Monday, February 28, 2011

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!

I am alive again! & trip update

Hi Lovlies! How are you doing? Many of my friends and I got sick recently. Not that we got it from each other but somehow we just all got sick... I sleep almost the entire weekend.. literally!!! I sleep the whole night.. ate medicine... than maybe 1 or 2 hours later I sleep again for 3-4 hours than I eat medicine again. Cycle repeats than it’s night time so I sleep for the whole night once more.. !!! I can’t believe I can sleep that much and not feel over-sleeped! You know that feeling you get when you sleep too much. I didn’t get that at all, and I thought by sleeping so much I would definitely be heal the next day, unfortunately, it took the whole weekend... 

Of course, the good thing is that I feel so much better now. I am still slightly coughing but overall I am very much better. *yay me* 

So let me update some pixx of my little vegas trip here... 

vegas- paris
vegas-paris
MGM
MGM
outside of new casino/hotel- cosmopolitan
outside of new casino/hotel- cosmopolitan
venetian
venetian
caesars
rio buffet
caesars buffet
Wolfgang Puck
Wolfgang Puck
Wolfgang Puck

Alright, I realized my food pixx outweighted other pixx!! haha.. oh wells I love food~ XD  Don’t you?! 


xoxo HitomiNeko xoxo 











Oscars Beauty 2011: Marisa Tomei

For Marisa Tomei's gorgeous red carpet look, makeup artist Matthew VanLeeuwen worked exclusively with Anastasia Beverly Hills product.

Matthew took the Anastasia Highlighting Crème Duo in St Tropez dipped into the crème blush and applied it in gentle back and forth sweeps across Marisa's smiling cheeks. (Pro tip: smiling makes the job mistake proof, because it helps the blush go where it's supposed to). Using the same brush, Matthew dipped into the highlighting crème and brushed the tops of the lips and nose with the illuminating fluid. The skin was "so translucent and smooth looking!"

Turning to brows, Matthew filled and shaped Marisa's with Anastasia Brow Wiz Pencil in Brunette and created a few feathery strokes in the brow and to define the bottom edge of the brow. Matthew then took Anastasia Brow Duality Pencil and placed a bit of the matte highlighter just at the arch of the brow. The total effect is ultra defined and crisp brows that perfectly frame the face.

Moving to the eyes, Matthew took Anastasia Illumin8 Eye Shadow Palette 1 and dusted the soft pink sorbet shadow all over the eye to brighten and tone the skin. Matthew raved that "the shadow is so smoothing and imparts a modern velvety texture." Then Matthew took Illumin8 palette 3 and blended the mauve shade into the crease "to create the perfect shade of orchid." Next, Matthew lined the eye with a thin line of black pencil and smudged the sparkly blue/black shadow from Illumin8 palette #3 into the lashline to create a softer, smokey eyeline.

The eye makeup was finished by curling the lashes and applying two coats of Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara, which Matthew says "has reached cult status with many of my clients...it's incredible."

Finally to finish Marisa's stunning look, Matthew applied Anastasia Hydrafull Lip Gloss in Sangria, a gorgeous soft amethyst berry shade.

Oscars Beauty 2011: Scarlett Johansson

Duffy for Frederic Fekkai styled 2011 Academy Awards presenter, Scarlett Johansson.

INSPIRATION: Duffy sought to bring out "the real Scarlett Johansson" by creating a young, sexy, modern shag with dry texture.

HOW TO:
1. Begin by applying Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume™ Styling Whip to towel-dried hair, working the product in from roots to ends.
2. Dry hair using Fekkai Classic Brush to create loose, tousled waves for the textured effect.
3. Apply Fekkai Full Blown Volume™ Lifting Hairspray to roots to prep the foundation
4. At the nape of the neck, spritz hair with Fekkai Coiff™ Océanique Tousled Wave Spray.
5. Using a 1 ½ inch curling iron wrap 2-3 inch sections of hair around the barrel of the iron, leaving ends out. Continue to repeat this act.
6. Take a hairdryer with nozzle attachment and blast the root of the hair for hold and volume.
7. Run fingers through the hair to break-up the waves.
8. Clamp the ends with a flat iron to flatten the curl, creating an imperfect, sleeker wave.
9. Finish the style with Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray to give a modern, edgy look.

Johansson’s Make Up Artist accentuated the star's breathtaking beauty exclusively with products from the Dolce & Gabbana range.

