Mary Kay Spoiled Me With a Miami Makeover

Last month, I traveled to Miami to report on Mercedes-Benz Swim Fashion Week as a correspondent for Mary Kay. I've been a Mary Kay fan for years, and was excited to get better acquainted with their products – particularly, their newest offerings.

One of the highlights of my trip was a makeover with celeb makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff. Ashunta’s client list reads like a who's who of Hollywood (Rihanna, Ciara, Hillary Duff, Ashlee Simpson, Keri Hilson, Jennifer Hudson, Sharon Stone, Queen Latifah, P. Diddy and Alicia Keys) – so to be in her gifted hands was a major treat. Using products from Mary Kay, Ashunta gave me the J.Lo glow I've always wanted but never knew how to properly replicate.

Of all the products Ashunta used to create my Miami-inspired makeover, I fell hardest for Mary Kay's Lash Love Mascara. Lash Love promises to define and deliver 4 times the volume – and child, did it ever!

After Ashunta applied the mascara using her "uptown, downtown, cross town" technique (peep the video for a demonstration), my fringe looked fat and fabulous – without looking overdone. And I really love how deeply pigmented the color is; my natural lashes are black, but skimpy – so I need something ultra dark to make my peepers pop. Not to mention, Lash Love managed to stay put all day, despite the merciless Miami heat and humidity.

Lash Love Mascara costs a very affordable $15 – and is available at marykay.com.

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?

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Long Lashes Undermining Your Mascara?

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!

First and foremost, I'm an epic fan of your work! The advice you give is extremely helpful. So, I was hoping that you could help me out with one particular struggle I have with applying makeup. I have a problem with mascara. My makeup looks hot when I leave the house but 2 hours later I get mascara smudges right below my eyebrows! I don’t know what to do. I have tried every single brand of mascara you can possibly think of! When I go to MAC or any counter they say to use a good primer and this and that and they sell it to me. I use it and still get the smudges. What do you recommend? Or am I stuck with my super long eyelashes and carrying my 224 brush everywhere I go?

Thanks!
Amanda

Hi Amanda,

Thanks so much. The mascara smudges right below your brows are a result of oily eyelids. I’m sure there are a lot of women reading this and wishing they had your "issue," LOL.  As the day progresses, your eyelids begin to produce more oils and your lashes are smudging on the lid because oils break down and melt makeup. I say you stick with your preferred waterproof mascara and try applying a mattyfying cream to your T-zone and also to the area around the brows. I like Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel by Peter Thomas Roth.  Follow with a dab of oil-free concealer or foundation and then seal the deal with a translucent setting powder. Instead of using a brush to apply the powder, use a damp sponge and press it onto the skin. Sweep away the access powder with a clean blending brush. Try Luminous Translucent Loose Powder by Motives Cosmetics. This technique will help with creating a barrier between oily skin and mascara. If your skin and mascara are both dry to the touch, there will be no more mess!  

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!

MAC Haute & Naughty Lash

As much as I adore MAC Cosmetics (y'all know I do), I’ve always been a little meh about their mascaras. So when the company sent me a sample of their new Haute & Naughty Lash, the package actually sat around for weeks before I tried it.

When I finally got around to reviewing it, I wanted to smack myself upside the head for waiting so long – and for doubting the makeup masterminds at MAC.

Haute &Naughty Lash lets your lashes lead a double life, thanks to a two-in-one dual wiper system. For natural, genetically blessed look, use the wand with the pink end. For doe-eyed, dramatic fringe, use the wand with the pink and disco purple end. The hydrating formula prevents flaking and comes off easily with eye makeup remover.

Peep these photos and see for yourself how Haute & Naughty transformed my lashes from blah to bladow!

Before: nekkid lashes looking a bit bald

After: Haute & Naughty lashes

Haute & Naughty Lash is currently available at nordstrom.com and maccosmetics.com. In September 2010, it will be sold at all MAC stores and counters. MAC products have a way of selling out, so if I were you, I’d get this mascara while it’s haute!

