Makeup Mondays With Mario: Make Small Eyes Look Bigger

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,

How are you?  I hope this question reaches you.  You're a big inspiration to me and my girlfriends!  My problem is that I really love wearing eyeliner (I use pencil) on my top and bottom lids, however, I have small eyes and when I do my makeup, I feel that the liner is making them even smaller.  What can I do to give the effect of bigger eyes?  I love liner because I feel very washed out and tired without it, so if you have any advice or tips on how to apply liner, I would so greatly appreciate it and love you even more!!  

-Violet

Hey Violet,

I'm well, thanks for asking.  This is a very common issue among women with smaller shaped eyes. The key to making your eyes appear bigger is to use a lighter shade of pencil (or powder) along the inner rim of your eyes. Beige, Vanilla and/or white will do the trick.  Don't forget to line using your dark liner below the water line along your lashes for definition. You should also apply a light, bright shade of white or pearl to the inner corners of the eyes which will open and separate them more.  Another quick and easy way to open the eyes is to curl your lashes and apply mascara right after. 

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,

Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to blogaboutsexygirlpicsquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Prevent Eyeliner From Running

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!

Your tips and tricks have absolutely changed the way I do my makeup - for the better, of course (beautyblender, anyone?). But there is one major thing that I'm still struggling with. I love MAC's liner in Smolder and the way it looks when I use it on my waterline and to line my lower lid, but it doesn't seem to last more than 20 minutes without smudging, running and going everywhere. This goes for most of the pencil liners I've tried, I just can't figure out how to make that look stay put. Any help you can offer is truly appreciated.

Thanks so much!
Lola

Hi Lola,

I'm so glad to hear that my tips have changed the way you do makeup! That makes me very happy - so thank you for that! So many women write me with the same issue that you're having, so listen up lovely ladies! To prevent your eyeliner (in the waterline/along lower lashes) from smudging down your face, you must create a barrier using makeup.

Apply concealer under the eyes and blend it out. The next step is most important - dip a sponge in a little bit of translucent loose power and press it directly over the concealer to set it. Use a clean brush to sweep away the loose powder under the eyes. This should do the trick for you as the concealer and powder will not allow the liner to smudge down past the lashes.

To better understand it, think of flood for example. If water is coming toward your front door and leave the door open, the water will come in. If you take sand bags and build a little wall, the water will not be able to get in your front door. The concealer and powder together act as the sand bags. I hope this helps!

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to blogaboutsexygirlpicsquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Set Sneak Peek!

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner giveaway: Angela (sparklemidori09), paulasue, Kallen, Shrinky Inky, smilekisses, and miss.high.yellow. Ladies, you are going to LOVE this liner...trust me when I tell you.

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

Stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway. It's coming soon...

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Giveaway!

Did you happen to read my review of Stila's new Dust to Diamonds? If you did, you know that I am enamored with every product. I strongly suggest buying the entire collection, but I understand that for many, $132 worth of cosmetics just isn't in the credit cards. So I'm gonna get you started...

This week, six readers will win Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner. "Marker-sharp precision and a true carbon black pigment, this waterproof liquid liner glides on easily without pulling, smudging, or running. Color stays in place all day long."

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 Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Good luck!

Stila Dust to Diamond Collection - Buy It All!

Because the recession isn't recessing any time soon, I don't usually advocate purchasing entire makeup collections. I understand that, for most, money is tight...so I usually highlight certain items as must-have additions to your beauty arsenal. But in the case of Stila's new collection for spring 2010, Dust to Diamonds, I can't choose.

I'm a sucker for sparkles, and this collection had me at "bling." Seriously, if Stila had't furnished me with samples to review, I would have paid my own cash money for these products. That's how fantabulous they are. Since I first tested the collection two weeks ago, I've worn at least one of the products every day since.

Top: Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain; Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Middle: Jewel Eye Shadow Palette
Bottom: Jewel Lip Glaze Trio

To purchase the entire collection would run you $132, which isn't all that bad. But if your makeup fund is maxed out, here are my individual reviews - so you can decide what you need now (and what can wait til later).

Jewel Eye Shadow Palette ($32): "This high-tech eye shadow formula creates a glittering wave of sequin-like sparkle, leaving your eyes glistening like jewels." These really aren't the shadows you'll be applying in the AM before work; more likely, this is the palette you'll reach for in the evening to kick it up a notch and create a truly glitterrific effect. The formula is a blend of pigment and pearl, and the coverage is buildable - so don't worry that these shadows will take you into drag queen territory...unless that's the look you're going for. Shades include Rose Quartz (light pink with silver sparkle), Amethyst (gray aubergine with champagne sparkle), Black Diamond (black with silver sparkle) and Golden Topaz (champagne shimmer with silver and gold sparkle).

