the entire lip without sacrificing your own lip texture," Jake finished.

*To win some COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlasts (along with ShineBlast lip glosses), enter Spoiled Pretty's latest giveaway!

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!

Halloween Face of the Day

Even though I don't have fun plans this Halloween (aside from cheering on my Phillies in Game 3 of the World Series), I decided to have a little fun with my makeup. Here's the recipe:

1) Apply Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer to moisturized face
2) Apply Make Up For Ever HD Foundation using the Beautyblender sponge
3) Using short strokes, use Diorshow Brow Styler to fill in brows
4) Apply Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Original) to entire lid and to under lower lash line
5) Using MAC 242 Shader Brush, apply a nude, matte eyeshadow (one that matches your eyelid) to lid - from lash line to brow bone; I used MAC Soft Brown
6) Line the top inner rim of the eye with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
7) Using Zero Eye Pencil, line the upper lash line - curving the line at the outer corner - to create a "cat eye"
8) Using Stila #7 Precision Crease Brush, apply the darker shade from MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Midnight Madness to the crease and outer corner of the eye
9) Blend the eyelid using MAC 217 Blending Brush
10) Using MAC 266 Small Angle Brush, line the lower lash line with MAC Paint Pot in Delft
11) Apply MAC Pigment in Teal on top of the Paint Pot line, using MAC 219 Pencil Brush
12) Blend the lower lash line using MAC 217 Blending Brush
13) Coat upper lashes with Lancome Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black

14) Apply MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze to cheekbones using EcoTools Bamboo Powder Brush
15) Apply Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Nude Almond to lips
16) Apply MAC Dazzleglass in Phiff! on top of lipstick

Happy Halloween! Go Phillies!

PS - Just in case you were wondering...yes, I'm wearing the H&M beret I raved about the other day.

PPS - If you have a pic of your Halloween makeup, I'd love to see it and , possibly, post it. Email me.

The Target Dog Wears Make Up For Ever

Did you know the Target Dog's bullseye is painted on with Make Up For Ever Flash Color?

Just thought I'd school you - in case some genius decides to produce a Jeopardy-esque game show with beauty-related questions.

Kim Kardashian's Sun Maid Summer Makeup Look

Looking for a summer look that sizzles? Well, look no further than Troy Jensen's blog.

Using Kim Kardashian's face as a canvas, the makeup maestro demonstrates how deliciously juicy shades of peach, coral, tan and tangerine can brighten up a tired-looking complexion.

"And when paired with beautiful, bronzy browns, you've got a combination that is nothing less than sizzling hot," Troy says.

To create this look, Troy used products from Estee Lauder, Smashbox, Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent, Shu Uemura, Dior, Make Up For Ever, Bourjois and Lancome.

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here.

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Kim Kardashian's Maxim Hot 100 Makeup

For last month's Maxim Hot 100 party, Kim Kardashian rocked gorge emerald eyes. On his blog, Kim's makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, posts about the products he used to create the look.

He writes:

Hey guys… For the Maxim Hot 100 event, Kim wore an all while dress and the hair was pulled back so I definitely wanted to use a little bit of color on her eyes and green is my favorite color. I really like how this look came out on her and it photographed beautifully. When using a color on the eyes, keep the cheeks and lips soft and pretty. Here’s how to get the face…

Skin - Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation by Make Up For Ever in Neutral Beige. GIELLA concealer in #2. Set the face and under the eyes with Make Up For Ever HD translucent powder.

Eyes - Golden Olive Pigment by MAC on lids. Humid Eye Shadow by MAC in the crease and blended on the lower lashline. Electric Edge Liquid Eyeliner Marker Pen by Calvin Klein in Electric Black on the upper lid and winged out a little on the outer corner. GIELLA Dazzle Eye Pencil on the inner corners (tear ducts) and on the inner rim of the eye. Two coats of L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black, top and bottom lashes.

Cheeks - Rock & Republic Contrived Pressed Blush in Call Me on the apples of the cheeks. Apply Summer Affair Bronzing Powder by Calvin Klein framing the face lightly.

Lips - No lip liner. Just a clear gloss ;) Let me know how it comes out if you try it!

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here.

Source

Photos: kimkardashian.celebuzz.com

Mario Dedivanovic, Kim Kardashian's Makeup Artist, Just Started A Blog!

Happy Saturday, sexy mamacitas!

It's no secret that I hold a torch for Kim Kardashian's makeup. So it was a total treat to learn that Mario Dedivanovic, Kim's talented MUA, just started a blog today. That's right...today. I'm quick. When it comes to Kim-related news, I don't mess around.

For his first post, Mario shared the recipe for one of his favorite looks he ever created for Kim. To cop Kim's look...