Winner of the Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway

Hi, y'all. So sorry I'm weeks late announcing the winner of the Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Giveaway.

Congrats to Liya S. She will receive the first mascara from Lancôme to regenerate the condition of lashes, all while delivering definition with lash by lash fullness.

Many thanks to Lancôme for spoiling Liya and sponsoring this contest. Stay tuned for the next giveaway!

Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway!!!

Lancôme's latest mascara, Définicils Precious Cells, is now available exclusively at Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com. Définicils Precious Cells is the first mascara from Lancôme to regenerate the condition of lashes, all while delivering definition with lash by lash fullness. Lancôme’s newest ambassadress Julia Roberts is the face of the new mascara.

Définicils Precious Cells Mascara contains the nourishing apple lysate ingredient found in Lancôme's Absolue Precious Cells skincare collection, and boasts an entirely new creamy texture. Just as with the original best-selling Définicils, this formula not only defines lashes beautifully, but also creates a fuller lash look. A blend of five, triple-coated waxes delivers lash fullness from the lash root to tip. Additionally, the new Définicils Precious Cells Mascara formula glides on smoothly while enveloping lashes with conditioning agents. It’s also super-easy to remove, reducing the chance of lash loss.

It wouldn’t be a Lancôme mascara without an innovative, performance-driven brush and Définicils Precious Cells Mascara is no exception. The new multi-faceted brush was specifically developed to work with the creamier formula. The short bristles help deposit the formula in between the lashes, while the flexible, longer bristles allow for a clean application. In combination, the formula and brush deliver optimal lash by lash fullness.

Définicils Precious Cells Mascara is $29 and, as I mentioned before, is now exclusively available at Nordstrom. In August, you can find it at Lancôme counters nationwide and on lancome-usa.com.

But this week, you can score a tube for FREE! Yup…that's right. Lancôme is sending me a sample to try (I wonder how it compares to my favorite lash lengthener of all time, Lancôme Hypnose Drama) and another mascara to give away!!!

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

Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Friday, July 9, 2010. Good luck!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Application

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.


Hey Mario,

My beauty question is about mascara. What is the best way to apply it? I've heard so many different tips. Some people have told me to apply mascara to the tops of lashes, while others have said to apply to the underside. I've heard about wiggling the wand at the base of lashes and rotating the wand as you apply. Some people hold the wand vertically and others hold it horizontally. And are you supposed to let mascara dry in between coats? Mario, you are a makeup genius so I really trust your opinion. Please set the record straight so I can make the most of my mascara.

Thanks!
Heidi

Thank you, Heidi!


The first thing you should do is curl your lashes and wipe the mascara wand with a tissue before applying mascara to the eye lashes. This gets any clumps off of the brush and makes for a more even application. I recommend applying the wand starting at the base of the lashes and going up. You can "wiggle it just alittle bit." Too much of that will tangle the hairs. You want to have the majority of the mascara towards the base because the lashes will fall or droop if a lot of product weighs them down on the tips. Don't wait until they dry to apply your second coat - perfect and seperate them before they dry.

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!

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara Coming Soon!

Today, COVERGIRL introduced its newest LashBlast mascara – LashBlast Fusion. It's COVERGIRL's first ever volume and length mascara, so now lashes that want it all, can have it all! COVERGIRL Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath previewed LashBlast Fusion exclusively during Fall/Winter 2010 New York Fashion Week.

LashBlast Fusion will be available in-stores nationwide this April, but you can get it before anyone else staring March 12th during the exclusive online pre-sale.

LashBlast Fusion has a suggested retail price of $8.99 and pre-sale customers can take advantage of free shipping from March 12th – April 5th, limited quantity while supplies last.

Visit Facebook.com/COVERGIRL beginning March 12th to find an e-retailer.

Clinique High Lengths Mascara Giveaway Winners!

Congrats to the winners of the Clinique High Lengths Mascara Giveaway: Angelique, Deb C, Elaine, Estrella Castillo, and vnssa906. These lucky ladies have won Clinique's newest mascara, which provides dramatic length and volume immediately upon application.