He focused on eyes, shading and outlining them using The Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Stromboli 130, applying the darkest color close to the lash line on the lid and beneath the eye line. He then used the copper and bronze hues at the crease of her eye and highlighted the inner corner with a smudge of the golden tone from the palette. He finished the eyes with a sweep of The Crayon Intense Eyeliner in Gold 3 and several coats of The Volumized Lashes Mascara in Black 1 for volume and definition. For a effortless, natural glamour, he used The Ultra Shine Lipgloss in Candy 80 on Scarlett’s lips. A light dusting of The Illuminator in Eva 3 completed the look.

Speaking about the star’s glamorous look for the evening, her personal Make Up Artist said: "Scarlett was simply stunning in tones of gold and copper, offset with a sheer pink to accentuate her lips. She looked the epitome of the modern movie star."

Oscars Beauty 2011: Reese Witherspoon

Frederic Fekkai's Renato Campora styled 2011 Academy Awards presenter, Reese Witherspoon.

INSPIRATION: To compliment her gown, Renato channeled a mod-60's high ponytail over combined with the top glamour.

HOW TO:
1. Create the foundation for the style by applying Fekkai Coiff™ Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel and the Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless™ Smooth Finish Serum.
2. Blow-dry hair with the Fekkai Large Round Brush to enhance fullness and volume.
3. Divide the hair into two sections.
4. Using a 1 ½ curling iron create movement and volume on the bottom layer.
5. Tease the roots of the top section to create the volume.
6. Finish the look by spraying Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray to secure the silhouette and shape of the style.

All products available at Fekkai.com, ULTA.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Oscars Beauty 2011: Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett, who presented the award for best makeup at the 83rd annual Academy Awards is known for her flawless complexion.

When you have flawless skin like Cate, you don't need much makeup. To get her award-winning look, the actress prepped her skin with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and SK-II Facial Treatment Masks, both of which contain the highest concentration of SK-II's key ingredient, Pitera®.

Facial Treatment Essence, which helps promote radiant skin, is a simple step easy to incorporate into any skincare ritual. Used both day and night, it restores skin’s natural surface cycle. "SK-II is fundamentally different from other lines based on one indispensable product – the Facial Treatment Essence," Cate says. "It is like nothing I have ever used before, a clear liquid that you simply press into your skin. It clarifies and moisturizes. It basically does it all. As a result, my skin looks more balanced and healthy."

Facial Treatment Mask is a deeply intensive, moisture-boosting mask that hydrates the skin with Pitera® to promote more radiant and smoother skin. Cate says, "I use a Facial Treatment Mask to immediately brighten my complexion with a surge of Pitera® - it's so refreshing and leaves my skin feeling rejuvenated."

This dynamic duo intensely moisturizes the skin, resulting in a stunning luminous glow even before makeup is applied.

Oscars Beauty 2011: Giuliana Rancic

Giuliana Rancic's hairstylist is sharing the exclusive step-by-step instructions on how to achieve the E! host's gorgeous look using Alterna products:

• Apply Alterna's Bamboo Smooth Kendi Pure Treatment Oil ($24) to damp hair and blow-dry straight.

• Add additional texture with a 1" iron by wrapping small sections of the hair away from the face to create "beach-like" texture.

• Gather the hair into a high ponytail leaving a little height in the front and pulling the sides tighter. Secure with an elastic band.

• Lightly tease the ponytail into a textured poof.

• Create a large bun and secure with French bobby pins. This look is inspired by YSL's Fall 2010 fashion show.

• Finish with Alterna's Caviar Working Hairspray ($26) and follow with Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Mist Oil ($24) to add extra shine.

Get a free deluxe sample of Alterna’s Bamboo Kendi Pure Treatment Oil at Ulta while supplies last. Just go to the counter and ask!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Ranzuki feb Mag Scan & Updates

Hi Lovlies!
 I am back from my trip ^^ It was fun & I wish it was longer so I could spend more time with my BBF! Also, I wish I wore more comfortable shoes.. although the boots I took with me was super comfortable but all that walking still killed me!! ( should have brought flats!) 

Well, I don’t have my camera with me right now so I can’t do any photo upload just yet. In the mean time. Enjoy the Mag Scans!!! 




Did you do anything special this weekend!?

xoxo HitomiNeko xoxo

NARS Illuminators!


Every time I apply foundation or tinted moisturizer, I mix in a little NARS Orgasm Illuminator - without fail. It takes my complexion to a whole nuther level...which is why I am positively giddy that NARS just added three new shades to the Illuminator family.


COPACABANA - Like its namesake Multiple, Copacabana Illuminator will impart a pearlescent sheen and can be applied all over the face, mixed with foundation, and used to highlight the neck, shoulders and décolleté.