Eyes: DuWop Duet Eye Shadow in Chai (the lighter shade) all over the lid and on the brow bone. MAC Eyeshadow in Brun in the crease. MAC Eyeliner in Feline on top lid. GIELLA b-dazzle Shadow on inner corners of eyes. MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating on the inner rim of the eye. MAC Brun Eye Shadow swept softly under the eye. TONS of mascara on top and bottom lashes. I filled in the brows with MAC Eye Brows in Lingering.

Cheeks: NARS Blush in Desire on the apples of cheeks. Smashbox Bronze Lights Bronzer in Suntan Matte on the hollow’s of the cheeks and framing the face, softly. For the glow on the cheekbones, Stila Illuminating Finishing Powder in Gold.

Lips: MAC creme D’nude Lipstick. Make Up For Ever Lip Liner Pencil in #50 (Warm Nude). You can use a gloss for this look, but I didn’t because the lipstick is very creamy.

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here.

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Kourtney Kardashian's Favorite Beauty Products

Hollywood Life recently interviewed Kourtney Kardashian about her favorite beauty products, which she also posted on her blog.

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

Yesterday's Face Of The Day

I've received a few reader emails and comments asking what makeup I was wearing yesterday, when I taped my latest product review video. Here's the 411...

Face
* Make Up For Ever’s HD Invisible Cover Foundation in 173 (mixed with a dollop of MAC Strobe Liquid and applied with the beautyblender sponge)

* Hello Kitty Beauty Powder Blush in Tippy applied with EcoTools Blush Brush

Eyes

* Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Stash (inner rims of the eye) and Anastasia Beverly Hills Shimmer Highlighter in Lace (inner corners of the eyes)
* Givenchy Prismissime - 21 Maharani Pinks applied to the eyelid (from upper lash line to above the crease), MAC Eye Shadow in Sumptuous Olive (from upper lash line to crease)
* Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Noir

Lips
* MAC Lip Pencil in Hodgepodge, topped with MAC Lustreglass in Spring Bean

Kim Kardashian Vegas Magazine How-To Makeup Video: Part 2

In Part 2 of Kim Kardashian's Vegas Magazine How-To Makeup Video, Kim and makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic continues to apply Kim's eye makeup. In this segment, Mario uses the following products:

MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder
Smashbox Double-Ended Smudger Brush #20
billybBEAUTY Eyelash Curler
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer
Shu Uemura Pro Concealer
Estee lauder Loose Powder

If you missed part 1 of the how-to, click here. Stay tuned for part 3...

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here.

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Oh Oh Oh...It's Magic: Givenchy Magic Kajal Eye Pencil

Last Tuesday, a select group of bloggers was invited to the Givenchy offices in NYC to celebrate the launch of the Maharani Spring 2009 collection. Fresh fruit and yogurt were on the menu for this beauty breakfast, but I couldn’t be bothered with the food. I was too busy salivating over the products. It’s rare that I fall in love with an entire collection, so trust me when I tell you that every component of this compilation is a winner and deserves a spot in your makeup case. As Nicolas Degennes, Artistic Director of Givenchy Makeup, took us on a tour of his artistic imagination and described each Indian-inspired beauty, I fell a little deeper in love.

Once the presentation concluded, Nicolas (the creative genius behind the aptly named Phenomen'Eyes Mascara) approached me and whispered in French accented English, “My dear, you will love this eye pencil. You will love it.”

Initially, I was taken aback. Was Nicolas clairvoyant? Was he reading my mind? Could he see the eyeliner and sugarplums that dance in my head? Then I remembered that I had swathed my eyes in rings of bright blue pencil, earlier that morning. Of course Nicolas knew I was dying to try his new Magic Kajal Eye Pencil. My eyeliner junkie status was written all over my face.

After the breakfast, I couldn’t get back to my hotel room quick enough. I couldn’t wait another minute to experience Kajal’s conjury. I took the chubby crayon in my hand, ran circles around my eyes, then looked into the mirror for the final verdict. Survey says…WINNER! Rimmed in the glossiest, most bewitching black, I couldn’t take my eyes off of my eyes.

There aren’t enough superlatives in the English language for me to adequately sing the praises of Givenchy’s Magic Kajal Eye Pencil. This is the black smudgy pencil that eyeliner enthusiasts have been waiting for. The pencil contains wax and oil, which gives the crayon a creamy texture. This creaminess does cause the pigment to travel; so if you like a clean, more graphic line, I advise dusting some translucent powder underneath the lower lash line (I like Make Up For Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder).

I love how this liner makes me look like a badass.

Spoiled Pretty Copies Jessica Alba's Bangin' Bob

I’m kind of obsessed with Jessica Alba’s hair right now. So when I visited Erik last week, I whipped out my Us Magazine and pointed to a photo of her bangin’ bob.