Many thanks to Clinique for sponsoring this contest, and for creating such a kick lash mascara!

Don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's latest giveaway.

Salon Perfect Lashes Giveaway Winners!

Congrats to the winners of the Salon Perfect Lashes Giveaway:

Crissy
Ema
Ferriz
Gianna
Ginnn7
Jen (lilmamaj)
Julie H
Keyona
Laura (flawlessface101)
Molly (meoleme)
noir_intelligista
Sammie23
Sharon Harmon
Styleetza
Windycindy

Winners, check your email. I'll need you to send me your full names and mailing addresses so that the contest's sponsor can ship your prizes.

If you didn't win, don't cry. Just drop by your local Walmart (or walmart.com) and pick up a pair!

And don't miss out on other chances to get spoiled pretty. Win a ZENO Hot Spot or Clinique's newest mascara!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Apply False Lashes

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.


Hey Mario!

Before I ask my question, I just want to say that I am a big admirer of yours and look forward to your column on Spoiled Pretty every week. I think it’s so great that fans like me get an opportunity to ask you beauty questions…and I would be so thrilled if you could answer mine. Okay, so here’s my question: how exactly do you apply false eyelashes? I have a few pairs in my beauty kit, but every time I try to apply them, I just make a mess and give up. Can you give some step-by-step tips? Also, do you have any favorite brands you can recommend? Thanks!
-Irina


Dear Irina,

First of all, thank you for your kind words and for putting a smile on my face this morning! I love sharing my knowledge of makeup and beauty and hope that my answers to your questions solve whatever makeup dilemmas you may have. Before I explain some tips and tricks about false eyelashes, remember that a little mess can be cleaned up, so giving up is not an option!

Before applying false lashes, determine what style or shape works best for your eyes. Strip lashes will most likely have to be cut shorter on the corners for a perfect fit. Some find individual lashes easier to apply and more natural looking. I think it depends on your own lashes and "look" you're going for.

Start by curling lashes and applying mascara as usual. Hold the lash with fingers or tweezers and apply some lash glue along the entire strip, making sure not to use too little or too much of the product. Now STOP. The glue must dry a bit to a tacky texture before it’s placed. You will know its ready when it darkens a bit and looks almost dry.

Now you can take the lash with tweezers or even your hand, tilt head up a bit and apply the lash right over your own lashes. Make sure to try and get it as close to the roots as possible. Curling your lashes and false lashes together (with very little pressure) works beautifully to sort of join and blend the two. For added drama, apply more mascara and then separate any clumps if needed.

Some extra tips - use Dark Tone Duo Eyelash Glue. It dries dark and comes in a user-friendly tune.

Lining the top lids with a dark liner really finishes the look and conceals any imperfections along the upper lash line. ;-)

For fun and glamorous lashes, try Ja'Maal Buster lashes and Smoke and Mirrors lashes. Another fave of mine and classic are the Ardell lashes which come in tons of different styles.

Remember practice makes pretty! 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!

Salon Perfect Lashes Giveaway!

Time for another giveaway...once I start, I can't stop!

Salon Perfect Lashes are made from sterilized 100% human hair and individually trimmed by trained technicians. Give your look a little extra flare with these gorgeous black lashes. For picture perfect eyes, first apply all make-up except for mascara. Check lash size by applying without adhesive and trim where necessary. After sizing, apply a thin coating of Perfect Lash Adhesive along the back of the lash strip and then apply. The adhesive will dry clear after a few minutes. Apply mascara and go!

Salon Perfect Lashes ($4) are available at Walmart stores. 15 lucky winners will win their own set of gorgeous lashes!

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave a way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Monday, February 22, 2010.

Clinique High Lengths Mascara Giveaway!!!

A few weeks ago, I raved about Clinique's new High Lengths Mascara. The amazing formula and genius applicatior took my stumpy lashes from itty-bitty to BLADOW!

My review and before & after pic really speak for themselves, but I wanted to give you Spoiled Pretty readers the opportunity to try for yourselves.