Jewel Lip Glaze Trio ($32): "Sprinkle stardust on the lips with this trio of glistening glosses infused with Stila Gem Complex, a blend of Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Amethyst, Amber, Garnet, Mother of Pearl, Opal and Alexandrite. Mango Seed Butter, Goa Seed Butter and Shea Butter keep lips moisturized all day. The formula seamlessly glides on the lips leaving a celestial wave of sequin reflections." Okay, if you're a gal who believes that glitter makes everything better, this should be your first purchase. Likewise, if you're a lipgloss lover. At first glance, these glosses are verrrrry glittery; even I was a little hesitant about trying them. But I found the glitter content to be Goldilocks perfect (not too much, not too little)...and the formula felt smooth, not gritty. The shades are more sheer on the lips than in the tube - so don't let the concentrated color fool you. Shades include Pink Diamond (pink with pink sparkles), Amethyst (deep plum with gold and red sparkles) and Golden Topaz (warm amber with pink sparkles).

Black Diamond Mascara ($24): Not only does this mascara beautifully plump and lengthen your lashes, it imparts a subtle little shimmer shimmah. Available in Black Shimmer (black with silver shimmer) and Blue Shimmer (black with blue shimmer).

Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20): "Marker-sharp precision and a true carbon black pigment, this waterproof liquid liner glides on easily without pulling, smudging, or running. Color stays in place all day long." This eyeliner is amazing. It draws razor thin and thick lines. The shade is inky black...and, as the name suggests, the formula ain't coming off until you're ready to take it off. If I was purchasing from this collection, the Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner would be my first buy.

Though not technically a part of Stila's spring 2010 collection, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24). At first, I was very skeptical that the pearly pink shade would compliment my cappuccino complexion. But once I blended the sheer blush into my cheeks and lips, it gave me a believable snow bunny glow. I mean, you could go outside in the cold and wait until you can't feel your face...or you can pick up this clickable pen and apply the berry scented gel for a yummy, fresh-faced flush.

NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the NARS Spring 2010 Collection features soft, sexy shades that are as elegant as they are versatile.

"I love Catherine’s makeup look in this movie," says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics who chose supermodel Amber Valletta for the campaign. "It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian '16th Arrondissement' way. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed." The hues are playful yet sophisticated and can be either soft and subtle or bold and daring. As always, the effects are limitless, determined by application, technique, and attitude.

"The shades are soft, sexy and light — like springtime. The formulas are trans-parent, so they allow the skin to look natural and fresh. If a woman wants a more intense look — and I hope she does — the hues can be layered for a bolder effect."

Lipstick in Cruising, $24
This subtle, sexy pink lipstick hue provides a sheer natural long-lasting color. The hydrating formula can be worn alone, or over a NARS Lip Pencil for variations in color and depth. It's neutral enough to pair perfectly with dramatic eyes, yet alluring enough to attract attention when used on its own.

Lip Gloss in Easy Lover, $24
Serious luster meets sexy color in this ultra-sheer hot pink lip gloss. The eye-catching and refreshing springtime hue is perfectly suited to deliver super shiny, sensual lips. An extra dab of it in the center of the bottom lip will accentuate sheen and fullness. It's impossible to resist.

Lip Gloss in Ophelia, $24
This high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive. Wear it alone, or over NARS lip products for a more intense effect and color variation. The glossy formula will capture both the light and the attention of admirers.

Nail Polish in Purple Rain, $16
This intensely gothic purple is a bright and audacious shade destined to become a modern classic. Boasting a long-wearing formula, this intense nail hue vacillates between opposites: rocker or royalty, rebellious or refined.

Single Eyeshadow in D. Gorgeous, $23
This dusty lilac powder eyeshadow yields just a hint of flirtation, but never misses its mark. The long-wearing, crease-resistant matte formula boasts a translucent texture and can be applied sheer, or layered with other NARS products for a bolder result.

Duo Cream Eyeshadow in Camargue, $32
Named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the French river delta, this pairing of golden moss and sienna, with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula. Wear it alone or layered beneath NARS powder eyeshadows to create more color, depth and intensity.

Duo Eyeshadow in Kuala Lumpur, $32
Like its Malaysian city namesake, this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing is influenced by contrasts — rich and subtle, traditional yet modern. Wear the two shades separately or together, sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect. Try swiping one shade over the entire eyelid and applying the other just beneath the brow bone to highlight.

Glitter Pencil in Bains Douches, $24
This bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue delivers powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending. Use this glitter pencil layered or alone — to line, accent, highlight or illuminate the eyes. No matter how it’s used, the look will be as ultra-chic as the legendary Parisian nightclub for which it was named.