Here’s the finished product…


Just in case you were wondering, these are the products I’m sporting:

* MAC's new Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation in NW35 (mixed with a dollop of MAC Strobe Liquid and applied with the beautyblender sponge)
* Benefit CORALista Blush applied with EcoTools Blush Brush
* Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Flipside (inner rims of the eye)
* Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in #0L (upper lashline)
* CoverGirl LashBlast Luxe Mascara in Black Royale
* Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Tulle

How you like me now?

Product Polygamy Week: Makeup

Me and my girl, Amber, are beauty addicts…which means that product monogamy is not within our nature. We need beauty options like our lungs need air.

So to celebrate product polygamy, we’ve decided to do another theme week…we know how you so enjoy when we get crazy creative. In honor of this Sunday’s season premiere of Big Love, Amber and I will be assigning our favorite products Barb, Nicki, and Margene status. In case you don’t watch the show or have HBO, here’s the 411:


Barb is the original. She’s your first love - the one everything else is measured against. Nicki is the newer, fiesty version that caused your eye to stray; the Nicki relationship is entertaining and dramatic, but short-lived. Margene is the shiny-new toy that you can‘t get enough of and sets your heart aflutter.

Read on to find out which makeup products get big love from Spoiled Pretty...

FOUNDATION
The Barb: Clinique Superfit Makeup
I’m a big fan of Clinique’s foundations, and I’ve been wearing Superfit for years. At $20, it’s reasonably priced and one bottle lasts a long time. Give this oil-free formula a try if you’ve got overactive sebaceous glands; it’s comfortable, breathable and keeps the shine gremlins at bay, all day. Superfit is basically the only foundation I’ll wear in the summertime.

The Nicki: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Before my 2007 wedding, I searched long and hard for the foundation that would make my imperfect complexion look flawless. My skin tone is hard to match, my face is a grease bomb in the warmer months, and I have sensitive skin - and finding a foundation that would overcome all of those hurdles was proving as hopeless as searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie. Then I found Luminous Silk. It’s weightless and goes on like a dream, and made me look like I wasn’t wearing a thing. It’s pricey and it’s not sold in many stores (I had to trek to Saks to get my hands on a bottle) - but if you don’t mind putting in a little extra money and effort, Luminous Silk is a fab foundation.

The Margene: Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation
As far as I’m concerned, this is the end all - be all foundation. My skin is far from flawless, so I need a good base - or I’m not happy. When I’m wearing a good foundation, I feel more confident…kinda like when I wear my trusty Spanx under a form-fitting dress. From far away or up close, HD Invisible Cover Foundation looks like perfection on skin. It imparts this airbrushed look that you just don’t get with any other product. It also comes in a myriad of shades so, no matter your color, Make Up For Ever has you covered.


MASCARA
The Barb: CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara
Doe eyes from the drugstore - that’s Lash Blast, in a sentence. The big fatty wand does take some getting used to, and you need a little elbow grease getting it off at the end of the day. But if you want to pump up the volume while keeping your wallet fat, you can’t go wrong with the orange tube.

The Nicki: Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara
Wanna take your lashes up, up and away? Well, let me introduce you to Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara. I feel so brazen when I'm wearing this; the six sided brush delivers a voluptuous and dramatic lash - with no clumping whatsoever. Seriously, no clumps. Try to make it clump…I dare ya.

The Margene: Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara
The spiky round sphere on the tip of Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara is scary, even to a been-there-done-that beauty blogger like moi. But with a little practice, you’ll be amazed at the wand’s dexterity. It allows you to get into all of the nooks and crannies that typical brushes miss. It curls. It separates. It coats lashes in inky goodness, resulting in striking, fanned-out fringe.


EYELINER
The Barb: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil
You know how I love me some Urban Decay. The website bills these babies as “the best eye pencils ever, ever, ever.” It’s truth…every word of it. If you don’t own at least one of these liners by now, what are you doing? Are you just reading Spoiled Pretty for the hell of it? I’m trying to help you, people. In these trying economic times, a woman needs an eyeliner that she can depend on. And this one, my friends, is as good as it gets.

The Nicki: Redpoint StayPut Eyeliner in Conga
Last Spring, I was introduced to this delightful little liner at the Total Beauty Blog Community Summit. For a few months afterwards, it was my go-to eye pencil. You’ll love it too, thanks to the long-wearing, water-resistant, never-smudge formula. And the metallic mocha color is oh so flattering on everyone!