So, this week, I'm teaming up with my peeps at Clinique - and five lucky readers will win a tube of High Lengths Mascara!!!

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave a way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Friday, February 26, 2010.

Good luck!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Tips for Long Lashes

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 the opposite problem of most girls. I have really really long eyelashes. And while I love them, I find that no matter what mascara I use, it a) clumps up, b) won't curl my lashes upwards (and stay that way) and c) because there are so many lashes, they get caught together. Often times it's the bottom and the top lashes that have joined together, or the smaller lashes on either end of the eye. I would like to be able to find a mascara or technique that will allow me to curl my lashes and make sure to separate my lashes. Any tips you could offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

-Lil' Sara


Lil' Sara with the not so lil' lashes! I'm sure the girls reading this right now could only wish to have your "problem." I'd recommend starting out curling the lashes first. If you can't get the ends in the curler, use an individual lash curler. Japonesque makes a great one. Before applying mascara to the lashes, wipe off the mascara wand with a tissue. Try applying only to the roots and then very little or none up the tips of the lashes. If you apply too much to the tips, the weight will cause the lash to straighten. Now separate your lashes with a lash comb and that should get rid of any clumps. Let mascara dry, then take the individual curler and curl the outer corners or whole lash again. Follow with one more coat of mascara to hold the curl. Good luck and thanx for visiting MMWM!

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!

Clinique High Lengths Mascara

I didn't even know Clinique had a new mascara until a sample showed up in my mailbox last week. And after twisting off the cap and removing the wand from the tube, I thought I had received a defective product. I was expecting to see your standard issue mascara brush; instead, I met a curved, neon green, plastic applicator with teeth. Wait, I take that back. The comb isn't exactly curved; it's more limpy. It leans. Anyway, I took one look at the wand and said to myself, "Oh here we go again. Another gimmicky mascara, just what the beauty world needs." But then I tried it, and quickly changed my presumptuous tune. Before I tell you about my change of heart, I just want to go on record as saying, "Sorry to have ever doubted you, Clinique."

Left eye: with Clinique High Lengths Mascara
Right eye: sadly, without (doesn't it look pathetic?)

As promised, Clinique High Lengths Mascara took my stumpy lashes from itty-bitty to BLADOW! Seriously, they went on for-ev-er. The formula also imparted just the right about of volume - dramatic, yet believable. Since the comb doesn't pick up a lot of product, you'll find High Lengths to be much less wasteful than traditional mascara. And the leaning tower of green teeth did a great job of coaxing my wayward lashes into a curl.

Ever heard the theory about the flap of a butterfly's wings affecting weather patterns thousands of miles away? Well, I have a hypothesis of my own. I'm pretty positive that the flutter of my fab fringe is responsible for this weekend's predicted Nor'easter.

Thanks, Clinique High Lengths Mascara! Sorry about the storm, y'all.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Curling Stick Straight Lashes

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 this problem where I have to curl my lashes several times throughout the day. When I first put on my makeup in the morning, I curl my lashes and then apply the mascara, but it seems that right when I walk out the door they are sticking straight again. I have no idea what to do. Can you please suggest some things that might help?

Thanks, Jen


Hey Jen,

Rest assured that you're not the only girl with stick straight lashes! Before you start your face, curl the lashes once, counting to 3 or 4 seconds per pinch on each lash. This way, they will be evenly curled. Go ahead and do your makeup as normal. After the eyes are done, curl lashes one more time. Apply a curling mascara. There are tons of different curling mascaras on the market. N.Y.C. New York Color makes a great and affordable one. Brush out the mascara with a clean wand so it's not too clumpy. Once it's dried or almost dried, curl one more time, not pressing too hard. Finally, apply another coat of mascara. Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays!

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!

DiorShow Extase Mascara Is Here To Pump You Up!

Without cosmetic help, my lashes are pretty much nonexistent. They are so stumpy and sparse, I don't know why they even bother showing up. So when I'm in the market for a new mascara, I'm not satisfied with one that merely lengthens or volumizes. I only add a mascara to the collection if it delivers both...and if, in the immortal words of L.L. Cool J, it's "doin it and doin it and doin it well."