The Spring 2010 collection will be available on January 15, 2010 at narscosmetics.com.

Urban Decay Spring 2010

Urban Decay is one of my top 5 makeup brands, so I was super stoked to get deets and pics of their Spring 2010 collection in my inbox earlier this week. Here's the skinny:

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils in (top to bottom) Binge, Crash, Mildew and Oil Slick were previously only available in Urban Decay's holiday gift sets, but now Urban Decay is introducing these new fame-bound shades to their beloved 24/7 pencil family. Crash is a rich deep eggplant, Oil Slick is black with silver sparkle, Mildew is a dark green based on our best-selling shadow, and Binge is a long-awaited navy. You're probably heard me say it before, but I'll say it again - 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are the BEST eyeliners on the market. These pencils, with their creamy-on-the-eyes and waterproof formula (so you can apply to the inner rims) are must-have additions to your beauty arsenal. Available at Sephora and urbandecay.com.

Designed for stars of film and flat screens, Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder, this high-tech translucent powder, keeps you camera ready at all times. The micro-fine powder fools the eyes with "optical blurring." Imperfections are seemingly airbrushed away for a soft-focus finish. Skin appears flawless, even under bright, unforgiving light. Tiny water particles float along the skin's surface and actually "burst", creating a microscopic ball bearing effect when the powder is applied. The feel is refreshing, smooth, and light as air.

Apply as a finishing touch after your foundation. Or, wear it along for bare, youthful look. Used under make-up, it transforms foundation into a liquid powder! The sleek gunmetal lid and clear base showcase a unique mess-free system and attached puff. Other brands require swirling, brushes and hassle, whereas this is all-in-one, and even has an "on/off" feature to keep your purse powder-free! Available at Sephora and urbandecay.com.

Stardust Eyeshadow is an eyeshadow that has a prismatic sparkle set against a wash of captivating colors with 40% more glitter than the most sparkly shadows from Urban Decay. The futuristic, squeeze-open case holds over two times the amount of product than other Urban Decay eyeshadows.

Top row: 54 (light purple w/iridescent sparkle), Atmosphere (deep turquoise w/iridescent sparkle), Bobby Dazzle (white w/iridescent sparkle). Middle row: Diamond Dog (brown w/iridescent sparkle), Griffith (green w/iridescent sparkle), Moon Spoon (gray w/iridescent sparkle ). Bottom row: Retrograde (dark purple w/iridescent sparkle), Space Cowboy (beige w/iridescent sparkle), Void (black w/iridescent sparkle).

Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden is an eye prep product that provides smoother, longer-lasting, and absolutely crease-proof eyeshadow. If your shadow likes to move it, move it - you need Urban Decay's Primer Potion...which is now also offered in a very-wearable, tawny, matte hue. Available exclusively at Sephora.

MAC Lillyland

When MAC meets the lore and legend that is Lilly Pulitzer, you get a fabulous and funky fun new chapter: a bit of Mar-a-Lago, some well-to-do winky-wink, and a dash of retro-modern pop culture mayhem in prints and colours that make it hip to be in permanent happy land!

A collaboration that feels like the best tongue-in-chic resort retort, with all the wonderful prints and Key West colour combinations Lilly has done so beautifully since, well, forever!

Fly down to South Florida, with MAC in Lillyland!

168 Large Angled Contour Brush, $32
For expert application of cheek contour. This brush is a large angled contour. The fibres form a buffed edge and are soft and firmly bundled.


239 Eye Shader Brush, $24.50
Soft and dense to shade or blend eye shadow or emollient-based products. This brush has a tapered, rounded edge with smooth, firm, fine fibres. It can be used to build intense colour on the eyelid.



Technakohl Liner, $14.50
Purple Dash: Intense aubergine
Graphblack: Rich graphic black



Lipgelee, $14
Resort Life: Off -white with pink pearl
Lush & Bright: Bright pink-yellow-coral with pink pearl
Preppy: Blue-pink with pink pearl
Shift to Pink: Light violet with silver pearl



Nail Lacquer, $12
Coconut Ice: Light yellow-peach-pink (Cream)
Steamy: Hot pink (Cream)



Paint Pot, $16.50
Bare Study: Soft beige with gold pearl (Frost)
Rubenesque: Golden peach with gold pearl (Frost)
Fresco Rose: Pink with matching pearl (Frost)

Pearlmatte Face Powder, $27

Pearlmatte Eye Shadow, $19.50



Cremeblend Blush, $18.50
So Sweet, So Easy: Light yellow-pink
Optimistic Orange: Bright coral
Joie-de -Vivre: Peachy coral
Florida: Bright fuschia

Available in North America on January 7, 2010 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com. Available internationally in February 2010.