The Margene: MAC Pearlglide Eye Liner in Black Russian
Do yourself a favor and go buy MAC Pearlglide Eye Liner in Black Russian. It don’t get no better. This creamy, kohl-like liner has a heavy metal look with the perfect amount of sparkle. Black Russian, described as black with navy blue glitter, is so super chic that it - in the immortal words of Marvin Gaye - “makes me wanna holler, throw up both my hands.” Hallelujah, MAC!


LIPSTICK/GLOSS
The Barb: Stila Lip Glaze in Blackberry
I’ve bought more tubes of Stila Lip Glaze in Blackberry than any other lipgloss - and I own ten times more glosses than your most makeup obsessed friend. As I type this, I have a tube of Blackberry - still in the box - stashed away in my Sephora train case, just waiting in the wings until the current tube runs dry. That’s how dangerously sexy this product looks on my lips. But why should I have all the fun? Pick some up during your next Sephora shopping excursion.

The Nicki: MAC Plushglass in Oversexed
MAC makes a million lipglosses, and they’re all wonderful. But Plushglass in Oversexed is GD genius. I love the scandalous name, but I absolutely luvre the me-but-sexier look. In the tube, it looks like a dark wine. But don’t be afraid. On lips, it transforms into the most beautiful blush - with megawatt shine. It’s just so sexy on. It’s like the Scarlett Johansson of lippies.

The Margene: Lipstick Queen Saint Lipstick in Wine
My new shiny toy, these days, isn’t shiny at all. Lipstick Queen Saint Lipstick in Wine is my secret weapon for looking polished and pulled together, even when I’ve overslept and run out the door without a stitch of makeup. The sheer matte berry shade is effortless and flattering, but doesn’t dry the lips. It’s snow bunny in a tube.

The rest of the week, Amber and I will be covering Skin Care (Wednesday), Hair (Thursday), and Body products (Friday). So come back and see me sometime. I'll have some hot product recommendations waiting for you. In the meantime, check out Amber's picks. And tell me your faves in the comments section!

Make Up For Ever All Mat Mattifying Face Primer REVIEW

In my opinion, you can't beat Make Up For Ever where foundations are concerned. As someone who is IN LOVE with the Mat Velvet+ liquid foundation, I had to try the All Mat primer.
Lately I haven't really been using primer much because it can sometimes feel heavy on my oily skin. However, I decided while on a recent trip to Sephora, that I would find the perfect mattifier for my skin. I had heard some great things about this mattifying primer, so trying this was a no-brainer.

This is a crystal clear, silicone gel based product that actually contains oil absorbing powders to keep shine and oil under control. Yeah, yeah... I've heard those promises before. I was a little skeptical, as I've never truly found anything that is able to keep oil at bay. Until now. To cover the face, you only need one pump of product. It smooths easily over the face and is quickly absorbed. While rubbing it in, it feels like any other silicone based primer, maybe a little thicker. However, when it's completely rubbed in, it feels totally clean. Then, you apply whatever foundation you prefer over it. I've used it with the Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ liquid foundation (my HG liquid foundation) and also with the MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural (buffed on as foundation). Makeup smoothly applies right over it. There's no oily after-effect like with some primers. Some might find the smell a little bit "too-much", but if you've tried the Mat Velvet+ foundation, the smell is identical. It's a rosy, floral smell. I've tried it now 3 times and it has truly made a dramatic difference. Both with the oil breakthrough and with the long-wear of my foundation.
I usually have to use those oil-blotting sheets a few times throughout the day because of shine. Since using this primer, the oil sheets haven't left my purse. My foundaiton also looks freshly applied throughout the day. This stuff really delivers. Overall, I'm VERY IMPRESSED.

You can find this product at Sephora stores and it's $45. Sounds expensive, but this bottle should last me several months as you only need a little bit.

Award Winning FOTD

Last night, I attended the PRSA/Philadelphia Pepperpot Awards - a celebration of outstanding performance in public relations by practitioners in agencies, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. The American Cancer Society’s Marketing Department (of which I am a member) was nominated for our efforts to pass Clean Indoor Air (smoke-free) legislation in Pennsylvania.

The Pepperpot Award has grown into one of the most coveted awards in the field of public relations, so I pulled out the big guns and went all out with my makeup. It’s a good thing I did, because my team ended up winning first place in the Public Affairs category! Yay us!

And the icing on the cake? Charm City Cakes, the bakery featured in the Food Network series, Ace of Cakes, created a magnificent confection that looked just like an actual pepperpot!

Here are the products I used to create my award-winning look:

Skin/Face:

L’Oreal Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil Free Lotion
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation in 173

Cheeks:
* MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Sweetness

Eyes:


* Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
* Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
* MAC Fascinating Ruby: 6 Smokey Eyes (from Passions of Red holiday collection)...I used Ambience, a cool mid-tone grey with silver sparkle.
* Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara

Lips:
Besame Enriched Lip Glaze in Crystal