Makeup Mondays With Mario: Faking Freckle-Free Skin

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!

So, I'm sure you hear this all the time, but you are a genius! I really like your style and technique, so here is a question for you. I have freckles all over my face and pale-ish skin. I HATE my freckles and even though people may say they are cute, I want CLEAR FRECKLE-FREE SKIN...ha ha (so please don't say freckles are cute LOL). I know I can't make them disappear, but is there any way I can still look pretty with freckles? Or even a cheap way to get rid of them or cover them? I won't hide them all of the time, but it would be nice to have clear, tanned skin. How can I achieve this?

Thanks,
Alice 


Hi Alice,

A great way to conceal freckles is to get a spray tan.  This especially would be good in your case because you also want your skin more tanned.  The color will last for about a week or so and with the tan, you avoid having to use heavy foundations and bronzers.  I don't recommend applying a full coverage foundation to cover freckles.  If you do choose to do so, the foundation shade must be as close to your natural skin color as possible.

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!

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze One Day Tinted Gel

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze One Day Tinted Gel promises a natural looking, sun-kissed glow in a no-mistakes formula that lasts all day - but washes off with just soap and water. Does it deliver? Watch my video review to find out if you should stockpile or sidestep this new product!

Kardashian Sisters Launch Self-Tanning Gel at Sephora

Today, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian Odom unveil their signature self-tanning gel, Kardashian Glamour Tan, the first release from their upcoming Kardashian Beauty line.

"My sisters and I are all about getting the perfect tan without harming our skin," said Kim Kardashian. "We’re always on the lookout for the best self-tanner so we thought we'd create the perfect formula and share it with everyone."

Kardashian Glamour Tan is an easily applied, clear, moisturizing self-tanning gel. Designed to produce the appearance of a golden sun-kissed tan within 24 hours of application, the non-streaking, non-staining formula is packed with protective antioxidants, and vitamins C, E & D to keep skin healthy and moisturized. Glamour Tan is the only self-tanner available containing Imudulin, a key ingredient responsible for stimulating vitamin D synthesis which can aid in lessening the look of lines and wrinkles.

Application Tips: For optimal results, Glamour Tan should be applied to clean skin and left to dry for 20 minutes before dressing. A natural-looking tan will develop over the next few hours, achieving full results within 24 hours. Reapply to the face and body every two to three days or as needed. Wash hands after each use.

Glamour Tan by Kardashian Beauty is available now exclusively at Sephora stores nationwide and sephora.com.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Beautiful and Bronzed

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 just have to say I love love love your work, it’s so flawless and beautiful! My problem is I am a latina with fair skin and I recently started bed tanning a bit, I really don't want to overdue it because of the damaging effect it has in the long run. So my question is what kind of self tanner can I use for my face and body? I've also seen some for daily use. What would you recommend?

Thank you very much!
-Ilsse

Ilsse,

The first thing you should do is stop tanning! There is nothing that will heal or correct the negative effects that tanning has on your skin. You may not see the damage today, but it will appear later in life. I am, however, a fan of self tanners and use them myself. Try L'oreal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist. It's very easy to use yourself, comes out evenly and does not smell bad. If you prefer a creme or lotion, try the St.Tropez tanning line which has unique products to help you look tan and healthy. Whichever products you choose to use, you should always exfolliate you skin prior to application, avoid too much product on the elbows, feet, knees and any area that tends to get blotchy. Also keep your toenails and fingernails covered in Vaseline when appyling self tanner, as they will stain the nails an unnatractive yellow shade of yellow. Moisturize with a non-oily moisturizer to preserve the color longer. It's alot of work keeping your face and body beautiful and bronzed but it's worth it.

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: Bronzer How-To

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!


My question is about bronzer. Actually, I have a few questions. I am so confused! First, how do you choose your perfect shade of bronzer? Second, what is the best technique for applying powder bronzer? And do you have any favorites you can recommend?

Thanks a lot!
Lizzie

Hi Lizzie,

When chosing a shade of bronzer, you should consider the following: dark skin tones look best with bronzers that have red in them. Lighter skin usually looks good with a more pale/pinkish bronzer. When applying bronzer, I like to frame the entire face. Sweep the bronzer along the hairline, on hollows of the cheeks and along your jawline. Don't forget to apply a bit to the neck as well.