Recently, the beautiful folks at Dior sent me their newest mascara - DiorShow Extase - to try on for size. And let me tell you...not only is this getting added to the Spoiled Pretty collection, it's going in heavy rotation. This mascara performs so well, it's enough to make ole L.L. lick his lips. Allow me to describe what the latest DiorShow is working with...

First, Extase gave me lash volume where none existed. Dior chalks it up to "spherical-shaped Black Pearl Pigments create a 3D volume effect and the exclusive Metamorphosis Powders expand in size by up to 50% after application." Now, I don't know nuthin' about no special pigments and powders...but I will say that the ingredients in their magical mascara formula fatten the lashes quite nicely. In fact, Extase pumps up the volume so well, it made me think of the old SNL skit Hans and Franz. If those two quit bodybuilding and got into the cosmetics game, this might be the mascara they'd concoct.

Lashes with DiorShow Extase (left); nekkid lashes (right)

Though Dior doesn't really advertise this, Extase does a fantabulous job of lengthening and curling lashes. I was actually more impressed with this than its volumizing abilities. It took even my tiniest baby lashes and transformed them into long and lithe versions of their former selves. As I type this, the lashes on my right eye (I left my left eye bare, to act as a control) are brushing against the lenses of my glasses.

Even after it dries, the formula is extra dark and glossy. My eyelashes are naturally black, and I noted how inky and lush Extase made my lashes look. So I can imagine that you gals with light lashes are really going to love it. It also wears very well; it doesn't flake or smudge. And the few times I absentmindedly rubbed at my eyes, it didn't do anywhere.

Finally, Dior promises that Extase's SR38 Patented Ceramid helps to reconstruct damaged lashes and promotes stronger and fuller lashes. I've only been using it a few days, so I can't say if there's any truth to that claim. But even if it doesn't rebuild and strengthen your fringe, its aforementioned perks are well worth the price of admission ($28).

Right now, DiorShow Extase Mascara is a Sephora exclusive, and only available to Beauty Insiders. The rewards program is free, so why not sign up?

Glamour's Favorite Bloggers Share Must-Try Lash Tips

Hey, y'all. Merry a few days before Christmas. Today, Glamour posted some must-try lash tips from their favorite bloggers...and yours truly is one of them! Visit Glamour.com for some fabulous tricks to faking gorgeous, full fringe!

Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara

This November, Bobbi Brown introduces her new Extreme Party Mascara – the first ever all-day layer-able mascara!

"For women who want the dramatic look of false lashes without the hassle." – Bobbi Brown

Why is it different? Thanks to Bobbi’s new "re-activation" formula, each new coat of Extreme Party Mascara remains as clean and buildable as the first - whether you choose to go bolder right away or ten hours later.

* Between fresh coats, lashes stay separated and soft.
* Lashes continue to get thicker and bolder without clumping or flaking every time you want to layer on more volume and length.
* Tapered, two-fiber brush grabs even small, hard-to-reach lashes.
* Dries fast to a smudge-proof, flake-proof finish.
* Enriched with Vitamins A, C and E.
* Ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested. Safe for contact wearers.
* Removes easily with eye makeup remover or face soap and water.

Extreme Party Mascara is available in black from bobbibrown.com and Bobbi Brown counters now.

Sonia Kashuk Curl for a Cause Eyelash Curler

They say you should always curl your lashes before applying mascara for doe eyed, fabulous fringe. I must admit that I hardly ever curl my lashes...but I probably would if I had this eyelash curler in my makeup kit.

Breast cancer survivor and professional makeup artist Sonia Kashuk and Target are joining forces to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. With 15% of the purchase price of the Curl for a Cause Eyelash Curler ($9.99) going to support BCRF’s mission to prevent and find a cure in our lifetime, it’s one more beautiful way to fight the fight against breast cancer.

This item is available online and in Target stores.