SUPER ORGASM – Infused, like the blush, with golden shimmer and a peachy-gold hue that can be applied all over the face, mixed with foundation, and used to highlight the neck, shoulders and décolleté.

LAGUNA - A golden-bronze hue, just as in Laguna Bronzer, that will give a sun-kissed glow and can be applied to the face or mixed with foundation.

This collection of light-reflecting liquids glides on to refresh the skin, enhance the complexion and create a shimmering incandescence. The Illuminators can be used to highlight bare skin or to light up your makeup as it lights the skin from within.  

Key ingredients include:
• Polar Berries, known for their antioxidant properties 
• Bisabolol, known as an anti-inflammatory (obtained from the Chamomile plant)
• Indian Frankincense, known for its soothing and comforting properties
• Vitamin B5 to, known to condition skin 
• Sodium Hyaluronate, known to hydrate skin

The Illuminators are $29 and are available at the new NARS Boutique in NYC, NARS counters and narscosmetics.com.

Peep My Polish: OPI Lucene-tainly Look Marvelous

These days, most of the time I have my hands full with Westley - who recently turned 6-months old! Anyway, last week, I had a rare opportunity to get a manicure. I got out of work early and my fabulous co-worker, Alyssa, and I got our nails did.






I decided on OPI Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous (from the Swiss Collection). It's a stunning pewter shade that almost takes on a blueish cast in the light.

 Alyssa also opted for OPI. I can't recall the name, though...but isn't it glitterrific?

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

NBC 10! Show: While You Were Sleeping


Yesterday, I was a guest on the NBC 10! Show - where I featured my favorite beauty products that work the night shift.

Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Youth Regenerating Cream, $60
Available at Kiehl's stores and kiehls.com
Rosa Arctica Youth Regenerating Cream is an advanced anti-aging cream scientifically proven to wake up skin cells, resulting in healthier, smoother, and more youthful skin. Results include reduced lines and wrinkles, improved firmness, and a dramatic restoration of hydration. Rosa Arctica should be used twice daily – in the morning and then again before bedtime.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, $43
Midnight Recovery Concentrate is a potent 99.8% naturally-derived and paraben-free botanical elixir works all night to regenerate, repair and replenish the skin barrier while you sleep. This product boosts the repair and regeneration of skin when it is naturally programmed to best absorb active ingredients, typically between Midnight and 4 a.m. The rich blend of naturally replenishing botanical oils including Squalane, Evening Primrose, and a blend of essential oils known for their therapeutic, balancing, and antioxidant effects, works with the skin's natural nocturnal activity to deliver softer, fresher and more radiant skin by morning. To apply, put 2-3 drops of the product onto the top of clean hand, tap fingertips into oil lightly. Then press fingertips gently on the cheeks, forehead and chin to evenly distribute – pat, don’t rub.

Talika Hand Therapy Gloves, $49
Developed using post surgery healing technology, these unique gloves provide serious hydration and act like a "second skin", smoothing and protecting from the first time you use it. The gloves adapt to the shape of your hands and the gel lining contains ceramides, grape seed and avocado oils to nourish, moisturize and slow the signs of aging. Wear the gloves overnight for an intensive treatment. They can be worn 40 times and are washable between uses, as necessary.

Dr. Scholl's For Her Ultra Overnight Foot Cream, $5
Dr. Scholl's For Her Ultra Overnight Foot Cream softens the roughest, most dehydrated feet overnight as you sleep. A special blend of four moisturizers including aloe and palm oil provides deep, penetrating overnight action to soothe extra-thick skin on the feet and keep feet feeling soft and healthy. Use at night with or without socks for baby-soft feet.

Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Overnight Treatment Crème, $19.99
Available at drugstores
Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Overnight Treatment Crème provides intensive repair as you sleep, binding split ends back together in one use so hair looks freshly-cut between cuts. In the morning, hair looks healthy and restored. The product is formulated so it won’t leave residue on bed linens.

Bliss FatGirlSleep, $38
Get a full night's 'booty' sleep with this supercharged sister to Bliss's famed FatGirlSlim cellulite treatment. Bliss FatGirlSleep is formulated to address four causes of cellulite: fat storage, fat burning, water retention, and slackened skin. Simply massage into trouble spots for 30 seconds before bedtime. While you sleep, the product releases dimple diminishers for up to six hours. Not only does FatGirlSleep help you address cellulite overnight, but it’s also infused with a lavender scent, which has been shown to have a relaxing, aromatherapeutic effect.