Because I use bronzer pretty much on most of the face, I prefer to go with a non-shimmery, powder bronzer. My faves are Smashbox Bronze Lights Bronzer in Suntan Matte* and Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20. If you're looking to achieve a bronze look but want to glow as well, try Eye M Glam highlighter at Giella.com*. Apply it on the cheekbones, inner corner of eyes, bridge of nose and on brow bones. It has a golden glow that looks amazing with bronzer. Thanks for visiting MMwM!

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!

*Mario used both of these products on Kim Kardashian for the Leather & Laces Superbowl party (photo above). To get the face, visit Mario's blog!

Venus Razor Giveaway Winner

Congrats to Casie Starr, winner of the Venus Razor Giveaway. Casie has won:

* Venus Embrace and Embrace replacement blades
* Gillette Satin Care Lavender Kiss Shave Gel
* Olay Touch of Sun Quench Plus
* Fedora hat with changeable black ribbon around the brim
* Colorful oversized beach towel
* Mara Hoffman bikini

Big thanks to Gillette for sponsoring this giveaway. Casie is one lucky gal.

All of you ladies who were hoping to read your name in this post, don't get discouraged. Check out the other contests that are currently running.

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Bronze Booster Giveaway Winners

Last week, Spoiled Pretty partnered with Physicians Formula for a fabulous giveaway. And now the time has come to announce the winners. Congrats to Kelly Bray, Teresa Nelson and Brandy Wilson!

These ladies will receive the new Bronze Booster collection, which includes three products that give skin an enhanced natural-looking tan glow that goes the distance.

Many thanks to Physicians Formula for sponsoring the contest. Be sure to check out Spoiled Pretty's other current giveaways for more chances to win!

Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Giveaway

For this week's giveaway, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Physicians Formula to help you get your faux glow on.

Three winners will receive the Bronze Booster collection - three bronzer products formulated with technology to give skin an enhanced natural-looking tan glow that goes the distance:

Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Powder, $14.95
Provides an instant and lasting tan glow. The lightweight and ultra-blendable pressed bronzer glides on smoothly for an instant, even tan glow that builds easily to your desired level of bronze. Bronzing micropearls deliver a flawless, radiant finish. Available in three shades (Fair to Light, Light to Medium, Medium to Dark).

Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Loose Bronzing Veil, $14.95
The triple action tan-boosting blend in this high-performance bronzing veil ensures results that are instant, long lasting and streak-free. Available in three shades (Fair to Light, Light to Medium, Medium to Dark).

Bronze Booster Self-Tanning Bronzing Veil, $14.95
This versatile bronzer can be used alone or on tip of foundation. Available in three shades (Fair to Light, Light to Medium, Medium to Dark).

All Physicians Formula products are available at drug and mass-market stores.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to blogaboutsexygirlpicscontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read 'Bronze Booster Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Tuesday, August 4. Three winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Wednesday, August 5th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.

Good luck!

Window Shopper's Remorse

Two weeks ago, I went to Sephora, for story research (I swear). Guerlain had this promotional table set up, manned by a sunkissed representative. The saleswoman familiarized me with the brand's Terracotta collection, then asked if I would like to try the Terracotta Spray Bronzing Powder Mist.

I had just come from a relaxing rubdown at Topper's Spa (followed by eyebrow shaping at Thread Beauty Bar), and I wasn't wearing any makeup - so I happily obliged. The woman misted my face with the #2 shade and quickly blended the product with a foundation brush. In (literally) one minute, I looked like I just got back from some sun drenched isle. It's so gorgeous, words simply won't do.

As much as I loved the look, I wasn't exactly enamored with the price ($59)...so I left it in the store. But ever since, I've been kicking myself for leaving Sephora empty-handed. I recently learned that each can contains 130 applications, which comes out to just 45 cents per bronzy face. So my cheap ass is heading back to Sephora - this time, primed to make a purchase.

Summer Beauty Staples Giveaway Winner

Drumroll please...the winner of Spoiled Pretty's Summer Beauty Staples Giveaway is Andrea Lurie. Yay!

Andrea will receive Clinique Sun with SolarSmart line of sunscreens, ModelCo Body Meringue and Shimmer Airbrush Illuminiser, Philosophy's Never Let Them See You Shine oil-control products, Secret Clinical Waterproof Antiperspirant and Deodorant, and Fresh Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum. Whew...that was a mouthful.