Urban Decay's 4 Limited Edition Eye Pencil Shades Now Available in Full Size!

Four Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils that were only available in mini versions as part of the 24/7 Sets and 24/7 Super Stash Set are now available in FULL SIZE. The new shades include:

Binge: navy blue


Crash: deep plum with teeny silver glitter


Mildew: deep green


Oil Slick: black with teeny silver glitter

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils ($17) are worth every penny, and then some. They are my weakness. Stock up at urbandecay.com.

Check this sneak peek at Urban Decay Spring 2010.

CoverGirl Pre-Sale: Get On This NOW!

Right now, COVERGIRL is having an exclusive online preview of the NEW Blast collection featuring Smoky ShadowBlast, ShineBlast Lip Gloss and LashBlast Length Mascara. Spoiled Pretty readers can be among the first to try the new products.

LashBlast Length Mascara is currently in stores and online, but Smoky ShadowBlast and ShineBlast Lip Gloss won't be available until January 2010!

COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast ($7.49) is a smoky eye tool plus makeup artist all in one shadow stick. Available in six expertly coordinated shade duos with uniquely desgined ends, Smoky ShadowBlast lets you create a traditional or colorful smoky eye in two easy steps. The new, double-ended stick features expertly coordinated shades and two precision applicator tips – one for base, one for liner/crease – so you can easily apply, smudge and blend shadow to a smoky perfection. "Smoky ShadowBlast takes the fear out of creating a smoky eye; it’s a professional look that’s easy for anyone to create," says P&G Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath.

Here's what I say...they're awesome! I got my greedy lil paws on some early samples of the Smoky ShadowBlasts early - and I luvre them. I don't know why no one thought of this before. Hell, I should have thought of this...it's ingenious. These chubby crayon-esque shadows are simple to use, and really deliver what they promise - a sexy smoky eye that looks like you had help. Prep the lid with a little primer before applying the color to help sustain the smokiness all day/night. Plus, the lighter shade of the Bronze Fire Smoky ShadowBlast doubles as a totally badass highlighter when applied to my cafe au lait cheekbones.

COVERGIRL ShineBlast Lip Gloss ($7.49) has a patented ShineSculpt™ applicator hugs the contours of lips and boasts a tapered tip for precise shaping and sculpting, while 16 shimmering shades deliver a brilliant, glossy finish and perfectly polished pout. The lip hugging applicator delivers more shine in a single swipe than the leading gloss, which results in 4x more noticeable shine vs bare lips.

Wouldn't these be the best stocking stuffers for your makeup gaga girlfriends? And how awesome is it that you'd be giving them something they won't be able to buy in stores until 2010?

Just log-on to covergirl.com/blastpresale to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Cat Eye Tutorial

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 love your work and wanted to ask you how to create the perfect cat eye with liquid eyeliner since I have shaky hands it has been impossible for me!! Lots of love!

-Mariel

Mariel,

Creating a great cat eye with liquid liner can be challenging but with a little practice, I'm certain you can perfect it!

Here's how you should do it. Look into a mirror and tilt your head up a bit so that the lashline (where liner will go) isn't touching the crease of the eye. Gently stretch your eye outward to prevent blinking. Start lining the outer corner first, going towards the inner corner. Make sure that the line gets thinner towards the inner corners. Now go back to the outter corner and wing the liner out and up a bit for the cat eye effect. If you mess up, wipe the corners with a Q-tip and try again. Good luck, gorgeous!

xo,
MarioGot a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to blogaboutsexygirlpicsquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

Urban Decay's 24/7 Super Stash

Even if you already own every single one of Urban Decay's cult classic 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils (like me), I insist that you purchase their new 24/7 Super Stash. Why? Well, if you're addicted to these eye pencils like I am, you won't be able to live one more day without the four NEW shades included in this set.

24/7 Super Stash includes nine mini-sized 24/7 Eye Pencils:

Zero (black)
Oil Slick* (black sparkle)
Corrupt* (brown sparkle)
Eldorado* (a new gold)
Graffiti (bright medium green with silver sparkle)
Binge* (navy)
Ransom (bright iridescent purple)
Rockstar (darkest eggplant)
Stash (dark green/gold)

The Oil Slick pencil, alone, is worth the price of admission. I've been rocking it every single day since I got this kit.

Urban Decay wasn't lying when they said, "Any UD junkie will pee their pants at the sight of this amazing set."

24/7 Super Stash ($36) is limited edition and available at Sephora, Beauty.com, and urbandecay.com.

* new shade