Jennifer Aniston Cuts Her Hair

Jennifer Aniston debuted a new do while promoting her new comedy "Just Go With It" in Madrid. I love a lob (long bob) - as you can tell from my updated Twitter avatar...it's my signature style. But I'm not digging it on Jen. Is it just me or does it make her look older? She looks tired, right? Perhaps the the lighter blond is washing her out a bit. I think a little lipstick would have helped to sell me on this new look.

I've heard time and time again that "women of a certain age" should wear their hair shorter...well, if this doesn't disprove that myth, I don't know what does.

This haircut probably seemed like a fun idea at the time, but I predict that Jen will soon regret it (kinda like her fling with John Douchebag Mayer).

What do you think? Does Jen's new cut make the cut?

Friday, February 18, 2011

New Deco Mirror Item Plus an award !

Hi Lovlies! 
I am glad that many of you like my items and am flattered with your compliments ^^ 
So I guess when I get this thing going, It just get me going!! I made another deco Mirror! 
It is handmade and designed by me. Please do not copy or claim any photo to be yours. 

One regular mirror & one magnify mirror inside.
The magnify Mirror difference is more obvious in person. than what the photo presented




What do you think? Do you like it? You’re welcome to give me any suggestion or comments ^^

Email me ( HitomiKat@Gmail.com) to purchase directly or visit my Etsy store. 

Also, I received an Award! I haven’t receive awards for a while so I am excited!


Rules:
1) Thank the person who sent you the award
2) Share 7 Things about you
3) Nominate 15 bloggers
4) Contact them & tell them they got an award

* Thanks to Melisa for giving me this award! 
She have a very cute website also! Please check her out!

* 7 things about me

* I am going on a trip to meet up with one of my best friend who I have not seem for 4 years

* My friends consider me to be “ very strong” literally!

* I have not have short hair since middle school and sometimes I am thinking if I should cut it! 

* Sometimes I feel like being nice is not the best solution

* I used to think renting is a lot easier than buying a house but I think I have changed my mind. 

* I like all the pretty and expensive brands but I am not crazy over it

* I want to go on a cruise! 

^__^

Award goes to: 

4. Cami
5. Donna
15. Sanny

Enjoy checking out their blogs. 

xoxo hitomineko xoxo








Thursday, February 17, 2011

New Deco Nails!

Hi lovlies ~
 I think I have a plan on how to go about with my car situation. So I was more relax and was able to make these deco nails! 



These are actually what I wanted to sell on my website that I know I haven’t officially set up yet, but you can always Email  me to pay through Email invoice/Paypal. ( You can also pay with credit card) 

So what do you think? Do you like it? I will make more of them & I can custom made them with your desire design and size! 

It’s almost the weekend. & It’s the long weekend. Maybe I should treat myself to some pretty deco nails?! Don’t you? ^_^

xoxo HitomiNeko xoxo

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Seventeen Mag Scan feb & Update

Hi Lovlies! How’s your day today?
 well. I forgot my charger for my laptop today.. oh no.. it’s good that my coworker have a spare.. but yeah I am sorry if I don’t seem very active lately online~ I was hoping the new chinese year will give me good luck but I guess the luck is still slowly turning around @_@ 



But anyway, I really happy for the people who joined my giveaway so far! Thanks for supporting and entering! If you have any question about it or if you would like or purchase one instead let me know! 


In the mean time, I’ll share more Mags! cuz pretty pictures always make us less depressed right?! 




xoxo HitomiNeko xoxo 

Monday, February 14, 2011

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Smokey Eyes For Dark Complexions


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 love the soft, natural smokey eyes you do on Kim Kardashian but have trouble re-creating them on my dark skin (my complexion is closer to Gabrielle Union or Jessica White) - it always comes out too dark and muddy. Can you give me some ideas on color selection to best re-create a soft, smokey eye for my skin tone? And can I use Eye M Glam or will it be too light for me?

Thank You SO MUCH,
Niki
 

Niki,

Here's how you can easily rock soft smokey eyes. First start by evening out the lids a primer or concealer and set with powder. This step will prevent the muddy look you mentioned. Try a rich copper or deep bronze shadow (shimmery or satin finish) all over your lids below the crease. Blend that with a clean brush going up slightly above the crease. Using a small brush, sweep the same shadow along the lower lash line. Line the inner rim of eyes and the base of the lower lashes with a black pencil and also line the lids. Blend the pencil softly so there's no sharp lines. You want the black line to blend up into the copper shadow. Do the same with the bottom but this time blending downward into the shadow.