Many, many thanks to Clinique, ModelCo, Philosophy, Secret and Fresh for providing products for my latest NBC 10! Show appearance - and for generously donating an extra set of everything to offer this giveaway to Spoiled Pretty readers!

This was one of the most highly coveted prizes yet - but, alas, there could be only one winner (lucky Andrea). But if you didn't win, don't despair. Every week, there's another amazing weekly giveaway...so there's always another chance to get spoiled pretty.

New From Bobbi Brown: Illuminating Bronze Collection

"Nothing says summer to me like healthy skin with a bit of shimmer. It's gorgeous and super sexy - and who doesn't want to look like that?" -Bobbi Brown

This summer, Bobbi Brown is making it easier than ever to get the look of healthy, sun-kissed skin without the damaging effects of the sun. Take your pick from a flattering array of options, designed for all complexions from fair to dark.

The Illuminating Bronze Collection includes:
Shimmer Brick for Body ($75)
Create head-to-toe glamour with Shimmer Brick for Body. Lightweight, silky powder can be used on arms, legs, décolleté, or anywhere you want to glow. The deluxe oversized compact features three shimmering bars of color.

All Over Body Brush ($85)
The softest, most luxurious brush imaginable. The perfect companion to the Shimmer Brick for Body, this brush was designed with ultra soft bristles that feel amazing on the skin and offer sheer, even application.

Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($33)
This ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder is formulated with a unique and innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls. It glides on evenly and gives skin a seamless and sheer natural-looking glow. Available in: Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Bali Brown, Barbados Tan and Maui.

All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15 ($28)
Bobbi's unique gel-based bronzer instantly gives the face a healthy, natural-looking glow with the added benefit of sun protection. Now available in a new shade requested by makeup artists and customers alike: Golden Sun.

Beauty And The Bronze: How To Get Kim Kardashian's Glow

On his blog, makeup artist/photographer Troy Jensen shares the tricks and makeup he employs for transforming mere mortals in bronze goddesses. Troy is responsible for Kim Kardashian's devastatingly gorge makeup, seen above...so homeboy obviously knows what he's talking about.

For Kim Kardashian beauty and makeup tips, click here.

Photo Credit

ModelCo Giveaway Winners!!!

Watch out, JLo...Sydney Brougham, Rachel Campbell and Carina Zhong are about to show you how to glow.

These lucky lasses are the winners of the ModelCo giveaway. They will each receive:

* ModelCo Body Meringue: a revolutionary 4-in-1 product - and instant bronzer, shimmer and self-tanner with anti-cellulite benefits.

* ModelCo Shimmer Airbrush Illuminiser: this illuminising mist evenly covers your face and body - leaving your skin with a shimmery, youthful glow.

Thanks to everyone who entered. And special thanks to ModelCo for sponsoring the contest!

If you didn't win this giveaway, you can still get glowing. ModelCo products are available at Sephora and modelco.com.au. Body Meringue and Shimmer Airbrush Illuminiser are among my top picks for summer - so trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Check back soon for our next giveaway!

You Glow Girl: ModelCo Body Meringue Bronze Glow

This past weekend, my sis, Lauren, finally caught up to her ID and turned 21. On the agenda for Saturday night was a Sex And The City-inspired partay at a hip lounge, with loud music and libations.

Pre-celebration, Lauren coached me on exactly what to wear (LBD from Arden B), how to style my hair (flipped at the ends, volume at the crown, and side-swept bangs), and my makeup look (bronze smoky eye, a hint of color on the cheeks, and glossy pale lip)…just in case premature Alzheimer’s had set in and I forgot how to work it.

So, just to prove that I’m still stylish and hip in my old age – I decided to up the beauty ante by self-tanning with ModelCo Body Meringue Bronze Glow, an all-in-one instant bronze shimmer and gradual self-tanner with skin-firming benefits. This weightless foam hydrates, protects, and leaves the skin feeling firm while offering a light buildable, natural tan. After smoothing the foam on (absolutely no mess whatsoever), a light instant bronze appeared so I could see exactly where I applied. I waited 10 minutes for it to dry, and over the next few hours, my tan gradually deepened...and left a subtle, sexy shimmer on my skin for added glow.

The best part about this product? Skin is left feeling firm and toned with active ingredient SLIMFIT® LS 9509 - which works to reduce the appearance of the visible orange peel effect associated with cellulite. I can’t remember the last time my gams looked this good! My only pet peeve, however, was the scent...but it was faint and easy to overlook, considering how blinded I was by my gorgeous golden glow. I would have topped off my tan with a spritz of ModelCo’s Airbrush Shimmer Luminizer, but I didn’t want to steal the spotlight from the birthday girl.


ModelCo Body Meringue Bronze Glow is available at Sephora and modelco.com.

80s Ladies Week: You Need Lise Watier Havana Dry Oil Today...Not Tomorrow!

Back in the mid-eighties, I wanted to be an orphan. But not just any orphan…little orphan Annie. As a musically-inclined rugrat, I couldn’t imagine anything better than singing and dancing around all day, not going to school, and getting into shenanigans with my best girlfriends.

I would watch my VHS tape recording of Annie incessantly. I watched that movie like it was my J-O-B. And when the tape wasn’t in the VCR, I was playing the soundtrack on my Fisher Price record player. My mom probably cursed the day that she bought that record, because from then on, I was running around the house acting out every scene and practicing the songs like I was Broadway-bound. With a red cheerleading pom-pom perfectly perched on my head, I belted out “Tomorrow” like there was no tomorrow.

Okay, enough of my trip down memory lane. It’s 80s Ladies Week here at Spoiled Pretty and, today, my product review is inspired by my favorite childhood movie. You know how the orphans sang "You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile?" Well, while that may be true, this beauty junkie insists you’re never fully dressed without Lise Watier’s new Havana Dry Oil Body Glow.



Picture it…it’s Friday or Saturday night. You're getting ready to go out with your man or meet up with your friends. You’re wearing a pair of kitten heels that would make Carrie Bradshaw blush and you’ve got your freakum dress on. But you’re not ready until you dress your arms, legs, and décolletage in Havana Dry Oil. The luxurious texture of this dry oil melts on the skin, and its golden shimmering pearls reflect the light to leave the skin with a luminous tan.

If this stuff was available in the make-believe 1930s, Miss Hannigan would certainly slather some on before her mid-day tryst with Mr. Bundles, the laundry man.

Formulated with a light sunscreen and enriched with emollients and antioxidant Vitamin E, Havana Dry Oil penetrates quickly, leaving skin silky smooth, without any greasy or oily residue…so you don’t “shine like the top of the Chrystler Building.” And the baby oil scent smells heavenly!

Digging 80s Ladies Week? Be sure to check out Amber’s 80s inspired product review over at Beauty Blogging Junkie.

The Dope on Urban Decay’s Summer 2008 Collection

Urban Decay’s Summer 2008 Collection is the chronic. With product names like "Big Fatty,"Baked," and "Blaze" - you know you wanna try it. It'll make you feel good, feel good...

Pops of color are in style this season…and Big Fatty Colored Mascara is the perfect way to embrace that trend. Available in four bold, but wearable shades, Big Fatty thickens and lengthens lashes. Electric Blue and Indigo flatter brown and blue eyes, Purple Haze compliment green-eyed gals, and burgundy adds drama to any eye color. I’m a total Electric Blue groupie, and when I’m feeling bold, I pair it with 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Deviant.

"A colored mascara is the perfect summer beauty uniform. I slick a little on when I'm in a rush or headed out to thebeach and instantly get a ‘just enough makeup to look pretty, but not so much that I'm trying too hard’ look. And it adds aseductive, enigmatic little edge to those minimal makeup days of summer," says Wende Zomnir, Executive Creative Director at Urban Decay.

Urban Decay created two new eyeshadow shades, Blaze and Rush, to compliment the summer line. Blaze (golden peach) and Rush (medium coppery bronze) are smooth, richly pigmented and apply like a dream. To keep from slipping off your lid in humid weather, prep the eye with Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

De-Slick Mattifying Powder is one of the Co-Founder’s favorite products…and mine too, because you know that I’m one shiny beauty blogger come summertime. This shine-thwarting pressed powder contains lightweight, oil-absorbing rice powder. Use it on bare skin or over your foundation. The light purple shaded powder applies invisibly and won’t cake.