You can use Eye M Glam on your skin tone for sure as its a sheer highlighter. To polish the look, place some right on the inner corners of the eyes and a bit on the brow bone. Finish off with mascara on top and bottom.


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!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Le Col Cashmere Giveaway!

I don't know what the weather is like in your neck of the woods – but these days, Philadelphia is pretty much indistinguishable from the Arctic tundra. It's the kind of cold where you pile on whatever is warm – no matter how frumpy dumpy it makes you look. Lucky for me (and my sense of style), I recently became acquainted with a cold weather accessory that is both toasty warm and tres chic!

Le Col Cashmere is an affordable luxury, made of 100% cashmere and finished by hand in a traditional French torsade pattern. The updated twist on the winter scarf provides even more comfort than the standard cold weather accessory due to its construction. The tube scarf’s seamless "pullover" style, as opposed to the standard wrap-around scarf, provides full coverage and protection. So whether you're riding the streets on your Vespa or simply out for an afternoon stroll, Le Col Cashmere's snood will keep you toasty warm on even the most blistering cold days.

"In addition to its practical sensibility, the product is non-gender specific and therefore appeals to both men and women who are looking to show off their personal sense of style during the winter months," explains Ruben Auszenkier, Le Col Cashmere co-founder and General Manager Europe.

The must-have style of the season is available in two equally comfortable and flattering silhouettes – the signature Le Col Cashmere snood and Le Grand Col Cashmere's extra long snood - and five gorgeous shades (I own the camel).

You can own one too because, this week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Le Col Cashmere and one reader will win a Le Col Cashmere snood in his/her choice of color!!!

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to include your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky!

Contest is open to U.S. residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Sunday, February 20, 2011. Good luck!

Friday, February 11, 2011

EGG Feb Mag Scan

Happy weekend? I hope so ~ 

I really really really hope that I can give you great news this weekend.. So wish me luck with my car! Please! ! ! ! 


In the mean time.. let’s enjoy some fabulous magazine! ^__^





xoxo HitomiNeko xoxo

Winner of the Gillette Valentine's Day Giveaway

Congratulations to Julie Luhtala, winner of the Valentine's Day Giveaway, sponsored by Gillette. Julie has won "The Perfect Gentleman’s Guide" - which has everything your man needs to make Valentine’s Day a hit, including:
  • $100 AMEX gift card to pay for the romantic dinner
  • A heart-shaped box of chocolates to enjoy after
  • Fresh + Clean Body Wash in two NEW scents, Arctic Ice and Cool Wave that provide freshness beyond the shower
  • Gillette Odor Shield antiperspirant and deodorant provides odor protection in the most high pressure situations
Julie, please email me with your mailing address asap so that Gillette can make sure your prizes deliver on Monday.

Thanks to everyone who entered. For those of you who didn't win - make sure to enter my other Valentine's Day giveaway...and keep your eyes peeled for another giveaway which will be announced very soon.

Winter Beauty Must Haves

Last week, I taped a TV segment at CVS with the lovely Lilliana Vazquez. Want to know which products I named as winter beauty must-haves? Watch and learn...

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Scolding my friend.... & updates

Hihi, today a funny thing happened. 

I ordered checks for my company but the bank didn’t process it for over 2 weeks! I was frustrated because the lack of check so I kinda scolded the girl on the phone. Today I went to pick up the check and realize the person I spoke to on the phone was a friend! Although I am not super close with her, she’s pretty close to one of my friends, so it was kinda funny & how she remember that I scolded her on the phone.. ha. ha... >_<



I am usually not a mean person at all ( seriously) So I guess I felt a little bit bad about it. oh wellz ^^” The bad thing is that the checks they order did not look the the check we had before. soo.. ehhh. I can foresee another battle with the checks! >_<.. ahhh...



One other suxie thing happened was that I got charged for late payment for my credit card! ahhh! Very not happy about it. But after trying to have them reverse the fee for 3 times, and all got rejected I guess I kinda give up. Hopefully I can just pay off this credit card soon so I don’t have to worry about late payments anymore. Too many credit card is not good! Too many deadlines to remember >_<!!!



ahha.. I notice I use a lot of >_< face today.. oh wellz.. hopefully all frustration goes away tmr.. as supposedly they promise promise promise that it will be done TMR! Please GOD let it be true! n let my car be fixed properly n pretty please! >_<!!!!!




Are you having a good day today? One more day until weekend~~~~~ !! Oh and next weekend is the long weekend ~~~ 


xoxo HitomiNeko xoxo