Baked Bronzer in Guilded gives you a baked, toasty glow without the threat of skin damage. And it’s literally baked in an Italian oven on a tiny terra cotta disc for 24 hours, then hand-finished by a factory full of motherly Italian women. The result is an ultra-smooth, sheer-finish bronzer that can be used on the face and body and applied wet or dry!

The Big Buddha Brush is Urban Decay’s answer to the kabuki brush. Bronze arms and legs with one sweep, dust on loose powder, or highlight shoulders and décolleté. Big Buddha features soft synthetic white fibers, tipped with purple, giving the brush a unique ombre effect.

Santa Tanita, Urban Decay’s imaginary saint of sunless tanning, answers your prayers for sun-kissed skin. The Santa Tanita Tinted Sunless Tanning Mousse instantly bronzes face and body, while a gradual self tanner goes to work, building a lasting tan that darkens with time. The moisturizing formula was created for both the face and body, and it won’t rub off onto clothes.

Urban Decay is available at Sephora, Ulta, Amazon.com, and urbandecay.com.

Lise Watier Summer 2008: La Toscana

Yesterday, Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I celebrated our one-year wedding anniversary with dinner at Barclay Prime, a “luxury boutique steakhouse” in the Rittenhouse section of Philadelphia. My dress and heels were basic black, so I decided to wear color on my eyes. Lise Watier’s new summer collection, La Toscana, provided the perfect palette to make my peepers pop!




The shadows in the Eye Quartet in Mer (Sea Turquoise, Satin Terracotta, Soft and Matte Sand, and a Rose-Brown bathed with Golden Sheen) have been baked on a ceramic tile to pay homage to Tuscany. They can be used wet or dry; dry for a light, diaphanous effect, or wet for an intense, opaque finish.

I lined the inner rims of my eyes with the Glitter Pencil in Turquoise – a smooth, pigment-rich liner.

If you’re more “turf” than “surf”, try the Terre Quartet and Glitter Pencil in Vert.

And be sure to check out La Toscana’s other offerings:

Pink Marble Blush Powder
Toscana Gloss Sticks (ultra-hydrating with an olive oil base)
Havana Dry Oil Body Glow
Havana Precious Bronzing Pearls
Havana Sun Dust Bronzing Powder

Sex And The City Beauty: Samantha

If you’re a fan of the series, you remember a time when Samantha Jones played for both teams. When we rejoin our favorite minx on the big screen, we learn that she’s bi again. Bi-coastal, that is. She’s traded the meatpacking district for Malibu.

Now that she’s a California girl, makeup artist Kyra Panchenko gave Sam a tan.

Kyra mixed St. Tropez Self-Tanner and Aircraft Body Makeup, then topped it off with Scott Barnes Body Bling. “Kim went through loads of wipes to remove her body make-up each day and loved how gentle they were on her skin,” she says.

Kyra also used MAC Blot Powder in Medium, MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy, and MAC Cleansing Tips to clean up under the eyes.

Image source: newline.com/sexandthecity

All Night Long: Prescriptives Is Good In Bed

My new beloved beauty buy is Prescriptives Good In Bed Skin Restoring Night Moisturizer. All night long, this ingenious treatment nourishes and hydrates skin while subtle tanners work to enhance your natural color – so you wake up with a “morning after” glow!

I’ve been diligently applying this cream every night before I hit the sheets – and it does everything it promises. Plus, the soothing scent helps lull me to sleep.

Bottom line: Good In Bed is a dream come true.

Mystic Tan – Now At Sephora

Here comes the sun…

Just in time for Spring, Mystic Tan has launched an at-home tan line (get it?) that will be sold at Sephora.

“Mystic Tan is an incredible brand and we jumped at a chance to partner with them,” said Betsy Olum, senior vice president at Sephora.

There are two kits - one for the body and one for the face:

The Perfect Tan Kit - Face includes Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Spray, Mystic Tan Sunless Conditioning Complex Face, and Mystic Tan Shimmer Face.

The Perfect Tan Kit - Body includes Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Spray, Mystic Tan Sunless Conditioning Complex Body, and Mystic Tan Sunless Enhancing Moisturizer Body.

Each kit costs $54 and will create and maintain a tan for four to six weeks. Both utilize “built-in technology to help prevent unnatural-looking color development and common concerns associated with self-application.”

Replacement products are sold individually, and are priced between $26 and $38.

Available now at Sephora.com. Coming soon to a Sephora shelf near you.